Central BBQ

After Graceland, next up was the Cozy Corner BBQ. Unfortunately, a hard lesson learned the BBQ Across America trail is always call ahead. Hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints close for the most random reasons like - running out of meat; owner goes on vacation; or other randomness. The Cozy Corner received an impressive 4.5 stars on yelp and a rave review from the folks at A&R, so I was dying to try it.

I called and was told that normal closing is at 9 but on today was 6 because someone stole the copper cables for the AC unit (yes, I am not making this up). Because it was 105 degrees in Memphis the Cozy Corner got so hot one of their customers fainted. So unfortunately, they closed early.

In a pinch, I found my way to Central BBQ. Having opened in just 2002, it's a fairly newcomer to the Memphis BBQ scene, however, it is very popular amongst the locals. The place was full except for the deserted outdoor deck, which had to do with the temperature being a trillion degrees.

A fellow patron recommended the pulled pork with "extra bark" (the dark, heavily smoked crust), so I ordered the pulled pork and ribs combo with 2 sides - baked beans and pork skins. An interview with the staff revealed they smoked their meat with hickory and pecan wood (an interesting twist). It gave the meat a smoky flavor like nothing I've tried before - a nutty soft smoke flavor. I should also mention that in keeping with the pecan theme, I order a Southern Pecan beer which was simply delicious. It needs to find it's way to the east coast.

Ratings:

Pork - 4.5 - The extra bark gave it more flavor but the meat was just plain dry = not good. Sauce didn't help much in that regard. The meat had an interesting smokey flavor from the pecan wood but overall, it wasn't that memorable.

Ribs - 6.5 - you have the choice of doing these wet or dry. The dry bones are served with their signature dry rub and you can add sauce if you wish. The seasoning used was really good. I ate them dry but they work well with their hot and mild sauces too.

Beans - 4 - Bland

Pork Skins - 9 - WOW!!! These deserve a 10. Easily the best I've ever had. These alone would be worth the visit. They are crisp but not too crunchy and they use their signature rub on the pork skins. Like I said - WOW!

Ambiance - 1 - They were playing J-Lo's On the Floor on a thumping system most clubs would be jealous of. This is NOT a hole-in-the-wall.

Overall - 5.5 - the pork skins could not lift this place's rating any higher.