This Memphis Spot Is Serving BBQ Spaghetti—and Locals Are Obsessed
Memphis is famous for its barbecue, but there’s one dish that stands out from the usual ribs and pulled pork. At The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Avenue, BBQ spaghetti has become a local legend that keeps people coming back for more.
This unusual combination of Italian pasta and smoky Southern barbecue might sound strange at first, but one bite will show you why locals can’t stop talking about it.
The Memphis Restaurant That Made BBQ Spaghetti Famous
Located at 1782 Madison Avenue, The Bar-B-Q Shop has been serving hungry customers since 1982. Owner Eric Vernon took over the family business and turned it into one of Memphis’s most beloved barbecue destinations. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday, closing on Sundays and Mondays for well-deserved rest.
With a 4.4-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, this spot has earned its reputation through consistent quality and unique menu items. The pub-like atmosphere makes it comfortable for families and barbecue enthusiasts alike.
What started as a traditional barbecue joint became the birthplace of a Memphis culinary icon. Their innovative approach to combining classic pasta with smoky barbecue flavors created something entirely new and unforgettable.
How BBQ Spaghetti Became a Signature Dish at The Bar-B-Q Shop
Back in the day, someone at The Bar-B-Q Shop had a wild idea: what if we mixed spaghetti with our famous pulled pork? That creative spark turned into the restaurant’s most talked-about menu item. Nobody knows exactly who first thought of it, but the combination stuck around because customers absolutely loved it.
The dish evolved over time as the kitchen perfected the ratio of pasta to meat to sauce. They experimented with different cooking techniques until they found the perfect balance. Each plate needed enough sauce to coat every noodle without making it soggy.
Word spread quickly through Memphis neighborhoods as locals discovered this unusual creation. Soon, people were driving across town specifically for BBQ spaghetti. The dish became so popular that it earned a permanent spot on the menu and helped define The Bar-B-Q Shop’s identity.
What Makes The Bar-B-Q Shop’s BBQ Spaghetti So Special
The magic starts with their acclaimed barbecue sauce, which has won awards and loyal fans throughout Tennessee. This isn’t store-bought sauce—it’s made in-house with a secret blend of spices and ingredients. When mixed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, the sauce clings to every strand.
Generous portions of slow-smoked pulled pork get folded into the pasta, adding protein and that essential smoky flavor. The meat is tender enough to fall apart but still has texture and character. Their dry seasonings add another layer of complexity that makes each bite interesting.
Temperature matters too—the spaghetti arrives hot enough that the sauce stays fluid and coats your fork easily. Many restaurants struggle to balance all these elements, but The Bar-B-Q Shop has mastered the technique through decades of practice and customer feedback.
Why Locals Say No One Does BBQ Spaghetti Like This Spot
Memphis residents have strong opinions about barbecue, and they’ll tell you that imitations just don’t measure up. Many restaurants have tried copying BBQ spaghetti, but something always feels off. The Bar-B-Q Shop’s version has a depth of flavor that comes from years of refining their recipe and smoking techniques.
Regulars swear they can taste the difference in the quality of ingredients used here. The pork is smoked low and slow, giving it that authentic Memphis flavor profile. Other places might rush the process or use inferior cuts of meat.
There’s also an emotional connection—for many families, eating here has become a tradition passed down through generations. When your grandparents brought your parents here, and now you’re bringing your own kids, that loyalty runs deep and creates memories beyond just the food itself.
What BBQ Spaghetti Tastes Like (And Why It Works So Well)
Imagine tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce coating tender pasta noodles with chunks of smoky pork throughout. The sauce has vinegar notes that cut through the richness, preventing it from feeling too heavy.
The texture combination is surprisingly satisfying—soft pasta contrasts with the slightly crispy edges of the pulled pork. Spices tingle on your tongue without overwhelming your taste buds. It’s savory with hints of sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you reaching for another forkful.
Why does this odd pairing work? Pasta is the perfect vehicle for sauce, and barbecue sauce is intensely flavorful. Together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts, much like how pizza combines simple ingredients into something magical.
What to Order Alongside BBQ Spaghetti at The Bar-B-Q Shop
While BBQ spaghetti could be a meal by itself, pairing it with their famous ribs takes your lunch to the next level. The ribs feature the same dry seasonings that make everything here taste incredible. Order them as a combo to experience multiple signature items in one visit.
Their pork sandwiches are another excellent companion, especially if you’re dining with friends and want to share. Traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy pasta. Baked beans or potato salad round out the plate nicely.
Don’t forget to ask about their sauce selection—they offer different varieties that let you customize your heat level and flavor profile.
Why This Dish Has Become a Must-Try for Memphis Visitors
Food bloggers and travel writers have spread the word about this Memphis original across the country. When tourists plan their Memphis barbecue tours, The Bar-B-Q Shop consistently appears on their must-visit lists. Social media posts showing this unusual dish generate thousands of likes and curious comments from people who’ve never heard of it.
Visitors want authentic local experiences, not just tourist traps, and this restaurant delivers genuine Memphis culture. You can’t find BBQ spaghetti like this anywhere else in America. It represents the creative spirit that makes Memphis food culture special and worth exploring.
The restaurant’s convenient Madison Avenue location makes it accessible for travelers staying downtown. Reasonable prices mean you can try multiple menu items without breaking your vacation budget. Plus, the friendly staff welcomes newcomers and happily explains the history behind their famous dishes.
Why The Bar-B-Q Shop Is Still the Gold Standard for BBQ Spaghetti
After more than forty years in business, The Bar-B-Q Shop continues to set the bar that others try to reach. Their commitment to quality never wavers, even as food trends come and go. The same attention to detail that made them famous in the 1980s still drives their kitchen today.
They’ve resisted the temptation to expand rapidly or franchise, choosing instead to maintain one excellent location. This focus allows them to control every aspect of the dining experience. Their acclaimed sauces and dry seasonings remain consistent because they haven’t compromised their recipes for mass production.
New barbecue joints open regularly in Memphis, but few achieve this level of lasting success and community respect.
