Charles Vergos' Rendezvous - Memphis

We got in, at just after 5. We timed it perfectly. We were seated immediately and our dining area was empty but quickly filled in 10 minutes. We beat the rush of people coming from the Peabody duck parade. I also called about a week before. She said they seat 450. Call for reservations bigger than 5. I had the brisket and my husband had ribs. Everything came fast and was amazing. We loved the beans and slaw too. We had a great experience. Definitely will be ordering sauce offline.

Place never disappoints. Atmosphere is always lively and got there today before the Saturday rush so I was seated immediately at the bar. One day I'll try something new but I hit my normal order. Greek salad to start followed with a large rib order. That unique dry rub Memphis taste with some dipping sauce is just plain delicious.

I recently had a large group dinner at this restaurant, and overall, it was a positive experience. The service was excellent and very attentive, with our drinks continuously refilled. The food was served promptly. Many of us chose the ribs or a combination platter, and while the brisket and chicken were enjoyable, several people who ordered the ribs found them to be tough and chewy. The appetizer was a bit unusual; it consisted of cheese and sausage with some peppers.

While most of us enjoyed our meals, my husband was really disappointed with his ribs, which he had been looking forward to. Given that BBQ ribs are a staple, it was frustrating for him to travel to this restaurant on a recommendation only to have a meal that fell flat. They were tough, dry, and chewy—definitely not how ribs should be. I'm not sure if we'll return, but we'll have to see.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this restaurant. It has a speakeasy feel and is rich in history, complemented by delicious food. It's tucked away in a charming alley and you need to go down a flight of stairs to reach the basement. This seems to be the go-to spot for BBQ, especially the pork ribs. While BBQ isn't my favorite, I felt it was a must-try while in Memphis, and I ended up enjoying my meal. The sides—potato salad, coleslaw, and beans—were particularly fantastic. I could have spent hours admiring the quirky artifacts that decorated the walls. The service was just okay, but I would still recommend this place if you’re looking for authentic BBQ in a fun and unique setting.