Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

What stands out first and foremost is the setting — a basement BBQ joint that’s bigger, brighter, and more full of life than you’d expect. Great music playing, the place buzzing with energy, and a vibe that just feels uniquely Memphis. Service was excellent — fast, friendly, and efficient. The food and drinks came out quickly, and those famous dry-rub ribs? Exactly what I had hoped for. Perfectly seasoned, grilled over charcoal, and cooked to tasty perfection. I finished with a slice of key lime pie, which hit the spot as a sweet, tangy slap after all that savory goodness. Highly recommend stopping by — and when you do, take a moment to soak in the history on the walls. I get why this isn’t just a meal, it’s a Memphis experience.

Here, I’ve had one of the best servers I’ve had in my whole life, and this is in downtown were servers tend to be better than elsewhere in Memphis. Food was great! Don’t come here expecting it to taste like other BBQ places in Memphis— this restaurant uses more vinegar and spices in their menu items. The ribs are what they’re best known for, but I highly recommend the cheese and sausage plate! I also recommend the key lime tart!

Absolutely excellent place! Such a cool authentic old-school vibe. Everyone is really nice & the ribs are predictably great. Different from other Memphis bbq, they’re less smoky & meatier, with a spicy dry rub. Not falling apart soft, but pleasantly toothsome, with lots of porky flavor. The decor is fantastic, packed to the brim with memorabilia. How can you not love it? 10/10.

This was some amazing food. We had the pork shoulder sandwich (best we had in Memphis), ribs (tender & very tasty), brisket sandwich & the ham & cheese sandwich. The baked beans were really good, too. The atmosphere was fun, family-friendly & fun. The service was great. Highly recommended!

So we had heard that when you were ever in Memphis…. You HAD TO GO TO CHARLIE VERGOS’ RENDEZVOUS restaurant for BBQ. Well, I have to say that is an understatement. YOU HAVE TO VISIT THIS PLACE FOR SOME GREAT SOUL FOOD BBQ. So very impressed. The atmosphere is down home cozy. And the personnel is TOP NOTCH. They even gave us suggestions of where to visit for our next two nights of food. You have to check this place out! WOW! Absolutely loved the brisket and ribs combo. And the potato salad rocked my world.

Food was excellent. All the sides I tried were good, but the star of the show was definitely the ribs. The rub was delicious and the texture was perfect for me. Oh, and the portions were excellent for the price! (At least compared to what I’m paying for Texas BBQ)

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous in Memphis is a true gem with soul. From the moment you step inside, the warm, welcoming service makes you feel like family. The staff’s energy is infectious—they love what they do, and it shows. The restaurant itself oozes character, with its historic basement setting, vintage décor, and the smell of charcoal and spices hanging in the air. It’s not just about the food (which is smoky, tender, and unforgettable)—it’s about the experience. You’re eating in a place that’s steeped in Memphis tradition. The ribs are iconic, the slaw is crisp and tangy, and the atmosphere is pure Southern charm. Rendezvous isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. A must-visit for anyone craving flavor, history, and heartfelt hospitality. I only wish I took more pictures. Don't forget to try the sweet tea. We walked in from a local hotel. Parking looks like it can be an issue as the restaurant is in an alley. Don't let this deter you. Find a parking garage, you don't want to miss this historic diamond in the rough. Plenty of seating, we didn't have to wait

One of the Best places in Memphis! I went 3 nights in a row and will be back soon. Gino told me I was going to get Ribs and Brisket before I even said anything! How'd he know....lol! An amazing experience, Great food and very special people working there! Don't miss out!!!

Oh, do I have fond memories of The Rendezvous. It's been here forever and was a frequent dining spot of mine when visiting Memphis while in college. It's located in an alley just steps from The Peabody and I had dinner here last week because I just had to come back from my last visit a little over 10 years ago. Parking is on the street (metered) or pay parking lots. There is a good one directly across from the restaurants entrance making it very convenient. Inside they have changed the entrance from what I remember as it's larger now but you still walk downstairs into the primary dining areas. There are several dining rooms but they are equally good and decorated similarly so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The blues music on the jukebox can be heard wherever you sit and just adds to the mood of visiting this place. While this is a bbq restaurant the ribs here are their specialty. Pork ribs that is. Remember Texans, this is pig country you are in. Yeah they offer some chicken and brisket on the menu but pork is the real star of the show. I ordered the small order of ribs ($18.75) that also comes with beans and slaw. My meal arrived about 5 minutes later. The menu here is simple and straightforward so it's easy for them to put your order together. The aforementioned pork ribs have a dry rub on them and mine were delicious. They have some excellent bbq sauce on the table but these ribs tasted just fine dry. The rub was flavorful and the meat juicy. My portion consisted of 6 bones and for me was just enough. Also I really liked the beans here as they are savory, flavorful and I wanted more. The slaw here is different in that it is yellow in color and quite tart! Definitely a palate cleanser. The table service here is old school friendly. I think some of the waiters have worked here for a long time. The Rendezvous is a must stop when visiting downtown Memphis. Come here for a real meal experience after watching the ducks walk at The Peabody.

Definitely among the best dry rub ribs I've ever eaten. The ambiance is interesting. You enter from an alley and walk down the stairs into a smoky, low ceilinged basement dining room. The charcoal smoker is at the front, and the smell of roasting meat and charcoal is in the air. Seated quickly and served with a flourish by Dan. Clearly he's been there quite a while, as we listened to the same memorized spiel at each surrounding table. He moves effortlessly and efficiently from table to table, serving from behind the rail separating the tables from the bar. Service is super-quick with maybe 3 minutes from order to service. This place is bustling. It was an even mix of locals and tourists and the vibe is festive. A fun experience. Let's not forget the food, though... a giant greek salad to start. All the greens, olives, feta and house made Greek dressing. Fresh and delicious. Then - RIBS! The large order is enough for 2. Exquisitely dry-rubbed, then roasted over that charcoal until the meat is falling off the bone. There's no fat - it's all meat. This is how ribs should be! Legend has it that this is the place where dry rub was born. Not sure if that's true or not, but they certainly have taken it to a whole other level.

My family and I came from CA. The best we have there is Lucille's BBQ and Famous Dave's. We just visited this Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous because of the reviews. We had very high expectations, being Memphis and all. Just being honest here, so don't shoot the messenger: it was disappointing. The meat was dry. The flavors were OK. All the sides had odd flavors. That would be a whole other review, so I won't bother here. POINTS OF REFERENCE: 1. Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken. 2. Central BBQ. Both places absolutely blew the Rendezvous away. It's not even close. It would be like comparing a Mom & Pop Trattoria to the Olive Garden or Geno's Philly Cheesesteaks to Subway. Ultimately, it's not horrible, but I can honestly say that I can get better BBQ in California. I know that statement will tick off the locals, but again . . . just being honest.

Been here 3x. Bbq is good but not great. They have fast service and the proximity to downtown Memphis works for short trips.

At Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, you can smell the smoke from the charcoal-fired pits around the corner on 3rd Street. Follow the scent down the alley to the red-and-green striped awnings, then descend into the basement dining room with its old tile floor, red-checkered tablecloths, and photo-lined walls. This classic spot is a step back in time. Rendezvous is the birthplace of Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs. It all started in 1948 when Charlie Vergos, son of Greek immigrants, opened a sandwich shop in the building's basement. Initially selling ham sandwiches and beer, Vergos converted the old coal chute into a smoker. Experimenting with various meats, he eventually tried pork ribs, guided by his right-hand man, Little John. Vergos added his Greek chili spice blend to the ribs, creating a unique dry rub. By the late 1950s, Rendezvous' "charcoaled ribs" had become a Memphis institution, serving 750 orders on a typical Saturday night.

Last we were here was about 25 years ago. I had very good memories of that experience. We were back in town and had to stop in for an early dinner. We were able to grab a table and were quickly served by the very friendly staff. Once ordered the food comes out in a flash. I got the large rack of ribs and my wife the greek salad. The salad was very good and very fresh. Unfortunately the main attraction, the ribs, were just OK. In the last two decades I have now had a variety of smoked ribs in Texas and elsewhere in the country that are superior to the grilled variety here. The ribs were a bit tough and not that juicy though I do like the dry rub (though a bit over rubbed...). The beans and spicy coleslaw were very good. I did try a bit of their sauce on the ribs but it was not to my liking so I stuck with the dry rub, So a bit of a sad experience since I had such good memories.

I though this spot was great. Old Italian mob aesthetic with reggae music and open air kitchen. Service was great, food was ready almost like it was meant for us to be here. We did various spots while here but the truth is you have to know someone who makes good bbq at their house. However eating here came close to that. Brisket had a nice flavor. We also had the chicken breast which has a nice dry rub seasoning. Red beans and rice taste pickled so that was a different spin on them and I've never had them that way. I prefer them Creole style. Per the other recommendations the Greek salad is so fresh and green. It's definitely shareable !

It's a go to for me. I'm never disappointed. Friendly service fast. Consistent product. Is it great? Depends on my mood, but most times, yes!

Rendezvous is a highly visited historic resturant in downtown Memphis walking distance from the Peabody Hotel. With its great history since 1948, I had to eventually try even though there are so many great bbq joints in town. I really liked the inside aesthetic. It's casual and essentially in a basement but well decorated with old photos and signed celebrity photos. The wait staff was great and attentive. The food itself I wasn't a huge fan of personally and only really for 3 stars. Dry rub flavor is good, a bit spicy. Portion sizes are small for the price. Nachos were underwhelming. Appetizer plate meats actually kinda cold when they came out and again small for the price. I think this is one of those places to come once and say you've been, and then go try many many other great Memphis bbq places in town.

They get mixed reviews, but when I went it was great! I was rolling through town and dead set on a rondevous with BBQ. I had my family drop me off, as let's be serious there's no place to park when pulling a trailer. I popped out and walked over to get my glamour shot in front of the world famous sign and then moseyed on down the stairs. I sauntered up to the hostess and said I want an order to go, she pointed me to the bar and so I ordered. While waiting I walked toward the open "kitchen" pit and the guys were all smiles and happy to say hello and even give a thumbs up for a shot. I got a little of everything and surprisingly the brisket may have been the most tasty. I'm from Texas and we take brisket serious and admittedly it was solid. I liked all the meats. I wasn't crazy about the potato salad and straight up didn't like the cole slaw, but didn't go there for them in the first place. All in all a fun experience! I was back on the road with my to-go plate in under 15 minutes and had a happy belly as we ventured back home to TX.

Classic Memphis bbq. Southern hospitality, amazing food. Can't go wrong!!! Definitely will be a must stop spot next time I'm in Memphis.

After several recommendations from the internet, past visitors, and locals, I decided this was THE place I had to try my first Memphis BBQ and I was not disappointed. We got there just in time to avoid the rush. We were seated right away and by the time we left they were up to just about an hour wait. The decor is old bbq house. Lots of signs and decor telling the history of the place, a painting of the founder on one wall, a cabinet full of Precious Moments figurines on another. Our server was fast, efficient, and nice enough without being overly friendly or talkative. Knowing this was only first stop of the evening we each had a local beer and split an appetizer and one entree to leave room for later. Sausage and Cheese appetizer was just that. Smoked sausage had been dusted with seasoning and laid atop thin slices of Velveeta, served with pepperoncini and saltines. It was decent, it was tasty, it held us over for the very short wait before our food came but there was nothing special about it. Then the food came out. Much faster than we would have thought but really everything had been cooking all day so it kinda makes sense? Sides were a default beans and slaw, it may be possible to ask for something else but it seemed a default and we were not asked if we wanted to change... BBQ Beans were too sweet for us. Not a fan. The slaw is amazing though, done with a vinegar based sauce and not too wet, really good. The ribs were pretty good. So tasty we didn't even bother using the sauce as the dry rub flavor was so good! Fair warning, these are not tiny, fall off the bone baby backs, these are thick, meaty, spareribs with some bite and chew to them. That's my preference so I liked it but be ready. The brisket was amazing! Tender, juicy, flavorful, just the right amount of fat, best brisket I've had I think. We were in a hurry to get out and explore the city, plus the place was starting to fill up, so no dessert this time...

Great old school bbq spot that delivers. The ribs are fantastic and don't need sauce. Ultimately we did sauce a few and they were equally as good! Brisket and sausage are also very good but go for the pork ribs!

I had pretty much given up on this place for a few years. Every time I went, it seemed to be substantially worse than my prior visit. Last night, I wrapped up a customer meeting early, so after about 2 years, I decided to give it one more try. I can't figure out what is going on, but it was even worse than the last time. I ordered a full slab of ribs. Half of the slab, was barely edible/SUPER tough. (I didn't send them back or complain, because the bar tender was a pretty solid guy, and for a Friday night at 6:30, he didn't have many customers. So, I thought I'd order a pork platter. What rolled out of the kitchen was a fair amount of fat, and presentation was close to zero. Literally, had a hamburger bun, ripped in half, with the pork. I don't like given poor reviews, but the ribs are nearly very close to the worst once's I've ever eaten. So tough, and barely room temperature. Last piece, this seems to be the only place in dtown Memphis with terrible tasting water. I eat at restaurants all over dtown, and not one place, has suck highly chlorinated water. I had to order a bottle of beer, the water was so bad. Nothing a filter system can't fix, but they seem to be have way bigger issues, that the tap water.

Stopped for a late dinner. We were seated right away. Our server was very quick and attentive. Started with the Greek salad, it was very good. Then came the brisket and ribs. The ribs were not fall off the bone tender, but I don't mind that. The flavor for both the ribs and brisket was good. I did add the sauce since it's all dry rubbed. The bbq sauce was really good. The Cole slaw was not what we are used to, but it was good. The potato salad and beans were great. I am glad we decided to share everything. It was a lot of food! We still had plenty of leftovers. Overall it was a pleasant experience.

What a vibe! This place is tucked in an alley in downtown Memphis, and once you get inside, you walk downstairs to eat! Very, very cool. This bbq place is well known around the area, and it was pretty good. So many tables downstairs with the typical bbq table cloths. There was a full bar down there too. Right when we sat down, the menus are at your table but behind the glass! So, you never touch your menus because they are all placed at your seat for you. I wasn't a fan of this at first because I like to hold a menu, but it was nice having it there the entire time without getting the way. Bread is available upon request, and I must say, get the bread, always get the bread. It was light and buttery. For my meal, I got grilled bbq chicken breast and sausage. I got the salad with pork shoulder as a starter to share. The sausage was my favorite! The chicken was moist but it wasn't that big, and I wasn't a fan of the presentation... foil and plastic silverware. Also, I got the sausage because I didn't like any of the side options: beans, coleslaw. There wasn't even Mac n cheese on the side menu, which was very surprising. I wish they had more sides than what was there. Despite that, everything was amazing! The service was great too. Right when we came in, a huge group of 20 came in right behind us. Service was great all through the night.

We tried to get a table at a few other restaurants in the area but they had long lines waiting outside. We stopped by The Rendezvous and were able to be seated immediately. Our server, Stevin, was busy but attentive and answered the few questions we had about the menu. We shared the brisket, ribs and a sausage plate. Each entree came with a side of baked beans and coleslaw. The beans were good! Hard pass on the coleslaw. The brisket was tender and I liked the dry rub seasoning. The same dry rub covered the ribs and sausage. After a while it became overwhelming. I'll probably ask for no dry rub on the sausage in the future. The ribs were okay, nothing special. They were smaller than I thought they would be. There were sauce options on each table, original and hot barbecue sauce, but I wasn't a fan of either.

First time to Memphis and a relative who has been here multiple times told me to eat here. This place was amazing! It had all the charm I hoped for; a true local treasure! It was hidden down an alley entrance. I loved the decor. We got the ribs for two and from the time we ordered to the time we got our food was maybe 90 seconds! The ribs were fabulous. The waiter suggested eating them without sauce because of the rub, but even though it was good, we both preferred having the mild bbq sauce on them. They came with beans and slaw; no substitutions and no fries. The beans were OK but the cole slaw was weird and was not to my liking. My son thought it looked more like yellow rice. We both got dessert and the key lime pie and chess pie were fabulous. If you are visiting Memphis, make sure you eat here.

Service is top notch. Every person that works there is working their butt off!! Our server was polite, hard working AND left us the pitcher of tea because honestly- that's my favorite!! Our food as always was delicious!! They were just a little too heavy of the seasoning on the ribs, but otherwise- this food is superb!! It's a must eat when you come to Memphis!!

The service and the quality of the brisket are very strong here. The meat has a nice dry rub on it. The ribs were a little tough for my liking. The flavor was good but I like very tender ribs. Service was outstanding.

One of our goals on our recent trip to Memphis was to feast on some Memphis BBQ and Charlie Vergos' was one of the places on our list. After a couple of hours exploring Beal Street we headed up 2nd Street for some ribs. I didn't realize the entrance was in the back alley so as we approached the destination I asked my friend, "Are you sure we're in the right place?" But once you get to the alleyway you can't miss it. And even if there wasn't a big sign hanging over the door, your nose alone could guide you to the entrance. We each opted for the ribs & brisket combo with sides of beans and slaw and a large, cold glass of locally brewed beer. Though the ribs were tasty (I really liked the spices in the rub), I thought they were a bit on the dry side -- lacking the unctuous fat that really carries the flavor. (As a noted food critic once said, "Meat without fat is just dead protein.") I expected the ribs to "fall off the bone." But you had to use your choppers to to get the meat off and even then shards of meat still clung to the bone. I much preferred the brisket. It had a nice smokey taste, a decent marbling of fat enhanced the flavor (see above), and just a bit of BBQ sauce drizzled on top. Unlike my companion (see below), I thought the char on mine was just right, not too much, not too little. The side of mustard-vinegar slaw was unique and flavorful -- two thumbs up from me. The side of beans was underwhelming -- but we came for the meat. My companion says that he enjoyed the ribs at Charlie Vergos' better than the other place we visited. For him the dry rub was tasty without over powering the flavor of the meat (and I would agree with that). He described the brisket as good but laking the bit of "char" that he prefers. Everyone has their favorite style and flavor profile when it comes to BBQ -- me included. Though Memphis style is not my personal favorite (I'm more of a KC BBQ fan), and though I preferred a competitor's BBQ, Charlie Vergos' is definitely worth a stop. Or better yet, do like we did and hit up more than one BBQ joint and tell us what you think in your Yelp reviews.

This place is epic. Love the basement vibe, entrance is on a side alley, decorations, guns stuff all over the walls. . Great place overall. We had a couple beers and the Rendezvous Special which was fine. Then the rest of the party showed up and we sat in a back room. The service was fast, the ribs and brisket plate was awesome. Probably the best slaw I've ever had, lots of vinegar. The beans had tons of meat in them. The ribs were dry rubbed, my favorite and super tender. Brisket was good as well. This is a must when in Memphis. Loved it.

This is a Memphis staple. At least for me. I come to Memphis several times per year and it surely does not disappoint let me just say that. There's a lot of bbq joints out there but rendezvous really REALLY stands out. The sauces have a great flavor without being overly sweet. I really enjoy the mustard vinegar coleslaw too! Very unusual than other bbq places. Potato salad delicious. Portion sizes are amazing too! I spent $25 on a rack of ribs and brisket and this thing fed me all day lunch to dinner. Still dreaming about this meal! If you're in the area do yourself a favor and go go go. Ignore the fact it's in an alley and head inside.

If you like ribs and you come here, you have reached the mountain top. These are the best ribs you will ever have. I buy their spices and their sauce by mail when I make my own. The ambience is perfect for this kind of place and the weight staff and the cooks are very friendly. Strongly recommend.

The place is cool & vintage! Staff there were super nice & quick!!! The only down size was that BBQ shrimps needed to be called 24 hours ahead of time so not a very friendly pescatarian or vegetarian place.

An Iconic Rib Mecca in Downtown Memphis. I have been to Memphis so many times over the past seven years as I have to fly into Memphis to visit customers in the area. I have been to almost every rib joint in the Memphis area from restaurant chains, to Ma and Pa places to hole-in-the-wall places. When you are in Memphis and looking for Ribs and Barbecue, Charles Vergos' is one of those places you have to try. Keep in mind that this place has been around since 1948 and they have their way of making ribs which has worked for them. The ambiance, the location, and the aromas when you are inside are what enhance their take on Memphis Barbecue. The Rendezvous is located in a back alley in downtown Memphis. There is valet parking for the restaurant, street parking as well as Public Parking nearby which I warn you, you should use at your own risk. Once you walk down Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Alley you will find the entrance which takes you downstairs. When you arrive, a team of hosts and hostesses will help you find a table or seat at the bar and take you to your table. Once you sit down, you can take in the history, the decor and the wafts of aromas from the barbecue. Once I was seated my server came to my table in under 5 minutes, which was enough time for me to look at the menu and start deciding on what I should eat and drink. My server took my drink order and helped guide me through what was popular on the menu and his recommendations. I settled on the Brisket and Rib Combination from the 'Main Things' section of the menu. I chose the beans and the slaw as my sides. While I was waiting for my food, I had the chance to walk around the restaurant, take photos watch the Kitchen staff make the food and take in the vibe of the place. When my food came I had a hot-off-the-grill rack of dry-rubbed ribs and my slow-smoked brisket, made with the Rendezvous proprietary sauces and rubs. The ribs were not super-moist and tender but had a nice consistency between fall-off-the-bone and firm so that the rub could penetrate the meat and add to the flavour. The ribs were fantastic and needed no sauce, although I did try them with a little sauce just to see what they tasted like with the sauce. The brisket on the other hand was slow-smoked, tender and juicy and cooked to perfection, with a softness and tenderness and covered in barbecue sauce. I liked the sauce on the brisket as it had a little tanginess, just enough to open up your palate. The beans were good, not great and the slaw was edible. Overall, a great meal and manage your expectations and keep an open mind when you eat here. Charlie Vergos' has a method and a formula to their success and people still come here in droves, some to try it and most because they make barbecue the way they like it. If you are in Memphis, I highly suggest you try this Iconic rib mecca at least once.

Date of visit: August 9, 2023 I came here many years ago with my then-boyfriend and we really enjoyed the meal, so I was looking forward to visiting again with my mom for her birthday trip to Memphis. The food was not as great as it was the first time--o r maybe it was the same and my memory has faded over time! David B was our server and he was efficient yet gruff. I loved my beef brisket, and my mom really enjoyed her small rack of ribs. My friend tried the pork shoulder and ribs; I tried her pork shoulder and didn't care for it. I did appreciate the charm of the place still!

What a pleasure it was to eat at the iconic Rendezvous in Memphis,Tn. I can't imagine not visiting this place while visiting Memphis, an historical place with delicious food, fantastic ambiance mainly ribs and brisket but the menu offers vegetarian friendly foods. The service was the epitome of southern hospitality and the legendary Robert Jr served us with all of his 43 years of experience of working there, starting at age 14 and worked along with his dad Robert Sr, he was beyond charming and helpful, we all felt well taken care of and I would go back there just to talk to him and ask him questions about his experiences . Thanks Rendezvous and thank you James Robert Jr for making our night special.

This place has really flavorful ribs. I love the dry rub and you can add their special wet BBQ sauce. It's a 1-2 flavor punch that you'll be knocked off your socks to discover. We had a 1/2 pork and 1/2 chicken nacho appetizer and I was pleasantly surprised by how original the flavors are. We also ordered brisket and pork shoulder sandwich which were good too. The food service was fast and friendly. It's a vibe... For me, the ribs are the star of this rendezvous point!

Dry ribs only. Not fall off the bone which is what I usually like. Brisket was a little fatty. Beans are very good. Sausage and cheese platter was good but not warm. Chocolate chess pie was delicious. Service great. Just not a fan of these types of ribs.

I grew up in Memphis and my dad loved going to the Rendezvous for ribs. I grew to love this place not only for the food, but just for the atmosphere. I moved away in 2000 and have not been there since. While visiting my hometown this past weekend I had the opportunity to go to dinner here with a friend. Wow, it did not disappoint! The vibe is still the same with very friendly efficient service. I didn't have ribs, but did have a chopped barbecue sandwich with beans and coleslaw. The flavor was amazing and it was a nice touch with the dry rub sprinkled on top. Prices were very good considering the economy today. I would recommend dinner at the Rendezvous to anybody visiting Memphis.

A solid 7.2/10. It was a 10/10 environment 10/10 staff 7.2/10 ribs and shoulder - meat was cooked well, the Smokey flavor didn't penetrate, the seasons is outstanding, and bbq sauce original is really nice. The ribs were a bit overdone. The beans were great! Coleslaw was meh-too smothered in bbq sauce. Will be back for sure.

Full-disclosuer: This isn 't my favorite BBQ place, as I think it continues to survive based on its connection with Memphis. It's seems to specialize in dry-rubbed ribs, which (IMHO) isn't what Memphis is known for (wet). However, some relatives were in town so had to go there! Three of us ordered combos - ribs and brisket, while I just had to have my go-to meal - ribs. I must confess, everything pleasantly surprised me, as all of us found their orders good-to-excellent. Most came with 2 sides. Service was OK. Ambience is - well, what you'd expect from a good BBQ place - downstairs in the basement off an alley, with lots of 50's and 60's kitsch. Warning - if you have difficulty walking, getting in/out of the restaurant and certainly the bathrooms will be challenging.

All right, the review taken with liberal amount of dry rub. Because this is our they serve some of the most amazing ribs you will ever read. Yes, I know being from Texas. We bought a lot dead on the red. Here they do an amazing show. They are very delicious. Yeah, live and learn. This barbecue is a throwback dude the good old days one of the Customer Service Paramount, oh yeah, good food too. If here in Memphis, this is a Moscow and peal until you roll around on the floor. I hope not too explode 10 out of 10

I've seen this restaurant featured on the travel channel MAN V FOOD and BIZARRE FOOD: DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS. I was super excited to try it today. The customer service was really good. Our waiter was pleasant and quick. The food came out shortly after we ordered it which was amazing! We had the pork shoulder BBQ nachos appetizer. It was a big hit! 4/5. We also ordered the rib and brisket combo. It came with a side of slaw and baked beans. The slaw was very sweet and vinegary. I was not a fan. 1/5. The ribs were dry rub and dry AF. I had to drench it in BBQ sauce. I was hoping that it would fall off the bone as seen on TV, it did not do that. A big disappointment. 1/5. The brisket was seasoned and smoked perfectly. It literally melted in your mouth. It was a bit fatty tho. 4/5. The pork shoulder was just okay, nothing to write home about. 3/5. We ordered a Greek salad but didn't touch it lol. It looked good and we took it to go. The dining hall is downstairs, the place was dark with a chill vibe. All in all, everything was decent. I would rate this place a 3.5/5. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Great food, wonderful service, unusual atmosphere. Loved the atmosphere and the food. Everybody was very nice. It's a fun place to go for a meal.

I went here on my last day in Memphis. The ribs are different than other places and the seasoning is smoky and delicious. I bought a bottle to take home. I had the ham sandwich and it was simple and tasty. I also really enjoyed the vinegar based cole slaw. Service was good and it's a classic must try if you are in town.

Service was great and the golden beer I had was cold and delicious. The food was not good at all. The ribs were a huge disappointment and probably smoked too long. The beans were tangy and the cold slaw was off. Walked out of there with a sad face on my first bbq expedition in Memphis. The decor could also use some fresh ideas. There were lots of things and memorabilia hanging but dusty and full of with spider webs. It would be a good Halloween spot to just stop for beer

Went here for ribs in a recommendation. I am back and forth with this place, so that why I say maybe in the recommendation. I liked that it was in the alley and the basement. Had a good vibe and friendly staff. Except 2 staff members got into an argument right in front of all the patrons, so not a good look. Got the ribs with beans and slaw. They were dry rub, which I enjoy better. That way I can decide how much sauce to put on them. They were very meaty and tasty, but a slight bit over cooked. Beans and slaw were very also good. Worth a try if in the area, you can see what you think.

My first experience with Rendezvous was many years ago at a FedEx fundraising event for St Judes Hospital. During a break in the telethon, I was enjoying BBQ when a gentleman came up to me and said, "How do you like my barbecue?" Your BBQ," I said, "Did you make this?" He laughed and said "Well in a way, my family owns the restaurant. Let me introduce myself, I'm Alex Vergos." I'll always remember that encounter. Mainly because he, too, worked at FedEx, his name was the same as mine, and that darn BBQ was so good! He mentioned that the next time I find myself in Memphis to let him know, and he'd take me to their restaurant. That was like 25 years ago. Well, I did find myself in Memphis again, this time with my daughter. She said, "Daddy, I know a great place for BBQ, and I'm going to take you there." Sure enough, it was Rendezvous. So down the alley, we strolled, and down the stairs, we went. They were doing brisk business that night, so it was suggested that we visit the bar upstairs until our table was ready. So, up the stairs we went for a drink. It wasn't long before our buzzer thing went off, and back down the stairs, we went. We were ushered into the cavernous bowels where there was lively activity. The tables were full of people, full of chatter, while stuffing their faces full. The smell of what was to come wafted and enveloped us as we took our seats. Our server immediately took our drink and appetizer order, smiling while doing so. He was a kindly gentleman. As busy as he was, he still had time to interact. If the food didn't draw us back to Rendezvous, the server definitely would have. Ah, but as it turned out, the Vergos family would have no worry as to our return, for the delicacies served were on par with the best BBQ that this Alex has ever tasted. Savory brisket, sausage, beans, need I say more? I shall, chicken, pork, slaw! It was so good!! And that's just what we devoured. All the while, we watched as plates of other tempting morsels were spirited by. But those will have to wait until next we visit this great city on the banks of the Mississippi. Quick Tip: In order to take in the full experience of what Rendezvous has to offer, plan on spending some time. Watch as the choreography of the servers weave their way through the aisles and rooms. The banter between the hierarchies is a show in and of itself. Stop for a couple of minutes and watch the skills of the chefs performing their art at the bbq pit. Take in the smoke. That particular ambiance will stay with you all night. Literally!! As you make your way down Beale Street, you'll be reminded of such by passer bys. Listen closely....oh, they must have eaten at Rendezvous. Indeed, we did fine strangers. Indeed, we did. Alex V, I hope my words don't get in the way of your family doing business. I just wanted to slow folks down so that they can enjoy life on a different level.

Their claim to fame is charcoal grilled ribs. From what I can tell from talking to people, you'll either hate it or love it. The restaurant is located in the middle of an alley with the smoke that's coming off the pits funneled outside to help entice hungry eaters in. Once you go in the doors head down the stairs on the left to the basement where the restaurant resides. For our main dishes we ordered the ribs and chicken combo and ribs and brisket combo along with a sausage and cheese plate for an appetizer. Each combo comes with baked beans and a mustard vinegar slaw. Their ribs have a dry rub on them and although our server said that they're good on its own, I found them to be on the dry side and even after putting their BBQ sauce on it I was still left needing more. The chicken was on the drier side and served over a slice of bread. The brisket was meaty and fatty - exactly how a brisket should be and also served over a slice of bread. The sides of beans were ordinary but the mustard and vinegar slaw was unique. The sausage and cheese plate was alright but nothing to write home about. I was expecting the sausage with cheese bits inside, instead of cheddar cheese sticks and sliced sausage but it's my fault for not asking what the dish was. The plate also came with a few slices of pickles which definitely helped to cut the richness of the rest of the meal. Overall definitely worth a shot if you're staying in the heart of downtown Memphis but I think that there are better Memphis BBQ joints around the city.

Pay attention to your GPS because the entrance is in an alley and you will miss it. There's valet available. More convenient is the parking directly across from the entrance. The parking stairs do smell like pee but the restaurant is worth it. The ribs are perfect. Baked beans were not to sweet and served nice and hot. We had some pork nachos which were good but the main show is the ribs. Our waiter was amazing. He's been there 32 years.

Stopped in for a late lunch on a Saturday and we were able to walk right in without a wait. There's a parking garage about a block west on Union Ave that was convenient and inexpensive. The place is plush with character and history, a warm and inviting place to eat. Upon being seated, we were treated to complimentary beans and rice which were delicious. They were a little on the sweet side, which I appreciated. We ordered the "Full Slab for Two", which consists of two half slabs and sides of beans and coleslaw for each of us. We also ordered an extra side of their potato salad. The ribs are fantastic and have a unique seasoning that's different from most other local rubs. I particularly like the basting juice they use and requested a side of their water/vinegar basting juice. I poured some of the basting juice on the bottom of the rib tray and dipped each bone in the juices that lay below. Doing so makes the rib meat a bit more more juicy. The baked beans are slightly sweet and full of flavor with bits of meat and onions. Just how I like them! The coleslaw had a bit too much of a vinegar bite for me, but I couldn't help myself from continuing to eat it. The real surprise was the potato salad. It had a unique taste somewhere between mustard and thousand island dressing. Service was excellent, with our waiter helpful and patient as we asked questions about the menu.

We arrived around 2 pm on a Sunday and were seated right away. The restaurant wasn't too noisy even with great music playing in the background. As with many BBQ restaurants, there is a lot of memorabilia to see on the walls. Our server was very kind and knowledgeable about the menu items. Complimentary bowls of red beans and rice with sausage were brought to the table when we were seated. They were are great stater dish and a precursor to the flavorful meal ahead. We split a full slab of ribs and had beans, potato salad and slaw on the side. The ribs were meaty and you could clearly taste the complex rub that enrobed the rack. My husband asked for the vinegar-based sauce used on the ribs and I'm glad he did as it added even more moisture to the ribs and cut through the dry rub. There was a clear grilled flavor throughout but I could still taste the meat. The sides were all delicious. The beans were slightly sweet and coleslaw had a pleasant tang. The real surprise was the potato salad. It was very creamy and seemed to have sweet relish and egg yolk - very tasty. I'd heard a lot about Rendezvous from friends and am glad I went. I can see why they get crowded and why people wait around for a table. Good service and good food.

We ordered a rack "to go" and it was excellent! The online ordering was fast, easy, and true to promised time! The downtown construction made it difficult to navigate and the alley parking was prized. Lucky for me, I could drive around and let my passenger run in for the pickup.

I came for the ribs, but I stayed for the Brisket which is outstanding. Local beer (golden something) was also great. Sit at the bar to beat the lines. Coleslaw and beans are both very good.

But...., in a review 10 years ago we said that the next time in Memphis we would try other Q options-- and we didn't. We came back to Rendezvous! We both had ribs and two sides. Dry ribs are really interesting, rubbed with spices and herbs, and grilled for 1-1/2-2 hours. It was nice to be back just for old time's sake. Not much has changed.

Rendezvous is a stable in Memphis, so it's surprising that my husband and I, both native Memphians, had never been. On a whim while downtown, we decided to grab a bite to eat. We walked down the little alley we'd past so many times in the past and into the restaurant. It was as I expected: laid back. Dive-y. A whole vibe. We were able to be seated immediately on a Friday night (don't expect that normally). Service was fast. Drink orders, check. Drinks. Dinner orders, check. Dinner. When I tell you the food arrived quicker than I've received food at any restaurant, I'm not exaggerating. It was immediate. I suspect this is why they don't fry anything at the restaurant; it slows things down. He had a small rack of ribs (dry) and I had a pulled pork sandwich. Both were messy but delicious. The slaw was decent though a bit soucy--beans were good also. I still wished they offered fries! . Our waiter, Stevin V. checked on us throughout our short visit, and we left happy. Pro Tip: not all who wander are lost. Take the scenic route and meander through the restaurant on your way out. You'll see a lot of cool vintage articles and many, many famous folks lining the walls.

HANDS DOWN BEST BBQ IN MEMPHIS‼ What did we order: The slaw had a yellow tint, maybe mustard and vinegar but it was AMAZING‼ I have nothing bad to say about it! -the brisket was served on half a roll, and it was juicy and tender. (The roll was very wet due to all the sauces dripping down) -the pork ribs - TOOO DIE FOR.. I'd order them again and again -the beans, very good but sweet! It's kinda hard to find the restaurant if you don't know where you are going. (Hidden in an alley) If you are deciding between this and Gus's chicken or central BBQ, choose This‼ I'll bring friends/ coworkers EVERYTIMe im back in Memphis!

love that this is in an alleyway, love the at home feel, and overall aesthetic and laid back attitude here. the bbq chicken on the chicken sanwhich was so damn good. next time i wouldnt get the sanwhich. it was just a potatoe bun with the chicken in between. i felt that was a bit lazy - maybe throw some pickles or lettuce or more sauce on it. however, i loved how saucy the chicken was and it was tender. sides? i got the slaw - which was sour and saucy, it was unique to say the least. it felt like there was a sour bbq sauce on it. also the side of potatoe salad was good, but also unique. again, this was saucy and sour. i can see this is their twist to other sides, which works, but at first bite it tastes weird. great service, friendly staff, id come back for sure.