Juke Joint Rendezvous - Memphis

They get mixed reviews, but when I went it was great! I was rolling through town and dead set on a rondevous with BBQ. I had my family drop me off, as let 's be... read more They get mixed reviews, but when I went it was great! I was rolling through town and dead set on a rondevous with BBQ. I had my family drop me off, as let 's be serious there 's no place to park when pulling a trailer. I popped out and walked over to get my glamour shot in front of the world famous sign and then moseyed on down the stairs. I sauntered up to the hostess and said I want an order to go, she pointed me to the bar and so I ordered. While waiting I walked toward the open kitchen pit and the guys were all smiles and happy to say hello and even give a thumbs up for a shot. I got a little of everything and surprisingly the brisket may have been the most tasty. I 'm from Texas and we take brisket serious and admittedly it was solid. I liked all the meats. I wasn 't crazy about the potato salad and straight up didn 't like the cole slaw, but didn 't go there for them in the first place. All in all a fun experience! I was back on the road with my to-go plate in under 15 minutes and had a happy belly as we ventured back home to TX.

My family and I came from CA. The best we have there is Lucille's BBQ and Famous Dave's. We just visited this Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous because of the reviews.... read more My family and I came from CA. The best we have there is Lucille's BBQ and Famous Dave's. We just visited this Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous because of the reviews. We had very high expectations, being Memphis and all. Just being honest here, so don't shoot the messenger: it was disappointing. The meat was dry. The flavors were OK. All the sides had odd flavors. That would be a whole other review, so I won't bother here. POINTS OF REFERENCE: 1. Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken. 2. Central BBQ. Both places absolutely blew the Rendezvous away. It's not even close. It would be like comparing a Mom Pop Trattoria to the Olive Garden or Geno's Philly Cheesesteaks to Subway. Ultimately, it's not horrible, but I can honestly say that I can get better BBQ in California. I know that statement will tick off the locals, but again . . . just being honest.

At Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, you can smell the smoke from the charcoal-fired pits around the corner on 3rd Street. Follow the scent down the alley to the red-a... read more At Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, you can smell the smoke from the charcoal-fired pits around the corner on 3rd Street. Follow the scent down the alley to the red-and-green striped awnings, then descend into the basement dining room with its old tile floor, red-checkered tablecloths, and photo-lined walls. This classic spot is a step back in time. Rendezvous is the birthplace of Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs. It all started in 1948 when Charlie Vergos, son of Greek immigrants, opened a sandwich shop in the building 's basement. Initially selling ham sandwiches and beer, Vergos converted the old coal chute into a smoker. Experimenting with various meats, he eventually tried pork ribs, guided by his right-hand man, Little John. Vergos added his Greek chili spice blend to the ribs, creating a unique dry rub. By the late 1950s, Rendezvous ' charcoaled ribs had become a Memphis institution, serving 750 orders on a typical Saturday night.

First time to Memphis and a relative who has been here multiple times told me to eat here. This place was amazing! It had all the charm I hoped for; a true loca... read more First time to Memphis and a relative who has been here multiple times told me to eat here. This place was amazing! It had all the charm I hoped for; a true local treasure! It was hidden down an alley entrance. I loved the decor. We got the ribs for two and from the time we ordered to the time we got our food was maybe 90 seconds! The ribs were fabulous. The waiter suggested eating them without sauce because of the rub, but even though it was good, we both preferred having the mild bbq sauce on them. They came with beans and slaw; no substitutions and no fries. The beans were OK but the cole slaw was weird and was not to my liking. My son thought it looked more like yellow rice. We both got dessert and the key lime pie and chess pie were fabulous. If you are visiting Memphis, make sure you eat here.

Stopped for a late dinner. We were seated right away. Our server was very quick and attentive. Started with the Greek salad, it was very good. Then came the bri... read more Stopped for a late dinner. We were seated right away. Our server was very quick and attentive. Started with the Greek salad, it was very good. Then came the brisket and ribs. The ribs were not fall off the bone tender, but I don't mind that. The flavor for both the ribs and brisket was good. I did add the sauce since it's all dry rubbed. The bbq sauce was really good. The Cole slaw was not what we are used to, but it was good. The potato salad and beans were great. I am glad we decided to share everything. It was a lot of food! We still had plenty of leftovers. Overall it was a pleasant experience.