Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Best ribs you'll ever have, March 9, 2009
By horsechicka123

"First of all, I have to say that you need to understand you're getting dry ribs. They're called that for a reason. If you're from Memphis this is the barbecue that you judge all others against. They are charcoal broiled rather than pit smoked and there is no sauce at all on them. The spices that are layered on make a crust that contains the juices. I brought a friend who has never had a rib she liked and she loved these. They are definitely worth the wait and from what I've heard they are even better with a beer. Second of all, the ribs are hand-picked for their quality so if you see them throwing away ribs when you walk in no worries; they're just making sure you get the best. To the comment about thinking that ribs are supposed to fall off the bone, this is a common falsehood. Just ask the Memphis In May barbecue judges who take points from a team if their barbecue falls off of the bone too easily. (In order to make them fall off the bone water has to have been involved in some way, whether through foil, boiling, or freezing and reheating, which negatively affects the quality of the meat.) It's supposed to grip the bone, but still be easy to eat. Exactly what the Redezvous ribs do. I'm from Memphis and grew up trying all kinds of barbecue and spending my childhood Mays at Memphis In May barbecue fest, where I learned from the specialists what a real rib is supposed to taste like and why. The Rendezvous definitely wins in my experience, their ribs are by far the best I've ever had. I've been there too many times to count and I've never been disappointed.
I recommend eating in for the overall experience. You wait for a seat upstairs, but they'll seat you downstairs in the basement. The waiters are friendly and most really have worked there for awhile. If you're not sure what to try just ask, they'll be able to make a good recommendation for you. The walls are covered with customer's business cards, dusty old signs, antique firearms, vintage Victrolas, Hummel figurines and Memphis memorabilia. Celebrities come from far and wide to get some of the Redezvous's famous ribs and their autographs and pictures cover what is left of the open space on the walls. The atmosphere is fun, rowdy, and childlike with all of its old keepsakes and crowded rooms. Overall: worth the drive from anywhere plus the wait."

10 of 10 people found this review helpful.