Here are the rec’s from our loyal group of foodie-librarians. You can search the listings by state, type of sauce, type of food, or the ASERL institution where the recommendation originated — almost anything. You’ll find a few spots that have been recommended more than once: Check out each description to get the inside scoop from multiple barbecue lovers. ENJOY!
The Bar-B-Q Shop
1782 Madison Ave
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
TN
https://thebar-b-qshop.com/
Nearby University: University of Memphis
Approximate distance from University of Memphis: Less than 5 miles
Description:
Located in Midtown, The Bar-B-Q Shop is a Memphis barbecue institution. The restaurant was originally called Brady and Lil’s before the original owners sold to the Vernon family, who have owned it since the 1980s. You are likely to be greeted by a member of the Vernon family as you enter. It serves a classic Memphis-style barbecue, including traditional favorites like chopped pork and ribs (served wet, dry, glazed, or a mix) but also less common options like beef bologna and Kielbasa. The Bar-B-Q Shop is also the home of the original barbecue spaghetti, where the noodles are sauced with a special barbecue sauce and topped with smoked pork. You can get it as a main, a side, or as part of a half and half plate with either a serving of pork or chopped brisket.
If you could only eat one item on the menu:
Bar-B-Q pork sandwich plate on toast with beans and fries, slaw on the sandwich
Menu:
What type of entrees are available:
Pork, Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Vegetarian-friendly options, Ribs, Brisket, Sausage, beef bologna, kielbasa, BBQ spaghetti
For traditional (“Southern”) barbecue restaurants: What type(s) of sauces are available?
Red/Tomato
Other:
Locally owned, Black/Minority owned