Charlie Vergos Rendezvous

08/29/2008 Posted by kiercemartin

I honestly think this is some of the best bbq in Tennessee, in the southeast, Heck, in America for that matter. If you're a babrecue aficionado at all, you 'll love this place. Best dry rubs, ever, period. The cool atmosphere only adds to the mystique and the legend, but be prepared because you are going to have to wait...and wait.

06/01/2008 Posted by dougvr

This place was a great dissappointment. We moved here a year ago and I make way better ribs at home. They were dry, small and chewy. But the service was absolutely forrific! Not a pleasant dining experience at all!

05/10/2008 Posted by KruBruder

The Rendezvous is the place that made me never want wet ribs again. They set the standard for dry rub ribs for me. That was 17 years ago. I took my wife there after telling her for so long that yes Corky's is great but the Rendezvous is the epitomy of dry rub ribs. We went there last night and I was dissapointed as was my wife. I ordered a full order of ribs thinking I would take some of it back to the hotel. My wife did the same. The ribs were dry (not just dry rub) and a full order (rak- user guidlines won't let me spell it correctly)didn't even fill me up or my wife. Either they had a bad night or they have gone way downhill. Based on ther other reviews, they have taken a turn for the worse. So now Corky's is our number one pick.

04/29/2008 Posted by judynt

Horrible! I should have known this would be a poor experience from the start, when the gruff person seating guest said, "Only 1?" upon seeing I was on my own, and seated me next to the station where workers were slamming dirty dishes. I asked to move and only after I held my ground did she agree. I ordered the ribs dinner. The ribs were not just dry rub - the meat was dry and tough. They were barely warm and, despite the thick layer of spices layered on top of them after they were cooked, they were bland. The waiter never came to my table to ask how my meal was, and I had trouble flagging him down. When I told him about the tough and dry meat, he could not care less. He did not offer to adjust the bill. So, I paid, walked a few blocks and happily had superb ribs at Blues City Cafe at Beale & 2nd Sts. - just go there!

10/22/2007 Posted by jttoad63

I see now why Corky's is rated #1 BBQ in Memphis. The Rendezvous is the most over rated eatery my wife and I have ever set foot into. The restaurant was a filthy hole...a layer of grease and dust cover nearly every object in the place, and the so called "world famous ribs" were dry, hard as a rock and tasted like plain old Mrs. Dash seasoning from the local store. I asked for a knife, but all utensils are cheap, flimsy plastic, so I opted to use my Swiss army knife. The side dishes, of which they have only two, were brought to us in containers the size of small dixie cup. We could not wait to get out of there and get some good BBQ at any number of the bars on Beale St. I must admit, there are people waiting in the street to get into the Rendezvous, but none of them were locals...they knew better...the Rendezvous is a tourist trap. My advice is to walk in check it out, maybe go upstairs for a couple drinks to soak up the nostalgia, just don't order any food.

Pros: upstairs waiting area nice...nostalgic, historically accurate ornate look

Cons: filthy restaurant with lousy food

09/25/2007 Posted by ddea

Food is definitely the focus here. The BBQ is great and large portions. We had the house specialty pork ribs which were tasty, falling off the bone. Don't expect much on sides, small dixie cups of coleslaw (too vinegary) and beans and some white bread. We didn't try their sausage and cheese appetizer which they're known for but we saw other orders and wish we had. Don't expect to bring a date here, just good food.

Pros: Great Memphis BBQ

Cons: Ambiance, lack of sides selection

09/11/2007 Posted by TexZilla

Grew up in Memphis and used to eat here often. Liked other places better, Jim Neely's, Payne's, John Will's, Corky's, but always respected Charlie Vergos and what he built. Ate there tonight first time in 22 years. The ribs were not great quality; very stringy, heavy bone, poorly trimmed. I'd have rather had ribs at Chilis. Long wait, spotty service, warm beer. Sorry to say they need to get back to what made them great.

08/21/2007 Posted by jdm4au

They have excellent dry rub ribs and darn good bbq nachos. As long as you don't mind the wait to get in, you won't have to wait long to get your food. The servers are friendly, but fast. Yes they will try to get each table turned over quickly, but with a place this popular.....that's what you'd expect. Price a little bit much for the amout of food, but it's not always about quantity. You can skip the sausage and cheese plate there and make it at home....they sell the seasoning at most of the grocery stores there.

Pros: lunch on friday....walked right in and sat down

Cons: parking at lunch on friday......deck was horrible

08/08/2007 Posted by zackjennings

I can't believe some of these poor ratings. I live in Arkansas but lived in Memphis 20 years. I'm currently doing a photography book on Memphis so have been returning often. I have eaten at the Rendezvous 3 or 4 times this year. I have cooked in Memphis in May, tasted the World's Champion Ribs that won Memphis in May in about 1993 [Apple City BBQ]... It is simply not true, these reviews. "the Rendezvous" has the Best Ribs in any Restaurant anywhere. Romantic: I would certainly say so. The atmosphere is very appealing. The staff is the friendliest anywhere. I make a habit of asking my waiter how long he has worked there. Usually 20-30 years. Why? Because they make good tips and enjoy the atmosphere. I took one of my first dates to the Rendezvous in about 1962. I think it dates to 1948. The restaurant has burned twice and is in a second location. The last fire was a very long time ago. I do remember the ribs being dry years ago. Now, they aren't what I would call dry. There is a light but not overpowering sauce applied in the kitchen. I think their ribs are excellent and I never have ordered anything else. There must be a staff of 50 and always a line to get in. They ship Ribs world wide. I never go late but I understand that you often have to wait in long lines.. This restaurant is probably the most famous one in Memphis and deserves it's reputation.

06/21/2007 Posted by kevinmds

we just moved here, WHY are some of these OLD reviews still on here???? this food is plainly HORRIBLE the SERVICE IS HORRIBLE the ribs taste like CARDBOARD THE PLACE is a TOURIST TRAP for chumps !!

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: EVERYTHING