Why Locals Love The Bar-B-Q Shop
If you find yourself craving authentic Southern barbecue in the heart of Memphis, The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Avenue is an absolute must-visit. This renowned barbecue restaurant masterfully serves up classic Memphis-style smoked meats with a flavorful twist, creating an unforgettable dining experience that draws both locals and travelers alike.
The menu is a carnivore’s dream, featuring succulent ribs available in wet, dry, glazed, or the popular half & half style, allowing you to customize your smoky indulgence. The Boss Slab Order, a generous portion served with traditional sides—perfectly seasoned beans, crisp coleslaw, and buttered, cut Texas toast—invites you to savor every bite for just $38.56. If you’re dining with a partner, the Slab for 2 option offers a hearty feast with double the sides, making for a cozy, communal meal.
But the culinary delights don’t end there. Guests rave about their signature Bar-B-Q Spaghetti, a creative Southern soul food twist that's surprisingly comforting and full of smoky, tangy flavor. It’s a side dish that defies expectations and steals the show, offering something delightfully different to classic barbecue accompaniments.
The unique Dancing Pigs BarBQ Sauces and Dry Seasonings, available for purchase, offer a fiery or mild option that amplifies any dish. Their Hot and Original sauces carry a depth of flavor that truly underscore the care and tradition poured into every recipe here.
Dining at The Bar-B-Q Shop isn’t just about the food; it’s the warm, genuine Southern hospitality that completes the experience. Longtime visitors and first-timers alike have shared glowing appreciation for the friendly and welcoming staff, like Mary and Eric, whose genuine passion for barbecue shines through. Customers often mention how the atmosphere makes them feel like family, adding a heartwarming layer to the meal that’s as rich as their tangy sauces.
While some reviews note occasional dryness in the ribs, many patrons, such as Brendon Glendinning, express that the smoked flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness make this place a rib standard bar none. Even those initially unsure about barbecue, like Karen Miner, found themselves delightfully converted by the fresh, flavorful preparations and perfectly balanced sides, washed down with the quintessentially sweet and refreshing Southern Sweet Tea.
Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or just seeking a comforting, soul-satisfying meal, The Bar-B-Q Shop delivers authenticity with every plate. It’s a genuine Memphis culinary landmark where each bite tells a story of tradition, careful smoking, and unpretentious, hearty flavors.
For those interested in catering or group orders, their bulk menu items—ranging from quarts of potato salad and barbecue spaghetti to beef brisket by the pound and comprehensive “Bulk 10 Pickup” packages—make it easy to bring that distinctive Memphis barbecue magic to your event.
Set in Memphis, TN, this culinary gem is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey into the rich barbecue heritage of the South. Call +1 901-272-1277 to reserve your spot or inquire about catering, and prepare to indulge in a barbecue experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Spirits
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 19, 2026
The food was okay. The bean and cole slaw were really good. However, the ribs were just okay, a little on the dry side (1/2 dry rub & 1/2 wet) and chopped beef. The flavor of the chopped beef was good but I did not like the flavor of the sauce over the beef. Additionally, we got a side of barbeque spaghetti, it was good but it was different. I would definitely order the spaghetti again. Lastly, the customer service was great! That alone made the visit worth it and our server Robert was great!
- Jan 27, 2026
My wife and I drove 1,822mi to try the famous Bar-B-Q Shop that we have heard so much about in the West Coast. After our arrival we were honored to have been served by the great Mary who welcomed us with that warm southern hospitality that we all seek for. We ordered The Bar-B-Q Shop Special that Mary suggested and it did not disappoint! Best bbq I have had and fear nothing will compare! The spaghetti was an interesting concept, but exceeds its looks. The spaghetti was our favorite dish.
- Dec 29, 2025
Traveling through Memphis during the Christmas season and made this choice for dinner after seeing an article from Southern Living magazine. The BBQ Shop Special was fantastic, it included many items from the menu. Sides of slaw and BBQ beans. The best Sweet tea to wash it all down. Thanks ya'll for some good eats!
- Dec 24, 2025
This place is fantastic, tbh it has probably ruined ribs anywhere else for me because they were fantastic, beautifully smoked flavour and fell of the bone. If it's your first time here i suggest ordering the sampler special which has half ribs, pulled pork, pulled brisket, texas toast, beans and slaw with the bbq spaghetti, sounded odd but wow, flavour explosion, apparently they are a 13 hour process absorbing the juices from the bbq. The silk cake to finish was also very good
- Dec 24, 2025
I’m not usually a fan of BBQ but my husband and son raved about this place so I reluctantly went. Omg, it was AMAZING!! The food is deliciously fresh and full of flavor without feeling heavy or greasy. We had the brisket and ribs combo and the half-chicken. The sweet tea is perfection. Eric and his staff are wonderful and so hospitable. We felt like family there. I’ll happily go back again and again. BBQ Shop, you made me a fan!
- Dec 15, 2025
Y'all... I almost don't want to leave this review because then people will flock to this place. (But I'm pretty sure the secret is already out). We had the ribs for two, the brisket, and the pulled pork. There was nothing on our plate that wasn't spectacular. Our server was Michelle and she was sweeter than the tea! She is truly a people lover and I doubt she has ever met a stranger. As I told them, I have eaten all over the world and the meal we just ate was better than any of them. The food is cooked perfectly, but more importantly, it is cooked with so much love and appreciation for the craft of making delicious food (and happy people).
- Dec 7, 2025
This was my first time here. I've heard about this place, good things. I thought potato salad was a bit small and felt like it was bland. I was like ok this ain't my game's, no eggs or relish but ate. I guess I read menu wrong and assumed fries were seasoned, not even salted. They were not for me and they got tossed. I was trying to use my texas toast to make a BBQ sandwich, bread was cut in half. I was like ok yall but made it work. I wish the bbq would have been spread thru spaghetti but can't win them all. Needless to say Ms. Veronica was a delight to speak with while taking my order being a first time guest.
- Dec 2, 2025
The food was absolutely amazing and delicious. We ordered the BBQ sampler platter. The platter had ribs, BBQ spaghetti, and pulled pork and Texas toast. Every bit of the food tasted cooked to perfection. Mary was our server and she was absolutely the best server I've ever had. She gave us a few suggestions on what to order and we ordered one of her suggestions. She checked on us very frequently and was so cheerful and nice. I will definitely come here again when I come back to Memphis.
