Memphis, Tennessee, has the reputation for being one of the best places in the South for getting barbecue. Many barbecue restaurants create original sauce recipes to baste their meat dishes, and they use old-fashioned pits and cooking methods that make their foods seem home-cooked. Places that serve the best barbecue in Memphis have received national recognition for the flavor of their sauces and the tenderness of their meat, drawing people from all over the United States who want to taste for themselves.

Neely’s Bar-B-Que Neely’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis opened in 1998, when the Neely brothers entered the barbecue business. They use their own recipe. Their restaurant expanded to two Memphis locations by 1992 and another location in Nashville in 2001. They ship their sauce to local grocery stores, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and individual customers all over the United States. At their restaurant, the Neelys use their barbecue sauce on all meat dishes, including the Bar-B-Que Spaghetti Dinner. Neely’s has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, USA Today and in Southern Living Magazine. Pat and Gina Neely host Down Home with the Neely’s on The Food Network. Neely’s Bar-B-Que (East) 5700 Mt. Moriah Memphis, TN 38115 901-795-4177 Neely’s Bar-B-Que (West) 670 Jefferson Memphis, TN 38103 901-521-9798 neelysbbq.com Typical Weather Memphis, Tennessee in January February March April May June July August September October November December -- °F High -- °F Low -- % Chance of Rain -- % Cloud Cover The temperature in Memphis, Tennessee in September tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light. The temperature in Memphis, Tennessee in September is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions. The temperature in Memphis, Tennessee in September is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Leonard’s Pit Barbecue Leonard’s has served barbecue in Memphis since 1922, when Leonard Heuberger opened his stand consisting of five stools. He sold barbecue sandwiches for 5 cents. The demand for his pit-smoked barbecue grew, and the small stand expanded to a large drive-in restaurant. Leonard’s specializes in pork ribs and shoulders. Elvis Presley often frequented this barbecue restaurant late at night. Sunday through Friday, customers can eat from an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. A dinner buffets is served served seven days a week. Customers can choose to eat in the restaurant or hire Leonard’s catering services. Leonard’s Pit Barbecue 5465 Fox Plaza Drive Memphis, TN 38115 901-360-1963 leonardsbarbecue.com

Corky’s Ribs & Barbeque Corky’s Ribs and Barbeque uses pits containing hickory chips and charcoal. Corky’s meat is hand-rubbed with a special dry shake or basted with Corky’s famous barbecue sauce. Corky’s smokes the meat for 18 hours to seal the sauce flavor into the meat. The meat falls off the bone after the slow-smoking, cooking process. Customers can choose from rib, chicken or turkey dishes, or shredded barbecue meat sandwiches. Corky’s Ribs & Barbeque 5259 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119 901-685-9744 corkysribsandbbq.com

Resources Memphis Restaurants

About the Author Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University. .