Memphis Blues BBQ

Yo, it had been mad long since I last hit up Memphis Blues, but rolling back into their spot in downtown Vancouver was like coming home to some serious barbecue goodness. The smell alone had me reminiscing about past epic meals. And let me tell ya, they straight-up delivered.

Now, let's talk about that brisket, Yelpers! Tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor, it had me straight-up regretting not ordering a double portion. Every bite was like a flavor explosion, reminding me why Memphis Blues holds it down so hard.

And don't even get me started on their barbecue sauce. That stuff is fire! Sweet, tangy, and straight-up addictive, it took the whole experience to a whole new level. I was slathering that sauce on everything like there was no tomorrow.

But yo, not everything was on point. Their potato salad was a'ight, but it was missing that extra somethin'-somethin'. Could definitely use a bit more flavor or maybe a different twist to step it up to the level of their other grub.

Overall, Memphis Blues BBQ remains a top contender in Vancouver's barbecue game. With their bomb-ass brisket and killer sauce, it's a spot that keeps barbecue heads like me coming back for more. Just remember to save some stomach space for that extra brisket next time, ya feel me?

We were hesitant to try out this spot because we know and have had good bbq. I make an awesome rub and slow cook my ribs. It's all about the seasoning and this place lacked seasoning and flavor. The catfish had zero seasoning. The baked beans weren't any better. I guess I'm used to how I make mine when I have people over for a bbq. Gotta add bbq sauce and brown sugar for flavor. It has potential, just needs someone who know how to make a tub and add seasoning.

The Hubbs is a smoker and approaches his BBQ meals as a challenge! First, we like the ambiance - this is a franchise location with a mom and pop feel. Lots of Memphis-blues legends on the wall. We appreciated the variety of offerings. We started with a bowl of Burgoo - a very meaty stew with chicken pork and beef. It came with a small side salad and cornbread. We found out the beef ribs wouldn't be ready for an hour, so we ordered the rib-ends and cornbread to hold us over. The rib ends were not my favorite, but they were decent. The bbq sauce on the side was good and peppery. The cornbread was moist and crumbly and served with a side of caramel sauce! Mind blown. We had a wonderful time talking with the Brazilian pit master, and Taiwanese cook! I love the diversity of cultures in this city! We ended with a single bone of beef rib and taste of their brisket. Both excellent. We love that they use a dry rub and gentle smoking with apple wood, then offer the sauces on the side. Since it was Mother's Day, they offered me a free beverage! Very nice. These are good people - give them a try.

*Lunch Special Review*

I noticed listed on their sandwich board a number of rice bowl lunch specials and was intrigued at what may be offered.

I opted for the Teriyaki Beef Brisket Rice Bowl to satisfy my yen for their usually succulent brisket. Served in a Japanese themed wide bowl, it consisted of jambalaya rice, mixed greens and a fist sized serving of chopped brisket. The teriyaki sauce was served on the side.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this special. On the one hand, it is very basic and exactly what is described on the menu; on the other, a little bit more creativity in presentation would've been more appealing. One thing I did have a problem with was the cold teriyaki sauce. I took that as meant to be a 'dressing' for the bowl, so I drizzled it over the rice and salad and mixed. The combo was decent albiet a bit odd. There was an expectation that the sauce be warmed and mixed with the brisket, but I guess even the chef dare not mess with the perfectly smoked goodness of the beef.

The verdict: a work in progress. It is a great option if you want some bbq without entering the usual meat coma and sweats, but there is also so much potential for improvement. Personally, if the brisket was served sliced instead of chopped, it wouldn't be as obvious that they are just creative in selling their off cuts (albiet still delicious) of brisket as a lunch special.

I used to go to the Commercial Dr Memphis Blues often and loved it but had not been to it in a few years and was excited to eat there again. What a disappointment! The beef brisket was 90% fat with some traces of meet in it. Chicken wings were too dry.

Robert had the brisket meal and I had the pulled pork poutine. The pulled pork was amazing and the fries were seasoned amazingly! The BBQ gravy was tomato based, but perfect for the balance of the meal. Everything worked in harmony because they didn't put too many fries on the bottom as usually happens. Only feedback would be to use better fries and maybe a touch more cheese. Would definitely come here again.

fantastic bbq bowl. bourbon selection is great. really enjoyed lunch a recommend to anyone in the area. The lunch specials were bowls. The sauces were also excellent.

A famous BBQ place in town, we always order their Signature Memphis Blue Feast (2-4 people). Even if there are just two of us, cause we can pack the left overs and have more yumminess the next day. $70 for a big platter split between 4 is very good value.

The feast includes brisket, chicken, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, rib ends, corn bread, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, fries and bbq sauce.

I think their most outstanding item is still the brisket. It's fatty, tender, juicy and the Smokey flavour is permeated through every bite. Personally I don't like corn bread or rib ends, but everything else is done well.

The decor is also very quirky, definitely very welcoming. The staff are also friendly, but it's also mostly self serve.

They have been consistent with their food as well, as I've been back multiple times, and I think that's why they have multiple locations.

My friend RAVED about the platter from here, so I was excited to check it out, but was pretty disappointed.
75$ for a good amount of food, but it wasn't satisfying. The ribs and fries were good, but it pretty much goes downhill from there. The sausage, pulled pork and rib ends were alright, but it didn't make me excited to keep eating. If I'm gonna indulge and stuff my face with a platter of meat, it better be worth it, ykno? The brisket was a little chewy, and the chicken was pretty dry. Sides were alright as well, but the leftovers are still sitting in my fridge, untouched, so that speaks for itself.
Overall, I can see this as a fun spot for some BBQ if you're in the area, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Came here for an early dinner after the wait at Jinya was too long. Sadly won't be leaving this place a stellar review - the food tasted reheated and the flavours were quite off!

We tried the seafood platter as well as a full rack of ribs. For whatever reason ribs were soooo dry yet still greasy, and definitely tasted reheated. By the end of the meal I felt pretty nauseated by the ribs, there was just too much fat and greaseAs for the seafood platter, the catfish tasted like fried paper. The outer batter was tough and the fish was under seasoned. The only thing we really enjoyed was the Cajun shrimp, though I wasn't sure why it came in a bowl of oil.

I quite enjoyed the Broadway Memphis but can't say I feel the same way about their Robson location. Sadly I'll be sticking with ramen the next time I'm in the area.