Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

Charlie Vergos Rendezvous is located at 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN. This business specializes in Barbecue Restaurants, Family Style Restaurants and Carry & Take Out and has 26 review(s) with a star rating of 3.3.

Parking: Parking is a pain in this area, so it's best to park in the pay garage next to the restaurant.

Look Good: If you're having trouble spotting the entrance, just keep this in mind: it's across the street and down the alley from the famous Peabody Hotel.

Owned and operated by the family of Charlie Vergos since the 1940s, this unique joint is best known for its pork ribs, both wet (with sauce) or dry (rubbed with dry spices). Charcoal-broiled lamb riblets, barbecue chopped chicken, and vegetarian red beans and rice are always good choices as well. We also like the slaw. Only beer and wine are served, and if you’re a wine purist bring your own...

If you only have time to hit up one Memphis barbecue pit, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous should be it. You'll find it in the basement of a nondescript building in an alley across from the landmark Peabody Hotel. Red and white checked tablecloths, local memorabilia, and news clippings dating from the '40s serve as décor in this cavernous 750-seat space. The waitstaff is strong-willed—don't dare ask...

The Scene
From the alley, a flight of old stairs leads to a cluttered but cavernous cellar where novelties, antiques and just plain junk cram every square inch of wall and ceiling space....

The Rendezvous has been serving ribs in a downtown Memphis alley since 1948. It has been owned and operated by the Vergos family for three generations. If you want to eat like a local Memphian, start with a pitcher of beer & cheese/sausage plate and soak in the atmosphere.