Menu - Juke Joint Rendezvous

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.

Last we were here was about 25 years ago. I had very good memories of that experience. We were back in town and had to stop in for an early dinner. We were able... read more Last we were here was about 25 years ago. I had very good memories of that experience. We were back in town and had to stop in for an early dinner. We were able to grab a table and were quickly served by the very friendly staff. Once ordered the food comes out in a flash. I got the large rack of ribs and my wife the greek salad. The salad was very good and very fresh. Unfortunately the main attraction, the ribs, were just OK. In the last two decades I have now had a variety of smoked ribs in Texas and elsewhere in the country that are superior to the grilled variety here. The ribs were a bit tough and not that juicy though I do like the dry rub (though a bit over rubbed... . The beans and spicy coleslaw were very good. I did try a bit of their sauce on the ribs but it was not to my liking so I stuck with the dry rub, So a bit of a sad experience since I had such good memories.