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I went here about three years ago - but it was SO good, I still remember it. I also wrote the following story/review about two years ago, but wanted to share it. :)
The restaurant is located on the corner of Second Street and Beale Street in a large, tan brick buildings walled with windows displaying neon signs saying things like "World Famous Salads" and "Best Meal on Beale" and "Put Some South In Your Mouth!" We were seated in cheap black seats at a small table next to one of the windows, after a half hour wait. The entire restaurant was filled with tourists dining on a variety of food placed on large plates that seemed to occupy half the table. Smoke infiltrated the air - it was noticeable but still breathable inside. The smell of meat and vegetables cooking filled the air, as well as the smoke the smells of a grill. People were talking loudly amongst themselves, but I didn't hear any music. In the back of the room was the long counter behind which the cooks dressed in white aprons and hats were preparing the food. Occasional flames would shoot up from the grills. A doorway at the end of the room led to another seating area containing more cheap black chairs and wooden booths, along with an empty stage. Photographs of famous musicians who had been to this restaurant were framed and covered the walls: BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Reverend Al Green, and Hank Williams Jr, to name a few.
I'm usually afraid to try new foods for fear that I will dislike the meal and end up being hungry with wasted money, such as the time I ordered sushi from a restaurant thinking I would like it and then finding out I didn't like the types I ordered - I'm picky about what I eat. Twenty dollars down the drain and still an empty stomach. Therefore, when we were showed the menu, I was anxious about what to order. The menu contained seafood gumbo, stuffed mushrooms, BBQ ribs, oven-broiled steaks, crab au gratin, chicken breast, and southern fried catfish. Not wanting to spend money on something I can get anywhere, such as chicken breast, I considered my other choices. I don't like barbeque sauce, or eating with my fingers, so that was out. I'd never had gumbo or stuffed mushrooms so I didn't want to risk trying that. Steaks were a bit too extravagant for a simple meal, in my opinion. Although I had never had catfish before, I decided to try it--I've enjoyed other forms of fried fish. Amber ordered the BBQ ribs.
Half an hour later, I received an extremely large fried catfish, possibly a foot long, occupying half the plate along with a generous side of steak fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. My friend's plate contained the same foods, but ribs instead of catfish. Hungry, since our only meal that day had been a quick stop at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky, we both picked up the food and ate it quickly and as much as we could. Needless to say, I was unable to eat the entire meal although it was one of the most delicious meals I had ever eaten - the kind of meal people desire for their last dinner before being executed. The food tasted fresh and well-prepared - just hot enough. The fried outer layer of the fish was a nice golden color and crispy. The inside of the fish was extremely filling and rich - almost the way you could describe the culture in Memphis, rich in music and soul. I couldn't even consume the entire fish; half was still left on the plate. It was probably the first time I had ordered food I never had before and fell in love with it - desiring to eat it as often as I could and believing I'd never get tired of it.
If I ever return to Memphis, I'm making a stop here!
This cozy cafe is located on famous Beale Street. Every dish that our party ordered was scrumptious..
We started out with a sausage & cheese platter that was very flavorful. I ordered their famous fried catfish which was out of this world. The other parties order the ribs which were so tender they fell of the bone. The bbq sauce was perfect and had such a distinctive taste.
Although we had already had way to much to eat, we went on to order a dessert. The Apple dumpling was such a sinful sensation that consisted of baked apple wrapped in pastry seared with butter in an iron skillet and then drizzled with cinnamon sauce and served with vanilla ice cream.
When your finished stuffing yourself at this great cafe. Do yourself a favor and walk it off down the famous Beale Street. It is a small street so you may have to circle a few times around...
I really love this place and will definitely be back on my next trip to Memphis..
Within the span of 3 weeks I found myself in the great state of Tennessee twice. So far my travels had never brought me to Tennessee before so it was great getting to check out two of it's most popular cities- Memphis and Nashville.
Being a fan of southern food I was pretty excited to find myself in Memphis, the land of world famous BBQ baby back ribs! This location was recommended to us by a co-worker who lives in the area and had declared it as the best spot for ribs in Memphis after many years of research.
My co-workers and I arrived and I really dug the way Blues City Cafe is set up. The inside is bigger than it looks from the outside. As our server seated us we walked past the area where the cooks prepare the entrees and sides buffet style so that they can pump out lots of orders in a short time. This may put some folks off thinking that they may wind up with food that's been sitting under a lamp for a while- but no worries about that at Blues City Cafe. Your food's only sitting there for a hot minute before it's served because they have so much business!
Blues City Cafe has a great beer selection, I thoroughly enjoyed a Blue Moon that complimented my meal perfectly. Speaking of my meal- everyone ordered ribs, the only difference being whether they got the whole rack, half, or the Best Meal on Beale which includes ribs and some fried catfish that according to one of my co-workers was pretty awesome. I ordered a half rack of ribs with beans and fries. The fries were probably the least exciting part of the meal, they weren't the best I've ever had but they were ok. The beans were fabulous. I normally am not a fan of baked beans but I could have eaten these all night. They taste as though they've been simmered all day with delicious caramelized onions and just a little bit of jalapeno to add a kick of flavor but not too much heat. They were the best beans I've ever had.
The main attraction is obviously the ribs. The ribs at Blues City are pretty darn good. I wish I could say more because I really did enjoy it here and would love to come back again for dinner but if I'm being honest I've had better ribs. I found the meat on these ribs to be a little too stringy for my liking. I make ribs a lot and know it takes time and patience to slow cook your ribs to eliminate the stringy bits and cook off the fat. It just tasted like these ribs were rushed a bit. The BBQ sauce was good (these were not dry rub ribs) but again I've had better.
I don't know what the chances are that I'll be back in Memphis again soon but I look forward to the time when my travels bring me here again. Memphis was an awesome place to visit and I had a great time during the pub crawl that commenced after dinner.
We have eaten here several times and have never been disappointed, much better than the Rendezvous. Wonderful ribs whether dry or with sauce. The sides are excellent as well and the fries are the best. We've eaten in the bar and the entertainment is first rate. I don't understand the reviews with low ratings as we have been here at least 6 times and the quality never fails. The atmosphere is rather funky, but it is clean and the service is tops.
Best tamales and chili. One of my fave places to eat in Memphis. When we were there, there was a tornado and flash flood warning. We were in the middle of a hurricane and the winds were blowing at 75mph. We were sitting by the windows and they made us move because it wasn't safe. We were in the joint for about 2 hours on lockdown but the tamales were worth the almost near-death experience...well maybe...
Our valet at the Westin off Beale recommended this place and it did not disappoint.
My kids and I were amazed at the tenderness of the ribs and the amazing taste. Beans and slaw were also amazingly well done. It's Memphis so good ribs are eveywhere.
We also had the apple dessert which is just like a fried apple pie a-la-mode. One of the best desserts I've ever had.
A great place on Beale St for real Memphis barbecue.
I was actually pretty impressed by Blues City Cafe. I lucked out on my first choice for barbeque, which happened to be closed on Sunday. But luckily for me, Blues City Cafe was open, and offered some tasty ribs.
I started off with some Tamales and had a Full Rack of Ribs.
The Tamales were average. There wasn't anything that stood out from other tamales I have had. They were soft and flavorful.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The Ribs were actually pretty tasty. The had a nice dry rub on them and were charred from the grill. I actually really enjoyed this. They didn't get dry on the inside and were still somewhat tender. The sauce used for basting was also fantastic. Great flavor.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The coleslaw was killer here. So were the baked beans.
This was a good and surprising lunch.
BEST BBQ ribs in Memphis!
I've been in the area for over 25 years and its our favorite place on Beale St. to eat.
Try the catfish and the OMG family style steaks, too.
Oh and BTW for migraine sufferers.... leave The Rendezvous and Corky's to the tourists. Blues City Cafe gives you real BBQ natural flavor without the headache.
On my trek down River Street in Memphis, sipping my Beale Street Big Ass beer, and we decided to have ribs once again. After a very disappointing trip to Neely's, We went on the recommendation of our hotel hostess. She was right. I was pretty good, and much better than our Neely's experience. The Maple hickory bbq sauce was great, the service was very good. I highly recommend!
I have a profound love for ribs (only pork will do). I journeyed to Memphis. It was here that I stumbled upon the holy grail.
The meal was one of the most sensual food experiences I have ever had. I sucked (it's oh so tender) every precious morsel of meat off the bone. It was the longest, fattest, juiciest slab of flesh I have ever consumed in one sitting.
If you don't eat meat, there are other good things here. The gin and tonics are strong and cheap. Film star Danny Glover was in the booth next to ours. He's a very handsome man. But I only had eyes for my sweet, sweet swine.
Yay for (good!) live music. with a fun atmosphere. I went on a Tuesday night and the restaurant seemed suitable for all ages while the bar crowd was enjoying the Johnny Cash covers.
There are booths, tables and bar tops. The red accented chairs made the restaurant pop and the walls are covered with oldie memorabilia.
I am a stickler for cleanliness and was impressed that the tables were being consistently wiped down and the back of the house wore gloves.
The menu is not extensive, but offered a nice variety. I ordered the ribs and they did fall off the bone just as described. The toast was a bit dry, but the other sides were good. The food comes out super quick!
Service was friendly and efficient. Prices were totally reasonable for the amount of food served.
If you're on Beale, check out the place. Overall, nice experience.
Ribs are awesome and I have never had a piece of catfish grilled so well. We had The Best Meal on Beale which is a 1/2 rack of juicy pork ribs, catfish, beans, tasty slaw & fries. All were great. The help was a little rude but that just added to the atmosphere. A don't miss on Beale Street.
Blues city cafe came after a good amount of trying to find out where the heck I'd be going to lunch...since my original choice wasn't open (I can't think of the name of it right now...). I thought I'd ask a few locals to recommend a good substitute and a number of folks suggested that I try blues city because the ribs were good.
Sometimes you have to realize that the locals don't know what the hell they are talking about.
Blues city was pretty dissapointing. Looking back I sorta wish I woulda walked across the street and to BB Kings. But I didn't.
Blues city is a bonafide cafe...the hostess had one of biggest butts and smallest waists I had ever seen in my life....this actually provided much of the entertainment of my visit...I was simply amazed.
I ordered a 1/2 slab of ribs and french fries...the fries were actually pretty tasty...crispy...and well flavored.
The ribs were average...I really expected more considering how much they were boosted by the locals...the flaovor was dissapointing...sigh.
Ill never go back...
I haven't eaten here, but I have enjoyed the nightlife here and it's a guaranteed great time any way you slice it. Live music (very talented musicians), an easy going crowd, a dance floor susceptible to endless good times, and a chill ambiance make this place a winner. It gave me a very good first impression of Beale Street. Staying downtown is a BIG plus if you're visiting Memphis because you can just walk to Beale Street and not worry about that "who's the DD" crap.
OK so I was really impressed with the size of the gas powered grills. And I spent way too long taking pictures of the interior. No-one complained, so I kept right on going.
I had the half-rack with fries and BBQ beans. I have to admit, I just am not 100% convinced about the whole concept of BBQ beans - I'm a Hienz girl - adding even more sugar just is a little overkill for me. However, the fries were really really really tasty - I haven't had such good fries since I arrived in this country.
Now the half rack - admittedly, if the marinade had had more (any flavour) this would have gone straight to 5 stars. Shame really because otherwise the ribs themselves were 100% melt in the mouth. I am not an aficionado of the ribbed kind, but in terms of how well they were cooked, they were absolutely fabulous - but the flavour itself was a bit more lacking. And I have had much better marinades.
All in all, for a tourist joint its great. I liked the atmosphere, and the run-down-ness of the decor (I hate the plastic cleanliness of some places) - this place had an aura of smoke low-lying near the ceiling. I really enjoyed it and was glad that I made the choice to stop in.
I am searching for the world famous Memphis style BBQ baby back ribs! Everyone I met recommended this joint saying this is the best in Downtown! Unfortunately I don't I found Memphis style rib here. I ordered a full rack of their "world's best" (or something like that) pork ribs. The bean, Texas toast, and slaw were nice. Fries could be better... but the ribs were dry and overcooked. No pinkness in these ribs... and usually I can eat 2 racks all by myself. This experience made it painful to finish just half a rack. Did I mention dry? Pretty mediocre stuff... and I know that Tony Roma's make better ribs than this. Overall good atmosphere and service is not bad. Not finger licking good here. And they like to leave the membrane on the ribs... not pretty, nor tasty.
Excellent "wet" bbq in downtown Memphis right next to Beale St. Just tables and chairs and some great food. Open kitchen, decent beer selection (Shiner Bock!)
I read all of the reviews for Blues City, I'm not sure why people did not enjoy it as much as I did.
Blues City has a great corner location located in on the infamous Beale Street runway. When you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by what can be best described as a "bum." He is half in the bag, and mumbling something under his breath. At first I thought he was begging for change, but what he really was saying was "Welcome to Blues City...you blah blah blah...something....," followed by a big smile. The man was trashed, but employed....and I was on vacation, so what the hell did I care?
My gf and I proceeded to walk in and sat down at a nice clean table. Upon first review, the place looks like a rib house...and I love it. Not the tidiest looking place, not a fancy swank outfit...just a normal rib house. The cooks are standing behind the counter, doing their business, and preparing what looks to be some awesome ribs.
Our waitress appeared after a few minutes, asked us what we wanted to drink. I asked what beers they had on tap, she replied with a , "We don't carry beers on tap." Wow...that sucks and that's gonna cost you a star. Especially on Beale Street, and especially at a rib house...why would you NOT carry beers on tap?? So, we ordered 2 bottled beers and a half-rack of ribs each.
The ribs were GOOD! Not the best, but damn good. By reading the other reviews, you would think Blues City was bad. You don't order catfish and cheese and sausage here...you order RIBS.
"Best Meal on Beale" my ass. Nasty is what it is. Actually, its just ok. Naw, no its not.. don't waste your money thinking you're having a piece of some great shit. Its just shit, not great. A swanky ass little joint thats open when everything else closes. The tamales were ok, with hot sauce.
Been here twice over a few years, I'd never EVER go back.
"My fave BBQ restaurant in the World. Bar none! The best best best ribs...so smokey and yummy!!!"
Perhaps it was all of the neon lights on Beale street that drew my attention to this place. Or perhaps, it was just a growl in my stomach and time to sample some more ribs (most likely the latter).
My husband and I shared a large platter of ribs. The meat just slid of them bones. Juicy, tasty and oh so good. Man I love ribs!! Stingy with the mini sides of beans/slaw but that only meant we got to concentrate on the pork.
The maple bbq sauce was delicious.
Had a quick lunch here a couple of days ago. I ordered three of their "world's best" (or something like that) tamales and a bowl of chili on the side. The tamales were pretty mediocre, actually, but the chili was fantastic. Would go back for more chili, and to try something else from the menu. Good atmosphere and fast service.
I'm a fan.
best fried catfish EVER!!! Best Ribs and sauce. Real BBQ! Nothing else like it. This place was so cool like a 50's diner with nothing but BBQ. They service was super fast & friendly and the food burns into your brain.
Many of the other BBQ options in Memphis are closed on Sundays, so Blues City had to do. No huge wait--about 10 minutes for a table. Split the full rack of ribs and appetizer of crab au gratin with my mom. Satisfactory, but nothing to write home about.
I did enjoy the dive-y atmosphere and appreciated the "Put some South in your mouth" sign.
I really like Bar-B-Q, but Blues City Cafe just doesn't look clean.
I assume the idea is for it to be an authentic ribs joint, but I got a good look at the kitchen area when we walked in and it was not very clean looking.
My ribs were huge, $19.95 for a full slab, more than Rendezvous by a few bucks. Fattier than ribs I've had in the past. I ate half of them, they were just OK. I think my view of the kitchen turned me off a bit. The beans and coleslaw were good. The bread and french fries would rate a "B" in my book.
My guest, Colleen The Vinyl Queen, had their shrimp, served in a skillet. It was great!
Our waiter was cool. The food and appearance of the place was just "OK."
This is a tourist trap, do not come in here. Blues City Café looks very authentic from outside and is the first big restaurant you see when you get off the trolley and walking toward Beale St. I was in Memphis for a conference. So I searched the reviews on Yelp and wanted to try another restaurant near by. But it was closed, so we wondered around and saw that Blues City Café was filled with people. Having no mobile internet access to search on it and no plan B, we decided to take a chance. After settling down, I realized I recognized everyone in the restaurant...all conference people. To make the long story short, the food was terrible. I had a very dried BBQ pork rib covered with not-so tasty sauce. The restaurant does have a very good beer selection though and our waitress called me "sweetie".
Ok, so clearly food is NOT this place's specialty. Some friends and I went for a late night snack after going to see a show at nearby Cafe Soul. BCC just looked filthy! The tables and chairs were all mismatched, and the chair I sat in looked like a remnant from the Civil Rights Movement. Because it was so late, and because so many of the dishes on the menu looked so filling, I ordered my us-ual (pronounced 'use-yall') - grilled cheese with tomato and bacon and fries. Much to my surprise, out waiter told me that they didn't have any bacon. REALLY? No bacon...at a greasy spoon...in Memphis??? Come on homie! After just looking at him for about 5 seconds, I asked him if they had tomatoes, and when he said yes, I told him to just give me the grilled cheese with tomato. My food came, and the cheese was barely melted and the tomato was cold (usually a good thing, but NOT on a grilled cheese sandwich). The fries would have been tasty - if they'd been HOT, and not room temperature. In fact, everyone at my table who'd ordered fries (there were 3 of us who did) asked the waiter for all new fries. I only ate a little bit of my food, and my stomach started hurting before we even left.
Our waiter - I forget his name, was really nice though.
Seriously, this place made me homesick for a Jersey diner. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll NEVER eat at BCC again.
Hey Judy E, from CA :
I've been telling people for YEARS that the food at the Rendezvous was HORRIFIC, but it keeps getting some web-based reviews that must be written by Vergos' employees or the friggen Memphis Chamber of Commerce !....because that place is BAD !!!!!!!!!!
Blues City ribs are very decent....period...not mind blowing but WAAAY
better than the CRAP served at Rendezvous
I'm very picky over creole and Cajun dishes, but this place has the best seafood gumbo north of New Orleans (not counting places in Louisiana of course). The owner is cool too.
my friend and i had one night to spend in memphis. we were advised to eat at Blues City Cafe. we are not fans of anything that's like a diner and this place looks kinda dinerish. on our way to being seated we walked past the kitchen area where food that look kinda nasty like it had been sitting out for awhile was visible behind a glass.
we changed our minds and left to roam the streets for better recommendations. at least 3 more locals recommended Blues City Cafe.
we went back. the food was just okay. i got ribs, he got cat fish. it was nothing to write home about.
the place grossed me out a little. especially when the guy sitting next to us started to vomit into his glass of soda. we left IMMEDIATELY.
the final straw is that we BOTH had gastro intestinal issues all of the next day.
don't go eat there.
Blues City Cafe may not be the "best" Memphis BBQ but it is definitely up there. I have never had anything there that was "nasty" and I have eaten there on many occasions- I actually celebrated my 21st birthday there. I wouldn't take anyone seriously who goes to a BBQ cafe and orders tamales- that's all I'm saying about that. The ribs are to die for and this is coming from someone who actually grew up around the BBQ grill. These ribs taste like home and I just can't say that about Corky's. The fried catfish is equally authentic and you can't beat southern hospitality service. The music and ambiance are really fun and the food is even better.
Decent spot for ribs, tamales, and chili. Prob better if you are drunk. If you are on Beale St. and want some yummy diner food in a chill spot you should check it out. Pretty touristy and I think the ribs and chili were decent but not outstanding.
Went for lunch. Sat in the bar. Bartender was our server. Wine in a plastic cup is always classy. ;-) Pretty good beer selection, though. Appetizer was Sausage and Cheese plate; not good presentation, but it was tasty. I had the tamales and chili; tasty. Would have preferred they were larger (more filling, less corn), and maybe a choice, of filling, but good nonetheless. Chili was average, but good. Companion had the Strip Steak and green beans w/ the side salad. Salad was surprisingly tasty. Steak was decent. Sort of slapped on the plate haphazardly, but then again you really don't get the impression that you will get much more than that when you walk in.
When we asked the best place to get ribs, we got a couple of responses but I was suprised that this was on the list. The ribs were so-so, the catfish was pretty good. The best thing that I had there was the gumbo which again was just pretty good.
I had one day to spend in Memphis and it happened to be on a Sunday when Interstate (highly recommended to me) was only open until 6pm. I was slightly put off by the huge line of people waiting to be seated outside of Blues City Cafe, but if a San Franciscan is only in Memphis for one day, you can't leave without having BBQ. I wouldn't exactly say that I was "settling" for this place either...I just had to try it out for myself. The half rack of ribs was perfect for me, comes with baked beans, coleslaw and Texas toast(?). I wish they were a bit more liberal with the sauce, but for the most part it tasted and fell apart better than anything I've ever had (which actually isn't saying a lot). I guess you can say I was satisfied. I bypassed the long line by being single diner and had a pleasant experience with the service. Extra points for catering to tourists who want to stay within the confines of Beale Street.
Succulent ribs, the meat tender and beautifully spiced. I did not find them as saucy as others said. I got some extra sauce on the side, and it was superb! Don't bother with an appetizer - you'll be stuffed with 1/2 rack of ribs and other entrees looked even larger. It's great that it's open late, and they are very welcoming if you are on your own. Enjoy!
Different people like different styles of BBQ. I like my ribs sweet and smoky with sauce. Out of the three joints I tried in Memphis (Interstate and Redezvous were the other two), this one fit the bill for me. If you prefer your BBQ the dry rub style, Redezvous was also good but just not the way I prefer it done. I guess my sweet tooth comes through when it come to BBQ.
Memphis, TN
Category: Restaurants
Memphis, TN
Category: Pizza
Memphis, TN
Category: Performing Arts
Memphis, TN
Category: Restaurants
Memphis, TN
Category: Restaurants
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