Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

The Rendezvous has been serving ribs in a downtown Memphis alley since 1948. It has been owned and operated by the Vergos family for three generations. If you want to eat like a local Memphian, start with a pitcher of beer & cheese/sausage plate and soak in the atmosphere.

8 / 10
715
ratings
  • Phone

    (901) 523-2746

  • Website

    hogsfly.com

  • Instagram

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    rendezvous_ribs

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    RendezvousMemphis

  • Type

    BBQ Joint

Address

52 S 2nd St (at Union Ave) Memphis , TN 38103 United States

Reservations No
Credit Cards Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating No
Music Jukebox
Restroom Yes
Menus Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 243


Keywords:

ribs brisket ghost river good for groups casual pork great value potato salad beer baked beans spicy food sandwiches sausage sweet tea chicken restaurants slaw dinner cheese red beans
First We Feast

Ribs . Try them plain (“dry”) first before asking for sauce. The charcoal-broiled lamb riblets—another nod to the place’s Greek ownership—are also a tasty change of pace from the pork onslaught Read more

Nathan Jones

I still prefer Central or Payne's BBQ . Very friendly staff , excellent ribs , and one of the few places to have mustard slaw . Being downtown it does tend to cater to the touristy crowd.

Men's Health Mag

Their world-famous loin back ribs (Elvis loved ‘em) are grilled, naked, over a charcoal pit for 2 hours and then basted with vinegar, water, and a blend of Greek and Canjun seasonings. Read more

Yekala G E

You must go! I had the brisket + ribs ???? loved both! But the smoky seasoned ribs definitely are the best I've had. Plus, the place is right across a parking lot which makes it easier to get there.

Tamara Brown

Grabbed a Ghost River beer while waiting for our table. Good Memphis style ribs - seasoned well and very meaty. Potato Salad , Sweet Tea , and Baked Beans were off the chain!

Brian R

I believe that the Rendezvous has the best rib in the entire world. I like them so much, I ate there two night in a row. I'd travel at least 100 of miles out of my way to eat there if I was traveling.

Kelly Rose

The ribs were ok, honestly my husbands are better. But the brisket ! Oh, my! The best I've ever had! Also, get the cheese and sausage plate & red beans & rice to share!

Marc

Thrillist Top BBQ List: go to this eclectic , awesome resto, and eat all that history in rib form. "What you're getting: Large order of the charcoal-broiled pork ribs , & sausage and cheese appetizer "

Ryan Campbell

Very unique rub they use for their ribs , definitely recommend you try it. Brisket & nachos also good. Cool vibe as well , nice staff . Only negatives were limited side options.

James C

Outstanding BBQ . Well worth the wait. The prices are reasonable. The ribs and chicken are outstanding. The rub and sauces live up to the hype. Must try in Memphis.

Whit Maull

A must try in Memphis. Cozy classic vibe and top notch unique BBQ . You've never had slaw like this before.

Dpalomares14

The ribs and brisket were top level, the decoration of the restaurant was so beautiful, and the people working there very very nice, some of them have been working 43 years there

Brian McG

Incredible ribs and beef brisket . Don't leave Memphis without trying the famous charcoal dry-rub ribs , and try the brisket if you prefer saucy BBQ

Joe Recomendes

For any BBQ enthusiast, it's worth making the pilgrimage. Get the ribs , since that's what they're famous for. Also try the cheese plate , sprinkled with their special seasoning.

Zach Hedrick

I've eaten plenty of great ribs at the MIM BBQ Festival . These are not my favorite. I absolutely love their BBQ Nachos . Red Beans & Rice are fantastic as well !

James

If you favor dry rub ribs , it's worth experiencing the unique ambiance of this place. Otherwise, there's far better BBQ to be found at Bar-B-Q Shop and Central BBQ .

Christina Skursky

Greek Salad with chicken is amazing!! The chicken is beyond flavorful and the homemade dressing tastes as good (if not better) than what I had in Greece.

Alison P.

The best dry ribs ANYWHERE!! Anything off this menu is stellar!! Great atmosphere!! Service is amazing! Well worth the trip down the stairs to grab some amazing barbecue !!

Paul Luning

Best ribs of our annual barbecue trip - flavorful, tender, not greasy. Good beer list , sides good - but it’s really the ribs , outstanding.

Marc-Antony Fielder

The dry rub ribs . The place is easy to get to once you get your bearings but a little off the beaten path, and parking is not so easy. But you don’t come to drive you? Come eat!

Chance Morgan

If you don't try the ribs , you are wasting your time there. Their dry rub is delicious and the ribs are tender with a little but of crispiness .

Tiffany Langston

There are better BBQ joints in this awesome BBQ city . If you find yourself here, get the lamb ribs or bring a group (a call ahead) for the BBQ shrimp

Andrea LeTard

A true Memphis staple, but not the best BBQ in the city . Worth going to if you're a tourist ... Just to say you've been there! Get the meat/cheese plate. BBQ nachos good too. best slaw I've ever had

Bob Somerville

Best baked beans ever, and the potato salad is to die for. Oh, and yeah, the ribs .

DailyCandy

Choosing a favorite Memphis barbecue spot is like choosing a favorite child, but we give this basement joint top billing for its vinegar-soaked, spice-crusted ribs .

Adam Brewer

Best ribs you'll ever eat. Who cares about the service, the atmosphere, the practically hidden entrance ? It's all worth it. Un-be-lievably good.

Brett Elliott

I personally like Central’s BBQ a little bit better but Rendezvous has them beat on atmosphere.

Nathan Covington

Far from Memphis' best! There are smaller places in the city that smash Rendezvous. The meat is absolutely boring without saucing it and the sauce is well , to cinnamony. The waiter was top notch!

Kayla Holthe

FANTASTIC FOOD!!! Wonderful atmosphere! Recommend for sure!

George Glover

Ribs without a doubt worth the wait!...cole slaw extremely spicy ...beer so cold it has ice on top....this is what I was looking for!

Alan Hedrick

Oh yea. You have to dig the ribs and sausage cheese platter . Great place to have BBQ in Memphis.

Bryan Hole

I know people who have said these are the best ribs they've ever had. I disagree and thought it was overrated. (I LOVE dry-rub ribs ). Go to Corky's in Collierville or Memphis, et al.

Nikki Harrison

You can't beat the food best place in town

Miriana

Showed up with a big group (20+people) got sat in no time right before closing, had great service, but the ribs by that point were a little dry :( the rub itself was delicious

David Fura

If you have to wait for a seat, go upstairs and grab a pitcher and chill out , it's worth the wait.

Greg Barila

The dry rubbed ribs are pretty damn delicious. Go well with the fresh Greek salad . I also enjoyed a plate of hot peppers on the side.

Preston Battle

As a longtime patron of this restaurant I highly suggest you forgo the pork and get the lamb ribs they are out of this world!

Lizzy Lapp

Stick with the Ribs and pass on all other meats. The rub is intense and delicious. The wait may be long, but you can wait at the upstairs bar .

Southern Living

Made our South's Best List! If you're feeling adventurous, with 24-hours notice, you can enjoy an iron skillet filled with 5-pounds of barbecue shrimp . Read more

Nash Pleasant

The dry rub ribs are the specialty, but I’ve found them to be hit or miss. Maybe something to do with inconsistent heat on their coal chute smoker. When they’re done right, these ribs are hard to beat

Sys E

Dry rub ribs are delicious. Split a full rack with a friend & get a Greek salad too. Tasty & light (yes, BBQ can be light!).

Murray Williams

Congratulations! You found it. Now sit back and enjoy the best dry rub ribs in Memphis . Try the beans too.

Steve Williams

If you have a large group call ahead an order the shrimp , they are unbelievable. Of course the ribs are great.

Paige Rebecca

For the best flavor on your ribs , order them with dry rub and sauce on the side. The extra flavor from the seasoning makes it that much better!!!

Ashley Furrow

Go early and plan on waiting for an hour for a table. You'll have plenty of time to grab a couple beers while you wait.

Luci Smethurst

Get the dry ribs ! Small plate is half a rack. Beans and slaw is also amazing!!

Grant

The ribs are pretty good. Don't get me wrong, I'd order them again, but they're a bit overhyped after reading all the other tips.

Jim Cota

They open at 4:30, but will gladly serve you ribs , slaw and beans all day long. Don't miss it!

Joe Bacon

The ribs are great, the slaw is spicy , and the food comes out fast. Great food!

ᴡ Porotsky

TRY THE LAMB RIBLETS! We were told by locals it was better than the pork and we ordered both, LAMB ALL THE WAY!!!

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