
Cozy Corner Restaurant
A long-standing Memphis favorite for authentic BBQ ribs, unique specialties like BBQ spaghetti, and hearty, no-nonsense dining.

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Cozy Corner Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing Memphis favorite for authentic BBQ ribs, unique specialties like BBQ spaghetti, and hearty, no-nonsense dining.
Order Specialties in Advance
For unique offerings like whole Cornish hen or turkey, consider ordering a few days ahead.
Expect a Wait
The restaurant can get busy, especially on Saturdays. Be prepared for a wait for both a table and food.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a smoky, savory hug and a perfect sauce balance. A true Memphis BBQ experience.

Unique BBQ Specialties
Beyond ribs, try smoked Cornish hen or turkey, and the famed BBQ spaghetti. Don't miss the secret recipe baked beans!

Homestyle Desserts
Save room for their delicious banana pudding or sweet potato pie, often praised as better than cobbler.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Specialties in Advance
For unique offerings like whole Cornish hen or turkey, consider ordering a few days ahead.
Expect a Wait
The restaurant can get busy, especially on Saturdays. Be prepared for a wait for both a table and food.
Don't Skip Dessert
The banana pudding and sweet potato pie are highly recommended and often called 'righteous'!
Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during off-peak times can lead to quicker service and fewer crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Specialties in Advance
For unique offerings like whole Cornish hen or turkey, consider ordering a few days ahead.
Expect a Wait
The restaurant can get busy, especially on Saturdays. Be prepared for a wait for both a table and food.
Don't Skip Dessert
The banana pudding and sweet potato pie are highly recommended and often called 'righteous'!
Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during off-peak times can lead to quicker service and fewer crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cozy Corner Restaurant is a beloved Memphis institution known for its authentic, flavorful barbecue, especially its tender ribs and unique offerings like BBQ spaghetti. Diners praise the generous portions and excellent value. However, some reviews mention slow service during peak times and occasional inconsistencies, though many find the experience well worth the wait for a taste of classic Memphis flavor.
"When traveling I like to check out the local food favorites. I’m bold and have never met a stranger , so I asked some locals for recommendations.
They recommended one of the oldest barbecue joints in Memphis, AND I’M GLAD THEY DID.
I love Memphis’ muddy ribs and they certainly delivered on that!
The BBQ Spaghetti, potato salad, and slaw are all amazing!
The BEANS…there’s a little known secret about barbecue baked beans…AND THEY KNOW THAT SECRET!
I too recommend this place!"
JD Simpson
"Not much to look at from the outside but the food was delicious especially the cakes and the rib tips were so dang tender. We got the hot sauce but it wasn’t spicy. The potato salad was yummy. I wasn’t a fan of the baked beans. I definitely think the cakes are better than the peach cobbler."
Jennifer Dungey
"If I could give Cozy Corner Restaurant more than 5 stars, I would. I ordered the ribs, and let me tell you, these aren’t just good ribs… these are life-changing ribs. The flavor hits you like a smoky, savory hug, the meat falls off the bone like it’s been waiting its whole life for this moment, and that sauce… oh man, the sauce! Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky with just the right kick.
Every bite felt like a celebration of BBQ done right. I’ve had ribs all over Memphis, but this? This is the standard now. Cozy Corner isn’t just serving food, they’re serving happiness on a plate.
If you’re in Memphis and you don’t eat here, you’re missing out on what might just be the best BBQ experience of your life. Period."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cozy Corner is famous for its Memphis-style BBQ ribs, but also highly recommended are the BBQ spaghetti, smoked Cornish hen, and turkey. Their secret recipe baked beans are also a must-try. [^R1, ^M2]
Yes, for unique offerings like whole Cornish hens or turkeys, it's recommended to order a few days in advance. [^data.tips.0]
Service can be leisurely, especially during busy periods like Saturday afternoons. Visiting during off-peak hours may result in quicker service. [^R6, ^data.tips.2]
Diners rave about the banana pudding and sweet potato pie, often citing them as standout desserts.
While portions are generous, the restaurant space is described as not very big, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
It's a long-standing Memphis institution known for its authentic, no-nonsense approach to BBQ, with a history dating back decades and a matriarch recognized in the BBQ Hall of Fame. [^M8, ^data.placeMetadata.generatedDescription]
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Featured in these publications
Must Try Barbecue Joints In Memphis, Tennessee
Cozy Corner started life two and a half decades ago when Raymond Robinson set up the restaurant on the corner of North Parkway and N Manassas Street. Now run by his widow Desiree, Cozy Corner remains a firm favourite of barbecue fans in Memphis and has featured in publications such as Saveur magazine. The menu features intriguing specialties as well as classic Memphis pork ribs – you can sample a whole Cornish Hen or a turkey if you order a few days in advance.
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A favorite of many locals, Cozy Corner is one of the most iconic shops in town and has been run by four generations of Robinsons since 1977. It’s known for the barbecued Cornish hens, and rightly so, but you should make sure to try the ribs, too. Whatever you’re getting, though, plan to get messy.
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At these beloved joints, lunch comes with a lesson in African-American enterprise. “We don’t make a big fuss,” says Desiree Robinson, widow of Cozy Corner founder Raymond Robinson. “We just work hard and smile big when our customers come walking in the door.
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Memphis is definitely pork city, without a doubt, and known for their traditional sweet, tomato-based sauce.” Lilly cites Rendezvous, Corky’s and Cozy Corner as some of his favorite places and Melissa Cookstone (of Memphis BBQ) as an area chef to highlight.
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Main challengers to the title of “Best Barbecue in the Universe” include Interstate Bar-B-Que (2265 S. 3rd St., 901/775-2304), just north of where US-61 crosses I-55, and bare-bones drive-up barbecue stand Cozy Corner (735 N. Parkway, 901/527-9158), just east of US-51. For a change of pace from ribs, try the onion rings, burgers, beers, and live blues at another Memphis institution, Huey’s (77 S. 2nd St., 901/527-2700), right downtown.
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Out of all the Memphis barbecue joints–and there are a lot of them–Cozy Corner stands out for a few reasons, the biggest one being Desiree Robinson. She is the matriarch of Cozy Corner and was the first Black woman to be inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020. Cozy Corner is still at the location where it opened on North Parkway in 1977, and thanks to Robinson and her family, it’s still just as delicious.
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Cozy Corner is the ultimate hole-in-wall BBQ spot and it is located in the hood, but do not let the area deter you from missing your blessing. The brisket will melt in your mouth, and the BBQ Gawds speak to your soul as the flavors dance around in your mouth like a slow love ballad. I am not just saying Cozy Corner has some of the Best Barbecue in Memphis, but based on the long lines I am not the only person who feels that way.
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You'll get a huge bang for your buck at this family-run restaurant, located in a strip mall that has admittedly seen better days, just outside of downtown in a neighborhood that is working hard to make a comeback. What's missing in ambiance is more than made up for by the food, however. Served on paper plates and set on plastic tablecloths, barbecue comes in the form of baby back ribs, regular ribs and sandwiches.
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Among Memphis' oldest barbecue spots, this Black-owned business was opened by Desiree and Raymond Robinson in Uptown Memphis in 1977. To this day, the restaurant is still a family-owned and -operated establishment, collectively run by four generations of the family. Cozy Corner has garnered some contemporary buzz around its name as of late, having appeared on television shows like Somebody Feed Phil.
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Season 3, Episode 9 The Memphis BBQ TourOriginally aired: May 26, 2008 Cozy Corner 745 North ParkwayMemphis, TN 38105(901) 527-9158. Recommendations: You know Memphis barbecue for its ribs and pulled pork, but the historic Cozy Corner makes this food genre its own by preparing famously tasty, sauce-smothered Cornish game hens as well as barbecue bologna sandwiches. Now that's some TV-worthy eating!
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For many, the only kind of dinner to enjoy in Memphis is barbecue. Cozy Corner BBQ has been one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in the city since it opened in 1977, and it is recommended by both locals and visitors alike. It's a grab-and-go restaurant, allowing people to get the flavorful barbecue meals they crave and take their food to the comfort of their own home.
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This longtime BBQ joint is known for serving up its authentic barbecue dishes in a "no-nonsense" setting. Opened by the late Raymond Robinson over 20 years ago, Cozy Corner is now run by his wife Desiree, who became the first African-American woman inducted into The American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020, according to Thrillist. View this post on Instagram
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Central BBQ is one of the most popular spots in the city, but Corky's BBQ, Cozy Corner BBQ and Interstate Barbecue also come highly recommended by visitors and locals alike. Visitors also say The Four Way is a must-stop, as it's the city's oldest soul food restaurant. Evelyn & Olive also offers delectable Jamaican and Southern cuisine alongside live music.
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Cozy Corner has been curated and cared for by four generations of passionate people. This mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall spot is unamusing from the surface but stepping inside gives you the full picture. With soulful music, smiling faces, and the delicious smell of Memphis BBQ, it’s no wonder they’ve been around for almost 50 years.
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The highlight of Cozy Corner’s barbecue menu is the Cornish game hen, rubbed with herbs and spices and smoked whole. Sure, pork might be the king on Memphis grills, but don’t discount your other options. At Cozy Corner, the specialty is Cornish game hen, rubbed with a tantalizing blend of herbs and spices and then smoked whole.
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Known for their incredible Memphis barbecue and signature Cornish hens, Cozy Corner has been featured by such publications as 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Southern Living and Gourmet. This family-owned restaurant clearly knows its stuff, and anyone who’s tried their smoked barbecue wings would adamantly agree.
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This Memphis barbecue spot has been around since the 70s, so it’s about time it received some accolades from the Travel Channel. Try a classic cozy barbecue plate with a sweet dessert to round off the meal, or give yourself a taste of something different with a Cornish hen, BBQ bologna, or some caramel cake.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (455 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Price: $- Address: 735 N Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105-2033- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Recently opened restaurants in the Memphis area
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The food, the culture, the people, and especially the FOOD keep us coming back to Cozy Corner. If you’re looking for the best BBQ Cornish Hen in town, look no further. This succulent dish is covered in their signature dry rub, put in the pit for two hours minimum, and then glazed with their famous sauce.
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Cozy Corner’s hot sauce makes your lips tingle (try the famous barbecue Cornish game hen slathered in it, if you dare!). Interstate Barbecue’s Jim Neely didn’t have a family recipe to rely on, so he made up his own and doesn’t share the ingredients. But it strikes a nice balance between sweet and tangy.
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They are famous for their dry spice rubs on their perfectly smoked ribs. Their barbecue is so good, they put it on everything, even spaghetti!. Come to eat at Cozy Corner Barbecue and you will experience more than just great barbecue, you will get a chance to experience the culture of Memphis.
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Some Memphians would tell you that the very best ribs are at Cozy Corner in Uptown, and I’d be inclined to agree. The place burned down while I was in college four years ago, but has been revived and returned to top form. Two local chains that also do great ribs are Corky’s and Tops.
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Cozy Corner Restaurant is certain you will get the best BBQ that Memphis has to provide, but you will also get the best taste of Memphis culture. They have welcomed thousands of individuals from around the world for decades to enjoy its food and its authentic Memphis experience.
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Cozy Corner Restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but it has gained a reputation as one of the best barbecue spots in Memphis. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and they take pride in serving up delicious and authentic Memphis-style barbecue.
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According to the “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” review: “ Cozy Corner knows its Tennessee barbecue and locals come in droves for their ribs, wings and smoked sausage. But Guy was caught off-guard by their equally tasty whole chickens and bologna barbecue sandwiches.
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It's not fancy, but it doesn't have to be with food this good. The barbecued ribs and chicken here rival the best you’ll find anywhere. If you happen to be out east, Wolf River Brisket in Germantown is one of my favorite lunch places when I want to treat myself.
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This family-owned barbecue restaurant was started in 1977 by Raymond and Desiree Robinson (she was recently inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame). Cozy Corner is known for their Cornish hens, but don’t pass up the ribs, rib tips, sandwiches, or spaghetti.
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We've had the Beauty Shop in Cooper-Young, Rendevous several times (better than expected), Cozy Corner, Dino's Italian (basis red sauce stuff, but love the place), Gus' Fried Chicken, Grisante's (towards Germantown), but my favorite has been Second Line.
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In the North Memphis neighborhood, Cozy Corner is renowned for its Cornish hens and saucy smoked ribs. This family-owned spot has been serving authentic Memphis barbecue since 1977, and there are few places more synonymous with Memphis-style barbecue.
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Welcoming regular Memphians or someone visiting the city for the first time, Cozy Corner Restaurant has so many options for barbecue you won’t know what to choose!. Though you will probably end up wanting seconds. “I absolutely recommend this place!!
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There’s a reason why Southern Living and Gourmet magazines have featured Cozy Corner BBQ numerous times. Sure, the BBQ is high-quality and Southern in style. But, it’s their incredible chicken wings that have people drooling out the door.
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It's easy to miss the Cozy Corner Barbecue building, but don't overlook this joint. Their menu might be simple (the only sides you'll find here are beans, slaw, corn, and chips), but everything on it has been perfected over the years.
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Memphis is well known for its BBQ, with Cozy Corner BBQ being one of the standout joints. Owner and matriarch Desiree Robinson was the first black woman to be inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame.
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I planned most of our meals during our trip — special shoutout to Cozy Corner in Memphis and Arnold’s in Nashville — but revelation occurred when we headed for lunch at The Four Way Restaurant.
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If you want another great barbecue option in Memphis, Cozy Corner is a great place to check out. After all, one of the best things about Memphis is all the great bbq options.
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735 North Pkwy., Memphis, TN 38105 • (901) 527-9158Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. In the mood for some comfort food?
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Cozy Corner Restaurant offers authentic Memphis BBQ since 1977. It is run by four generations of Robinsons. They are known for cornish hens and their ribs.
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735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105Phone: 901-527-9158 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Geneva Ives (@hi_geneva)
Memphis Hot Wing Trail
Cozy Corner smokes their wings and you can get a combo plate with ribs and wings too if that takes your fancy!
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