is cocoons bbq good? is somewhere else better?

Biting my tongue to avoid affending FL natives...

Oh well, here goes anyway...

As a long-time Memphis resident who ate a whole lot of BBQ before moving here, IMHO the best BBQ the panhandle has to offer is just not up to Memphis standards. Tops, Paynes, Interstate, Leonard's, and my favorites Barbeque Shack and Central BBQ, are all better than Dan's or Cocoons. Bless them, they try, but it's not the same.

God help us, nobody outside Memphis really understands the appeal of the barbeque nachos at Autozone Park or the barbeque spaghetti and pizza some of the old-line barbeques offer. We're sick, but we love it.

Biting my tongue to avoid affending FL natives...

Oh well, here goes anyway...

As a long-time Memphis resident who ate a whole lot of BBQ before moving here, IMHO the best BBQ the panhandle has to offer is just not up to Memphis standards. Tops, Paynes, Interstate, Leonard's, and my favorites Barbeque Shack and Central BBQ, are all better than Dan's or Cocoons. Bless them, they try, but it's not the same.

God help us, nobody outside Memphis really understands the appeal of the barbeque nachos at Autozone Park or the barbeque spaghetti and pizza some of the old-line barbeques offer. We're sick, but we love it.

I agree, TreeFrog! I don't even look for a BBQ place when I'm not in Memphis. Why bother? You didn't mention Three Little Pigs BBQ on White Station-that's a good one, too.

I'm going to the Redbirds game next Saturday night, and my only dinner plans are for the BBQ nachos from Rendezvous. My husband always wants to share an order, but I'm telling him, get you own!!

there is a bbq place in destin that is the owners of some popular one in memphis. i think it is called the commisary or something

there is a bbq place in destin that is the owners of some popular one in memphis. i think it is called the commisary or something

That's been gone. We were just posting about it.

I have never had BBQ in Memphis but I know that Florida is not the place for BBQ. Several southern states have excellent BBQ but it has always appeared that Memphis has the biggest BBQ snobs. True? Until I go I won't know.

That's been gone. We were just posting about it.

I have never had BBQ in Memphis but I know that Florida is not the place for BBQ. Several southern states have excellent BBQ but it has always appeared that Memphis has the biggest BBQ snobs. True? Until I go I won't know.

Eastern N.C. might run a close second. I'm married to a BBQ snob. But, I him anyway.

Memphis BarBQ is so good that it's considered one of the essential food groups, as in

"what do you want to do for lunch?"
"Let's go to Central and get some Vitamin Q"

TreeFrog, didn't know you were from Memphis. Glad to find someone else on here from the city. I have had bbq from Central BBQ, very good. Haven't had Interstate bbq but have seen one of their sandwiches as I think they have a place in the airport here, it looked yummy! Did you ever eat any Showboats barbecue. My husband and I like that over Corkys. Have eaten at Leonards numerous times, always a favorite. Haven't heard of Paynes or the Barbecue Shack though. Where are they??? Bet you do miss the barbecue here! Sunshine, are you from the Memphis area also?

we moved here 2 years ago from Memphis and absolutely love life here. I've wanted to live here since I was 4, and we were very fortunate to have been able to make the move. We miss the BBQ, our friends and family, Horseshoe Lake, and the shade offered by the large trees in the summer. But, we've gotten pretty good at smoking ribs, new friends, having old friends and family visit, Western Lake and the gulf, and a beach umbrella, so I guess we're in great shape! :clap_1:

;-) It's true Kurt! You need to come sometime during the Memphis in May barbecue cooking contest held down on the river at Tom Lee Park. And hit the Rendevous restaurant while here. There is no shortage of barbecue places here. Here are some links!

http://www.wyndhamgardenmemphis.com/BBQRestaurants/

Link to Memphis in May barbecue cookoff

http://www.memphisinmay.org/site.as...e=world championship barbecue cooking contest

Sunshine, that has been a dream of ours to one day be able to move to the beach. When we come down there every year I hate when the following saturday rolls around because I know we have to come back here. I would not miss here if we lived there, other than the barbecue. And of course, family my parents, my son, and other relatives!

Haven't heard of Paynes or the Barbecue Shack though. Where are they???

Payne's is on Lamar, just west of the intersection with McLean. Barbeque Shop (sorry, not Barbeque Shack) is on Madison, a couple of blocks east of Zinnie's.

I'm not really a BBQ snob, just recognizing local specialties. For instance, I wouldn't dream of ordering grilled grouper in Memphis or pork barbeque in Texas. Or a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich anywhere but Indy.

And just to demonstrate my divided loyalties, I recently FedExed friends in AZ two care packages: 4 Lb of Corky's chopped shoulder and 4 Lb of fresh grouper.

Don't forget about the Cozy Corner Restaurant on N. Parkway, near downtown Memphis. It ranks up there with the best. Is the quality of the BBQ inversely proportional to the quality of the surrounding neighborhood? Maybe.

Pigs Alley - a hole in the wall right on 98 before the outlet mall. Right after the shops in Sandestin. On the North side of the road - right after Footprints.

I second this one! Best BBQ Sandwich, however, if you don't want slaw on your sandwich you must tell them when you order it.

Don't forget about the Cozy Corner Restaurant on N. Parkway, near downtown Memphis.

Cornish hen, anyone?

Well, you can have your mom n pop bbq spot if you are willing to fork over the cash for Cocoon's, which has been for sale for some time now. Only problem is that you will need to keep all of the customers and raise your prices to about $150 per BBQ sandwich.

I didn't realize Cocoon's was for sale We were there a couple of weeks ago and I didn't notice a sign I hate to hear that. I'm going to miss the delicious breakfast croissants, wonderful coffee, AWESOME TIRAMISU and friendly atmosphere.

I didn't realize Cocoon's was for sale We were there a couple of weeks ago and I didn't notice a sign I hate to hear that. I'm going to miss the delicious breakfast croissants, wonderful coffee, AWESOME TIRAMISU and friendly atmosphere.

I like Cocoon's too, and I only recently spotted the sign. I hear it has been for sale for over a year. The sign is actually on the side street with some other stuff - very cluttered.

I didn't realize Cocoon's was for sale We were there a couple of weeks ago and I didn't notice a sign I hate to hear that. I'm going to miss the delicious breakfast croissants, wonderful coffee, AWESOME TIRAMISU and friendly atmosphere.

They have a wonderful smoked tuna dip too.

I like Cocoon's too, and I only recently spotted the sign. I hear it has been for sale for over a year. The sign is actually on the side street with some other stuff - very cluttered.

With the development of the property behind him (Cassine Station) I wonder if perhaps Cocoon's owner just put out a "feeler" in case he were to get an offer he couldn't refuse. ;-)

With the development of the property behind him (Cassine Station) I wonder if perhaps Cocoon's owner just put out a "feeler" in case he were to get an offer he couldn't refuse. ;-)

He says that he is 63 and ready to retire.

He says that he is 63 and ready to retire.

He doesn't look 63! In that case, can't say that I blame him. We'll sure miss him though. He's always so interesting to talk to. He's a smart businessman. If he's patient I imagine he'll get a nice chunk of change for his property.

Cocoons? BBQ sure beats Publix. I?d hate to see it close.

This is flippin' me out. So many of my favorite food places are closing down.

Will Bud & Alley's (at the Seaside location) be the next to go? Hope not.

Will Bud & Alley's (at the Seaside location) be the next to go? Hope not.

That would be AWFUL. I?d have to bring my own martini and folding chair to enjoy happy hour with a view of the Gulf.

That would be AWFUL. I?d have to bring my own martini and folding chair to enjoy happy hour with a view of the Gulf.

Nothing wrong with that. ;-)

With the development of the property behind him (Cassine Station) I wonder if perhaps Cocoon's owner just put out a "feeler" in case he were to get an offer he couldn't refuse. ;-)

Maybe BeachBimmer could snatch that up too! :clap_1: