Memphis Blues BBQ Commercial Vancouver
⭐ Memphis Blues BBQ is known for Elvis Platter and Memphis Feast.
💡 Good to Know
- A Commercial Drive Fixture
- Longtime owner George continues the restaurant's BBQ traditions.
- Streetfront Patio
- Outdoor seating offers views of the activity along Commercial Drive.
- Large-Scale Event Catering
- The team has catered workplace barbecues for more than 400 guests.
❤️ Top Favourites
⭐ Memphis Blues BBQ Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
Elvis Platter
One of the restaurant's most celebrated sharing platters, featuring an assortment of smoked meats and traditional barbecue sides.
Memphis Feast
A substantial mixed barbecue platter popular with couples and smaller groups who want to sample several specialties.
Beef Brisket
A signature smoked meat frequently praised for its tenderness, smoky flavour and satisfying portions.
Pork Ribs
A longstanding favourite among customers who enjoy traditional Southern-style barbecue.
Beef Ribs
Frequently recommended for their rich flavour and tender meat, with some customers describing the meat as falling from the bone.
Pulled Pork
A popular smoked pork preparation served in sandwiches, combination plates and large sharing platters.
Smoked Chicken
A traditional barbecue choice included in several of the restaurant's popular meat combinations.
Smoked Sausage
A favourite addition to mixed barbecue platters, especially among customers ordering the Elvis Platter.
Rib Tips
A well-liked barbecue specialty that customers frequently include in larger meals.
Two-Meat Combo
A popular option for customers who want to combine favourites such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs or sausage.
Pulled Pork Nachos
A generously portioned appetizer that customers often share, topped with smoked pork and traditional nacho accompaniments.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
A longtime lunch favourite combining the restaurant's smoked pork with a casual sandwich format.
Brisket Sandwich
Frequently recommended by customers who want to enjoy the restaurant's smoked beef in a smaller meal.
BBQ Chicken Wings
Praised for their smoky flavour, crispy exterior and tender meat.
Fried Chicken
A popular addition to the restaurant's sharing platters and Southern-inspired meals.
Mac & Cheese
A well-liked comfort-food side that customers often order alongside ribs and brisket.
Cornbread
One of the restaurant's most frequently mentioned sides, appreciated for its traditional Southern-style preparation.
Baked Beans
A popular accompaniment to smoked meats, frequently praised for their rich barbecue flavour.
Potato Salad
A traditional side that customers recommend with larger barbecue platters.
Spicy Coleslaw
A favourite accompaniment that provides a refreshing contrast to the smoked meats.
Fresh-Cut Fries
Frequently praised for their seasoning and preparation.
Fried Pickles
A popular appetizer recommended for its crisp coating and tangy flavour.
BBQ Poutine
A substantial comfort-food dish combining fries, cheese and barbecue toppings.
Pecan Pie
A traditional Southern dessert enjoyed by customers after their barbecue meals.
Peach Crumble
A customer-recommended dessert, particularly when served warm.
House-Made BBQ Sauces
Customers regularly praise the restaurant's barbecue sauces, mustard and Alabama white sauce.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Southern-Style Barbecue Restaurant
Memphis Blues specializes in traditional Southern-inspired barbecue, with smoked meats, hearty side dishes and generous sharing platters.
Longtime Commercial Drive Location
The restaurant has been part of Vancouver's Commercial Drive dining scene for many years, attracting neighbourhood regulars and visitors.
Locally Involved Ownership
Owner George remains associated with the Commercial Drive restaurant and its established barbecue recipes and smoking methods.
Casual Barbecue Atmosphere
The dining room has a relaxed, unpretentious character, with barbecue-themed decorations and a lively neighbourhood feel.
Streetfront Patio
Outdoor tables along Commercial Drive provide a popular setting for warm-weather lunches, dinners and afternoon drinks.
Commercial Drive People-Watching
Customers enjoy sitting outside and watching the neighbourhood's pedestrian activity.
Smoky Barbecue Aroma
Visitors frequently mention the distinctive smell of smoked meat when entering the restaurant.
Sharing-Style Dining
Large platters encourage groups to sample several meats and sides together rather than ordering individual meals.
Generous Portions
The restaurant is particularly well known for substantial servings, with many customers taking home leftovers.
Family Dining
Families regularly visit for casual meals, including birthdays and gatherings with visiting relatives.
Group Celebrations
The restaurant has accommodated birthday dinners, groups of ten and larger gatherings centred around sharing platters.
Relaxed Lunch Service
Customers visit for midday barbecue meals, sandwiches and combination plates.
Dinner with Friends
The casual atmosphere and generous sharing platters make the restaurant popular for informal evening gatherings.
Barbecue & Bourbon
The restaurant offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, including bourbon, beer and cocktails.
Local Craft Beer
Customers appreciate the selection of craft beer available alongside the barbecue.
Specialty Cocktails
Caesars, bourbon sours and other cocktails receive positive mentions from regular customers.
Happy Hour
The Commercial Drive restaurant has offered afternoon food and drink promotions, although current specials should be confirmed.
Occasional Trivia Nights
Customers have enjoyed trivia and quiz events at this location, including recurring monthly gatherings.
Themed Barbecue Events
Recent reviews describe special themed dining nights, including a cowboy-themed barbecue dinner.
Seasonal Hog Nights
A customer reported special barbecue events on the last Wednesday of the month from May through October. Current dates should be confirmed.
Friendly Neighbourhood Service
Many customers praise the approachable staff and personal attention they receive during their visits.
Popular with Visitors
The restaurant attracts travellers looking for Southern-style barbecue, including guests visiting Vancouver from other provinces and countries.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Commercial Drive Street Parking
Metered and time-restricted street parking may be available along Commercial Drive, depending on the time of day.
Nearby Side Streets
Additional parking may be found on surrounding residential streets, subject to permit restrictions and posted limits.
Commercial Drive Transit
The restaurant is served by bus routes along Commercial Drive, making it accessible without a car.
Commercial–Broadway Station
The SkyTrain interchange is farther south along Commercial Drive, with bus connections toward the restaurant.
Walkable Neighbourhood
The location is surrounded by independent shops, cafés and restaurants within Vancouver's Little Italy district.
Streetfront Patio Access
Outdoor seating is available along Commercial Drive during patio season, subject to weather and availability.
Family Washroom Amenities
A customer specifically reported finding a clean washroom with a baby-changing table during a family visit.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Step-free entry, wheelchair seating and accessible washroom facilities have not been independently confirmed. Contact the restaurant for specific requirements.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Commercial Drive & Kitchener Street
Memphis Blues is located at 1342 Commercial Drive, near Kitchener Street in East Vancouver.
Grandview-Woodland Neighbourhood
The restaurant sits within Vancouver's Grandview-Woodland community, known for its independent businesses and neighbourhood character.
Little Italy
Commercial Drive's historic Little Italy district surrounds the restaurant, with Italian cafés, specialty food shops and restaurants nearby.
Commercial Drive Shopping
The surrounding blocks offer independent boutiques, bookstores, cafés and specialty retailers.
Grandview Park
The popular neighbourhood park is a short walk south along Commercial Drive, with green space and community gathering areas.
Britannia Community Centre
The nearby community complex includes recreational facilities, a library and other neighbourhood services.
Britannia Secondary School
The school and surrounding community facilities are located just east of Commercial Drive.
Rio Theatre
The independent cinema and entertainment venue is located farther south along Commercial Drive, near Broadway.
Commercial-Broadway Station
The major transit interchange connects the neighbourhood with Vancouver's SkyTrain network and regional bus services.
Italian Day on The Drive
The restaurant sits along the Commercial Drive corridor that hosts Vancouver's annual Italian Day street festival.
Commercial Drive Nightlife
The surrounding neighbourhood features pubs, music venues and restaurants that contribute to the area's lively evening atmosphere.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Dine-In
Enjoy Southern-style barbecue in the casual dining room, with full table service and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Streetfront Patio Dining
Outdoor seating along Commercial Drive is available during warmer weather, offering a lively setting for lunch or dinner.
Takeout
Order smoked meats, barbecue platters, sandwiches and traditional sides for pickup.
Advance Pickup Orders
Customers have successfully arranged takeout orders ahead of time, including larger meals for parties and special occasions.
Delivery
Customers report ordering from this location through DoorDash and Uber Eats, with availability depending on the delivery address.
Sharing Platters
The Memphis Feast and Elvis Platter are popular options for couples, families and groups who want to sample several barbecue specialties.
Family Gatherings
Large takeout platters provide convenient options for family dinners, celebrations and gatherings at home.
Game-Day Orders
Customers have preordered barbecue for Super Bowl parties and other occasions involving larger groups.
Group Reservations
The restaurant has accommodated groups of approximately ten people, including during busy neighbourhood events.
Birthday Dinners
Customers regularly choose this location for birthday meals, often sharing the restaurant's larger barbecue platters.
Corporate Catering
Memphis Blues provides barbecue catering for workplace lunches, staff celebrations and company events.
Large-Scale Catering
The catering team has served construction-site barbecues for more than 400 guests, including repeat corporate customers.
On-Site Event Catering
Customers describe catered workplace events where the Memphis Blues team arrived to organize and serve the barbecue.
Private Celebrations
Customers can inquire about catering for birthdays, family gatherings and other special occasions.
Special Barbecue Events
The Commercial Drive location has hosted themed barbecue dinners and seasonal events, with current dates available directly from the restaurant.
Trivia Nights
Customers have attended trivia and quiz nights at this location, although the current schedule should be confirmed.
Happy Hour
The restaurant has offered afternoon food and drink specials, with promotions subject to change.
Gluten-Free Requests
Some customers report suitable gluten-free meat and side combinations. Ingredients, sauces and cross-contact precautions should be confirmed before ordering.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
A Commercial Drive Favourite
Longtime customers appreciate the restaurant's established presence on The Drive and its familiar Southern-style barbecue.
Generous Sharing Platters
One of the strongest recurring themes is the enormous size of the Memphis Feast and Elvis Platter, with customers frequently taking home leftovers.
Brisket Has a Loyal Following
Many diners praise the smoked beef brisket for its tenderness and flavour, making it one of the restaurant's most frequently recommended dishes.
Ribs Receive Enthusiastic Reviews
Pork and beef ribs attract strong recommendations, particularly from customers who enjoy traditional barbecue.
Popular House-Made Sides
Cornbread, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and fries receive frequent mentions as important parts of the barbecue experience.
Friendly and Personal Service
Many reviewers describe welcoming, attentive employees who make diners feel comfortable and offer helpful recommendations.
Individual Staff Earn Recognition
Several customers specifically praise employees for their enthusiasm, kindness and ability to manage busy dining periods.
A Lively Neighbourhood Atmosphere
The casual interior, barbecue decorations and music contribute to a relaxed setting that customers enjoy.
Patio Is a Summer Favourite
Outdoor seating along Commercial Drive is particularly popular for sunny afternoons, casual meals and neighbourhood people-watching.
Good for Groups
Customers appreciate the large sharing platters and the restaurant's willingness to accommodate family gatherings and groups of friends.
Catering Receives Strong Praise
Corporate customers frequently compliment the catering team's organization, generous servings and ability to handle large events.
Mixed Opinions on Brisket Consistency
Although brisket receives substantial praise, some recent customers report dry, chewy or overly fatty portions.
Smoked Chicken Can Be Dry
Several customers have criticized the chicken's texture, and management has acknowledged the difficulty of consistently keeping its smoked chicken moist.
Occasional Overly Salty Dishes
Some diners report that certain meats, beans, sauces and sides are saltier than they prefer.
Service Can Be Inconsistent
While many customers describe excellent hospitality, others report inattentive service, long waits or unfriendly interactions.
Takeout & Delivery Experiences Vary
Some customers praise the portions and convenience of delivery, while others describe missing items, disappointing food temperatures or inconsistent quality.
Pricing Receives Mixed Reactions
Many diners consider the large platters good value, while others feel individual meals are expensive when preparation or portion sizes fall short.
Popular for Celebrations
Birthday dinners, visiting relatives and group gatherings feature regularly in positive customer reviews.
Traditional Recipes Remain Important
The Commercial Drive owner has stated that the restaurant's core recipes and smoking methods remain largely unchanged, despite changes elsewhere in the chain.
A Distinctive East Vancouver Barbecue Spot
Many customers return for the combination of smoked meats, substantial portions, casual atmosphere and familiar neighbourhood hospitality.
Sources
Links used to compile this restaurant’s menu and dining information.
- Memphis Blues BBQ Menu (opens in a new tab)View the restaurant's menu at the linked source to confirm current prices, availability, and menu details.
