Off the Eatin' Path: CA crew votes on the best ribs, brisket and more ahead of BBQ Fest

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest has been a staple along the Mississippi River for decades. 

May 16-19, hungry fans fill Tom Lee Park to enjoy the taste of ribs, brisket, cooked hogs and just about anything else that will fit on a grill.

With more than 100 choices around Memphis, anyone can easily grab a plate of 'cue.

Of course, there are the regular spots that receive praise both in and outside of Memphis: Central BBQ, Rendezvous, The Bar-B-Cue Shop, and on and on. But what about the spots off the beaten path? The ones that know your order before you make it through the door?

More:What you can do at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

More:Barbecue side dishes that stand the test of time

This afternoon, part of The CA crew will take you "Off the Eatin' Path" and try out dishes from area restaurants that may not get the limelight, but they sure get the taste right.

The Commercial Appeal's Evan Barnes, Yolanda Jones, and Nicole Harris sampled barbecue Payne's BBQ, Big Bill's BBQ, Wellington's Fine Bar-B-Cue, and A&R live on Facebook Wednesday afternoon. Here's what they said about their favorites:

"I chose Payne’s barbecue as my favorite because the ribs were smoky,  juicy and meaty — everything that a rib should grow up to be.

"But what really made the ribs extra special was the sauce. It was tangy without being overtly sweet. Payne’s wins my vote for all things barbecue in Memphis." — Yolanda

"Hands down, the turkey leg from Wellington's was my favorite. The smoke flavor was amazing, and the meat fell off the bone. Turkey legs are a staple in Memphis, and Wellington's is one of the best I've ever had." — Nicole

I’m still navigating my way through all the good BBQ in town so today’s experiment was a good way to try some places I hadn’t before. I was already a fan of Payne’s BBQ sandwich so the ribs were a great surprise to enjoy. I typically prefer wet ribs but Payne’s had enough smoky flavor where the sauce wasn’t needed.

 But my favorites from today’s taste test? Big Bill’s BBQ salmon sandwiches and the brisket and pork shoulder from A&R. Grilled fish can be hit or miss but the BBQ salmon was juicy and had plenty of taste even with the hot and mild sauce. And while I’m a big fan of Texas brisket, A&R’s brisket hit the spot and was juicy enough to make me feel satisfied. The pork shoulder wasn’t too bad either.

 Also, it’ll take some getting used to eating spaghetti with BBQ but after today, I may become a fan. — Evan

Don't forget, be sure to take our online poll and tell us your favorite barbecue joint in Memphis.

Reach Nicole Harris at Nicole.Harris@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at NicTheEditor.