Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

"We had a brief business trip to Memphis, and, despite locals warning us the ribs were not the best, we still had dinner here. Our 4 ribs and brisket that we each ordered were all very tough and chewy- very disappointing. It’s too bad since the service was great and atmosphere fun."

"OMG.....I was suggested this place by several people. We got there, and the seating was immediate. Dan, our server was there in a flash asking for drinks. After a pitcher of beer was placed on the table, he asked if we were ready to order, and we said yes. I went with half ribs half brisket plate, while my son got the full rack of ribs. My sides were beans and slaw, and he opted for beans and potato salad. Needless to say, there was no food left on either plate. My son even told me to stop sucking on the bones. I can't wait to go back. There is a lot of history in that place since it has been there since 1948. You can even order online, and they will ship it to you the next day."

"This is THE place for Memphis BBQ. I had the combo plate with ribs and brisket and my colleague had the ribs and pork shoulder (pulled pork). The ribs were simply delicious and the brisket was nice and tender. All plate combos come with beans amd slaw. The beans were ok at best but the slaw was a surprise. It is a vinegar and mustard based slaw (I think). But....the ribs are really where it's at."

"A Rib Mecca in Downtown Memphis. I have been to Memphis so many times over the past seven years as I have to fly into Memphis to visit customers in the area. I have been to almost every rib joint in the Memphis area from restaurant chains, to Ma and Pa places to hole-in-the-wall places. When you are in Memphis and looking for Ribs and Barbecue, Charles Vergos' is one of those places you have to try. Keep in mind that this place has been around since 1948 and they have their way of making ribs which has worked for them. The ambiance, the location, and the aromas when you are inside are what enhance their take on Memphis Barbecue. The Rendezvous is located in a back alley in downtown Memphis. There is valet parking for the restaurant, street parking as well as Public Parking nearby which I warn you, you should use at your own risk. Once you walk down Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Alley you will find the entrance which takes you downstairs. When you arrive, a team of hosts and hostesses will help you find a table or seat at the bar and take you to your table. Once you sit down, you can take in the history, the decor and the wafts of aromas from the barbecue. Once I was seated my server came to my table in under 5 minutes, which was enough time for me to look at the menu and start deciding on what I should eat and drink. My server took my drink order and helped guide me through what was popular on the menu and his recommendations. I settled on the Brisket and Rib Combination from the 'Main Things' section of the menu. I chose the beans and the slaw as my sides. While I was waiting for my food, I had the chance to walk around the restaurant, take photos watch the Kitchen staff make the food and take in the vibe of the place. When my food came I had a hot-off-the-grill rack of dry-rubbed ribs and my slow-smoked brisket, made with the Rendezvous proprietary sauces and rubs. The ribs were not super-moist and tender but had a nice consistency between fall-off-the-bone and firm so that the rub could penetrate the meat and add to the flavour. The ribs were fantastic and needed no sauce, although I did try them with a little sauce just to see what they tasted like with the sauce. The brisket on the other hand was slow-smoked, tender and juicy and cooked to perfection, with a softness and tenderness and covered in barbecue sauce. I liked the sauce on the brisket as it had a little tanginess, just enough to open up your palate. The beans were good, not great and the slaw was edible. Overall, a great meal and manage your expectations and keep an open mind when you eat here. Charlie Vergos' has a method and a formula to their success and people still come here in droves, some to try it and most because they make barbecue the way they like it. If you are in Memphis, I highly suggest you try this Iconic rib mecca at least once."

"Beautiful and homely all in one. Fantastic service, some of the best I've ever had honestly. I'm from Georgia and am 100% partial to mustard based sauce (sorry..) but this was good. Put a little mustard on top and it's some of the best I've had! Will return next time I'm in Memphis. 2 people recommended this place to me and I'm glad I went!"