Located in the heart of Orange Mound, Payne’s is the literal definition of "don't judge a book by its cover". With great flavor and sauce options, I can wholeheartedly say this is the BEST BBQ in Memphis! My go to is the chopped shoulder with baked beans and it hits every time. They were even featured on an episode of NBC’s hit drama “This Is Us”. Consistently a delight with kind staff, Payne's is one spot that may get over looked by tourists but local Memphians know this gives Central, A&R, Rendezvous and others a run for their money!
Old school BBQ shop. Top quality flavor. I really dug the sharp mustard slaw - mixed well with the sweet pork and also on the sweeter end for beans. Friendly laid-back service too that you don't feel stretched trying to small talk. Would come back again
Delicious. Everyone talks about the bologna sammich but I'm telling you right now, go for the chopped pork, because I think it might be the best BBQ pork I've had in Memphis. Beans are heaven as well, and normally I can take or leave beans.It ain't fancy outside, and it ain't fancy inside either. Kind of reminds me of my grandmom's basement. No AC. But the people who work there are very nice and they get through the line QUICKLY.One thing: every sandwich comes with mustard slaw unless you tell them otherwise. I liked it, but I think I might ask for it on the side next time, because the flavor was competing with that amazing pork a little too much for my taste.
Most Germans would not go to a BBQ restaurant that looks like this from the outside, and if they do it anyway, they would go right back out at the sight inside. And then they miss the world's best ribs.I know that, because I am german and I went there and stayed.And since that day I know, My favorite diner here in Mannheim, Germany, makes the third best ribs, my husband makes the second best, but the best ribs I've ever eaten are made at Paynes B-B-Q in Memphis.The taste was so indescribable, that you are annoyed with yourself because you are full and can't eat more, even though you want to.Und für alle Deutschen Memphis Touristen: Lasst Euch nicht vom äußeren Anblick abschrecken, die inneren Werte zählen und das es sich lohnt, merkt Ihr spätestens, wenn Ihr den Geschmack auf Eurer Zunge habt.(And for all German Memphis tourists: Don't be put off by the outer appearance, the inner values count and that it's worth it, you'll notice at the latest when you have the taste on your tongue.)Thank you @Paynes for one of the best Moments in Memphis.
Good food, different spin on bbq with the big flavor from the Mustard Slaw. Medium heat was just right. The size of the regular was plenty, though maybe a little under weight for the price.I found the Chopped pork sandwich to be unique with big bold flavors from the sauce and slaw.. but I was looking for smoked pork. I honestly could not get any of that flavor. I tried a few small unsauced bits.. it might have been that my taste buds were blown out already, But I could hardly detect any flavor at all.The smoked sausage was another story. Here the mustard slaw worked like a really good crunchy relish. The meat was mild but very present. The price was much better, and I liked it a lot more than the sandwich. I'd get this again no question.All of the staff still wearing masks, and I really appreciated that. Extra ?
Top notch BBQ. Packed a large carry out for me right after opening. Slaw, chopped pork, baked beans are all stars. Smoked sausage so tender it’s fall off the bun
The ribs from this simply furnished restaurant were incredibly succulent and had outstanding flavour. I really enjoyed stopping by for lunch.
The chopped pork sandwich was world class. I will visit Memphis again for that sandwich alone.
I’ve eaten at Payne’s for almost 50 years. You don’t sell BBQ in this town for that long without being the best. Family owned and operated, and only one location. Not your bourgeois, nouveau BBQ, but the real deal. The neighborhood has flava.
I ate there last Friday. I had the jumbo sliced pork sandwich with slaw and yellow sauce and a dr pepper. Maybe the best pork sandwich I've ever had.