Memphis

South Memphis fixture. Smoked bologna sandwich is the move.

Tony Bain's central-TX brisket execution in Memphis, with an actual bakery out front. Pillowy bread, real smoke.

The reliable city pick. Multiple locations; nachos are sneakily great.

Down an alley off Union. Charcoal-grilled ribs with paprika rub. The dry-rub icon.

Smoked Cornish hen — Memphis' great hidden order. Mama Robinson is a legend.

Tim Bednarski's Summer Avenue smokehouse. Jewish deli energy, pastrami done right, and a smoked challah.

Quintessential Memphis suburb roadhouse. Pork shoulder by the pound.

Jim Neely's South Memphis pit. The bologna sandwich is a sleeper; the rib tips, never.

Memphis' oldest. Pulled pork with Leonard's sweet sauce; classic plate.

Old-school dining room across from Graceland. Pink-Cadillac shuttle if you call ahead.

Old gas station. Chopped pork sandwich w/ mustard slaw — the platonic ideal.

BBQ spaghetti and pork on Texas toast. Yes, both are correct.

East Memphis chopped-pork sandwich shop. Order it with mustard slaw and a Big Red Cream Soda.

Old-school Lamar Avenue chopped-pork stop. Yellow slaw, heavy sandwich, dollar drinks.

Drive-thru BBQ since 1952. Chopped pork on a bun with mustard slaw — Memphis to-go, the way it used to be.