Payne's Bar-B-Q
“Legendary chopped pork sandwiches since 1972”
Payne's Bar-B-Q is a cash-only institution on Lamar Avenue that has served chopped pork sandwiches since 1972, out of a plain room that trades entirely on what comes off the pit. It sells out most days by mid-afternoon, a legend that never learned to cut corners to keep up with demand. The Payne family slow-smokes whole pork shoulders over hickory, chops the meat by hand, and piles it on white bread under a tangy yellow slaw. The result is widely considered the Platonic ideal of the Memphis barbecue sandwich, a balance of bark, tender interior, and bright, tangy slaw that needs no sauce at all. The slaw dog is the cult side order, dressed in that same slaw. Come early, bring cash, and taste the sandwich the whole city quietly measures itself against.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 11am–4pm
- Closed
- Monday and Sunday
- Heads up
- Payne's Bar-B-Q keeps limited hours and can run out — go early or check ahead before you visit.
- Price
- Budget-friendly ($)
- Don't miss
- Chopped Pork Sandwich, Slaw Dog, and Pork Shoulder
What to Order
Why It Stands Out
Payne's chopped pork sandwich is the Platonic ideal of the Memphis original, hand-chopped shoulder mixing bark and tender interior under a signature yellow slaw. No sauce required, and often sold out by mid-afternoon.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114
- Phone
- (901) 272-1523
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 11am–4pm
- Price Range
- $
- Established
- 1972
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
Payne's Bar-B-Q — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Payne's Bar-B-Q?
Regulars point to Chopped Pork Sandwich, Slaw Dog, and Pork Shoulder.
What are Payne's Bar-B-Q's hours?
Tue–Sat 11am–4pm
What days is Payne's Bar-B-Q closed?
Payne's Bar-B-Q is closed Monday and Sunday. Hours can change on holidays, so it's worth confirming before a trip.
Does Payne's Bar-B-Q have limited hours?
Payne's Bar-B-Q keeps limited hours and can run out — go early or check ahead before you visit.
Is Payne's Bar-B-Q expensive?
Payne's Bar-B-Q is budget-friendly ($).
What kind of barbecue does Payne's Bar-B-Q serve?
Payne's Bar-B-Q 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 Payne's Bar-B-Q open?
Payne's Bar-B-Q has been serving Memphis barbecue since 1972.