How to Plan a Memphis BBQ and Zoo Tour

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city where smoky barbecue aromas drift through the air like a musical riff, and where the spirit of the blues meets the wonder of wildlife. For travelers seeking an unforgettable blend of culinary adventure and family-friendly exploration, planning a Memphis BBQ and zoo tour offers a uniquely rich experience. This guide walks you through every step of crafting a seamless, memorable journey that marries the worlds most iconic barbecue with one of the nations top-rated zoological parksthe Memphis Zoo.

More than just a day trip, a well-planned Memphis BBQ and zoo tour transforms into a cultural immersion. Its about savoring tender ribs at a legendary joint, learning about African elephants at sunrise, and discovering how food and nature intertwine in Southern life. Whether youre a foodie, a parent, a solo traveler, or a couple looking for something beyond the typical itinerary, this guide ensures you maximize every momentwithout the stress.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to designing your ideal tour. Youll learn how to time your visits, choose the best eateries, navigate logistics, avoid common pitfalls, and uncover hidden gems only locals know. By the end, youll have the confidence to plan a trip thats as delicious as it is delightful.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Tour Goals and Audience

Before booking a single reservation, clarify the purpose of your trip. Are you traveling with children? Planning a romantic getaway? Organizing a group of food enthusiasts? Your goals shape every decision.

If your group includes young kids, prioritize the zoos family-friendly exhibits and choose BBQ spots with outdoor seating and kid menus. For food-focused travelers, the priority shifts to historic BBQ joints with long lines and authentic smokehouses. Solo travelers may prefer flexible schedules and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Consider the length of your stay. A one-day tour is possible but rushed. A two-day itinerary allows for deeper exploration: one day for the zoo, another for BBQ hopping. Three days gives you time to enjoy live music, visit the Stax Museum, or take a Mississippi River cruise between meals and animal encounters.

Step 2: Research and Select Your BBQ Spots

Memphis is home to over 100 barbecue restaurants, each with its own signature style. The city is famous for dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, often served with tangy vinegar-based sauce on the side. Not all BBQ is created equalsome spots specialize in slow-smoked brisket, others in whole hog.

Start by compiling a list of top-rated establishments. Must-visit names include:

• Central BBQ Known for its tender ribs and signature Pork Belly Burnt Ends.
• Bar-B-Q Shop A no-frills, family-run institution since 1949, famous for its sweet, sticky sauce.
• Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Offers Texas-style brisket alongside Memphis classics.
• Charlie Vergos Rendezvous The original dry-rubbed ribs joint, tucked under a downtown alley.
• Leonards Bar-B-Que A local favorite with a cult following for its chopped pork and homemade coleslaw.

Visit their websites to check hours, reservation policies, and weekend wait times. Some places are cash-only. Others require pre-orders for large groups. Note whether they offer outdoor seatingcritical for post-zoo relaxation.

Step 3: Plan Your Memphis Zoo Visit

The Memphis Zoo spans 120 acres and is home to over 3,500 animals across 500 species. Its consistently ranked among the top zoos in the U.S. for its conservation efforts and immersive habitats.

Plan your zoo visit around opening and closing times. The zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. daily. Arriving early gives you the best chance to see animals active before the heat of the day. Key exhibits to prioritize:

• African Savanna Home to giraffes, zebras, and lions. Feeding times are at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Great Apes Watch orangutans and gorillas interact in a naturalistic forest setting.
• Tiger Mountain Features endangered Sumatran tigers and a viewing tunnel.
• Childrens Zoo Ideal for families, with petting areas and interactive exhibits.
• Panda Passage A rare opportunity to see giant pandas outside of China (seasonal).

Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the box office line. The zoo offers discounted rates for Tennessee residents and military personnel. Consider the Zoo Pass, which includes unlimited visits for a year if you plan to return.

Download the Memphis Zoo app for real-time maps, show schedules, and animal encounter times. Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent, and there are multiple shaded rest areas with water fountains.

Step 4: Create a Daily Itinerary

A successful tour hinges on timing. You dont want to arrive at a BBQ joint right after the zoo, hungry and exhausted, only to wait an hour for a table. Coordinate your schedule for maximum enjoyment.

Heres a sample two-day itinerary:

Day 1: Zoo First, BBQ Later

• 8:30 a.m. Arrive at Memphis Zoo (parking available in Lot A)
• 9:00 a.m. Enter zoo; head straight to African Savanna for morning feeding
• 10:30 a.m. Visit Great Apes and Tiger Mountain
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch at the zoos Grizzly Grill (healthy options available)
• 1:30 p.m. Explore Childrens Zoo and Butterfly Garden
• 4:00 p.m. Exit zoo; drive to Central BBQ (10-minute drive)
• 5:00 p.m. Enjoy ribs, pulled pork, and sweet tea
• 6:30 p.m. Walk along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park
• 8:00 p.m. Optional live blues at B.B. Kings Blues Club

Day 2: BBQ First, Leisure After

• 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Bar-B-Q Shop (open early; try the breakfast sandwich with sausage)
• 9:30 a.m. Visit Charlie Vergos Rendezvous for dry-rubbed ribs (arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid lines)
• 11:30 a.m. Drive to Memphis Zoo (arrive by 12:30 p.m.)
• 1:00 p.m. Explore exhibits with less crowd
• 3:00 p.m. Visit the Zoos gift shop for souvenirs
• 4:30 p.m. Head to Leonards for a final pulled pork plate
• 6:00 p.m. Relax at your hotel or take a sunset riverboat cruise

Always leave 1520 minutes between locations for traffic, parking, and transitions. Use Google Maps or Waze to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

Step 5: Arrange Transportation and Parking

Memphis is a car-friendly city, and public transit is limited outside downtown. Renting a car is highly recommended, especially if youre staying outside the city center.

At the zoo, parking is free and abundant. Lot A is closest to the entrance. For BBQ joints, parking varies:

• Central BBQ Free lot behind the restaurant
• Charlie Vergos Alley parking only; arrive early or use nearby public lots
• Bar-B-Q Shop Small parking lot; street parking available

Consider using ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft for evening trips, especially if you plan to enjoy a drink or two. Designate a driver if alcohol is part of your BBQ experience.

Step 6: Pack Smart for the Day

Bring essentials that enhance comfort and convenience:

• Reusable water bottles (zoo has refill stations)
• Sunscreen and hats (Memphis summers are hot and humid)
• Comfortable walking shoes (youll walk 57 miles at the zoo)
• Light jacket (zoo air-conditioned buildings can be chilly)
• Snacks for kids (in case of delays)
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Small backpack for carrying essentials
• Cash (some BBQ joints dont take cards)

Also, carry a printed or digital copy of your zoo tickets and restaurant reservations. Have a backup plan in case a BBQ spot is unexpectedly closed.

Step 7: Book Accommodations Strategically

Where you stay affects your tour efficiency. Choose a hotel near the zoo or downtown for maximum convenience.

Recommended areas:

• Midtown Close to the zoo, trendy cafes, and easy highway access.
• Downtown Near Rendezvous, Beale Street, and riverfront attractions.
• East Memphis Quieter, upscale options with larger rooms for families.

Hotels like The Peabody Memphis, Hotel Indigo, or the Hyatt House offer free parking and shuttle services. Book earlyMemphis hosts major events year-round, including the BBQ Festival in June and the Beale Street Music Festival in May.

Step 8: Check for Special Events and Seasonal Closures

Memphis Zoo hosts seasonal events like Zoo Lights in winter and Zoo Brew in summer. These can enhance your visitbut also mean larger crowds and limited access to certain areas.

BBQ joints may close for holidays, private events, or staff shortages. Always call ahead or check social media for updates. For example, Charlie Vergos is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Bar-B-Q Shop closes early on Tuesdays.

Plan your trip around the weather. Memphis summers can exceed 90F with high humidity. Spring and fall (AprilMay, SeptemberOctober) offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor dining and walking.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Its tempting to hit every famous BBQ joint in one day. But rushing from spot to spot diminishes the experience. Focus on three to four standout locations. Savor the food. Talk to the staff. Ask about their smoking process, rub recipes, or family history.

At the zoo, dont try to see every exhibit. Pick five to seven highlights and enjoy them fully. Sit on a bench. Watch the animals. Let the experience breathe.

Practice 2: Time Your BBQ Visits Wisely

BBQ restaurants in Memphis are busiest between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and again at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Avoid peak hours if possible. Visit at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. for shorter waits and better service.

Some places, like Central BBQ, offer pre-ordering for large groups. Call ahead and ask if you can pick up your order to eat at a nearby park.

Practice 3: Respect Local Culture and Etiquette

Memphis BBQ culture is deeply rooted in tradition. Dont ask for sauce on your ribs unless youre told its optional. Dry-rubbed ribs are meant to be eaten without saucelet the smoke and spice speak for themselves.

At the zoo, follow posted rules: no feeding animals, no loud noises near sensitive habitats, and no littering. Many exhibits are designed to mimic natural environmentsyour quiet presence helps preserve that.

Practice 4: Engage with Staff and Locals

Memphians are proud of their city. Ask your server at a BBQ joint how long theyve worked there. Ask a zookeeper about their favorite animal. Youll often hear stories you wont find in guidebooks.

Many BBQ pitmasters are third- or fourth-generation owners. Theyll gladly share the story of how their grandfather started smoking meat in the 1950s. These moments turn a meal into a memory.

Practice 5: Balance Indulgence with Moderation

BBQ is rich, smoky, and often heavy. To avoid feeling sluggish, balance your meals with lighter sides: coleslaw, pickled vegetables, cornbread, or a simple green salad. Drink plenty of water.

At the zoo, take breaks. Sit under a tree. Use the shaded benches. Avoid midday heat by visiting indoor exhibits like the Aquarium or the Reptile House.

Practice 6: Document Your Journey

Take photosnot just of food and animals, but of the details: the smoke curling from a smoker, the texture of a gorillas fur, the handwritten menu on a chalkboard. These become keepsakes.

Consider keeping a travel journal. Write down your favorite bite, the animal that surprised you, the person you met. Reflection deepens the experience.

Practice 7: Leave No Trace

Whether youre at a BBQ joint or the zoo, leave the space cleaner than you found it. Dispose of napkins, bones, and wrappers properly. Use recycling bins when available. Support eco-conscious businesses that use compostable packaging.

At the zoo, consider donating to their conservation fund. Many species youll see are endangered. Your visit helps fund their survival.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Google Maps For real-time directions, traffic, and parking info.
• Yelp Read recent reviews and photos of menu items.
• Memphis Zoo App Interactive map, animal schedules, and exhibit alerts.
• Resy or OpenTable For booking tables at upscale BBQ spots (some now accept reservations).
• Weather Channel Check humidity and heat index before heading out.

Online Guides and Blogs

• Memphis Magazine Best BBQ in Memphis Annual rankings with insider tips.
• Visit Memphis Official Website Updated event calendars and travel guides.
• Atlas Obscura Secret BBQ Spots in Memphis Hidden gems not on tourist radars.
• BBQ Trippin Podcast Interviews with pitmasters and regional BBQ history.
• Memphis Zoo Blog Behind-the-scenes animal care updates and conservation news.

Print Resources

• The Memphis BBQ Bible by John T. Edge A definitive guide to Memphis barbecue culture.
• Zoo Guide: Memphis Zoo (free at entrance) Illustrated map with animal facts.
• Travel + Leisures Top 10 BBQ Cities in America Contextualizes Memphis within national trends.

Local Organizations to Follow

• Memphis Barbecue Network Hosts annual events and BBQ tours.
• Memphis Zoo Conservation Fund Learn how your visit supports global wildlife efforts.
• Beale Street Merchants Association Offers walking maps and live music schedules.

Payment and Accessibility Tools

Most BBQ spots now accept credit cards, but always carry cash. ATMs are available at the zoo and near major tourist areas.

The Memphis Zoo is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are free with a deposit. Many BBQ joints have accessible entrances, but call ahead to confirm. Request a table near the front if mobility is a concern.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Family Trip The Hendersons

The Henderson family of Nashville planned a weekend getaway with their two children, ages 6 and 9. They booked a hotel in Midtown and arrived Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, they visited the zoo at 9:00 a.m., spending the morning at the Childrens Zoo and the afternoon at the African Savanna. They ate lunch at the zoos Grizzly Grill, then headed to Central BBQ for dinner. The kids loved the pulled pork sliders, and the parents appreciated the outdoor seating.

On Sunday, they visited Bar-B-Q Shop for breakfast, then spent the afternoon at Tom Lee Park, watching riverboats pass by. They left with a zoo plush toy and a jar of Central BBQs signature sauce.

We didnt just eat BBQwe felt like we were part of Memphis, said Mrs. Henderson. The kids still talk about the giraffes and the ribs.

Example 2: The Solo Food Explorer Jamal Rivera

Jamal, a food photographer from Chicago, spent three days in Memphis documenting local BBQ culture. He arrived early each morning to capture the smoke rising from smokers before the lunch rush.

He visited Rendezvous at 9:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, when only three other people were there. He chatted with the owner, who showed him the 40-year-old smoker and explained how they maintain the rub recipe.

He spent his afternoons at the zoo, photographing the tigers and pandas. He ate at Leonards, then sat on a bench with his notebook, writing about the scent of hickory smoke mingling with the zoos earthy soil.

His Instagram series, Smoke & Savanna, went viral. He later published a photo essay in Southern Living magazine.

Example 3: The Cultural Immersion The Thompson Group

A group of six college students studying Southern culture visited Memphis as part of a field trip. They met with a local historian who explained how barbecue became a communal tradition after the Civil War.

They toured the zoos African Savanna exhibit with a conservation educator who linked animal preservation to community-based efforts in West Africa.

At each BBQ joint, they interviewed staff about family recipes and generational knowledge. One student recorded a 10-minute oral history with a 78-year-old pitmaster who started working at Bar-B-Q Shop in 1962.

They presented their findings in a campus exhibit titled Smoke, Soil, and Story: Memphis as a Cultural Crossroads.

FAQs

Can I do a Memphis BBQ and zoo tour in one day?

Yes, but it will be rushed. You can visit the zoo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and hit one or two BBQ spots in the evening. For a more relaxed experience, plan two full days.

Whats the best time of year to visit?

April to May and September to October offer the best weathermild temperatures and low humidity. Avoid July and August if youre sensitive to heat. Winter visits are quiet and cozy, but some outdoor exhibits may be less active.

Are children welcome at Memphis BBQ restaurants?

Absolutely. Most BBQ joints have high chairs, kid-friendly portions, and casual atmospheres. Some even offer coloring sheets and crayons.

Do I need to make reservations at BBQ places?

Most dont take reservations, but larger groups (6+ people) should call ahead. Central BBQ and Coopers now offer online pre-orders for pickup.

Is the Memphis Zoo worth visiting?

Yes. Ranked among the top 10 zoos in the U.S., its renowned for its conservation work, spacious habitats, and educational programs. Its not just for kidsits a world-class wildlife experience.

Can I bring outside food into the zoo?

Yes, you can bring bottled water and small snacks. Large coolers and alcohol are prohibited. There are multiple dining options inside.

Whats the most iconic Memphis BBQ dish?

Dry-rubbed ribs are the signature. Theyre coated in a spice blend of paprika, garlic, black pepper, and cayenne, then smoked low and slow. No sauce needed.

How much walking is involved at the zoo?

Approximately 57 miles if you see all exhibits. Wear comfortable shoes. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent.

Are there vegetarian options at Memphis BBQ joints?

Yes. Many now offer smoked jackfruit sandwiches, veggie sides, cornbread, and baked beans. Ask for the vegetarian platter at Central BBQ or Leonards.

Can I combine this tour with other Memphis attractions?

Definitely. Add a visit to Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, or Sun Studio. Many travelers combine BBQ, zoo, and music history into a 34 day itinerary.

Conclusion

Planning a Memphis BBQ and zoo tour isnt just about checking off attractionsits about weaving together the soul of Southern culture with the wonder of the natural world. Its the scent of hickory smoke rising over the Mississippi, the quiet awe of watching a gorilla gaze into your eyes, the crunch of a perfectly seasoned rib, and the laughter of children spotting their first giraffe.

This guide has given you the tools, timing, and traditions to craft a trip thats rich in flavor, depth, and meaning. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Memphis rewards those who take the time to savor itslowly, intentionally, and with an open heart.

Remember: the best tours arent the ones with the most stops, but the ones that leave you changed. Youll leave Memphis not just with full stomachs and camera rolls, but with stories to tell, memories to cherish, and a deeper appreciation for the places where food, nature, and humanity meet.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and head to Memphis. The ribs are waiting. The elephants are watching. And the blues? Theyre always just around the corner.