This Legendary Tennessee BBQ Spot Is Hiding Inside an Old Memphis Gas Station

Tucked away on Lamar Avenue in Memphis sits a barbecue joint that doesn’t look like much from the outside. Payne’s Bar-B-Q operates out of a converted gas station, but locals know this humble spot serves some of the best smoked pork in Tennessee.

For over 50 years, this family-run restaurant has been drawing crowds with its legendary chopped pork sandwiches, tangy mustard slaw, and no-nonsense approach to real Memphis barbecue.

Why Payne’s Bar-B-Q Is a Memphis Legend

Locals have been making pilgrimages to this spot for generations, and it was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame after 50 years of serving outstanding smoked meats.

What makes Payne’s legendary isn’t fancy decor or big advertising budgets. Instead, it’s the consistent quality of perfectly smoked pork shoulder, prepared the same way since the restaurant opened. Families pass down the tradition of eating here, with some customers remembering their first Payne’s sandwich from childhood.

The restaurant stands alongside famous Memphis names like Rendezvous and Central BBQ, but Payne’s maintains a neighborhood feel that bigger tourist spots have lost. Customers describe the owners and staff as welcoming family members who are genuinely passionate about their craft.

The Converted Gas Station That Became a BBQ Landmark

At first glance, Payne’s doesn’t exactly scream “award-winning restaurant.” The simple cinderblock building at 1762 Lamar Avenue once pumped gas instead of serving barbecue. Today, that unassuming exterior is part of what makes this place special.

Many visitors admit feeling hesitant when they first pull up. The building looks weathered, and the neighborhood isn’t fancy. But regulars will tell you not to judge this book by its cover.

Inside, you’ll find folding tables, makeshift seating, including old church pews, and walls covered with framed newspaper articles celebrating the restaurant’s achievements. There’s no pretense here—just honest barbecue served in an honest space. The dated interior and simple setup actually add to the authenticity that customers cherish.

This is the definition of a “hole in the wall” in the best possible way. While some tourists expect something fancier, those who appreciate real barbecue culture understand that the best food often comes from the most unexpected places.

The Story Behind Payne’s Bar-B-Q

Payne’s Bar-B-Q has been serving Memphis for over five decades, building a reputation one sandwich at a time.

The family has kept the original recipes and smoking methods intact throughout the years. When you order at Payne’s, you hear the rhythmic chopping of fresh-smoked pork shoulder—a sound that’s been echoing through this building for generations. That commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way earned them cult status among barbecue enthusiasts.

After 50 years of operation, Payne’s finally received recognition from the Barbecue Hall of Fame. Many customers felt this honor was long overdue for a restaurant that had been quietly perfecting Memphis-style barbecue while flashier competitors grabbed headlines.

The family’s dedication shows in every detail, from the homemade baked beans to the signature mustard slaw recipe. They’ve resisted the temptation to expand or franchise, choosing instead to maintain quality and authenticity at their single location.

What to Order at Payne’s (And Why the Slaw Is Famous)

The jumbo chopped pork sandwich is Payne’s signature dish, and customers rave about it constantly. Fresh-smoked pork shoulder gets chopped to order, piled high on a bun, and topped with the restaurant’s famous mustard-based slaw.

That yellow mustard slaw surprises first-time visitors but quickly wins them over. The tangy, slightly pickled flavor cuts through the rich, smoky pork perfectly. Paired with Payne’s vinegar-based sauce (available in mild, medium, or hot), it creates a flavor combination that keeps people driving hours just for another taste.

The homemade baked beans earn almost as much praise as the sandwiches. Unlike canned beans with sauce dumped on top, these are rich, smoky, and properly seasoned.

Don’t overlook the smoked sausage or the surprisingly popular fried bologna sandwich. Locals recommend getting a bologna sandwich as your “side” instead of chips.

What Makes Payne’s Different From Other Memphis BBQ Joints

Memphis has no shortage of famous barbecue restaurants, but Payne’s stands apart from the crowd. While tourist-friendly spots downtown offer table service and extensive menus, Payne’s keeps things beautifully simple. You won’t find brisket here or dozens of side options—just what they do best, done right.

Unlike bigger restaurants with corporate polish, Payne’s maintains an ultra-laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. There’s no Elvis theme, no gift shop, and no pressure to rush through your meal. The owners greet customers personally and chat about their food with genuine passion.

The flavor profile also differs from sweeter barbecue styles. Payne’s uses vinegar and mustard-based sauces that showcase the smoky meat rather than covering it up. For visitors used to sweeter sauces, this tangier approach might take a bite to adjust to, but it represents authentic Memphis tradition.

What to Know Before You Go (Hours, Lines, and Cash Tips)

Payne’s operates on limited hours that catch many visitors off guard. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM, closing at 2 PM most days. They’re closed Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.

These short hours mean the restaurant often sells out before closing time.

Arriving early is smart, especially on weekends when lines form quickly. The restaurant is located at 1762 Lamar Avenue, not in the downtown tourist district. You’ll need to drive or take a ride-share to reach it.

Prices remain remarkably affordable. You can get lunch for under $10, which is increasingly rare for quality barbecue. Call ahead if you have questions about availability or want to check if they’re still open for the day.

The service moves relatively fast despite the crowds, with most customers waiting just minutes for their food. Inside seating is limited to a few tables, but many people order takeout.

Why Payne’s Bar-B-Q Is Still Worth the Trip

After five decades in business, Payne’s hasn’t changed much, and that’s exactly the point. In a world where restaurants constantly chase trends and expand into chains, this converted gas station remains committed to doing one thing exceptionally well—serving outstanding Memphis barbecue.

Yes, the building looks rough around the edges. The bathrooms aren’t fancy, the seating is makeshift, and the neighborhood isn’t touristy. But none of that matters when you take your first bite of that chopped pork sandwich with tangy mustard slaw and realize why people have been coming here for generations.

Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast making a pilgrimage or a curious traveler willing to venture off the beaten path, Payne’s Bar-B-Q offers something increasingly rare: genuinely legendary food served with heart in a place that refuses to compromise its values for convenience or profit.