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.
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 |
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 "
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.
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.
A must try in Memphis. Cozy classic vibe and top notch unique BBQ . You've never had slaw like this before.
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
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
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.
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 !
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 .
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.
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 !!
Best ribs of our annual barbecue trip - flavorful, tender, not greasy. Good beer list , sides good - but it’s really the ribs , outstanding.
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!
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 .
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
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
Best baked beans ever, and the potato salad is to die for. Oh, and yeah, the ribs .
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 .
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.
I personally like Central’s BBQ a little bit better but Rendezvous has them beat on atmosphere.
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!
FANTASTIC FOOD!!! Wonderful atmosphere! Recommend for sure!
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!
Oh yea. You have to dig the ribs and sausage cheese platter . Great place to have BBQ in Memphis.
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.
You can't beat the food best place in town
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
If you have to wait for a seat, go upstairs and grab a pitcher and chill out , it's worth the wait.
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.
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!
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 .
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
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
Dry rub ribs are delicious. Split a full rack with a friend & get a Greek salad too. Tasty & light (yes, BBQ can be light!).
Congratulations! You found it. Now sit back and enjoy the best dry rub ribs in Memphis . Try the beans too.
If you have a large group call ahead an order the shrimp , they are unbelievable. Of course the ribs are great.
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!!!
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.
Get the dry ribs ! Small plate is half a rack. Beans and slaw is also amazing!!
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.
They open at 4:30, but will gladly serve you ribs , slaw and beans all day long. Don't miss it!
The ribs are great, the slaw is spicy , and the food comes out fast. Great food!
TRY THE LAMB RIBLETS! We were told by locals it was better than the pork and we ordered both, LAMB ALL THE WAY!!!
Incredible Memphis BBQ. Order a slab of ribs dry and try the different sauces. BBQ pork nachos are also excellent. - Ben K.
Sausage, bologna and cheese plate is ridiculously good. Ribs best in Memphis. Sauce is too. - G Smith
Opt for the delicious Brunswick Stew during winter to warm up with this steaming bowl of smoked pulled pork, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables in a richly seasoned, barbecue chicken stock. - Fodor's Travel
Get the plate called the best Meal On Beale - Michael Garrett
Of course the ducks are worth a trip. But, the architecture and detailed appointment of this grand old downtown hotel is worth a visit all on its own. - Stacie Votaw