8.7
A&R Bar-B-Que
$South Memphis, South Memphis / Whitehaven
The South Memphis pit where rib tips are the whole religion
rib-tipsold-schoolsouth-memphis
wet-ribsslow-smokedsouth-memphisfull-menufamily-style
Interstate Bar-B-Q
AIAI-generated illustration — not a photograph of this restaurant. About our images
8.8/ 10
2,341 reviews“Jim Neely's legendary South Memphis pit since 1978”
Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Q is one of the great South Memphis institutions, cooking on Third Street since 1978 and setting the city's benchmark for the sauced, wet-rib style. It is a pilgrimage address, the pit that put the Neely name on the national barbecue map long before the family had a television show. The wet ribs are the standard everyone else is measured against, slow-smoked over hickory and slathered in a sweet, tangy tomato sauce until they pull clean from the bone. Interstate is also one of the few kitchens still turning out BBQ spaghetti, that uniquely Memphis dish of smoked pork and BBQ-spiced tomato sauce woven through pasta. The rib tips are the regulars' hidden prize, and the pulled pork anchors every plate. This is South Memphis barbecue at full authority, cooked the way it has been since 1978.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm
- Price
- Mid-range ($$)
- Don't miss
- Wet Ribs, Pulled Pork, and BBQ Spaghetti
What to Order
1
Wet Ribs2
Pulled Pork3
BBQ Spaghetti4
Rib TipsWhy It Stands Out
Interstate is the home of Memphis BBQ spaghetti and the city's benchmark for the wet-rib style. The sauced ribs set the standard, and the rib tips are a hidden gem regulars fight over.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 2265 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109
- Phone
- (901) 775-2304
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm
- Website
- www.interstatebarbq.com
- Price Range
- $$
- Established
- 1978
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
Smoke8.8
Bark8.2
Tenderness9.0
Value8.5
Atmosphere8.0
Consistency8.5
Back to Best BBQ in Memphis
Good to Know
Interstate Bar-B-Q — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Interstate Bar-B-Q?
Regulars point to Wet Ribs, Pulled Pork, BBQ Spaghetti, and Rib Tips.
What are Interstate Bar-B-Q's hours?
Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm
Is Interstate Bar-B-Q expensive?
Interstate Bar-B-Q is mid-range ($$).
What kind of barbecue does Interstate Bar-B-Q serve?
Interstate Bar-B-Q 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.
When did Interstate Bar-B-Q open?
Interstate Bar-B-Q has been serving Memphis barbecue since 1978.
