When you think of Memphis a few things come to mind immediately: Elvis, the blues, the Mississippi River, and BBQ. No matter who I talk to, if I were to ask what are five things you think about when you hear “Memphis?” chances are, BBQ is high on that list. The reason, of course, is that the city has made a real mark in the world when it comes to succulent smoked meats. They have mastered it and it is hard to go anywhere in the city without seeing (and smelling!) barbecue! We have to give honor where honor is due, and for that, we turn to A & R Bar-B-Que in Memphis, Tennessee, a place that's been delivering the juiciest smoked goods for four decades now.

Today, A & R Bar-B-Que is a staple in the city -- but it wasn't always like that. Like many great things, this spot had humble beginnings.

Starting in 1983, owners Andrew and Rose Pollard started A & R Bar-B-Que (thus the abbreviation in the name) as a fast food restaurant. Over the years, however, they realized what great value they held in the river city and expansion was inevitable.

To a man who lives and breathes BBQ, you know he has honed his skills to master status over the years.

However, near the beginning, the biggest output was a simple and delicious... burger. You can’t go wrong with a good burger and it brought people back time and time again. Soon the lunch crowd swelled and an expansion was made to accommodate the larger crowds. Today, not a lot has changed and they are still slinging those tasty burgers, but the menu has grown quite a bit from those early years.

As business picked up, the fires started working overtime. Laying in the dark hidden place of the smoker magic was happening. Raw meat was being cooked to absolute perfection and delivered to the masses. A & R's BBQ falls off the bone with a delightful tenderness.

They are open for lunch all the way dinner, and the quick bites found for the lunch crowd still draw people in.

You can order "to go" and take a burger to the park to enjoy a picnic or cozy up in the restaurant to enjoy your meal. They have now grown as a company to build two locations in Memphis, so you should have no problem getting your mouth-watering BBQ fix.

One popular item you should know about before you arrive is the fried pies.

These delectable desserts tend to sell out quickly and people rave about them -- for good reason! Make sure you ask if there are still some available that day and if there are, make sure you snatch 'em up. You can thank me later.

The menu boasts a surprising amount of options and they are all well worth the money you put down. Fall-off-the-bone ribs, coleslaw-smothered pulled pork sandwiches, and so much more will arrive hot and ready on your plate to devour. So pick your dish and indulge in some of the best barbecue in Tennessee!

With so many people putting A & R Bar-B-Que on a "must-eat" list for Memphis BBQ, you know they are doing it right. Now you can add us to that growing list because this place has the meats, and they know just how to smoke 'em! To order ahead or for more information, please visit the A & R Bar-B-Que website.

Not only does Memphis have a rich culture surrounding BBQ, but this town also has deep musical roots. When you want to dig into the musical past, this Rock n' Roll Pad is the perfect home base for a musical adventure in Memphis, Tennessee.