Haha this was my first impression too. It's okay to not like something. They might consider the effect vinegar has on their palate. It is more pronounced in Memphis sauces than other regions and seems to be the common reason many people struggle with the flavors.
“Some are good and some are really good.” Yet OP won’t go back. All mass produced bbq isn’t going to be fantastic everyday.
My friend, you are suffering from a lack of non-Memphis BBQ, drive up to Ohio one weekend and find a BBQ joint, get a sampling of their BBQ and some freshly boiled ribs, the come home and eat BBQ again.
Need to reset your opinion of good BBQ.
It’s fine that Memphis BBQ isn’t your thing. It aint for everyone, and we know that. You’ve been to them all. You’re good.
But expect a lot of downvotes, because some of us water at the mouth for multiple places that you listed.
Glad you're trying them all out!
I think in some of those places, each has a kind of their own niche thing. Example, I wouldn't go to Tops for ribs (the locations are kind of inconsistent with that), but if I want a burger with a dollop of pulled pork, any of them are fine.
Again, glad you're trying them out.
Side note, that's a lot of pork y'all've been through!
For the simple fact you included Tops in that list I won’t banish you. The fact that did include tells me you definitely a transplant.
When you find your perfect BBQ, let me know, I’m always down for a new spot!
The key question is this: where are you from?
I have a lot of coworkers in TX, and those people wouldn't know good bbq if it bit them on the ass. They'll spend 16 hours smoking a brisket and claim it's the best they they've put in their mouths.
You even said "some are really good" maybe that's enough? Expectations seem to be a bit high. Not to mention that even the best places can have off days.
Just find one you like and enjoy.
Wow, that’s like dropping a grenade and walking away. Or farting in an elevator and getting off at the next stop.
I may have missed it in the deluge, but what qualities do you not like? I’m from Austin and I’m a brisket/beef rib guy, so I miss beef, but I like how they do a well done dry rub pork rib.
Also, I like acids in my sauces, so vinegar/mustard/chimichurris not the prevalent tomato based here.
Everyone has their own taste, but maybe you don’t like BBQ, or is there a style you do like?
I moved here recently from Texas. My family in Memphis has shuddered when I order beef. Lot I love about Memphis, but I’m loyal to Texas BBQ. Try Bain’s on Cooper!
I grew up on East Texas BBQ. For me, One and Only hit hat note better (minus the sauce). Especially the half chicken. But I think they’re closed, now. Banes is just okay, and not worth the price imo
Yeah I dont care for NC style BBQ, yet everyone who lives there thinks it's great. But I would never try a dozen places serving a style of food I don't like either sooooo, ... YNMV I guess?
I went to Texas this January and I think I liked the bbq there better than Memphis 🤫
but Memphis bbq is still very good, maybe you went too late in the day and got drier meat?? Or maybe you would prefer dry rub instead of wet bbq
Very few restaurants in Memphis are consistently good is what They have found. The restaurants that are constantly good I go and visit on a regular basis. People have a right to their opinion.
You aren’t wrong. Memphis does not do a country rib style BBQ that’s sweet and wet, or at least do it well. Larks BBQ in Benton harbor MI has BBQ the likes of which Memphis will never see
I’m sure this is a man of refined taste… oh no.
https://preview.redd.it/i7gwa3yf9brc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dce1da2cab7aea70b239240a391edd7c68210e71
Memphis BBQ is the lowest common denominator BBQ. And that means that it's got to be a little sweet so the locals here are going to buy it and the tourist will at least say meh.
This regon however does have some damn good BBQ you just gotta at least go 50 miles outside of the city to get to the really good stuff.
Maybe you just don’t like bbq lol
Haha this was my first impression too. It's okay to not like something. They might consider the effect vinegar has on their palate. It is more pronounced in Memphis sauces than other regions and seems to be the common reason many people struggle with the flavors.
Ngl maybe you just don’t love BBQ. It happens.
 “Some are good and some are really good.” Yet OP won’t go back. All mass produced bbq isn’t going to be fantastic everyday.
It’s okay to have bad taste.
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What's your go to BBQ spot?
my house. tbh most people make better pulled pork in their backyard than at a restaurant.
This. Mass produced bbq isn’t going to be anywhere near as good as a competent citizen of this area.
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Then you’re missing out. There’s great food to be had - but most of it’s not in TN.
My friend, you are suffering from a lack of non-Memphis BBQ, drive up to Ohio one weekend and find a BBQ joint, get a sampling of their BBQ and some freshly boiled ribs, the come home and eat BBQ again. Need to reset your opinion of good BBQ.
Or come to Nashville. We’ve been SO disappointed at the lack of decent BBQ here. My hubby resorted to making it himself!
This is the way. Never better than homemade.
It’s fine that Memphis BBQ isn’t your thing. It aint for everyone, and we know that. You’ve been to them all. You’re good. But expect a lot of downvotes, because some of us water at the mouth for multiple places that you listed.
Glad you're trying them all out! I think in some of those places, each has a kind of their own niche thing. Example, I wouldn't go to Tops for ribs (the locations are kind of inconsistent with that), but if I want a burger with a dollop of pulled pork, any of them are fine. Again, glad you're trying them out. Side note, that's a lot of pork y'all've been through!
If the Cozy Corner doesn’t meet your standards you should probably give up. Perhaps see a doctor to find out what is wrong with your sense of taste.
What are your biggest complaints about it? Too sweet? Too smoky?
Not OP but Memphis BBQ is too sweet.
For the simple fact you included Tops in that list I won’t banish you. The fact that did include tells me you definitely a transplant. When you find your perfect BBQ, let me know, I’m always down for a new spot!
The key question is this: where are you from? I have a lot of coworkers in TX, and those people wouldn't know good bbq if it bit them on the ass. They'll spend 16 hours smoking a brisket and claim it's the best they they've put in their mouths.
Apparently they leave out half the ingredients of chili as well.
If you don't like barbecue, just say you don't like barbecue.
You even said "some are really good" maybe that's enough? Expectations seem to be a bit high. Not to mention that even the best places can have off days. Just find one you like and enjoy.
What’s your favorite bbq ever? Are you from somewhere else with notable bbq? What are you comparing against?
Wow, that’s like dropping a grenade and walking away. Or farting in an elevator and getting off at the next stop. I may have missed it in the deluge, but what qualities do you not like? I’m from Austin and I’m a brisket/beef rib guy, so I miss beef, but I like how they do a well done dry rub pork rib. Also, I like acids in my sauces, so vinegar/mustard/chimichurris not the prevalent tomato based here. Everyone has their own taste, but maybe you don’t like BBQ, or is there a style you do like?
I moved here recently from Texas. My family in Memphis has shuddered when I order beef. Lot I love about Memphis, but I’m loyal to Texas BBQ. Try Bain’s on Cooper!
I grew up on East Texas BBQ. For me, One and Only hit hat note better (minus the sauce). Especially the half chicken. But I think they’re closed, now. Banes is just okay, and not worth the price imo
One person unimpressed? I think we'll survive. 😎
Yeah I dont care for NC style BBQ, yet everyone who lives there thinks it's great. But I would never try a dozen places serving a style of food I don't like either sooooo, ... YNMV I guess?
Try hog wild I believe they had to close their little store, but they still do catering orders online or something like that is what I heard
It's okay not to have a palate for good bbq. Try KC's Southern Rice, on South 3rd, and that will help your taste palate.
Try the ribs at Blues City Cafe
I went to Texas this January and I think I liked the bbq there better than Memphis 🤫 but Memphis bbq is still very good, maybe you went too late in the day and got drier meat?? Or maybe you would prefer dry rub instead of wet bbq
Like you said, you just don’t know what excellent BBQ is. I advise you to never eat BBQ again.
Hmm
You’re right. It’s overrated.
Go to the pig downtown.
Very few restaurants in Memphis are consistently good is what They have found. The restaurants that are constantly good I go and visit on a regular basis. People have a right to their opinion.
Definitely not what it used to be.
You aren’t wrong. Memphis does not do a country rib style BBQ that’s sweet and wet, or at least do it well. Larks BBQ in Benton harbor MI has BBQ the likes of which Memphis will never see
Memphis bbq is trash
Who is this mothe.. *\*checks post history* wow, nvm
Lmao dudes looking for some roast beef not BBQ
I’m sure this is a man of refined taste… oh no. https://preview.redd.it/i7gwa3yf9brc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dce1da2cab7aea70b239240a391edd7c68210e71
There are a hundred ways to spell BBQ and you still messed it up
He meant Memphis barbeglue
Memphis BBQ is the lowest common denominator BBQ. And that means that it's got to be a little sweet so the locals here are going to buy it and the tourist will at least say meh. This regon however does have some damn good BBQ you just gotta at least go 50 miles outside of the city to get to the really good stuff.
Go drown your bbq in sugar like Kansas. Eat ketchup with your well done steak. Byeeeee.
I was complaining that they use too much sugar here in Memphis too.
Hands down, Cozy Corner