Social Profile: 
![]()
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
Central BBQ was born and raised in the fires of barbecue competition, where only the absolute best was good enough. Since its inception, Central BBQ has consistently been ranked the #1 spot for BBQ in Memphis. We think the secret ingredients to CBQ’s success include our delicious, fall-off-the-bone meat – smoked in southern hospitality, and doused with good times. So come take a load off and try us out for the first or thousandth time – we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Hours
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 6201 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
Phone: (901) 417-7962
Website: https://eatcbq.com/pages/east-memphis
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Local Memphis BBQ | Dine-In, Delivery, & Catering | Central BBQ
Just past the I-240 interchange, down on Poplar Ave, you’ll find your new favorite spot, Central BBQ in East Memphis …
Central BBQ – Slow Smoked Memphis Style BBQ
Central BBQ is an award-winning barbecue restaurant based out of Memphis, TN. Our secret ingredients to success include our delicious, fall-off-the-bone …
Local Memphis BBQ | Smoked Meats, Wings, & More – Central BBQ
Poplar Poplar Ave 38119 · Memphis Summer Summer Ave 38122 · Nashville Capitol View … Central BBQ Memphis. DOWNTOWN. DOWNTOWN. 147 E BUTLER AVE MEMPHIS, TN 38103.
Product
Reviews
Sahaj Parekh
My recent visit to Central BBQ was a bit of an adventure – and all for one special reason: their famous Banana Pudding! I had heard a rave review about it that I decided to make it my personal mission to try it.
On my first attempt, I stopped by the Downtown location, but unfortunately, they were already sold out of the pudding. That alone was a sign of how popular it must be! Determined not to miss out, I made my way to their Poplar Avenue location the next day. To my surprise (and delight), I noticed about 6–7 customers already lined up even before the restaurant officially opened. It created a fun anticipation—clearly, this is a place beloved by locals and visitors alike.
When I finally got my hands on the Banana Pudding, it absolutely lived up to the hype! It was perfectly creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and flavor. The texture was spot-on, and it tasted homemade in the best possible way.
Overall, Central BBQ is a Memphis staple for good reason. Whether you’re there for their iconic BBQ plates or, like me, for that unforgettable dessert, the atmosphere is welcoming, the service is efficient, and the food is clearly made with love. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and yes, I’ll definitely be ordering serving of that incredible Banana Pudding!
… moreOn my first attempt, I stopped by the Downtown location, but unfortunately, they were already sold out of the pudding. That alone was a sign of how popular it must be! Determined not to miss out, I made my way to their Poplar Avenue location the next day. To my surprise (and delight), I noticed about 6–7 customers already lined up even before the restaurant officially opened. It created a fun anticipation—clearly, this is a place beloved by locals and visitors alike.
When I finally got my hands on the Banana Pudding, it absolutely lived up to the hype! It was perfectly creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and flavor. The texture was spot-on, and it tasted homemade in the best possible way.
Overall, Central BBQ is a Memphis staple for good reason. Whether you’re there for their iconic BBQ plates or, like me, for that unforgettable dessert, the atmosphere is welcoming, the service is efficient, and the food is clearly made with love. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and yes, I’ll definitely be ordering serving of that incredible Banana Pudding!
mitchalo2
The food was OK, but I was not truly impressed my meal. My dry ribs were a little overcooked and somewhat dry. The pulled pork I got was pretty good once I added sauce to it. The sides were good.
… moreI’ve Got Something to Say
I visited here on my work trip to Memphis last week. This was my first trip to Tennessee in my life and I was very excited to try the BBQ.
I got a pulled pork sandwich which was decent 7/10, but the sides were extremely bland. The sides were Mac and cheese and green beans, both lacked seasoning in my opinion 3/10. I don’t like lots of salts in my food either so if I think the salt and seasoning is lacking, that’s pretty bad.
The young lady at the counter with the braids was extremely pleasant and her customer service was 10/10. She knew everything about the menu and while being very professional. Keep her at all costs.
Overall this place is pretty decent but not my favorite.
… moreI got a pulled pork sandwich which was decent 7/10, but the sides were extremely bland. The sides were Mac and cheese and green beans, both lacked seasoning in my opinion 3/10. I don’t like lots of salts in my food either so if I think the salt and seasoning is lacking, that’s pretty bad.
The young lady at the counter with the braids was extremely pleasant and her customer service was 10/10. She knew everything about the menu and while being very professional. Keep her at all costs.
Overall this place is pretty decent but not my favorite.
Igor Veksler
Pretty quick service. Metal chairs not very comfortable and moving them on a concrete made quite bit of noise. The delicious food makes it all worth it.
… moreAnn Darmody
Best pork barbecue in Memphis. Not a great picture because I started eating before I thought about taking a pic. Big sandwich is absolutely stuffed with barbecue always get it with a slaw too. That just makes it.
… moreJessica Gowen
We stopped here while passing through Memphis this afternoon. I was excited because I have heard good things about Central BBQ and really wanted to try it. We ordered the rib and meat platter with two sides and a pulled pork sandwich with one side. When we got the food, everything came out but one of the sides for our rib and meat platter. We noticed it right away, so we asked one the employees about it. That employee asked what our number was, and I told him “62” He left and never came back, then another employee came out and asked what the problem was, we told her the order and said we we were missing a side. We were missing a side of pork rinds. She went away, and we waited.. after a while and we were nearly done with our meal, my mom said to me, “I don’t think they are bringing out our pork rinds.” Well, I paid for them so we are either getting them or we are getting a refund. At that point I went inside and asked the cashier if we were getting our pork rinds. She told someone to get the manager. When the manager came out and I told her, we got all of our food but I am missing a side of pork rinds for our meal, she proceeded to tell me “Well my employees in the back said they gave you your side of pork rinds” Basically she accused me of lying. Wow, just wow. I told her exactly what we ordered, a rib and meat platter with baked beans and pork rinds and a pulled pork sandwich with pork rinds. My daughter did get her pork rinds, but I did not get mine with the platter. She them just looked at me and walked into the kitchen, no “I’m sorry for the confusion.” Or “Let me make this right.” She just walked into the kitchen and after a couple of minutes came out and handed me a side of pork rinds without saying anything. I literally felt like she still thought we were pulling a fast one on them. I haven’t stolen anything in my life, nor has my mother.. but to be treated like we were was unbelievable and insulting. Sad thing is I was going to order a To GO order to bring to my husband back home because he really wanted some Memphis BBQ, even brought a cooler to put it in because we were transporting it back to Chicago, but I sent him a message that I will never buy anything from this establishment again and sorry he could try our leftovers if he wanted. That being said the BBQ was only mediocre. The brisket was moist and tender but lacked flavor. The ribs also were fall off the bone and tender but lacked flavor. The smoke was there, and I agree BBQ done right doesn’t need sauce, but a bit of spice a.k.a salt would have been nice. Not too much but a bit of salt and pepper enhances the flavor and can bring out that smoke flavor. That being said we tried the sauces due to the lack of flavor and they were ok. I enjoyed the vinegar based sauce the best. The smoke flavor was there.. but it wasn’t seasoned at all. If you are a super low sodium diet them this is place for you. The only good thing I’ll say about this place is the outside porch was nice and overall atmosphere was nice. We talked to a really nice man who gave his recommendations as he seemed to enjoy it. The other customers around us were very nice, but I will never come back to this location again. Being treated like a thief because they forgot a side. A simple mistake, that happens.. we weren’t mad at first, just wanted what we paid for, but to be accused to trying to pull one over on them. That upsets me.
… moreJamie Dietsch
The atmosphere is fantastic with very friendly staff. Not sure why they smothered the turkey in bbq sauce but my mom didn’t care for it and she didn’t care for the green beans either. My husband ordered the half & half ribs and preferred the half with the sauce a little more than the dry rub half. My brisket was good just a little dry. The mac & cheese was good.
… moreSarah M
Personally, I like to smoke my own meats and enjoy them with a cold beverage in my backyard. But, sometimes, I’m lazy and want it immediately. Central is my favorite place to get smoked wings, honey gold for the win, and a big ole pulled pork sandwich. Dan the bartender is awesome, and Brent made sure everything was perfect. Heck, I’ll probably swing by this week, I could use some wings.
… moreMaryum Mitchell
My daughter found this place on TikTok so we had to try it. The Mac-n-cheese is out of this world creamy!!! I ordered the BBQ nachos and my only hesitation on making this five stars was how spicy the barbecue sauce was – that’s it! I love spicy foods, but I didn’t think the sauce would overpower the rest of the dish and it did for me. It was a tad bit expensive but worth it because we had leftovers for days. I’d recommend coming to visit here for sure!
… moreDave A
Central BBQ is one of the favorites for Memphis BBQ! If it’s this location or another it always delicious.
First time at this location and I wasn’t disappointed. Pulled pork plate with Mac and cheese and beans and it was outstanding. Service and atmosphere is just a great and make sure you don’t forget to grab an order of ribs to go!
… moreFirst time at this location and I wasn’t disappointed. Pulled pork plate with Mac and cheese and beans and it was outstanding. Service and atmosphere is just a great and make sure you don’t forget to grab an order of ribs to go!