Overnight Stay: Memphis, Tennessee
Head to Tennessee's 'cue capital for barbecued bologna, shrimp tortas, great cocktails, and the dive bar burger of our dreams.
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter.
Overnight Stay: You’re going to Memphis for barbecue, of course, but the city has plenty of other great eats as well.
Weekend Reading List: Prime rib is back, the art of the onion ring with
Featured Destination: Download your weekend itinerary for wine country in our Field Guide to Napa Valley, a 24-page digital dining guide formatted for your phone. (Free for paid subscribers!)
MEMPHIS, TENN. — We will always hit the road in search of good barbecue, and Memphis offers that in spades. Known for its pork ribs that are served with dry rub or slathered in a tangy, spicy sauce as well as the lesser-known — but exceedingly delicious — barbecued bologna, Memphis ’cue is one of the country’s iconic styles. You’ll find great takes all over the city at places like Payne's Bar-B-Q, Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and Cozy Corner.
But no city’s food scene is a one-trick pony, so while you absolutely do have to make time for barbecue, there’s so much more to sample, including great biscuits, Mexican food, and burgers. Whether you’re in town to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, or the Blues Hall of Fame; catch a Grizzlies game; or just eat, Memphis is a welcoming city that’s a short drive from many Southern and Midwestern cities, so you can be checked into your hotel and digging into shrimp tortas by lunchtime. Here’s our ideal day in Memphis.