Payne's Bar-B-Que

Memphis BBQ 🍖 Paynes is definitely one of the best BBQ in Memphis! At first glance, it is a little sketch because of the building however, it is all about the culture. Once you get into the building and greeted by the employees, it resolves all second thoughts about going 👍 excellent customer service and so down to earth. The Ribs were falling off the bone till you could eat them with a fork, but go ahead and get messy lol. I will say, the only problem I had with the sauce was the vinegar. It cured all possibilities of any future colds I had coming on. It was extremely vinegary, but nothing a slice a bread couldn’t cure. This place is unique, cultured and overall a place to go back to if in the area.

Recently visited Memphis for the first time. Leaving the airport, I was driving downtown via Lamar Ave. when I happened to pass an unimpressive BBQ joint. It was lunchtime, so I immediately turned in for the fun of it. The interior is dated and open with a few tables for inside dining, but I kind of expected that. I soon learned that Payne's is renowned as one of the most favorite BBQ joints in the city. I ordered their most popular jumbo pork sandwich with their unique, homemade mustard-based slaw & BBQ sauce. The sandwich was loaded with freshly cooked, chopped pork. It was sloppy and with a great taste! I thoroughly enjoyed eating it. It was fun to read the framed news articles posted on the " brag" wall. Then turn to see the owners behind the counter serving up their food. Great BBQ in a simple family environment. Stop the next time you drive by.

Drove two hours just to eat here. My favorite Memphis BBQ. That chopped pork sandwich with their amazing slaw is singularly incredible. My only question: why did it take 50 years for Payne’s to make the BBQ Hall of Fame? Belated but richly deserved.

The pulled pork sandwich was cold. It’s tasted good despite the temperature. HOWEVER By the time we got to the car both me and my girlfriend had to go to the bathroom so bad we cancelled our plans for the day and went home. Her stomach was in shambles for hours. I got great service though

We decided to stop into Paynes while visiting the area and we were not disappointed. We tried several dishes, the sliced pork sandwich with the mustard slaw was delicious. Coming from South Florida we are used to sweet based BBQ sauce, here it was vinegar / mustard based. Soooo good!! I have never had homemade baked beans, only those from a can.Those beans were the best I have ever had!! The service was amazing and the staff very welcoming. I will definitely return.

This is my favorite neighborhood barbecue restaurant when I'm at home in Memphis. The food is delish and the customer service is like family. My favorites are the BBQ Smoke Sausage and the Chopped Shoulder Sandwich. Flo and family have done a phenomenal job keeping Payne's Legacy Alive❣️

Got full slab and sausage, and OMG the (wet) slab has the most tender meat that I have tried so far, and the sausage is delicious too!! The environment for dine in isn’t the most inviting but the food was wonderful and taking to-go might be better.

This is my favorite BBQ in town. The best little hole in the wall for pulled pork. Someone in the previous reviews said they wished they took out the burnt pieces but that is the best part about this BBQ. The crispy part gives it a good charred taste that makes it unique to this style BBQ. Loved it! Also, the coleslaw is a mustard base, with the sweet bbq sauce on the meat, it is perfection. My middle kid is picky & killed it! Will be back.

I love Payne's! If you're are thinking of some Memphis BBQ, please do yourself a favor and come grab a bite here! Their pulled pork sandwich is mouthwatering. The baked beans are just as savory. This is just a quintessential spot; family owned, very friendly, down-to-earth folks. As a tourist, I was impressed. Plus, they've been featured on the Food Network, how can you go wrong? Keep their hours in mind as they are only open for lunch time Tues-Sat. Would definitely come back!

Good local joint! Got the ribs and a pork sandwich. It's VERY saucy and I wish I got the sauce on the side. I had never had coleslaw like this - with mustard, and I'm not sure I liked it. Super affordable and filling. Saw so many locals come by.

Mustard slaw, beef ribs and bologna sandwich. All tasty in their own right. Beef ribs crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Very simple and basic place inside.

EXTRAORDINARY BBQ Ron Payne, Owner of Payne's Bar-B-Q with his mother Flora and sister Candice, a family restaurant operating since 1972 their father Horton. Payne's is a restaurant that feels like a step back in time Ron told me, "We like to keep it mom-and-pop old school, and we think the ambience gives Payne's a little extra flavor. We really try to focus on the product, not so much on what the building looks like". Their biggest seller and one of the best I've ever tasted is their Chopped Pork Shoulder Sandwich! The Pork shoulders are turned over hickory coals, in a recessed pit set into the wall. They cook it slow and low over the charcoal for a whole day, so it's tender and has a good, smoky taste. The smokier, the better. We don't put any seasoning on it. Pork is a wonderful thing. It has its own flavor. You don't have to do much to it. The pork shoulders are still turned over hickory coals, in a recessed pit set into the wall. The mild sauce simmers all afternoon on the stove. The hotter variety is dispensed via an old liquid soap bottle. Coleslaw is the color of day-glo green (mustard-infused), its bright hue energetically sizzles between the meat and bun of a chopped pork sandwich.

Listen - I've never had service this fast at a barbecue joint! They chopped up the ribs as we ordered, and everything was steaming hot. I wasn't amazed by the flavor of the meat, but the baked beans were something special. I definitely want to go back to try the hot dog and chopped sandwich, because I saw others order them and they looked incredible!

I absolutely love a "hole in the wall" that has fabulous food, but I hate to say the food was just OK. I asked for hot sauce and it didn't have hardly any heat to it. The coleslaw had a lot of mustard, and the beans were cold. So as I'm sitting in the dining room, I saw a mouse run from one corner of the room to the other... I'm not sure if I should add a star or subtract one for that but either way, I'm sure it's lived there a long time.

Oh my goodness; I rarely eat BBQ pork sandwiches . They don't sell bbq beef sandwiches and my sister convinced me to try Payne's bbq pork. Let me tell you I was not disappointed. I ordered the jumbo bbq sandwich plate. The bun was toasted and very crispy. The meat was enough for my large bun and two more small sandwiches I made at home.The beans and slaw were delicious, fantastic and very favorable. The customer service was exceptional and everyone was very friendly. I decided to eat there and the atmosphere was great with the old style restaurant vibe (old tables with checkered plastic tablecloths). Whenever you want some pork bbq and the most delicious bbq smoked sausage then Payne's is the place. Don't let the neighborhood deter you because some of the best food is sold in this area.

Ribs were excellent pulled pork was juicy and the Bologna sandwich was the big hit recommend A+

Great Memphis BBQ for a couple tourists passing through seeking a local style. Establishment has a friendly family staff.

I can't give them 5 stars because they're just not open enough... But I love their pulled pork and their ribs. It's real, Memphis style BBQ... Now that mustard slaw sauce that everyone loves... I can do without that. But this is real, Memphis BBQ... And ain't nothing wrong with that...

You know when they say Memphis bbq is delicious, they talking about Payne's Bbq. The beans have real bbq pork on it, tried the pulled pork sammich and we will be back to try other stuff. They should have a franchise of this joint everywhere, if you in Memphis make sure to stop by and not miss out on great grub! Friendly service, cheaper to pay cash, ambiance is og bbq joint, food speaks for itself!

Good food, good slaw! If you like acidic/vinegar based sauces this is a great place for you. Atmosphere inside is dark but the food was good! Canned drinks or bottled water, order at the counter!

We ordered takeout from this place during a long weekend in Memphis. Although this was indeed the best barbecue we had during our trip, it still only earned 3/5 stars in my book for a few reasons. The ribs were well-seasoned although a little dry on the outside. The "bark" was very chewy. The chopped pork had good flavor but was full of grizzle and burnt crunchy pieces that made it unpleasant to eat. I would try it again pulled instead of chopped. The coleslaw was pretty bad although the beans were yummy.

This is a great neighborhood bbq spot! The chopped bbq is awesome, but the smoked sausage is the most popular. The smell just lures you in and those big sandwiches don't disappoint. This is a hungry man's brown bag meal!

One of the best if not the best BBQ spots in Memphis! I was shocked the line was not long at all and has been around for over 50yrs. Not a wide selection, but what they make, they make well! Not a huge fan of slaw or mustard, but the slaw is sweet and makes a great asset to the smoked sausage and pulled pork sandwich. Very messy, but so worth it!

A very mom-and-pop type bbq shop in a very lowkey environment. From the outside, it may look sketchy, but they KNOW Memphis BBQ! I grew up in Memphis and hadn't heard of Payne's. But it came up on a google search as one of the top BBQ places in Memphis, so as soon as I landed, my brother and I went here for lunch! We shared the rib plate (comes with 6 ribs, cole slaw, beans, and bread). It came out to be about $18 with bottled water. Not bad at all! We got mild sauce (can also choose medium or spicy). The sauce is sweet but still had a bit of spicy, but next time I'd go for the medium spicy level. The cole slaw was very vinegary, which pairs well with the sweet BBQ sauce. The beans had pieces of brisket in it, which added more flavor and depth. This is a no-frills local BBQ joint; I recommend stopping by for some bites if you're a Memphis BBQ fan!

Payne's is one of those places you just gotta try out if you're a Memphian. I am a local and am ashamed to say I never ate at Payne's until recently. I ate their pull pork sandwich and have to say it's one of the most unique renditions I've eaten. The sandwich is very very wet, and saucy. The sauce is sweet, but their yellow slaw has a very vinegarly bite to it. They both complement the meat well. The meat has some cripsy bits in their from the ends which is a nice touch. I can see where the sauce can be overpowering for some. Don't expect any frills in this joint. It's textbook definition of a hole-in-the-wall - and that's when you know the food is good!

Some of Memphis's best BBQ. Excellent sandwich with the best sauce. Everyone in our party loved the BBQ and service. Quick service.

I really wanted to like this place but it's just not very good. The chop sandwich while good is not amazing, I have had it a couple times and one time it was great and another time it was mediocre. The ribs were chewy as all get out and fatty. Not sure what was going on but I have had better ribs at an 80's sizzler. Truly the worst ribs I have ever had in my life. The sauce is not good, most locals pick up and use their own sauce. It's sweet and not spicy and not much flavor, watery. It's a cool vibe hole in the wall place but the bbq missed the mark by a wide margin.

Payne is a pig miracle worker! I don't know what goes on behind that counter but whatever it is...I'll be back!! Let's start off with no brisket is served here. I was a little put off. But I can have a growth mindset and accept change in my life. Thankfully I did. Had the chopped pork sandwich. All sandwiches come with yellow death mustard based coleslaw...which again growth mindset...and loved it. Sandwiches are big! We got a sliced pork plate and the pork was succulent (pity I don't use that word more...succulent!). I had this try a bologna sandwich. Bologna is so much better than I remember. Guess the last time I had bologna, commercials ran with some little kids spelling out his Bologna's first name. Bologna was good but it's no pork. But it was fun to try it. Before you go make sure you think gas station converted into restaurant with very little upgrades. One I wish they would make would be a little more A/C in the blistering summer heat. But you can't have it all. I love this place...I'll be back!

We were about to leave town and I insisted my husband take me here. I got us both the chopped pork sandwich. I ate mine inside solo while he stayed in the car with the baby and dog and then we switched out. That pork was so flavorful. I took some bites of it solo because it was doused in slaw and sauce but in a good way. Everything was flavorful and spicy. I should have gotten the plate is what I was really thinking but next time we are in town I will.

There's Payne's, then there's everyone else. The ultimate of pork BBQ in the United States. IYKYK.

Best BBQ on the planet! Been coming for years and it never disappoints. Home style friendly service

Stopped by for lunch as I was craving some ribs on the way through Memphis. The chopped pork sandwich and the ribs were fantastic. The slaw was a hit as well, it compliments the smoked meats so well. Definitely stop by before they run out!

I had never tried Payne's honestly because I have been warned about the area. My wanting to go overtook that and we went and we were so glad we did. Everyone inside was so nice. I loved the white blocks that it was built from. It added to the experience. The Jumbo Barbeque was huge. I could only hold half of it. I could have been full with the regular one. I ordered the beans and it was a large serving and had meat in it. Oh, the yellow slaw on the barbecue was so good. It might be a little sweet for some but it was perfect to me. My husband was there. The ribs are awesome. Also a large serving and tasty. They have several flavors of canned drinks and they have bottled water but do not expect tea. The customers were also very nice and I felt very safe there. I will be back again and again.

Its good - just a little basic. They only have pork and ribs....and the only sides are their slaw and beans. But they execute them well enough. Nice bark on the pulled pork. I got the mustard slaw on the sandwich which I regretted. it was a good slaw but I think I would rather eat it on the side. People are nice and its a staple in the neighborhood....but I don't think its worthy of being a destination if you don't live close by.

Absolutely incredible barbecue sandwich. If you're not from Memphis, you probably don't know about this gem, but you should. The staff is friendly, food is priced well, and you get a good sized portion for what you pay, and the quality is incredible (don't believe me? Look at the photo or better yet go try it).

Walking in Memphis, huh? Well, head right on over to Payne's. Their pulled pork sandwich stands out in the Bluff City by being vinegar and mustard forward. That's alright with me. Let's go straight to Flavor Town & leave any naysayers behind on Beale. ;)

I saw a review where someone mentioned that their bologna "sammich" with cole slaw was touched by the hem of Jesus' garment. Well when I saw that, it sounded like something special that I needed to get in on. Well baby, I have never had a bologna sammich, but that thang was pretty good. I was only planning on getting the bologna sandwich but the sandwich rang up less than 5 dollars and I needed at least 5 to make a credit card purchase so I went ahead and also ordered their sausage sandwich. Boy am I happy I did because I enjoyed the sausage more than I did the bologna sandwich. Do understand, both were great and for such a great price. The only downside are their hours. They are open for like 3 hours a day from Tuesday-Saturday. I really wish we had mom and pop shops like this in the DMV with their price points.

Thee best BBQ hands down. The service is A1. I get the bbq bologna with slaw & extra sauce. Look, your gonna be extraordinarily happy that you tried this.

Best baked beans ever, good chopped (pulled) pork and the first time I have ever had a mustard based slaw...which was great... definitely a dive

On the search for a cheaper hood spot I found Payne's!! on a bike ride 20 mins outside of downtown it had a 1/$ rating on @yelp and with positive reviews, so I went for it!! On my way passing a DJ Paul mural I knew I was on the right path!! They could have grilled or toasted the bun and need to do away with the styrofoam but this was still aspot $8 for a jumbo pulled pork sandwich with the mustard slaw had me loving this 8.9 #memphis #tennessee #usa #bbq #36mafia #foodie #foodiecritic #alwayshungry #vanlife #djpaul

I remember eating at Paynes around 2015 as I drove through Memphis. It still makes my mouth water.

This place resides down the street from my grandmothers house in the M and I decided to stop here to get some good barbecue! It also kinda helped that this place was on Food Network for the US and for Canada so why not! I have here a rib plate with mustard slaw and baked beans. They also asked me if I wanted the smaller side of ribs or the larger and you know I had to go for the larger end! I was also asked for a spice level mild, medium or hot. I went ahead with medium just to be on the safe side. The ribs were pretty tasty, though I didn't care much for the mustard slaw I'd prefer the regular. And the baked beans were pretty good as well I loved that they put chunks of meat in there like little surprises.

Love the smoke sausage sandwich. The slaw is the best ever!! Make sure to visit you definitely won't regret it.

When exactly did "basic" become some kind of insult? You know what else is basic? A $90 steak. Maybe put your silver spoon back in your lady purse and belly up to literally the best smoked shoulder in Memphis. It's also the only BBQ spot in town where I'd highly recommend getting the slaw and sauce both on the side, because both are DRAMATICALLY sweeter than anywhere else you'll find, so have a way of overpowering the amazing pork these folks produce. Payne's is a Memphis treasure and it's unfortunate that bad reviews from ignorant tourists can't simply be deleted.

This spot came recommended by a local Memphian and by so many Yelp reviewers. I can honestly say that these ribs hit the spot. They were perfectly cooked, fall of the bone, and great flavor. The sauce used for these ribs was fantastic. A great mix of tangy and various spices. I'd drink that bbq sauce! I also really appreciate how much meat came with the ribs. They were premium. I also truly enjoyed the baked beans and coleslaw. The baked beans were actually some of the best I've had.

Payne's BBQ is a childhood favorite of mine. The staff is warm and welcoming. The building is always clean on the inside and there is plenty of parking. My favorite item to order is their fried smoked sausage with homemade slaw!

Making your way in the world today Takes everything you've got Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot Wouldn't you like to get away? All those nights when you've got no lights The check is in the mail And your little angel Hung the cat up by its tail And your third fiance didn't show Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came You want to be where you can see Our troubles are all the same You want to be where everybody knows your name Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead The morning's looking bright And your shrink ran off to Europe And didn't even write And your husband wants to be a girl Be glad there's one place in the world Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came You want to go where people know People are all the same You want to go where everybody knows your name Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came Where everybody knows your name

Amazing. Must go. I can't imagine what anyone has to complain about this place. It's pork in various forms with sauce. If you don't like mustard the slaw isn't for you but give it a shot if you're on the fence bc it's bomb.

I had the jumbo ribs plate that was loaded with tender ribs in a tangy house BBQ sauce with mustard slaw! I didn't get beans; I think they gave me more ribs to substitute! Fantastic!!! Also had the saucy sliced pork sandwich that was absolutely FANTASTIC with some crunchy crusty bites with the mustard slaw on fresh buns! Delightful! Simple tasty offerings!!!

I'm from TX and we have good BBQ! However this BBQ was AMAZING! We had the sausage, chopped and pulled pork. The restaurant gives you that hometown feel! The staff was helpful and nice. Must Go!

Wow! This little, unassuming brick building houses extraordinary BBQ. It may not be fancy, but your taste-buds will thank you. The baked beans were definitely my favorite, but the sliced pork sandwich and ribs were quite delicious as well. The neon yellow coleslaw was a little strong, so we could only eat a little of it, but we were so full and satisfied by the time we left for lunch that we didn't even need to eat until the next day. Highly recommend, it is worth the trip!

Payne's was my first stop on my first ever trip to Memphis. I did some extensive food research...As you will see, everyone has an opinion as to what's 'the best' BBQ in Memphis. I really enjoyed my experience at Payne's; the employees offered recommendations, and I ended up going with the pulled pork with hot sauce and a side of the baked beans. The sandwich was awesome, but those beans! I plan to make one more trip to Payne's to try the ribs.

Best pulled pork and slaw in Memphis. We get it for take out all the time. Ignore the fact it looks like an old car repair shop...you won't go there for ambiance.

When I tell you they have some of the best sauce I have ever tried! Got a smoked sausage sandwich, mild, and when I say goooooddddd! very friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere! BOB by the way

Great no frills bbq. We enjoyed our visit today and were greeted by very friendly staff. They recommended the chopped pork sandwiches and that's what everyone got. The slaw is like nothing I've had and it's perfect for the sandwich. The sauce is also a great complement. The beans were really good and went fast . We left full and happy. A great visit to a Memphis bbq institution.

Yes, it's all that and a bag of chips. I saw Payne's featured on two different Food Network shows so wanted to try them out while on a trip to Memphis. I've been to Kozy Korner and Central before. It looked deserted from the outside and rundown so my husbsnd was skeptical. The staff (both family members) were super friendly and helpful. While waiting, another gentleman came in and told us we were in for the best bbq in Memphis. The food came out very quickly (extra points!) Wow. Wow. Wow. It lives up to the hype. The chopped pork sandwich was far and away the BEST I've ever had. In. My. Life. That slaw is great but the meat? Good lord that is excellent. Moist. Flavorful. Yummmm. Go to Payne's. Now! You won't regret it.

Yo this place was amazing , at the slaw was fire AF!! Never had it like that but it was amazing, cool little family owned spot looked like , most food prepped or made to order , everything was great!!