When you think of Memphis, one type of food will come to mind: BBQ. It is a city that is known far and wide for its delicious mouthwatering barbeque. If you happen to ask around the city what everyone's favorite BBQ place is, time and time again they will point you to Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous. There is a reason for the line waiting for a seat at this BBQ restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee.
Like a best-kept secret, Rendezvous started in a basement.
It has since expanded beyond the basement, but you will still have to walk down the iconic steps that have been there since the late '40s.
Follow the signs to the alleyway in which the restaurant entrance resides.
Right across the street from the famous Peabody Hotel, which has its own story involving ducks, you will find the most popular BBQ place in the whole city.
The experience is one of the most exciting things about this establishment.
You will be walking into a story that started back in 1948 when Charlie Vergos started making ham sandwiches out of the basement of the diner above. There was an old charcoal chute that he converted into a smoker to give the ham a better flavor. His butcher suggested that he make ribs because, at the time, that meat cut was viewed as scrap. Restaurants were not serving up spare ribs, so Charlie gave it a try with his signature touch. The food took off and made Rendezvous what it is today.
Now, ribs are the most essential part of the diverse menu.
They are prepared now like they were back in the '50s. Ribs are thrown into the fire for an hour and fifteen minutes, then seasoned with a concoction of Greek chili and cajun spices with a dash of paprika. The meat is then served so tender that it falls off the bone - it's so good.
The ribs may be the number one item on the menu, but it doesn't stop there.
Succulent pork shoulder sandwiches or grilled chicken sandwiches are available on the menu. Dive into some of the other amazing BBQ dishes like the classic beef brisket, grilled chicken breast, or even meatless red beans & rice.
With so many great BBQ options, it might be hard to choose from, but we wish we could just order one of everything.
There should be no doubt that this BBQ in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the best spots to enjoy the meats that the city is known for. Make sure you take a trip down the stairs into the basement of this wonderful establishment. Please visit Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous website for more information or even to have a boxed kit of ribs delivered to your door anywhere in the country.
After you stuff yourself with BBQ, stay till the sun goes down for a spectacular light show over the Mississippi River.
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