The Rendezvous
The Rendezvous has been a Memphis institution since 1948, and a lot of that is atmosphere-based. Locals who grew up in Memphis love going in and ordering a pitcher of beer and a sausage-and-cheese plate from a server who knows their name and will stealthily wave them back to skip the line. Can this make for a frustrating tourist experience? Absolutely, but if you feel like you need to go to the Rendezvous, do it. It’s not the best barbecue in town, but it’s very good and the vibe—bustling, cramped, and full of the smell of hickory-smoked pork—is one-of-a-kind. If you decide to stick it out, check out the strange objects displayed all around the huge but cozy cellar, and be ready to place your order as soon as the waiter gets there. Part of the “charm” here is the brusque nature of the service. Be sure to ask if they still have any of the (meatless!) red beans and rice, which are served daily until the pot is empty. This Memphis landmark is tucked along General Washburn Alley, across from the Peabody.
The Rendezvous has been a Memphis institution since 1948, and a lot of that is atmosphere-based. Locals who grew up in Memphis love going in and ordering a pitcher of beer and a sausage-and-cheese plate from a server who knows their name and will stealthily wave them back to skip the line. Can this make for a frustrating tourist experience? Absolutely, but if you feel like you need to go to the Rendezvous, do it. It’s not the best barbecue in town, but it’s very good and the vibe—bustling, cramped, and full of the smell of hickory-smoked pork—is one-of-a-kind. If you decide to stick it out, check out the strange objects displayed all around the huge but cozy cellar, and be ready to place your order as soon as the waiter gets there. Part of the “charm” here is the brusque nature of the service. Be sure to ask if they still have any of the (meatless!) red beans and rice, which are served daily until the pot is empty. This Memphis landmark is tucked along General Washburn Alley, across from the Peabody.
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