This Iconic Restaurant In Tennessee Just Might Serve The Best Barbecue In The Entire World
×
Meghan Kraft
Author
Barbecue is arguably one of the most fought over dishes in the south, mainly because Tennessee and Missouri and North Carolina all like to argue about the type of rub that’s best on a slab of meat. In our opinion? They’re all pretty dang delectable and each state has its own brag-worthy spot. In Memphis, we tend to gravitate towards Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous. Some may say it’s a tourist trap, others may say it’s a local treasure: either way, Memphis wouldn’t be the same without it.
The history of Rendezvous goes back to 1948, where it all started in a basement in an alley of downtown Memphis.
Rendezvous is known for their dry rub ribs, which they've been serving up for 70 years. We don't know what they put in that rub, but it's magical.
Advertisement
These ribs quickly became a local standard. In fact, these ribs are what originally defined Memphis-style barbecue.
Advertisement
Related Stories
This Tennessee Restaurant Serves The Most Ridiculous Burgers And You'll Want To Try Them
This Tennessee BBQ Restaurant Was Just Named One of the Best In the US
There's Nothing Like A Visit To This Small Town Tennessee BBQ Restaurant
These ribs are cooked in a very specific way — they're cooked exactly 18 inches away from the fire and grilled for exactly 75 minutes. The result? Absolute heaven.
The restaurant was originally started by Mr. Charlie Vergos, and his kids John, Nick, and Tina still operate the restaurant and serve their signature ribs the same way their dad did when he opened the restaurant.
If you can't make it to Memphis, Rendezvous will deliver ribs right to your front door. Visit their website for more information.
Rendezvous is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but they're open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit them at 52 S. Second Street.
Looking for more uniquely Tennessee spots? Check out this creepy spot of Tennessee history.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.