Memphis has long been known as the barbecue capital of Tennessee, if not the world. Now, a popular social media food influencer has confirmed what many Memphians already know.
Discovery Matt travels across the country to curate the top food experiences. He then shares his findings, results, restaurant recommendations and rankings on Instagram and TikTok to his large number of followers, which is well into the six figures.
Discovery Matt has ranked everything from the 10 Best Ramen in New Jersey to the 10 Best Pizza Spots in Rhode Island.
Earlier this month, the food influencer tackled a list that really hit close to home for us Memphians. He named the Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants
in Tennessee.
No surprise here, Memphis accounted for half of them, including the top-ranked barbecue restaurant in all of Tennessee: Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
The list's No. 2 spot also went to a famous Memphis barbecue spot: Central BBQ.
Payne’s Bar-B-Q came in at No. 4, followed by The Bar-B-Q Shop at No. 8 and Cozy Cornerat No. 10.
Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nolensville and Bluff City each accounted for one restaurant on the list, while Memphis claimed five.
Rendezvous, tucked away in an alley Downtown, has built a national reputation for its charcoal-broiled ribs and distinctive dry-rub seasoning. Central BBQ, with its emphasis on slow-smoked meats and a range of sauces and rubs, has become another recognizable name in the city's barbecue landscape.
Payne's is known for its chopped pork shoulder sandwich and mustard-based slaw, while The Bar-B-Q Shop has earned fans for its ribs and barbecue spaghetti. Cozy Corner, another longtime Memphis favorite, is known for its signature Cornish hen and ribs.
Together, the five restaurants reflect the variety within Memphis barbecue itself, from downtown institutions with national recognition to neighborhood gems whose reputations have grown through generations of local customers.
The list also raises a broader question about how people discover restaurants today. Food creators on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook increasingly serve as guides for diners looking for their next meal, and rankings can introduce restaurants to audiences located all over the world, from California to Colombia.
For Memphis, the immediate takeaway is simpler: In Discovery Matt's assessment of Tennessee's 10 best barbecue restaurants, the city accounts for half the field — and three of the top four.
That's a result Memphis barbecue fans are unlikely to complain about, even if the debate over the state's best barbecue is one that enthusiasts continually consider “up for discussion.”
Discovery Matt's Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in Tennessee
There are the 10 best barbecue restaurants in Tennessee, according to food influencer Discovery Matt.
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous: Memphis
- Central BBQ: Memphis
- Peg Leg Porker: Nashville
- Payne’s Bar-B-Q: Memphis
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Nolensville
- Calhoun’s: Knoxville
- Ridgewood Barbecue: Bluff City
- The Bar-B-Q Shop: Memphis
- Sugar’s Ribs: Chattanooga
- Cozy Corner: Memphis
Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at brian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis dominates list of best BBQ restaurants in Tennessee
