Come for the food, stay for the folks. Recently moved to Upstate NY and decided I should go on a chicken wing tour of the area. I mean, these people know wings. Running errands in this area and dropped in to try Memphis King's (1st time visit) I always get the same wings (hot buffalo) at each restaurant/bar to keep things fair. Memphis King's wings are smoked, then fried. I've found that you lose a lot of smoke flavor when they're fried to order but these had just the right amount still present. Very tasty. And crispy! (a lot of smoked wings are grilled but, while delicious, it doesn't render enough of the skin to make them crispy and I like crisp!) I've sampled wings from about 30 places (so far) and I would whole heartedly put Memphis King's in my top 10 for sure. Looking forward to trying their other items because their burnt ends look great. As does the house made pastrami *droooool* As for the people, the gal in front of house was wonderful. And the chef (not sure if he was the owner or not) was so nice. Kept checking in on me to see how everything was and kept offering me suggestions and samples. Not pushy, just smart business because I'm 100% gonna go back. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

This was great about 3 years ago when we visited, but sadly it has gone down hill since then. I had pulled pork sandwich and wife had what was supposed to be chopped brisket. They were very large sandwiches, but herd was mire like pot roast that brisket. And the pork was lacking in flavor. The sweet sauce was thin snd mire like a tomato sauce. Cole slaw was OK snd she said the mac and cheese was very good. The prices were very good but the food quality overall was barely 2 stars. We took most if the meat home to the dog. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - BBQ Restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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Tried this spot for the first time hoping I'd found my new go-to BBQ joint... but it missed the mark. Ordered a half pound each of corned beef and pastrami with cornbread on the side. The corned beef had potential, but the salt level was overwhelming -- and that's coming from someone who loves bold, heavily seasoned food. If I'm calling it salty, it was SALTY. The pastrami was even more disappointing. It wasn't sliced against the grain, so instead of tender bites, I got chewy strings of meat and fat. The cornbread had good flavor, but it was dry enough to need a drink after every bite. What makes this more frustrating is that the food felt like it could've been great with a little more care and attention. I'm willing to give them another shot because this was an online order, and maybe the quality slips when it's not dine-in. But first impressions matter, and I walked in excited and left disappointed. You've got potential -- now tighten it up and do better. read more

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100% worth the trip!! Some of the most incredible barbecue I have ever had. The service was a 10/10. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

The place is clean and the food was amazing. Even have garlic gloves marinated to buy to take home to add to dishes which I highly recommend. FYI there portions are massive which is nice plenty to take home afterward. Oh and they have seating and the staff super nice. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - So much I took half home - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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I originally tried them because I won a gift card and I'm so glad I did- really solid BBQ and good sauces

I am working in Schenectady on a temporary basis and I was looking for good comfort food when I stumbled upon Memphis King BBQ. Wow is all I can say. The young female, who is part owner with her brother, greeted my coworker and I and provided great customer service. We mentioned it was our first time and she provided suggestions. She even gave us complimentary candied yams. The food portions are generous and the taste absolutely delicious. I will definitely return. read more

They need Robert Irving & Restaurant Rescue.... Maybe the food is good, but after waiting 45 minutes after being welcomed with "I'll be right with you", we gave up and left. There appeared to be one employee who did everything, including answering the constantly ringing phone. Disappointing... Suggestion...separate the 2 picnic tables inside to make it easier for folks to sit & eat. read more

I have gotten take out from this place many times! It has been great every time. I like to order as many items on the menu as possible to have myself a little BBQ buffet. It's more of a counter service spot but they are friendly and efficient all the same. The only not so great or convenient things to keep in mind is that it is not in a good part of town and you have to order your dinner at lunchtime and go pick it up because they run out of food and shut down once they do. read more

I am a barbecue purist, so please read this downgraded review with that in mind. My preference is moist brisket or burnt ends on a bare bun, with sauce on the side. I will let the meat juice and fat drip into the bread and add several dashes of Tabasco. I may or may not add a bit of sauce. But that's just me. Yesterday I had taken a family member to a medical appointment in Schenectady and we drove by Memphis King on the way in. It occurred to me it would be a nice treat to pick up some barbecue on the way back. I called while sitting in the waiting room and was put on hold for maybe five minutes. So much for that, I thought. But I really did want that barbecue so I tried again and this time they were ready to take my order. I ordered two sandwiches and was told they would be ready in 20 minutes. I arrived in 20 minutes and was told "they're working on your order now". I added a tub of the peach cobbler that was sitting on the counter and cashed out. I then proceeded to wait another 20 minutes with my family member sitting out in the car. The place was filled with other people waiting and by their stance and expressions they looked like they'd been there awhile. There was much tense shouting from the kitchen about the pace of orders and the pressure the cooks were under. When I got my order the kitchen had just shouted "next pickup time for phone or walk-in orders is 2:30." This was at 1:15 pm. I can't understand why they can't develop a more efficient operation for assembling orders with ingredients that are already cooked. My sandwiches, which I could have asked to be plain, came per the menu with cole slaw and sauce included within the sandwich, on top of the meat. I paid $2.50 extra for their upgrade which turned out to be more sauce and a small container of slaw on the side. The meat was good, but it could not hold its own against its condiments. The peach cobbler was warm and sweet, though the way it was packed made the crust disappear into the juice rather than sitting nice and crispy on the top. Many of the people there for long waits were greeted by name when they finally go their orders, so I guess standing around at Memphis King is part of the experience, expected and maybe even enjoyed. But we're now seeing other good places in the Cap District (I'm thinking of one in particular in Clifton Park) and I'll go elsewhere next time. read more

While the food may be good don't come in person at 1230 on a Tuesday to order. We read all the good reviews and went out of our way to find this place. We waited 30 minutes and it appeared only one person was working. The phone rang constantly. A guy came out and said they were no longer taking orders! The place was full of people waiting after us. We finally left after a hour and no food. Obviously, we won't be back. The one guy said...it's always like this. read more

Sooooo good! Used Memphis King catering for a staff party and everyone was really pleased! Brisket, pulled chicken and wings were delicious. Personal favorite were the beans:) Cold salads were just as tasty. Staff were wonderful to work with. Highly recommend! read more

We are here from Houston and I have to give props to Memphis King for having some awesome Q! ! ! Me and baby did the feast and it was off the chain! The place was great and the service was second to none. Nice vibe, the cook was great and Brittany was too cool, very nice people! I will be in New York for a few weeks so I will definitely return! See you guys soon, Hot Rod read more

I have to say....I didn't know what to expect, but this place is awesome!! The ribs had a wonderful smoke ring and the meat fell right off the bone. The beef brisket was great too. Nice and tender, definitely put the Nashville hot bbq sauce on it. Yummy. Smoked chicken wings were great too. Took some pulled pork and cobbler pie to go. Wanted to try a bit of everything. Totally worth it!! The owner was super nice, "BBQ KING" (Brandon) and with it being the day before thanksgiving, he was able to come chat a bit about the place, which is was nice to hear about. Mad orders were a called in advance that he had to have his phone turned off. I say an ate and I watched the people come in one after another. If your around the are, definitely come an visit. No vegans allowed!! JK read more

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Memphis King continues to wow me. Their ribs are so tender and flavorful. I picked one up by the bone and the meat just slid right off. The first bite knocks me off my feet and triggers my caveman brain's pleasure center. Their ribs are just solid. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Best BBQ in the 518! We've tried the smoked meat, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken in the past and they're all the best barbecue we've tried. They recently added fried chicken to the menu and kept seeing pictures on social media of it and had to try it out. The chicken thigh was Huge and delicious it was cooked perfectly with a moist tender inside and super crunchy coating. The fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw and bbq sauce was very big and filling, however I'd opt for the coleslaw on the side next time. We order the popcorn chicken every time and recommend it to anyone willing to listen lol, it is the best!! The popcorn chicken is made in house not that frozen processed junk, it's real chicken hand breaded right there on premises. Be sure to try the mac&cheese it's perfect comfort food. read more

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FANTASTIC CRAFT BBQ--We are major bbq fans. And hold a high standard. We have a smoker, and smoke our own meats, if I lived here, I would not. I'd put my wood down and just pick this 'cue up at least once a week. This bbq checks every single box. Fabulous flavor, both smoke and spice in balance. Perfectly cooked, moist, tender. High quality meats, clearly. The sauces are diverse and amazing we tried 6! We got: full rack ribs...excellent--tender, juicy, just the right amount of smoke, and the rub is very very good. Lots of flavor but doesn't take over. PERFECTION. These ribs are master class. Burnt ends: not burnt, dry, and tough like a lot of places. Just really smoky, still tender and juicy and take to sauce really nicely. FANTASTIC! If these are the ends, the brisket must be amazing. Kinda sad we didn't try it Popcorn chicken: lots of bbq places will toss fried chicken on the menu, bc some ppl want it, but it may at best hold its own, and does not take center stage. THIS CHICKEN IS AMAZING. It should have a stage of its own. Come for the bbq, don't leave without some chicken!!Incredibly moist (not easy to do!) great batter, again flavorful without taking over. Dip your chicken in a sauce or just toss it in your mouth. Great either way. Sides we had--all fantastic. Baked Beans with smoked meats, fries with a parm garlic rub tossed on. Both great. I make my own baked beans being a Boston and Maine native and these beans were TOPS. The slaw was nice, I'm a slaw snob (true, it's a curse) and this one needed a little more flavor but it was fresh and crunchy. Check this place out. Eat in. Take some home. You'll love it. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Food was good . The time to get my order ready was long . Prices high compared to other establishments with same type of food .

The food here is absolutely delicious. I will say that I was quite impressed by everything that was given and ordered while we were at work I don't know about the ambience of the place itself because of the fact that we ordered it from Work and had it delivered I did not actually physically step into the building, but I will say that the food was delicious. You need to be quick with that though because if he runs out you're out and he can't make more in just a second because it's actually fresh made barbecue made daily. So definitely give them a try. Definitely take a look at what they gotand give them the business because you will find that it is mouthwatering good. The only reason why I did drop it one star was because of the cost it is pretty expensive so that is a downside but you get what you pay for. Thank you so much for listening. read more

Food is Banging-Earnest Food is very good collards are amazing and sweet. Pulled Chicken is really good Ribs are really good Brisket really good We enjoyed our Dinner Thanks read more

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Outstanding food and ambiance with nice decor to consume your attention while you wait. Great looking deserts in the cooler. Decent prices. I definitely recommend this joint, eat in or take out read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Buffalo chicken mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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I find it very difficult to believe that I let three and a half years pass since my first and last visit to Memphis King. With all the times I've passed it over that time I always think to myself that I really would like to go back. Today was the day and as I sat parked in my car at the curb, I called up my last review to see what I ate so that it might help me to avoid a repeat order. So a pulled pork sandwich was eliminated as an option. Once inside, reviewing the menu on the counter I was now deciding between chicken or beef if I was going to stay with another sandwich. I decided on the Beef Brisket. Now the basic Beef Brisket Sandwich topped with slaw and BBQ sauce is $7. Ordering a Kings BBQ Sandwich Meal Combo includes an 8 oz. side dish for $10 according to the menu. For some reason my small Beef Brisket sandwich and a side of Mac & Cheese came to $12. Maybe the Combo is based on the cost of a Pulled Chicken Sandwich which by itself is $5. In any event, the difference in cost is probably moot because I really enjoyed every bit of both the brisket and the mac and cheese. The brisket had a very nice smoke level. According to my taste, I might have enjoyed just a little more smoke flavor, but there was enough there to satisfy my craving. The beef had great coloring and some good crusty edges on some of the pieces. It was tender and the topping of slaw ensured a sufficient amount of moisture on the truly fresh and soft bun. Once again I tried all seven sauces that were available on the table trying to decide which I liked the best. Again, no outright winner. They were all good. Well, maybe the White sauce had a slight edge. Or what about that zippy mustard? The Mac & Cheese should not be overlooked. Served nice and hot, there was some good gooey cheesiness and the top had a crispy goldenness. Looks like my next visit will be to try chicken. I think the Fried Chicken Thigh Sandwich is already calling out to me. Service is friendly and fast. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Beef Brisket Sandwich topped w/ slaw & BBQ sauce w/ side of Mac & Cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Mac & cheese, burnt ends.. to die for! Just wish they delivered to Charlton! We still take the drive now and then.

How come I did not know about this place before. I love a good BBQ spot. From the moment we walked in (my husband) we were greater with a friendly hello. The menu is plentiful and the food was made to our liking upon order. The young lady at the counter could not have been any nicer and wanting to help. Even other customers were giving advice on different menu items. I ordered a BBQ pulled pork sandwich and my husband ordered Mac and cheese with pulled pork. Good heavens there was a-lot of food. The place is decorated just as it should be. With great signs that make one smile. We will definitely be repeat customers!!!! read more

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Good food Great chicken beef. All good! Nice people. Great atmosphere. Would go there again!

Foods very good, fast service. Seating is limited, a great grab and go spot. Free smells! Brisket and cornbread yum! read more

Best BBQ around! fall off the bone ribs with nice smoke ring, Yams are as good as it gets and you must try the burnt ends and brisket. Brandon and team knocks it out of the park! read more

Great locally-owned BBQ joint. Had a pulled pork and a pulled chicken sandwiches and they were delicious and generous portion. Ordered at the register and had a short wait. Will definitely go back. Recommend you order ahead - they run out of items. read more

A jewel on Van Vranken Avenue. Memphis style BBQ with mouth watering cornbread, potato salad, greens and Mac & Cheese. Try the sauce sampler which includes their famous white sauce and a mustard sauce the finest north of Columbia, SC. Best smoked chicken wings in town, great ribs & brisket. Here's the problem they sell out too fast. Call in your order at 2PM for 5PM curbside pickup. Make sure to include some jalapeño cornbread. This is fine Southern quality misplaced thankfully in Schenectady. My highest recommendation. read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Exterior View - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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This place is my go to for BBQ. It's not much to look at in terms of dine-in, but I 'surprise' my husband on his birthday and Valentines day every year. I love that it's not a chain, and the food is really great. read more

Their great.. Never have been let down wether there brisket or chicken.. Always on point.. They make a great white sauce. I can't say enough but please try it for yourself read more

I came here on Columbus Day to celebrate the discovery of America, sort of. When I arrived at 12:30 there were two people in front of me. By the time I ordered and had my food 8 minutes later, there were 20+ people in line. This place was hopping! There are two large indoor tables for communal eating and several more outside for nice weather. I ordered the fried chicken thigh sandwich with coleslaw on the side, an order of burnt ends, and an order of their barbecue fries. With a bottle of water and tip, it was about $22. That seemed hefty, but I did get a big platter of food. The chicken sandwich was awesome. The thigh was huge, and I would hate to see the bird that it belonged to. The coating was very crispy but light, almost like a beer batter, and though I like thicker substantial coatings better this was really good. It stayed crisp for a while. The roll did a great job of holding together throughout the meal. I didn't like their coleslaw, but I am not a coleslaw guy. The thigh is available fried for $4 or on a sandwich with coleslaw for $8. I wish I could split the middle and get it on just the roll for $6. Hummm. The burnt ends were not at all what I was expecting. They were large pieces of chopped meat about the size of my thumb, and a serving was plentiful. They came dry, and weren't very fatty, but there were sauces on the table to add. I was used to more of a wet, shredded texture but this was nice. It was like eating a chewy steak, and I liked how the meat had a bit of fight left in it. They were smoky, and wonderful with some added sauce. The burnt ends are better than I have had at other local BBQ places, but again other places seem to cut them finer and sauce them almost to hide them. Here, they are what they are and are proud of it. The fries were limp and appear to be home style cut in house. They were coated with a barbecue seasoning and didn't really appeal to me. However, if you are one of those people who has to try all six (or was it seven) different sauces on the table you will find that they make a great $3 testing base. I only had about half of the fries, and wouldn't order them again. The chicken sandwich is where it is at here. I would come back for that, though the hours are tough. They aren't really open late for dinner on the weekdays. Portions are large, so coming with friends and sharing stuff is a great option. Hail to the king! read more

A hidden gem of the Schenectady-Troy-Albany tri-city area. This place is tucked in the middle of nowhere and nestled in the corner of somewhere that no one would ever pass by. But somehow, they have managed to create BBQ that exceeds the quality of many establishments in NYC. I've been looking for a place that holds a candle to that I've had in Texas, and this is very close. Unfortunately, one of the things that it has in common is the long wait time due to the high demand. Try to order a day in advance, or else it'll be sold out! The meat is perfect. You can't even argue that the brisket is too lean or too fatty, because there are options for both. Ribs are fall of the bone as expected, but the point is that the meat is well seasoned and retains that meatiful flavour. I'm not a burnt ends guy, but they were also decent. No comment on the sides. That's just average. But the cornbread? I could kill a dozen for a snack. read more

Quick service, food was hot and fresh! Relaxing atmosphere!!! We will back we are 2.5 hours away from home so it was nice to find a place that had fast friendly service you can't get that from a chain restaurant read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Burnt Ends Tray!!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I've only gotten take out here, while at work, but everything's so delicious, I have to mention it. We've done individual lunches, and catered lunches, and the food is consistently wonderful. The beans are rich with a hint of bite. The mac'n'cheese is thick and luscious. I can't remember all the rubs and sauces I've tried on the popcorn chicken, but it always great (and a huge portion). Side note...the lemon pepper rub chicken is the absolute best. The slaw and cornbread are perhaps the lower end of yummy, but still very good. Someday, I'll have to eat at the actual location. read more

This BBQ joint will knock your socks off. I ordered to go, as it is busy with limited seating. As soon as I walked in the door and smelled what was cooking, I knew it would be good. Affordable, great tasting brisket sandwiches and mac and cheese. They were very friendly and the restaurant had a good vibe. It's worth a little drive to get there, but the only thing I would do is add more seating so more people could dine in. read more

I can't speak to the food but the service was absolutely atrocious. Ordered at 1140 for a 12:15pm pick up, arrived at 12:15 and was told they were working on it. At 12:45 asked about the status and was told you can get a refund or wait and was given no potential time frame for how long the wait would continue to be. Eventually the counter person (owner?) came out and very rudely asked if I was getting a refund or waiting, I said refund as I was already a half an hour over the pick up time and was told since I ordered online that she'd "take care of it later." Her attitude was very defensive and rude when no one was being rude to her. I appreciate that it's a two person show but at this point you clearly can't handle the business you have so either shut off online ordering or hire some help. read more

RE-review time kids! Imagine, if you will, a Tuesday evening after crap-tastic day at the ole' grind factory. With a hunger gnawing at your belly with the intensity of a linebacker. You MUST have good BBQ!!!! With the brides"sure,that sounds good!" Having placed our order for pick up,I'm off!! I have to admit I love what they serve here! The quality of what they do is hard to describe in a review without sounding like a paid advertisement. To preface this, I own a smoker, I've traveled far to try a "good" bbq joint on rumor alone. The bride would describe it as " an obsession". But she entertains me! What really gets me about this place is the evolution of what they serve. The brisket has always been one of the best I've ever had. The ribs and pulled pork are also on point! Through subtitle tweaks they have developed a menu that is something I'm sure they are proud of. They should be! read more

The Memphis King Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Schenectady, New York

We were kayaking by the boathouse and wanted to eat somewhere fulfilling and outdoors. This spot was it! There are two picnic tables outside that were available available since we go there for a late lunch. However all the ribs were sold out! Yikes, I should've read the reviews earlier and called to reserve. Anyways, we were still so happy with our meal! We got the -burnt ends of brisket : great smiley strong BBQ flavor -smoked wings : best I've ever had-crispy, nice dry rub and juicy inside -mac and cheese : crispy and cheeses -beans : made with brisket meat -corn bread : fresh and sweet Service : wonderful, friendly and welcoming! Thanks Brandon and his Dad! See you guys soon and will call to reserve! read more

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Fabulous food. Authentic Memphis flavor--from a girl who grew up there!! So glad The Memphis King is in Schenectady. read more