They have a great covered patio that is pet friendly. Order your food inside and then someone will bring it to the table for you. ' I ordered the shredded chicken with okra and fries. The chicken came with BBQ sauce on it already. The okra was really good. It came out hot and wasn't soggy like some fried okra can be. The chicken was good. It didn't have a lot of flavor (like smokiness) but it was juicy and the sauce was good. I also ordered the pecan pie for dessert. It was tasty! After your meal you can leave the plates on the table and someone will be by to pick them up and clear the tables. read more

Disappointing experience at the Poplar location today. First of all, I do try stopping here every time I'm in down. My past visits have all been great. However today, when I ordered my usual brisket plate, it came to the table slathered in bbq sauce. This is the first time that's happened. Not sure if it's new but bbq is a deeply personal experience and should not be sauced by any restaurant. Under all that sauce were two slices of the fattiest brisket I've seen. Almost all fat. Maybe they thought they could hit the fat underneath all the sauce. If I come back, I'll make sure to mention leave the sauce off. read more

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We love a good order first then have the food delivered to your table system. The ordering was simple, the service was very kind and helpful, then the food was exactly what we wanted. Tender brisket, flavorful pulled pork, and some exquisite greens. There was not one bad food item that hit our table or plates. Only major critique was the ordering was a little messy due to a pork shortage and it not being communicated that the alcoholic drinks had to be ordered elsewhere. But again, the service helped clear things up. read more

Some of our coworkers recommended that we tried this place, and I'm definitely on a barbecue kick while I'm visiting. This place is an order at the register then they bring it to you. I got a loaded baked potato with chicken. The drinks and sauces are in the middle of the place and when we went for dinner on a weeknight they were out of all the sauces. Huge bummer. The potato was honestly so bland and had zero flavor. Mine didn't have butter and it was not salted or seasoned at all. The meat was also lacking in flavor and was very very dry. It also tasted old so I'm not sure how fresh it was. The bottom of the potato was also burnt. I tried a side of the max and cheese and it was good. We sat outside and the weather was nice. There were a lot of dirty tables around us and it was a little windy so trash was flying. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Chicken Potato - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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We did carry out and ordered the Slab for 2. Half were dry rub and the other half were sauced. The meat fell off the bone and was filled with flavor. For sides we had green beans, which were bland, greens which are some of the best I've had!! We also had pork skins and baked beans, which were also delicious. The cherry on the sundae was the banana pudding. That is some southern goodness. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Sauced ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Not sure why this Central location doesn't have better ratings. Every time I've been here the food has been exceptional, the service has always been friendly, the food comes out fast, and the restaurant itself is clean. They have a nice bar area with TVs for sports, but it's not a sports bar with all the noise and commotion that comes with it. Good food. Nice people. It's an easy choice. read more

Came here based on a recommendation, and unfortunately it didn't quite meet expectations. The place was clean but mostly empty when we visited, which made the timing a bit surprising. You order at the counter and the food is brought to your table, but it took over 30 minutes after ordering for ours to arrive. When it did, everything was only room temperature. BBQ really benefits from being served hot, so that was disappointing. I had the three meat plate with brisket, chicken, and turkey. All three were far below average and didn't have the flavor or texture I was hoping for. Oddly enough, the salad was warmer than the meat (reminds of that Family Guy "Every Pizza Place Salad" bit, look it up on YouTube). On the positive side, the staff were polite and the prices were fair. That said, between the wait time and the food quality, it's not a place I would return to. And while I appreciate the recommendation that brought us here, I may be a bit more cautious taking BBQ suggestions from that source going forward. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Warm Salad and Cold Meat - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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When in Memphis you gotta get some Memphis BBQ. No better place than Central BBQ! They have several locations around Memphis but I always migrate to Poplar Avenue! I have eaten everywhere on the menu over my many visits. The pulled pork with slaw remains my favorite. The potato salad is amazing. My friend got the pulled pork chef salad. Wow what a meal. They have a small bar serving a great collection of craft beer. read more

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Great Memphis bbq. No frills, order at the counter and they bring it to your table. Service was fast, food was delicious. I had the pulled pork with greens and green beans. My friends has the ribs, wings, and a variety of sides and everyone seemed happy with their meal. $16 for the pulled pork and 2 sides seemed reasonable to me! read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Central BBQ was hopping on this Friday night! We arrived about 8:20 and there was a line to order. It would have helped if a second cashier was available, but she came on about 15 minutes later. They need two cashiers when the line was long like it was when we arrived. Restaurant closes at 9:00 but we stayed until a little after 9:30 to finish eating. They were sold out of ribs and smoked brisket so we ordered pulled chicken with mac and cheese and banana pudding, 1/4 chicken with baked beans and mac and cheese and smoked turkey with green beans and banana pudding. Food was tasty and portions were good. Ambiance is laid back with blues music playing. Restaurant was crowded and our food came out about 15 minutes after we ordered it. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Pulled Chicken Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I really don't like to leave negative reviews but this was the worst BBQ I have ever had. Dry and no flavor and the beans tasted like they came out of a can. The slaw was good nothing else. The staff were friendly. First time to Memphis was so looking forward to some good BBQ. read more

Pretty reasonable barbecue. I live in Texas so it's not really a close comparison for the style. But for what I ate, it was delicious and the service is impeccable.. read more

Smile at the front counter. Favorite BBQ anywhere. Only BBQ I eat where there is no sauce needed. The smell when you walk in makes you even hungrier. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - BBQ nachos. Nachos. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Just in the interests of simplicity, predictability, and efficiency, my wife and I dropped by here on an early Saturday evening prior to our music concert. Ordering our food eventually became fairly efficient when they added a second cashier to help with the long line of patrons. It took about ten minutes for our food to arrive, which seemed reasonable. My wife quite enjoyed her half order of hot wings and onion rings. I thought that the onion rings were perfectly prepared, and would love to sample them again! I ordered the three meat combo plate ($25.00). The pulled pork and beef brisket were delicious. I wasn't altogether impressed with the smoked turkey, though. It seemed like merely sliced sandwich meat. My wife said that she really liked the smoked turkey. Go figure. There were two sides included with my plate dinner. The slaw was delicious, but the portion size was minuscule. However, in the same sized serving cup, the greens were substantial, due to the higher density of that food. The iced tea here was fresh and delicious. They even sell delicious, locally-made cupcakes out of a refrigerator located near the cash registers. Overall, a solid three-and-a-half stars, rounded up to four stars (due to friendly customer service), with a probability of returning again. read more

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Visited this location during a visit to Memphis. The place reminded me of City Barbecue if you know. I ordered a pork barbecue sandwich. The bun was soggy with sauce. The pork had a lot burnt had pieces. I literally had to pull pieces out to salvage enough to eat. The baked beans were good and a large portions. The young man at the register and in the dining room were great read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Burnt pieces of pork barbecue sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Came here with family for lunch, and it had been a while since I last had this food--but it was well worth the return! The customer service was excellent, and a special shoutout to Jeff in the kitchen for not only preparing great food but also greeting customers warmly. The restaurant is clean, and it's a great spot for lunch, dinner, or even a date night. Plus, there's plenty of parking available on-site. The food was incredible! I highly recommend trying the dry ribs--they were tender, perfectly seasoned, and full of flavor. The French fries were crispy and well-seasoned, and the baked beans were delicious. If you're looking for some top-notch barbecue, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

I read great reviews on Central BBQ having the best pulled pork in Memphis. I ordered the pulled pork plate with 2 sides of greens. My hubby had the pork sandwich with coleslaw and fried okra. I found the pulled pork to be tasteless, not the slightest hint of smoke or seasoning. The greens were plain as if they were just cooked with salt. The restaurant was clean and friendly customer service. read more

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Great food! The chicken wings are larger than normal and delicious. 6 wings are like getting 12 at other places. The bbque nachos are tasty.

Super friendly staff. Tasty BBQ! Comfortable atmosphere. The loaded potato was filling and flavorful. Quick service.

It's been two years since I've been back. I stopped by the other day for a pickup order and it was a fast and easy process. I ordered the smoked wings dry and the wings dipped in hot sauce. They were delicious! I also had the greens and potato salad to go along with them and they were good. I would say the greens were even better than before. My husband had the loaded baked potato. It was huge and really loaded! Lol! I can't wait to try other menu items. We will definitely not take two years to return. read more

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It was my first time visiting Memphis and I wanted to try the BBQ, I know it probably wasn't the best place to go to, to get BBQ being it was near my hotel in a touristy area but I went there for the convince. The staff was nice, I ordered the beef brisket with sweet heat BBQ sauce it was ! The macaroni and cheese and potato salad was good as well. My friend ordered the turkey and BBQ her sides were fried okra and greens. She said she really enjoyed the sides. The turkey was underwhelming she didn't even finish it. Overall if near here it's a nice place for lunch maybe, I would go again the brisket and the sides are worth the trip. Although she wasn't happy with the turkey she said she would go again perhaps try a different entree next time. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Beef Brisket with Sweet Heat , Mac & cheese and potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Beth W, No response from you after 2 emails that you would take care of us. On 30th of December, I made a honest comment about your 2 orders bbq wet slabs of ribs. They were a missed on the quality of the meat. They were chewy and lukewarm. We were so disappointed with the lack of customer services and satisfaction. You responded to me to confirm that you can make it right for us. Please let me know what you can do for us. Thank you. Audrey Shelton was holding our concerns. Poor excuses on giving us a roundabout. I would not have any trust in there customer services. They didn't get it right. Too much bs on bad feedbacks. We were offered a refund but they couldn't find a record of the order. Then we had an option to get a gift card but then they wanted us to speak to the manager by phone. Who does that? Make a decision and move on. We told them to keep the money. She gave us false promises. We are done! read more

Would not recommend. Brisket was not good at all, very dry. Sides were also not very good.

I love the lady that is always at register. She always gives great customer service . The food and the service is great!!!!

Heard about this and tried this place. Uhm....I don't wanna be too rough in comments....but this place is nothing special at all. Brisket sandwich: The meat isn't some slow smoked meat. I'd bet this is some meat they buy from a food service, that's already pre-done, and Central just wakes it up. It has the pre-processed texture. Smoked sausage: It was ok. Pit beans: These were canned beans, like Bush's beans! Putting a few shreds of pulled Popek on top; hardly fooled us! Unfortunately, I got nothing out of this place. read more

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1st time dining at Centra BBQ and it was Great. We have a variety of bbq and sides. The only thing missing was Lemon for my Tea!!! Love Visiting Memphis!! read more

Came here after the rush (1pm) on a Saturday. Quick service and decent prices for bbq. I got the pulled pork sandwich, onion rings, banana pudding, and Coke Zero. Tbh should've just gone with pulled pork, the bread completely stopped the slaw and sauce and fell apart. The onion rings were great and the banana pudding was really fluffy and sweet. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Regular Pulled Pork Sandwich, Onion Rings, Banana Pudding. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Best BBQ in my opinion in Memphis, Tennessee. We had to do take up but still able to enjoy wonderful flavors just missed the great atmosphere of the restaurant. Brisket was delicious and tender. Generous portion of ribs and sides. read more

We arrived around 4 pm on a Thursday afternoon. The restaurant was nearly empty. We ordered one plate to share. The food arrived quickly to our table. The pulled pork was very dry and had little to no flavor. The sausage and turkey was great. Coleslaw had barely any flavor. We were surprised because this was highly recommended to us by locals. The food was mediocre at best. The restaurant is beautiful and service was good. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - 3 meat platter with turkey, pork, and sausage. Mac and cheese and coleslaw. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I can see why this location has low ratings--the counter service leaves a lot to be desired. My cashier didn't smile, offer suggestions or up sale--what she has is a great stare down as you decide what to order. The good news is the good is still good and flavorful. I ordered to go, about 15 min wait for food on a Saturday night, and got half rack of ribs with a side salad, plus sides of house made potato chips and pork rinds. Meat was tender and decent flavor. Chips and rinds were really good! The salad was odd, 2 big quarters of a tomato, small pile of baby carrots, generous sprinkle of cheese blend and an odd mix of dead spring mix with a romaine blend. It was generous, but definitely not a great salad--darn my need for greens! Overall a good stop for take out if you like a side of staring from your cashier. read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Half rack of pork ribs (wet), side salad, pork rinds and potato chips - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Finally, some fall off the bone ribs that tasted delicious in Memphis. I've been to a few other well reviewed barbecue joints around town and was completely let down with chewy not tender ribs. Being that Memphis style barbecue is my favorite. I was so happy to come across this place on my visit. You order at the counter and sit down the gentleman brought out my food quickly and was polite and asked if I needed anything else. I had the half-and-half ribs, half dry half wet. The smoke was not overwhelming yet gave a great flavor to the meat. I noticed the smoke ring as I bit into it. The sauce and dry rub were exceptional. Absolutely delicious. Anytime I'm in town. This is where I will go to get my barbecue! read more

Central Bbq has very nice interior, very open and comfortable. You order at front counter. Employees were very helpful and efficient. They bring the food to you very fast. The brisket sandwich was little dry but had nice bbq flavor. 3 meat combo was also little dry but the seasoning was excellent. Cole slaw and beans were fresh and delicious. Best part was the pulled pork. It was fresh and moist. They also had nice selection of sauces. Enjoy! read more

Central BBQ Poplar - 3 meat combo - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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O food is always phenomenal! Love the tender brisket with some fat ends ... melts in your mouth. And the WET hot (Buffalo) whole wings! Sides Mac-n cheese and Gree read more

Central BBQ Poplar - Wet Buffalo Full Smoked Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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My mom took a bite out of an okra with a hair fried in it. Disgusting. Never eating here. Please save yourself the trip and money. This mid cafeteria-grade food is not worth it. read more

excellent food, prompt service! Highly recommend! Never disappoints. Several locations around town, very consistent.

Tis time I did try the ribs and was mostly pleased - fall off the bone, great taste, decent service. Why only mostly ? $22 for a half slab, that's with no sides/drink. A bit pricey. read more

Today, I had some muddy ribs that were so delicious, we felt compelled to order another half slab to share! Turnip greens were on point and mac and cheese was very good. While Central kind of fell off my radar in recent years, lunch today featured the best ribs I have had in Memphis. The staff is kind and helpful. The tables are clean. And the decor is old school. This place has history. I will definitely be prioritizing Central BBQ on future visits. This chef means business! read more

Ordered online after leaving the Tiger game and it was ready when we got to Central BBQ. Really fresh buns & warm & delicious 6 pack & fries & beans. read more

Unfortunately when you screw up an order, you can an uber-critical review. Staff was friendly, but it took an act of Congress to get some sauce which was out at the station. Brisket definitely needed sauce as it was on the drier side. Pulled pork was sooo dry. Ribs were NOT fall of the bone. The only real meat on the ribs were on the cap. No real meat in between the ribs. Luckily I got these wet and the sauce was nice and sticky. Asked for mac and cheese as my side and was given baked beans. The kitchen ticket even said mac and cheese, so not sure how that got screwed up. The banana pudding is banana-forward, but more in the flavoring of the pudding than actual bananas. With so many BBQ joints in the Memphis area, I'll try something else before coming back. read more

First time having Memphis BBQ and it was delicious. There are so many options at Central so we tried it all! The nachos are made with potato chips and are decadent! The pulled pork was moist and tender and the dry rub chicken wings are amazing. read more

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