Cozy Corner Restaurant

MEMPHIS: Cozy Corner Restaurant
745 N Pkwy
Memphis, TN 38105
901-527-9158
Open Tues-Sat 11-9
www.cozycornerbbq.com

Not until I walked through the glass door did I realize that I had visited this joint back in the nineties in my pre-barbecue quest days. It was Liberty Bowl weekend, and Corky's had not satisfied my craving for decent ribs, so a friend and I made our way here for a great down home experience. The hospitality was just as memorable on this trip with owner Desiree Robinson taking the orders. We chatted about the unique Chicago style aquarium pit they use, and I learned that charcoal is the only fuel they use here. I would learn later in the day that this is not an oddity in Memphis, especially among black owned BBQ joints.



Ordering a pork sandwich, I just assumed it would be pulled, but a pile of thinly sliced pork came topped with a soupy and mustardy slaw with an incredibly sweet sauce. The pork had a heavy smoke flavor from the pit, and that thick sauce added another punch of smoke, of the liquid variety. The sandwich was certainly enjoyable, but more restraint on the sauce would have allowed that pork to shine through a bit more.



The option for small orders is always appreciated when I know I'll be eating at eight or so joints in a day. So many Memphis BBQ joints have a minimum rib order of a half rack that can easily run in the $12 range, so the 2 bone rib plate for $6.75 was a refreshing way to start the day. The direct heat charcoal cooking provided both a uniquely memorable flavor and a tougher texture than indirect heat. The meaty St. Louis cut ribs certainly had great flavor, but it was a chore to get that meat off the bones. After reading some additional reviews after my visit, I wish I had gotten the cornish hen, but I'll have to save it for next time.



A side of barbecue spaghetti was available with the rib plate, so I jumped at the chance to try this Memphis specialty. I couldn't detect a speck of meat in this conglomeration, but chili powder had been mixed with the sauce to give it an extra kick. Thick, sweet, and smoky BBQ beans were a better option, and make a great combo with that pork sandwich. I won't wait another decade for my next visit.

Rating ***