The Rendezvous in Memphis

A great place to get authentic Memphis-style barbecue (with a Greek kick!) - if you're not in a hurry.

The Rendezvous Restaurant as we know it was started in 1948 by Charles Vergos when he discovered a coal chute in the basement of his diner. The chute acted as a vent, enabling him to set up a grill. After perfecting his technique, Vergo added ribs to his menu.

The entrance to the Rendezvous is located behind 52 South Second Street in an alley downtown Memphis. On a typical weekend night, that alley is full of customers waiting to be seated in the world-renowned restaurant.

People wait for good reason. The Rendezvous offers some of the best barbecue in the city with flavors inspired by Vergo's Greek heritage combined with classic barbecue taste. While its dry ribs have made it famous, the restaurant also features a fabulous pulled pork sandwich with the Rendezvous' distinctive barbecue sauce. If barbecue isn't your thing, the restaurant serves a few other specialties such as chicken, lamb, red beans and rice, and ham and cheese sandwiches.

The service at the Rendezvous is unique. Most of the wait staff has been employed at the restaurant for years (some for decades) and they take their jobs very seriously. They are quick, accurate, and are happy to make recommendations on menu items.

If you plan to visit the Rendezvous but don't want to wait quite as long to be seated, you might consider going during the week. Chances are, you'll still have to wait for a while - but a slab of those ribs will make it all worthwhile.