We couldn't decide if it was worth stopping somewhere between Nashville and New Orleans. Going direct would mean one helluva long drive that day, our first day of the car rental on a 10000km journey. It seemed reasonable to go easy to start with - then it came down to a stop in Memphis or Alabama. In the end the appeal of blues, ribs and (to a lesser degree) Elvis won out.
We stayed in the room of an Airbnb where our host confirmed my online reading that Central BBQ was the place to try, and he said particularly the midtown location. It was a little further away but still easily done, and maybe that location would be easier to park and have a shorter queue than the downtown one.
It was also a memorable day because Australia decided to half its international arrivals - meaning we ended up paying an extra USD12000 to upgrade our return flights to maximise the chances we would be able to get home. On the one hand going out to eat wasn't in the spirit of saving money; on the other hand as if some ribs would really make that much difference to our budget. And so in the end we drove out there and found an easy parking spot in their carpark in front of a large mural advertising meat and blues. For a Friday night, it was less busy than expected although there was a bunch of people at the counter in front, but only a 10min wait.
The reality is I wanted to try everything. But we knew American sizings are more than we can handle and we didn't want to get takeaway. Getting a full slab of pork ribs USD27 (with sides of bbq beans and green beans) was easy - I ordered half wet and half dry. I was keen to try a whole smoked wing and even though they came as 3 for USD9, the waitress was happy to give me 1 for USD3. She recommended wet over dry, and so wet it was.
What can I say about the food - these were simply the best pork ribs we've ever had. No exaggeration and no doubt. They were thick meaty ribs, fall off the bone tender. There was contrast between the salty dry rub with slight sweetness, and the more sweet wet version. Both were good with my preference probably being the wet. My single wing was also delicious, sweet and an excellent combo with blue cheese sauce.
My oh my. Then it was time to head to Beale Street for some music.
Payne's BBQ was the other option I had read about, but was only going to go if I couldn't get into Central. Maybe worth a visit next time.