- Attraction: Central BBQ – Downtown
- Location: 147 E Butler Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
- Industry: Barbecue Restaurant
- Website: https://eatcbq.com/pages/downtown
When barbecue competition veterans decide to open a restaurant, magic happens.
Since firing up their pits in 2002, founders Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp transformed their award-winning competition recipes into one of Memphis’s most beloved barbecue destinations.
Their downtown location sits directly across from the National Civil Rights Museum, making it the perfect spot to refuel after exploring Memphis history or before hitting Beale Street for the evening.
What sets Central BBQ apart in a city practically built on smoke and sauce?
Their mantra says it all: “Smoke is Our Sauce.” Every cut of meat gets marinated for 24 hours in their secret dry rub before spending hours in the pit over hickory and pecan woods.
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Keep Exploring →No sauce ever touches the meat during cooking, allowing that pure smoky flavor to shine through. You can order your meats wet, dry, or half-and-half, giving you complete control over your barbecue experience.
The Meats That Made Them Famous
The Ribs: These are what locals rave about most. You’ll find the pork ribs cooked until they’re tender enough to pull off the bone but still have that satisfying meaty bite.
Order them dry to taste the full impact of that overnight marinade and wood smoke, or go wet if you love their tangy sauce coating every inch. The half-and-half option lets you experience both styles on one plate, which is honestly the smartest move for first-timers.
Pulled Pork Perfection: The pulled pork here showcases that slow-and-low cooking method beautifully. You’ll get generous 7-ounce portions that are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky depth.
Whether you pile it on a bun with their housemade coleslaw or enjoy it straight as part of a plate, the meat quality speaks for itself.
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Discover MoreBBQ Nachos: This signature dish has achieved legendary status throughout Memphis. Picture a mountain of tortilla chips buried under slow-smoked pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, rich cheese sauce, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and a finishing sprinkle of their proprietary BBQ Shake seasoning.
You can swap the pork for brisket, chicken, or turkey, and some diners even order them on their homemade potato chips for an extra crunchy twist.
Smoked Wings: These aren’t your typical fried wings. The smoking process gives them an incredible depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
You can order them naked to taste the pure smoke, or tossed in flavors like Wet, Dry Spice, Honey Gold, or Sweet Heat. The dry rub versions are especially popular, and three whole wings make for a seriously satisfying appetizer or light meal.
Brisket and Turkey: The brisket delivers that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality you’d expect from hours in the pit, though experiences can vary slightly depending on when you visit.
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Keep Exploring →The smoked turkey breast offers a leaner option that still packs plenty of flavor, making it perfect for those who want to try everything without getting too heavy.
Smoked Sausage: Don’t overlook this menu item. The sausage absorbs all those beautiful wood-fired flavors during the smoking process, creating a snappy, juicy bite that pairs wonderfully with any of their sides.
Sides and Extras Worth Ordering
Homemade Potato Chips: These aren’t bag chips. Central BBQ makes their own thick-cut, seasoned potato chips fresh, and they come with a generous portion of chunky blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re addictive enough that you’ll want to order extra.
Classic Sides: The mac and cheese delivers that creamy, cheesy comfort you crave with barbecue. The baked beans offer a sweet, smoky complement to the meats, while the coleslaw brings a cool, tangy crunch that cuts through all that richness.
You’ll also find collard greens, green beans, and potato salad rounding out the sides menu.
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Discover MoreThe Sausage and Cheese Tray: This appetizer features smoked sausage medallions, pepper jack and cheddar cheese cubes, pepperoncinis, pickles, honey mustard sauce, and crackers. It’s an excellent way to start your meal while you’re deciding on your main order.
Desserts That Steal the Show
Banana Pudding: This dessert has a cult following for good reason. The pudding is creamy, rich, and loaded with fresh banana slices and vanilla wafers.
Many diners claim it’s some of the best banana pudding they’ve had outside of a family recipe, and it provides the perfect cool, sweet ending after all that smoky meat.
Other Sweet Treats: You’ll also find chocolate cake, peanut butter pie, and other homemade desserts that rotate. The chocolate five-layer cake gets particular praise from those who’ve tried it.
The Downtown BBQ Experience
Prime Location: Being steps away from the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel makes this location incredibly convenient for tourists and locals alike.
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Keep Exploring →You’re also within walking distance of Beale Street, making it easy to grab dinner here before heading out to experience Memphis’s legendary music scene.
Industrial Vibe: The space features an industrial aesthetic that feels authentic to Memphis’s working-class barbecue roots. You’ll find a large dining area with plenty of seating, so even when it gets busy, the line moves quickly and you won’t struggle to find a table.
Order and Sit: The setup is casual and efficient. You order at the counter, pay, grab your drinks, then find a seat. Your food gets brought out to your table when it’s ready, giving you that sweet spot between fast casual and full service.
Spacious Setup: Unlike some cramped barbecue joints, Central BBQ offers ample room to spread out. The high ceilings and open layout mean it never feels too congested, even during peak lunch and dinner rushes.
What to Know Before You Go
Pricing: You’re looking at mid-range pricing that feels fair for the quality and portion sizes.
Plates typically run in the $15-30 range depending on what you order, with combo platters offering the best value when you want to sample multiple meats. The portions are substantial, so sharing is definitely an option if you’re not super hungry.
Sauce Selection: Inside, you’ll find a sauce station with multiple varieties including mild, hot, mustard, vinegar, and sweet heat sauces. Don’t be shy about trying them all to find your favorite, though the hot sauce could stand to be a touch hotter according to some spice enthusiasts.
Parking Options: There’s parking available behind the restaurant, and you’ll also find street parking nearby. It’s fairly easy to access whether you’re driving or exploring downtown on foot.
Hours: The restaurant operates daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it accessible for lunch and dinner.
Perfect For: This location works great for families, groups, tourists exploring downtown Memphis, and anyone craving authentic Memphis barbecue in a relaxed atmosphere. The quick service makes it ideal when you’re squeezing in a meal between attractions.
Best Visit Times: Arriving right when they open at 11 AM or during off-peak hours (around 2-3 PM) will help you avoid the biggest crowds, though the efficient ordering system keeps wait times reasonable even during busy periods.
Central BBQ – Downtown
📍 147 E Butler Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
