A&R Bar-B-Que is an american bbq restaurant in South Memphis, Memphis.
Editorially verified May 21, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: Tourists on the Elvis Presley Boulevard stretch head straight to Graceland gift shops; A&R is the BBQ counter that Memphis locals quietly defer to for ribs.
Tip: The smoked bologna sandwich is the under-radar order; pair it with mustard slaw on the side.
Guided tour · 3.5 hours
VIP behind the scenes access to local craft breweries, up to 12 beer samples, a fresh baked snack, and round trip transportation. Led by a Beer Guide who will educate ...
Guided tour · 1 hour
Explore "America's Most Iconic Street" on a one-hour guided walking tour. Learn about the colorful characters and stories that have made Beale Street the "Home of the Blues."
Multi-day trip · 6 days
Picture it, a journey from Nashville to Memphis to New Orleans, recording tracks in iconic studios, walking in Elvis’ footsteps and diving into the food, music and cul...
Address: 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106
Mosa Asian Bistro on White Station Road in East Memphis runs a Chinese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese menu favoured by Memphis chefs on their nights off.
Why locals goSits in a strip mall with no signage to speak of; chefs send their friends here for pho.
TipClosed Mondays. The spicy Korean noodles are the standout; the room fills with regulars after 18:00.
The Cove on Broad Avenue in Memphis is a pirate-themed oyster bar with a wood pirate-ship bar and live music in the back, a Broad Avenue Arts District.
Why locals goOff the Beale Street drag and tucked next to art galleries; the locals' weekend bar.
TipOyster happy hour 17:00. Live music most weekends in the back room.
Sunrise Memphis on Jefferson Avenue downtown is a quick-service breakfast diner with Southern plates and a full bar, the locals' weekday morning room.
Why locals goSits north of the Convention Center where tourists rarely walk; lines run 30 minutes past 09:00.
TipThe biscuit sammies are the dark-horse order; sit at the counter for the fastest service.
Brother Juniper's near the University of Memphis runs the city's most-cherished breakfast from a tiny picket-fenced house on Walker, a locals' room.
Why locals goUniversity-area location well off the visitor trail; lines wrap the block by 09:00 at weekends but it stays a locals' room.
TipTuesday to Sunday breakfast only. Closes 13:00 weekdays, 12:30 Saturdays. Get there by 08:30.
Cozy Corner BBQ on North Parkway in the Pinch District in Memphis serves the city's most singular plate: hickory-smoked Cornish hens, idiosyncratic.
Why locals goTourists head to Rendezvous; locals and BBQ pilgrims drive to Cozy Corner for the Cornish hen.
TipTuesday to Saturday only. The bologna sandwich is the second order.
Alcenia's in the Pinch District north of downtown Memphis runs Betty Joyce Chester-Tamayo's soul food and her famous door-greeting hug since 2002.
Why locals goTourists rarely walk this far north of Beale; B.J.'s hug is what brings everyone back.
TipCounter service, cash preferred. Closed Sundays and Mondays. B.J. greets every diner.
