Juke Joint Rendezvous - Memphis

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.

Rendezvous is a highly visited historic resturant in downtown Memphis walking distance from the Peabody Hotel. With its great history since 1948, I had to eventually try even though there are so many great bbq joints in town. I really liked the inside aesthetic. It's casual and essentially in a basement but well decorated with old photos and signed celebrity photos. The wait staff was great and attentive. The food itself I wasn't a huge fan of personally and only really for 3 stars. Dry rub flavor is good, a bit spicy. Portion sizes are small for the price. Nachos were underwhelming. Appetizer plate meats actually kinda cold when they came out and again small for the price. I think this is one of those places to come once and say you've been, and then go try many many other great Memphis bbq places in town.

This is a Memphis staple. At least for me. I come to Memphis several times per year and it surely does not disappoint let me just say that. There's a lot of bbq joints out there but rendezvous really REALLY stands out. The sauces have a great flavor without being overly sweet. I really enjoy the mustard vinegar coleslaw too! Very unusual than other bbq places. Potato salad delicious. Portion sizes are amazing too! I spent $25 on a rack of ribs and brisket and this thing fed me all day lunch to dinner. Still dreaming about this meal! If you're in the area do yourself a favor and go go go. Ignore the fact it's in an alley and head inside.

After several recommendations from the internet, past visitors, and locals, I decided this was THE place I had to try my first Memphis BBQ and I was not disappointed. We got there just in time to avoid the rush. We were seated right away and by the time we left they were up to just about an hour wait. The decor is old bbq house. Lots of signs and decor telling the history of the place, a painting of the founder on one wall, a cabinet full of Precious Moments figurines on another. Our server was fast, efficient, and nice enough without being overly friendly or talkative. Knowing this was only first stop of the evening we each had a local beer and split an appetizer and one entree to leave room for later. Sausage and Cheese appetizer was just that. Smoked sausage had been dusted with seasoning and laid atop thin slices of Velveeta, served with pepperoncini and saltines. It was decent, it was tasty, it held us over for the very short wait before our food came but there was nothing special about it. Then the food came out. Much faster than we would have thought but really everything had been cooking all day so it kinda makes sense? Sides were a default beans and slaw, it may be possible to ask for something else but it seemed a default and we were not asked if we wanted to change... BBQ Beans were too sweet for us. Not a fan. The slaw is amazing though, done with a vinegar based sauce and not too wet, really good. The ribs were pretty good. So tasty we didn't even bother using the sauce as the dry rub flavor was so good! Fair warning, these are not tiny, fall off the bone baby backs, these are thick, meaty, spareribs with some bite and chew to them. That's my preference so I liked it but be ready. The brisket was amazing! Tender, juicy, flavorful, just the right amount of fat, best brisket I've had I think. We were in a hurry to get out and explore the city, plus the place was starting to fill up, so no dessert this time...

What a pleasure it was to eat at the iconic Rendezvous in Memphis,Tn. I can't imagine not visiting this place while visiting Memphis, an historical place with delicious food, fantastic ambiance mainly ribs and brisket but the menu offers vegetarian friendly foods. The service was the epitome of southern hospitality and the legendary Robert Jr served us with all of his 43 years of experience of working there, starting at age 14 and worked along with his dad Robert Sr, he was beyond charming and helpful, we all felt well taken care of and I would go back there just to talk to him and ask him questions about his experiences . Thanks Rendezvous and thank you James Robert Jr for making our night special.