Payne's Bar-B-Q in Memphis - Wow!!!

[jamiecarroll]

Even with how much it was built up for me in the research I'd done, the chopped pork sandwich at Payne's exceeded my expectations. It's the real deal. Best BBQ sandwich I've ever had. If you go to Memphis and are looking for BBQ, you've got to go to Payne's.

Questions? Comments?

[magic]

What is the pork sandwich at Payne's called? Barbecue Sandwich? Pig Sandwich? Chopped Pork? What do they call it??

Also, is there more than one location? Which one should I visit when in town?

Thanks all!

[lil_a]

When J.C. -- we're convinced the initials stood for Jesus Christ -- died, Sam (the "S" in Big S) halfheartedly tried to find a new pit man, but no one was up to par. We went to visit J.C. in the hospital during the last few weeks of his life, and he was very confused/sedated and kept trying to take our orders. so sad.

re: Payne's -- the sandwich you want is the chopped shoulder. used to cost $2.35, now it'll set you back about $3.50. I've only been to the one on Lamar -- I go 2-3 times a month, ought to go much more. delicious!

[magic]

Thanks for the info. Appreciated!

[mamasquirrel]

The barbecue bologna is also wonderful & unique. And try to get there early for lunch if you want one of their delicious fried pies - those always sell out quickly.

[magic]

Definitely good info, thanks so much. Will do! The bologna and pies sound damn good.

[chazzerking]

This is alittle bet of a digression, but do any of you know whethere they are barbecuing again at Big S grill? the last time we tried there, they said that they weren't cooking then, that there had been a problem with their cook, but that they were going to be starting back soon. I didn't ask whether it would be the same cook that had been barbecuing there for the last several years, or someone new, but hadn't been back since last fall, and was wondering if anyone else had. I just figured this was a well-experienced Memphis BBQ group and thought I'd ask.

[jamiecarroll]

Yeah, I looked into going there last time I was in Memphis. From what I could tell, Big S was pretty much a one man show when it comes to the BBQ (JC Hardaway being the one man). And from the internet research that I did, it looks like Hardaway has died???? That's just the conclusion I came to...don't know if anyone can confirm or deny???????

[tater]

That's correct, jamiecarroll. Mr. Hardaway died 4 years ago. Never made it to Big S but that name still gets mentioned when the best is brought up. My favorite is still Paynes and the BBQ Shop.

[moodyfoodie63]

The sliced pork is also very good and unique even for Memphis I believe. Great Great sandwiches!

[TomFl]

Yep,they just serve a fine pork sandwich,and maybe the pie.

Being doing it well for a lot of years.

Tom

[notgreg]

I did a huge write-up on these boards of a summer excursion of mine that covered over a dozen of the finer bbq places in Memphis, and Payne's stands out the most in my mind. It is certainly the first place I'll return for a sandwich when I get back to Memphis.

[gottseam]

Is the Elvis Pressley Blvd location just as good as the original location??

[jamiecarroll]

I'm not aware of a location on EPB, gottseam. But then I'm not from Memphis.

[Hushpuppy]

Yes, it is.

[Clarkafella]

Payne's is one of the few highly respected BBQ meccas in Memphis that I haven't visited yet- I'm going to go there this week!

[Hushpuppy]

I live in NC where tuly great barbecue sandwiches can be found. Payne's sandwich is still my favorite.