If you’re talking about legendary BBQ cities, Memphis, Tennessee is always at the top of the list. Known for its slow-smoked pork, rich flavors, and deep BBQ traditions, Memphis is a BBQ lover’s paradise.
But if you ask a Memphis local how they like their ribs, you’ll get two very different answers:
🥩 Dry Ribs – Coated in a flavorful spice rub and served without sauce.
🍖 Wet Ribs – Smothered in a thick, sticky BBQ sauce while they cook.
So which one is better? Dry rub or wet ribs? Let’s take a deep dive into the Memphis BBQ experience and see which side of the debate wins!
🔥 A Quick History of Memphis BBQ
Memphis BBQ has roots in the Mississippi Delta, where pitmasters have been slow-cooking pork over hickory wood for generations. Unlike Texas (where brisket reigns supreme), Memphis is all about pork ribs and pulled pork.
💡 Fun Fact: Memphis is home to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the largest BBQ competition in the world. If you want to prove you’re the best pitmaster, you do it in Memphis.
🔥 Dry Ribs: The Purist’s Choice
🥩 What They Are: Memphis-style dry ribs are ribs that are coated in a dry spice rub and smoked without sauce.
🔥 How They’re Made:
✔️ A signature dry rub (often with paprika, black pepper, garlic, brown sugar, and cayenne) is applied to the ribs before smoking.
✔️ Ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours, allowing the spices to create a flavorful crust (or bark).
✔️ Served without sauce—just pure smoky, spice-infused pork flavor.
✅ Why Dry Ribs Are Amazing:
✔️ Crispy, flavorful bark from the spice rub.
✔️ You taste more of the smoky pork instead of just the sauce.
✔️ The rub can be customized for different flavor profiles.
❌ Why Some People Prefer Wet Ribs:
❌ Some think dry ribs can be too dry if not cooked perfectly.
❌ No sauce = less of that finger-licking BBQ mess some people love.
🔥 Wet Ribs: Saucy, Sticky, and Finger-Licking Good
🍖 What They Are: Memphis wet ribs are ribs that are mopped with BBQ sauce during smoking, giving them a thick, sticky glaze.
🔥 How They’re Made:
✔️ Ribs are lightly seasoned, then basted with a tomato-based BBQ sauce throughout the cooking process.
✔️ The sauce caramelizes on the ribs, creating a thick, sweet, smoky coating.
✔️ Right before serving, an extra layer of sauce is added for maximum sauciness.
✅ Why Wet Ribs Are Amazing:
✔️ Sweet, smoky, and sticky—everything you want in a BBQ rib.
✔️ The sauce locks in moisture, keeping the ribs juicy.
✔️ That signature caramelized glaze adds an extra layer of flavor.
❌ Why Some People Prefer Dry Ribs:
❌ Sauce can overpower the natural pork flavor.
❌ Wet ribs can be messy to eat (but some people love that!).
🔥 The Best BBQ Joints in Memphis for Dry & Wet Ribs
Whether you love dry rub or wet ribs, Memphis has BBQ joints that do both to perfection.
🥩 Best Places for Dry Ribs in Memphis:
✔️ Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – The most famous dry rub ribs in Memphis.
✔️ The Bar-B-Q Shop – Their “Dancing Pigs” dry rub is legendary.
✔️ Central BBQ – Famous for their perfectly crusted dry ribs.
🍖 Best Places for Wet Ribs in Memphis:
✔️ Interstate Bar-B-Q – Their sweet, tangy wet ribs are a Memphis favorite.
✔️ Corky’s BBQ – One of the best places for sticky, caramelized wet ribs.
✔️ Payne’s Bar-B-Q – Known for deep, rich, smoky sauce-soaked ribs.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t decide, order your ribs “half & half”—one side wet, one side dry!
🔥 The Ultimate Showdown: Dry Ribs vs. Wet Ribs
| Category | Dry Ribs | Wet Ribs |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Bold, smoky, spice-driven | Sweet, tangy, saucy |
| Texture | Crispy, bark-like crust | Soft, sticky, caramelized |
| Messiness | Clean and easy to eat | Finger-licking, extra napkins needed |
| Sauce? | No sauce, just dry rub | Smothered in BBQ sauce |
| Best For | Purists who love smoky BBQ | Sauce lovers who crave sticky ribs |
👉 If you love bold, smoky, spice-heavy ribs, dry ribs are for you.
👉 If you want saucy, sweet, fall-off-the-bone goodness, wet ribs are your best bet.
🔥 The Real Answer: Why Not Both?
The truth is, Memphis BBQ is legendary no matter how you like your ribs. If you ever visit, try both styles and decide for yourself!
🔥 Final Thoughts: Memphis is BBQ Heaven
Whether you love dry rub ribs, wet ribs, or both, one thing is certain:
🔥 Memphis is one of the greatest BBQ cities in the world. 🔥
From backyard pitmasters to world-class BBQ joints, Memphis has perfected the art of slow-smoked pork ribs.
So, next time you’re in Memphis, grab a plate of ribs, a stack of napkins, and get ready for some of the best BBQ of your life!
🔥 What’s Your Favorite? Dry Ribs or Wet Ribs?
Drop your vote in the comments! 👇🔥