tom's bbq Archives - Frugal Bites

When we’re on a road trip, one of our Foodie Road Trip Rules is to NEVER eat at chain restaurants. Another one of our self-imposed rules is to try a new Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives location when we’re on the road. When we were in Memphis, we stopped in at Tom’s BBQ. Not only was Tom’s featured on the show, Guy Fieri mentioned their famous rib tips again in his Best Thing I Ever Ate special.

Tom’s is located in an industrial area near the airport and isn’t fancy by any stretch of the imagination. When you pull up, you notice the AC units and steel bars on the windows. Walk past that and the seating looks like your Southern Granny’s front porch (that is, if Granny lived in the ghetto). The staff is welcoming and friendly.

The seasoning blends at Tom’s are complex and unique, leaning heavy on the oregano and cumin. Their seasoning, smoking, and grilling process has been well-honed over thirty years. Tom’s isn’t messing around. We actually liked the ribs better than the rib tips as they were meatier and more tender, but everything was good. The sides were delicious and rried bologna has never tasted so upscale. What really sealed the deal was that the host, Adam, brought us an extra basket goodies to sample. I notice and appreciate that kind of hospitality, and I believe it’s one reason why restaurants like Tom’s BBQ in Memphis gain such a loyal following. It’s worth the detour off the interstate to enjoy some of the best ribs in Memphis.