Cozy Corner Restaurant
Barbecue restaurant · Greenlaw
735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105
Highlights
Family-run since 1977, known for ribs, smoked Cornish hen, and bologna
Family-run since 1977, known for ribs, smoked Cornish hen, and bologna
"Since 1977 this Memphis institution has been known for spice-rubbed ribs and rib tips, along with hickory-smoked chicken, a famously popular Cornish game hen, beef, bologna, and sliced pork sandwiches. Owner and pitmaster Desiree Robinson holds the distinction of being the first Black woman and the first Black person not inducted posthumously into the American Royal's Barbecue Hall of Fame, underscoring the shop’s cultural as well as culinary significance." - Greg Baker
"Memphis is a barbecue town, and you’ll get a few different answers from locals if you ask about their favorite spots to hit up. Go for the Cozy Corner, a family-run and Black-owned favorite established in 1977, where the well-regarded barbecue earned owner Desiree Robinson an induction into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. The menu is standard Memphis barbecue, with sandwiches, meat plates (a slab of ribs or whole barbecue chicken, for example), dinner plates that include bread and sides (beans, coleslaw), and a variety of sauces that range from mild to hot (but don’t worry, it’s actually that spicy)." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"Founded by Bobby Bradley Jr.’s grandfather, this Memphis barbecue institution—one of the city’s most popular—keeps original menu curiosities like barbecue spaghetti and a barbecue bologna sandwich alongside locally renowned ribs and wings as a way to preserve the family legacy. The bologna sandwich is made by slicing thick rounds on a meat slicer, rubbing both sides generously with barbecue seasoning, and grilling each slice (pitmaster Vernon Watson cooks them up to about 30 minutes) until they develop a deep, appealing color; the finished sandwich is plated on a burger bun and topped with barbecue sauce and slaw. Bradley and his team continue to showcase these heirloom items while also serving classic barbecue plates like ribs and wings." - Avery Dalal
"Memphis is a barbecue town, and you’ll get a few different answers from Memphians if you ask about their favorite spots to hit up. Go for the Cozy Corner, a family-run and Black-owned favorite established in 1977, where the well-regarded barbecue earned owner Desiree Robinson an induction into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. The menu is standard Memphis barbecue, with sandwiches, meat plates (a slab of ribs or whole barbecue chicken, for example), dinner plates that include bread and sides (beans, coleslaw), and a variety of sauces that range from mild to super hot." - Andy Meek
Family-run landmark led by the Robinsons, celebrated by Southern Living and national critics. Smoked wings deliver Memphis soul, right alongside rib tips and Cornish hen. A barbecue icon where wings often steal the show.
