Central BBQ
“The Midtown original that reset modern Memphis 'cue”
Central BBQ opened on Central Avenue in 2002 and grew from that single Midtown room into a city-wide standard-bearer for modern Memphis barbecue. This is the flagship, the location that proved a new-generation pit could match the old guard and then multiply without losing its edge. The ribs are the centerpiece, offered dry or wet so a single tray can settle both sides of the Memphis debate, the dry-rubbed racks the cornerstone of that dual order. The pulled pork sandwich has a real claim to the best in the city, and the BBQ nachos, buried under pork and jalapeños, built a cult following of their own. The hickory-smoked wings, dusted in the same dry rub, disappear fast. Consistent, smoke-forward, and confident, the Midtown original still sets the pace it created more than twenty years on.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Daily 11am–9pm
- Price
- Mid-range ($$)
- Don't miss
- Dry Rub Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Loaded BBQ Nachos
What to Order
Why It Stands Out
Central perfected consistency without dulling the smoke, and it started in this Midtown room in 2002. The dual dry-or-wet ribs settle the city's oldest debate on one tray, and the pulled pork sandwich is a genuine best-in-Memphis contender.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Phone
- (901) 272-9377
- Hours
- Daily 11am–9pm
- Website
- www.cbqmemphis.com
- Price Range
- $$
- Established
- 2002
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
Central BBQ — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Central BBQ?
Regulars point to Dry Rub Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Loaded BBQ Nachos, and Smoked Wings.
What are Central BBQ's hours?
Daily 11am–9pm
Is Central BBQ expensive?
Central BBQ is mid-range ($$).
What kind of barbecue does Central BBQ serve?
Central BBQ serves Memphis Style barbecue — Memphis BBQ is rib country. The great debate is wet vs. dry: dry ribs are coated in a paprika-heavy spice rub and served without sauce, while wet ribs are glazed with a tomato-vinegar based sauce. Memphis also claims BBQ spaghetti and the BBQ nachos.
When did Central BBQ open?
Central BBQ has been serving Memphis barbecue since 2002.