Photography by Frank Chin
The third annual Patio Porkers on Beale competition was held in Handy Park, and it was a smoldering, smoke-off of the backyard barbecuers! The afternoon on Beale Street was finger-licking-fun as teams participated in the chicken and rib competitions. The Beale Street restaurants also got to participate in their own competition to be crowned Rib King. Eight of the 12 Beale Street restaurants serve ribs every day, and in blind judging certified by the Memphis Barbecue Network, Alfred’s on Beale was the 2025 winner for serving the best ribs on the street! The Patio Porkers compete for cash prizes plus custom-made awards designed by the Metal Museum for the top winners. Want to fire up your grill and test your skills? Plan to join the competition next year!