How to Plan a Memphis BBQ and Beer Tour

Memphis, Tennessee, is more than just the birthplace of the bluesits a sacred pilgrimage site for lovers of slow-smoked meat and craft beer. Few culinary experiences in America rival the deep, smoky richness of Memphis-style barbecue paired with a cold, locally brewed pint. Planning a Memphis BBQ and beer tour isnt just about eating and drinking; its about immersing yourself in a culture where pitmasters are artists, brewers are alchemists, and every plate tells a story of tradition, innovation, and community. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie returning for another taste of the South, a well-planned tour can transform a simple weekend getaway into a life-defining culinary adventure.

Unlike generic food tours that shuffle you from one tourist trap to another, a thoughtful Memphis BBQ and beer tour requires research, timing, and an appreciation for the nuances of regional styles. Its not just about finding the best ribsits about understanding the difference between dry-rubbed and sauced ribs, why some joints serve their beer in mason jars, and how the humidity of the Mississippi Delta affects smoke penetration. This guide will walk you through every step of planning your ideal Memphis BBQ and beer experience, from selecting the right time of year to navigating the citys hidden gems. Youll learn how to structure your itinerary for maximum flavor, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with the people who keep this tradition alive.

By the end of this guide, youll have a clear, actionable roadmap to create a personalized, unforgettable tour that balances iconic landmarks with authentic local secretsno tour buses, no forced stops, just pure, unfiltered Memphis.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Tour Goals and Timeline

Before booking a single hotel room or reserving a table, ask yourself: What kind of experience are you seeking? Are you here to taste the most famous ribs in the world? To meet the pitmasters behind the smoke? To discover how Memphis craft beer has evolved alongside its barbecue tradition? Your goals will dictate your pace, your budget, and your route.

Most visitors allocate 24 days for a comprehensive BBQ and beer tour. Two days is sufficient for a focused, high-intensity experience centered on the citys top five joints and two breweries. Four days allows for deeper explorationvisiting neighborhood gems, attending a live blues show with dinner, or even touring a smokehouse during a slow-cook shift.

Decide whether you want to prioritize quantity (tasting as many places as possible) or quality (spending more time at fewer spots, engaging with staff, learning techniques). A balanced approach often works best: one iconic destination per day, one local favorite, and one brewery stop per evening.

Step 2: Research and Curate Your BBQ Destinations

Memphis is home to over 100 barbecue joints, but only a handful have earned legendary status. Start by compiling a master list of places that represent different styles and eras. Dont just rely on TripAdvisor rankingsdig into food blogs, local podcasts, and interviews with pitmasters.

Heres a curated shortlist of essential stops, categorized by style:

• Iconic Institutions: Central BBQ, Corkys, and The Bar-B-Q Shopthese are the temples of Memphis BBQ, each with decades of history and loyal followings.
• Modern Innovators: The Barbeque Company and The Pig & The Whistle blend traditional techniques with creative sides and craft beer pairings.
• Hidden Gems: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous (famous for its dry rub and underground dining room), and Lillies Q (a West Memphis staple with a cult following).
• Specialty Focused: Muddys Bake Shop offers BBQ sandwiches with house-made biscuits and sauces, while B.B. Kings Blues Club combines live music with elevated barbecue.

Visit each places website to note hours, reservation policies, and whether they offer tours or behind-the-scenes experiences. Some, like Central BBQ, allow walk-ins only during lunch, while others, like The Bar-B-Q Shop, require weekend reservations weeks in advance.

Step 3: Identify and Map Craft Beer Partners

Memphis has experienced a craft beer renaissance over the past decade, with breweries that mirror the citys barbecue ethos: bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in community.

Start with the big names:

• Young Avenue Deli & Brewery: A neighborhood institution with a rotating tap list featuring barrel-aged stouts, hop-forward IPAs, and seasonal brews inspired by Southern ingredients like peach and pecan.
• Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant: While technically a winery, their beer selection includes several Memphis-brewed options and they offer curated BBQ and beer pairings.
• Memphis Taproom: Not a brewery itself, but one of the citys best beer halls with over 50 taps, including local favorites like Big River Brewing and The Memphis Brewing Company.
• Big River Brewing Co.: The original Memphis craft brewery, founded in 1992. Their Smoked Porter is a natural companion to pulled pork.
• Smokehouse Brewery: A newer entrant with a focus on barrel-aged sour ales and smoked lagers that echo the flavors of the pit.

Use Google Maps to plot your BBQ stops and nearby breweries. Aim for a 13 mile radius between each stop to minimize driving time. Many breweries have outdoor patios where you can enjoy leftover BBQ from earlier in the daythis is a common local practice.

Step 4: Create a Daily Itinerary

Structure your tour to align with peak dining times and brewery hours. Most Memphis BBQ joints open between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and close between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Breweries typically open at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. and stay open until 10 p.m. or later.

Heres a sample 3-day itinerary:

Day 1: The Classics

11:00 a.m. The Bar-B-Q Shop Start with their legendary dry-rubbed ribs and collard greens. Ask for the secret sauce on the side.

1:30 p.m. Central BBQ Try the pulled pork sandwich with white bread and pickles. Dont skip the banana pudding.

5:30 p.m. Young Avenue Deli & Brewery Order the Hefeweizen with a side of smoked mac and cheese. Sit outside and people-watch.

Day 2: The Innovators

11:30 a.m. The Barbeque Company Their brisket tacos and bourbon-barbecue glaze are game-changers.

2:00 p.m. Muddys Bake Shop The BBQ sandwich on a house-made biscuit is legendary. Pair with their lavender lemonade.

6:00 p.m. Smokehouse Brewery Try the Oak-Smoked Lager and ask about their barrel-aging process.

Day 3: The Hidden Gems

11:00 a.m. Charlie Vergos Rendezvous Eat at the counter. Order the dry ribs and a side of coleslaw. No forks allowed.

2:00 p.m. Lillies Q Known for their jalapeo cheddar cornbread and smoked turkey.

5:00 p.m. Memphis Taproom Sample three local beers on a flight. Ask the bartender for their current favorite pairing.

Leave buffer time between stopsMemphis traffic can be unpredictable, and youll want to savor each meal, not rush through it. Plan for at least 90 minutes per BBQ stop and 6090 minutes at each brewery.

Step 5: Book Accommodations Strategically

Location matters. Stay within walking distance of your main stops or in a neighborhood with easy access to major roads like Union Avenue, Broad Avenue, or the Mississippi River corridor. Recommended areas:

• Midtown: Close to Young Avenue Deli, Central BBQ, and Memphis Taproom. Upscale hotels and boutique inns.
• Downtown: Near Beale Street and The Bar-B-Q Shop. More touristy but convenient for nightlife.
• Cooper-Young: A trendy, walkable neighborhood with local breweries and casual eateries. Great for a more authentic feel.

Avoid staying too far outMemphis isnt a city built for Uber dominance, and late-night rides after beer tastings can be expensive and slow.

Step 6: Plan for Transportation and Logistics

Youll be tasting multiple BBQ plates and several beersdesignated driving is non-negotiable. Here are your best options:

• Uber/Lyft: Reliable and affordable within the city. Tip welldrivers often work long hours.
• Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA): The citys bus system is underfunded but surprisingly useful for core routes. Download the MATA app for real-time tracking.
• Private Driver or Tour Service: Consider hiring a local driver for the day. Many offer curated food tours and can provide historical context you wont find in guidebooks.
• Bike Rentals: Memphis has a growing network of bike lanes. Rent a cruiser bike from Memphis Bike Share for a scenic, slow-paced tour along the riverfront.

Never drink and drive. Even if you feel fine, your palate will be overwhelmed, and reaction times will slow. Safety is part of the experience.

Step 7: Make Reservations and Check for Events

Some of the most popular BBQ spots dont take reservations. But many now offer online waitlists or allow you to call ahead to hold a table. Always call 2448 hours in advance for weekend visits.

Check local event calendars for:

• Memphis in May: A month-long festival culminating in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (late May). If youre visiting then, book everything months ahead.
• Beale Street Music Festival: Part of Memphis in May, featuring live music and pop-up BBQ vendors.
• Brewery Taproom Events: Many breweries host BBQ & Brew nights, live music, or brewery tours with tasting flights.

Sign up for newsletters from your target BBQ joints and breweriesthey often announce limited-time dishes, special pairings, or early access to events.

Step 8: Prepare Your Palate and Budget

Memphis BBQ is rich, fatty, and intensely flavored. To enjoy the full experience without sensory overload:

• Bring waterlots of it. Hydration helps reset your palate between bites.
• Order small portions. Many places offer half-racks, mini sandwiches, or sampler plates. Share with your group.
• Save room for dessert. Banana pudding, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie are essential.

Budget wisely:

• BBQ plates: $12$25 per person
• Brewery flights: $10$18
• Beer by the pint: $6$9
• Accommodations: $120$250/night
• Transportation: $20$50/day

A realistic 3-day budget: $600$900 per person, excluding airfare. This includes food, drink, lodging, and transport.

Best Practices

Respect the Tradition

Memphis BBQ is not fast food. Its the result of 1218 hours of low-and-slow smoking, often over hickory or applewood. Dont ask for your ribs well-done or request sauce on the side unless youre told its traditional. At Rendezvous, sauce is never served with dry ribsits considered sacrilege.

Dont judge a joint by its decor. Some of the best BBQ in Memphis is served in strip malls or converted gas stations. The quality is in the smoke, not the signage.

Ask Questions

Pitmasters love to talk. Ask how long they smoke their meat, what wood they use, whether they make their own rubs, and what their favorite beer pairing is. Many will offer you a taste of a new experimental sauce or a sample of their latest brew. This is how you get insider knowledge.

Order Like a Local

Dont just order the famous dish. Ask: Whats your favorite thing on the menu? or What do you eat when youre off-duty? Youll often get recommendations that arent on the menu.

Common local orders:

• Half rack, dry rub, extra coleslaw, and a pint of the IPA.
• Pulled pork sandwich with white bread and picklesno sauce.
• Smoked turkey plate with cornbread and sweet tea.

Never say I dont like BBQ. Say Im still learning. Memphians are proud of their food and will welcome your curiosity.

Pairing Principles

Not all beer goes with all BBQ. Here are the golden rules:

• Dry-rubbed ribs: Pair with a crisp lager or pilsner. The carbonation cuts the fat.
• Sauced pulled pork: Go for a malty amber ale or brown ale. The sweetness balances the tang.
• Brisket: A smoky porter or stout enhances the char and depth.
• Spicy sides (jalapeo cornbread, hot links): A sour ale or wheat beer cools the heat.
• Dessert: A bourbon barrel-aged stout or a peach saison.

Dont be afraid to ask the bartender for a pairing suggestion. Many Memphis brewers have studied barbecue extensively and take pride in their pairings.

Take Notes

Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down:

• What you ate
• What you liked/disliked
• Who you talked to
• Any interesting facts

These notes become your personal Memphis BBQ and beer journala keepsake more valuable than any souvenir.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Yelp and Google Maps: For real-time reviews, photos, and directions. Filter by open now and wheelchair accessible.
• Resy or OpenTable: For restaurants that take reservations. Some BBQ spots now use these platforms for waitlists.
• Untappd: Track the beers you try. Rate them, add notes, and discover which local brews are trending.
• Memphis Tourism App: Official city app with curated food trails, events, and walking maps.

Podcasts and Documentaries

• The BBQ Brothers Podcast: Features interviews with Memphis pitmasters and beer brewers.
• Taste of the South (PBS): Episode 4 focuses on Memphis BBQ and craft beer evolution.
• Barbecue: An American Tradition (Netflix): Includes a segment on Memphis dry-rub legacy.

Books

• Smoke & Spice: Cooking with Fire, Smoke, and Low and Slow Techniques by Cheryl and Bill Jamison A foundational text on regional BBQ styles.
• Brewing Local: How American Craft Brewers Are Reclaiming the Beer Tradition by Garrett Oliver Includes a chapter on Memphiss craft beer scene.
• Memphis Barbecue: A History of Smoke, Sauce, and Soul by John T. Edge A cultural deep-dive by the Pulitzer-nominated food historian.

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/Memphis Active locals share hidden spots and warn about closures.
• Facebook Groups: Memphis BBQ Lovers and Memphis Craft Beer Enthusiasts Ask questions, post photos, and get real-time advice.
• Instagram: Follow hashtags like

  MemphisBBQ, #MemphisBeer, #BBQandBrew

  Visual inspiration and real-time updates.

Local Resources

• Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau: Offers free printed guides and maps of food trails.
• Cooper-Young Community Association: Hosts monthly Taste of Cooper-Young events featuring local BBQ and breweries.
• Memphis Brew Trail: A self-guided passport program with stamps for visiting breweries. Collect all six and earn a free T-shirt.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Emily, a 28-year-old from Chicago, planned a 3-day Memphis BBQ and beer tour after watching a documentary on Southern cuisine. She booked a boutique hotel in Midtown, used Untappd to track her beer choices, and followed a curated list from a Memphis food blogger.

Her highlights:

• At Central BBQ, she tried the secret smoked sausagenever on the menuand was invited to watch the pitmaster smoke a new batch.
• At Young Avenue Deli, she paired a smoked porter with a pulled pork sandwich and learned how the brewery sources its malt from a farm in Tennessee.
• She ended her trip with a late-night visit to The Bar-B-Q Shop, where the staff gave her a jar of their house-made peach BBQ sauce to take home.

Emilys takeaway: I didnt just eat BBQI met the people who make it. Thats what made it unforgettable.

Example 2: The Beer Enthusiast

James, a 35-year-old homebrewer from Portland, came to Memphis specifically to study how craft beer and barbecue influence each other. He visited all six major breweries, interviewed three head brewers, and attended a BBQ & Beer Pairing Workshop at Smokehouse Brewery.

He discovered:

• Many Memphis brewers use smoked malts to replicate the flavor of pit smoke in their beers.
• Some breweries age their stouts in used bourbon barrels that once held BBQ sauce.
• Local brewers often collaborate with pitmasters to create limited-edition brewslike Ribs & Rye, a brown ale brewed with hickory-smoked barley.

James returned home and launched his own Memphis-inspired beer: a dry-hopped lager with a hint of applewood smoke.

Example 3: The Family Trip

The Rodriguez family from Atlanta brought their two teenage kids on a 4-day Memphis tour. They avoided tourist traps, stayed at a vacation rental near the river, and let the kids choose one BBQ spot each day.

They discovered:

• The kids loved the BBQ sampler plates with mini portions of ribs, brisket, and chicken.
• They enjoyed brewery tours where they could taste non-alcoholic root beer floats made with craft beer syrup.
• They visited the National Civil Rights Museum between meals, balancing culture with cuisine.

We didnt just eatwe learned, said Mrs. Rodriguez. The kids still talk about the guy at Rendezvous who taught them how to eat ribs with their hands.

FAQs

Whats the best time of year to visit Memphis for a BBQ and beer tour?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer the most pleasant weather and the highest concentration of events. Memphis in May (late May) is the biggest BBQ festival in the worldbut book everything months in advance. Avoid July and August if youre sensitive to heat and humidity.

Do I need to make reservations at BBQ joints?

Some do, some dont. Iconic spots like The Bar-B-Q Shop and Central BBQ rarely take reservations, but they have long lines. Call ahead to ask about wait times. Newer or upscale places like The Barbeque Company often accept reservations via Resy or OpenTable.

Can I bring my own beer to a BBQ joint?

Most traditional BBQ spots dont allow outside alcohol. But many breweries have patios where you can bring food from nearby joints. Always ask first.

Whats the difference between Memphis BBQ and Texas BBQ?

Memphis BBQ focuses on porkribs and pulled porkwith either a dry rub or a sweet, tangy tomato-based sauce. Texas BBQ centers on beef brisket and uses minimal sauce, relying on smoke and fat for flavor. Memphis is saucier; Texas is smokier.

Are there vegetarian options at Memphis BBQ joints?

Yes. Many places now offer smoked jackfruit sandwiches, grilled veggie platters, and vegan sides like black-eyed peas and cornbread. Always askthe menu may not list them.

How much should I tip at BBQ joints and breweries?

Tip 1520% at sit-down restaurants and breweries. At counter-service BBQ spots, tipping isnt expected but appreciatedespecially if staff go out of their way to help you.

Is Memphis BBQ and beer tour suitable for kids?

Absolutely. Many joints have high chairs, kids menus, and non-alcoholic drinks. Breweries with family-friendly patios welcome children. Just avoid late-night spots and choose daytime visits.

What souvenirs should I bring home?

Local sauces, dry rubs, smoked salts, and small-batch beers (if allowed by your airline). Many places sell branded mugs, aprons, and even pitmaster-signed recipe cards.

Can I do a Memphis BBQ and beer tour on a budget?

Yes. Skip the hotels and stay in a hostel or Airbnb. Eat at one iconic spot and one local favorite per day. Choose one brewery visit instead of two. Bring your own water bottle and refill it. Budget-friendly tours can be just as meaningful.

What if a BBQ joint is closed or sold out?

Memphis has over 100 BBQ spots. If one is closed, ask a local for a recommendation. Often, the best place youll eat is the one you didnt plan for.

Conclusion

Planning a Memphis BBQ and beer tour is not a checklistits a journey. Its about slowing down, listening, and tasting with intention. The ribs you eat, the beer you sip, and the stories you hear will stay with you longer than any photo or souvenir. This guide has given you the tools, the timeline, and the traditions to create a tour thats uniquely yours.

Remember: Memphis doesnt serve food. It serves culture. And culture isnt found in guidebooksits found in the quiet moments: the pitmaster nodding as you take your first bite, the bartender recommending a beer youve never heard of, the laughter echoing through a smoky dining room as strangers become friends over shared plates.

So pack your appetite, leave your judgment at the door, and let the smoke lead you. Whether youre a first-timer or a seasoned pilgrim, Memphis will welcome you with open arms, a dry rub, and a cold pint.

Now go eat. Go drink. Go remember.