
Arnold's BBQ & Grill-Memphis TN
$$The Edge District's smoke-filled secret-alley handshake

“The Whitehaven institution where Big Bill runs the pit”
Big Bill BBQ anchors a stretch of Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven, a barbecue room where the surrounding community gathers over dry-rubbed ribs and generous pork plates. It carries the weight of a neighborhood fixture, the sort of place whose regulars measure the year by its lunch line. A 2026 refresh gave the building a new facade, HVAC, and interior, and Big Bill himself returned to the kitchen when it reopened that April. What did not change is the cooking: ribs seasoned dry and smoked, chopped pork sandwiches built on real-smoke shoulder, and a generous pulled pork plate with sides. BBQ nachos come loaded for the table, a Memphis bar-food staple, and the rib tips reward anyone who wants the fattier, chewier cut. It is South Memphis barbecue that reopened without losing the plot.
A Whitehaven gathering room on Elvis Presley Boulevard, back in business with Big Bill himself at the pit. The dry-rubbed ribs and loaded BBQ nachos survived the 2026 refresh intact.
Regulars point to Dry Rub Ribs, Chopped Pork Sandwich, Pulled Pork Plate, and BBQ Nachos.
Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun closed
Big Bill BBQ is closed Sunday. Hours can change on holidays, so it's worth confirming before a trip.
Big Bill BBQ is budget-friendly ($).
Big Bill BBQ serves Memphis Style barbecue — Memphis BBQ is rib country. The great debate is wet vs. dry: dry ribs are coated in a paprika-heavy spice rub and served without sauce, while wet ribs are glazed with a tomato-vinegar based sauce. Memphis also claims BBQ spaghetti and the BBQ nachos.