23 Best Places to Eat in Memphis: Local Favorites for 2025

Memphis’s dining scene offers a true culinary experience through a city undergoing a remarkable renaissance.  Local barbecue joints serve more than 10,000 pounds of ribs every week.  Historic establishments like The Arcade have been feeding diners since 1919, making Memphis a city with an impressive selection of dining options.

The city’s vibrant dining scene caters to curious locals wanting to break their restaurant routine and visitors seeking both iconic barbecue and hidden gems downtown.  New restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops continue to reshape the scene as they open their doors.  Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous has built an outstanding reputation through decades of excellence.  Newer additions like Habana Club Restaurant now bring authentic Cuban cuisine to the mix.  This complete guide emphasizes 23 must-visit eateries that showcase Memphis’s position as one of America’s most exciting food destinations.

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ

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Corky’s Ribs & BBQ shines as one of Memphis’s best places to eat.  This family-owned restaurant stays true to authentic Memphis-style barbecue.  Years of dedication to Southern tradition have built its stellar reputation.

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ Cuisine

Slow-cooking sits at the core of Corky’s approach to great barbecue.  The pork shoulders smoke for an impressive 22-hour process and the ribs need over 7 hours to reach perfection.  Real hickory chips and charcoal work together to cook all meat selections slowly.  This careful process creates that signature smoky flavor you’ll find in authentic Memphis barbecue.

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ Signature Dishes

The menu features these popular items:

• World Famous Ribs – Choose wet, dry, half & half, or “muddy”
• Pulled Pork – Tender hand-pulled pork topped with signature BBQ sauce
• Smokin’ Rib Combos – Try the 1/3 Slab Ribs & Pulled Pork Combo ($22.99)
• Captain Don’s Dinner – A feast with 1/3 slab ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and beef brisket ($34.99)

The menu also includes Delta catfish, burgers, and scratch-made Southern sides.

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ Pricing

Barbecue sandwiches cost between $5.99-$10.99, offering great value.  Full meals come with generous portions at reasonable prices:

• 1/3 Slab Dinner: $16.99
• Half Slab Dinner: $21.99
• Full Slab Dinner for two: $34.99

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ Ambiance

Memphis’s vibrant spirit comes alive in this lively dining space.  Customers often highlight the friendly and attentive service.  The restaurant lets you enjoy your meal your way with a classic dining room, takeout options and a quick drive-thru.  Event planning becomes easier with Corky’s full-service catering starting at $10.49 per person.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

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Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken stands as a Memphis culinary icon.  Their legendary spicy fried chicken recipe has made them one of the best places to eat in Memphis.  The Memphis-based chain now has expanded to 17 locations in 10 states.  Their authentic flavor remains unchanged, earning them a spot in Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat” and recognition as “Best Fried Chicken” in the “Best of Memphis” awards.

Gus’s Fried Chicken Cuisine

The story began in 1984 when Gus Bonner took over his parents’ Tennessee diner.  He used their special spicy recipe from 1953.  Gus’s chicken stands out because of its unique preparation method.  The secret lies in their liquid batter that lets flavor seep deep into the meat.  Peanut oil gives the chicken its signature mahogany-colored, crispy exterior.  People call it “hot and spicy,” but the heat feels “more gentle, like the touch of an old friend”.

Gus’s Fried Chicken Signature Dishes

Their famous hot and spicy fried chicken comes in several combinations:

• Chicken plates (2-piece dark plate at $21.95, 3-piece white plate at $26.95, half chicken plate at $29.95) come with baked beans and coleslaw
• Single pieces are available: breast ($6.95), thigh ($5.95), leg ($4.45) and wing ($4.45)
• The 20-piece special feeds the whole family at $69.95

Customers love their sides just as much as the chicken.  The garlicky fried pickles ($9.95), crisp fried okra ($9.95), and classic mac and cheese ($7.45) are local favorites.  A meal here isn’t complete without trying their homemade chess pies ($7.95).  These come in chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors.

Gus’s Fried Chicken Pricing

A 2-piece dark meat plate costs $21.95, while a half chicken plate runs $29.95.  Families can get better value with the 8-piece special at $35.95.  All sides cost $7.45, making them a budget-friendly addition to any meal.

Gus’s Fried Chicken Ambiance

This relaxed dining spot sits in a modest brick building that seats about 50 people.  Checkerboard tablecloths and laminated menus add charm to the bare brick walls decorated with neon beer signs.  B.B. King-era blues plays from the jukebox, creating an authentic Southern vibe.  People from all walks of life gather here, making it one of Memphis’s most diverse dining spots.

Tennessee puns.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

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Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar brings a fresh take on fine dining to Memphis.  Diners can enjoy multiple dishes through “flights”—groups of three sample portions.  The restaurant stands out among Memphis’s upscale dining spots from its downtown location at 39 S. Main St.

Flight Restaurant Cuisine

The restaurant blends upscale Southern cuisine with international influences masterfully.  Their menu showcases premium ingredients like Snake River Farms Wagyu carpaccio, Maine lobster and specialty game meats.  The restaurant’s culinary approach focuses on giving diners multiple taste experiences in one sitting.  They serve flights of soups, salads, entrees and desserts.

Flight Restaurant Signature Dishes

The menu features these distinctive flight combinations:

• Steak Flight ($39) – Has Boursin Stuffed Filet, Bison Ribeye and Elk Tenderloin
• Seafood Flight ($36) – Features Scallop Benedict, Shrimp and Grits, and Lobster and Crab Gnocchi
• Butcher’s Flight ($34) – Has Pork Tenderloin, Veal Scallopini and Wild Boar Tenderloin

New guests should try the Ocean Flight appetizer ($24). It comes with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Maine Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Lobster Ravioli.

Flight Restaurant Pricing

Small plates cost between $12-$18 while full entrees range from $26-$39.  Wine flights are reasonably priced at $10.75-$20 for three tastings.  The premium King’s Cut Ribeye costs $49.

Flight Restaurant Ambiance

White tablecloths, soft lighting, and leather menus create an elegant setting.  The main floor’s bar area buzzes with energy, while the upstairs balcony offers a quieter, romantic spot.  Guests can request the intimate wine cellar seating for special occasions, particularly during busy weekends.

Central BBQ

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Central BBQ has ranked among Memphis’s top BBQ spots since 2003 and won top honors ten times.  This restaurant shows evidence of authentic Memphis-style slow-smoked barbecue at its finest.

Central BBQ Cuisine

Central BBQ’s success comes from their careful smoking process.  They marinate all meats for 24 hours with their secret dry spice blend and smoke them slowly over hickory and pecan woods.  The pit masters never add sauce during smoking.  This lets the natural flavors develop fully and has earned the restaurant its place among Memphis’s competitive barbecue scene.

Central BBQ Signature Dishes

The menu features these popular items:

• Award-winning BBQ Nachos – Topped with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, shredded cheese and jalapeños
• Smoked Hot Wings – Available wet, naked, jerked, dry spice, honey gold or sweet heat
• Ribs – Marinated overnight and slow-smoked to perfection, served wet, dry or half & half
• Beef Brisket Plate – 7oz of trim sliced brisket for $24.00

Central BBQ Pricing

Plates start at $18.00 for pulled pork or chicken and go up to $39.60 for a full slab rib plate.  Customers can try the Three Meat Combo Plate for $30.00.  These options make the restaurant accessible to different budgets.

Central BBQ Ambiance

The downtown location sits near Memphis landmarks like Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.  Customers enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.  Sometimes a bluegrass band plays in the back room, adding to the authentic Southern dining experience.

Montgomery Puns.

Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous

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A legendary BBQ joint sits tucked away in a basement alley of downtown Memphis.  Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous has delighted customers with its signature dry-rub ribs since 1948.  This iconic restaurant takes a different path from typical Memphis BBQ spots.

Rendezvous Cuisine

The kitchen team at Rendezvous focuses on charcoal-broiled ribs instead of traditional slow-smoking methods.  Their famous dry ribs spend about 75 minutes over charcoal.  This creates flavors that set them apart from classic Memphis-style BBQ.  The restaurant’s secret dry rub blends Mediterranean spices that showcase founder Charlie Vergo’s Greek roots.  The result tastes nothing like regular sauce-based BBQ.

Rendezvous Signature Dishes

The menu shines with these favorites:

• Charcoal-broiled ribs: small order ($19.50) or full order ($27.00)
• BBQ pork or chicken plates ($17.50)
• “The Combination” with ribs and brisket ($28.75)

Rendezvous Pricing

You’ll find main dishes from $17.50 for BBQ sandwiches to $28.75 for combination platters.  The prices stay reasonable, especially since they serve about 3 tons of ribs weekly.

Rendezvous Ambiance

The restaurant sits underground between Second and Third Streets.  A distinctive alley entrance guides you to a space where historical memorabilia covers the walls.  Customers get more than just great food – they experience a true piece of Memphis history.

Weekend getaways from Nashville.

Sunrise Memphis

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Sunrise Memphis stands out as a refreshing breakfast spot among Memphis eateries.  This locally-owned casual restaurant at 670 Jefferson Avenue has become the city’s breakfast favorite.

Sunrise Memphis Cuisine

The restaurant excels at Southern-style breakfast and brunch with creative spins on morning classics.  Their house-made buttermilk biscuits and sauces showcase their commitment to quality.  The menu combines Southern comfort food with state-of-the-art breakfast ideas that make it different from regular breakfast places.

Sunrise Memphis Signature Dishes

The menu highlights several popular items:

• Biscuit Sammies – Including the “Usual” with bacon, egg and cheddar ($6.50) and the “Rooster” featuring fried chicken breast with house-made pickle and Tabasco honey ($7.00)
• Kitchen Sink Plate – A hearty feast with 2 eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, grits and a buttermilk biscuit ($13.50)
• Bi Bim Bowl – Char siu pork, over-easy eggs, kimchi, scallions and pickled daikon on sticky rice ($12.00)

Sunrise Memphis Pricing

Breakfast items cost between $6.00-$13.50.  You can grab biscuit sandwiches for $6.00-$7.00, while larger plates and bowls run $9.00-$13.50.  The restaurant’s generous portions and quality ingredients make these prices a great value.

Sunrise Memphis Ambiance

Bright colors and eclectic décor create an energetic morning atmosphere in this airy space.  The casual vibe works well for quick breakfast runs and relaxed brunches.  The restaurant welcomes guests daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and ranks among Memphis’s top breakfast destinations.

Majestic Grille

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The Majestic Grille began its story in 1913 as the Majestic No. 1 silent picture house.  Today, this Memphis restaurant preserves its rich cinematic heritage through careful restoration that makes it one of the city’s most distinctive dining spots.

Majestic Grille Cuisine

Chef/Owner Patrick Reilly blends his Irish roots with culinary skills gained at the Guinness Brewery executive dining room.  His American menu has earned him multiple Best Chef and Best Restaurant awards.  The chef’s commitment to classic, accessible food led to his recognition as 2019 Restaurateur of the Year.

Majestic Grille Signature Dishes

The menu showcases several standout items:

• Hand-Cut Steaks – Including 8oz Filet Mignon ($48.00) and 16oz Ribeye ($56.00)
• Grilled Salmon – Served with rosemary honey glaze, asparagus, and vegetable rice pilaf ($31.00)
• Barbequed Ribs – Slow-smoked with house-made sauce (Half Rack $24.00, Full Rack $31.00)

Majestic Grille Pricing

Diners can expect to spend $10-25 on most menu items, though specialty dishes cost more.  The restaurant provides free parking during lunch hours Monday through Friday, 11am-3pm.

Majestic Grille Ambiance

Restored Beaux Arts décor takes diners back to Hollywood’s golden age.  The restaurant boasts the city’s largest private movie screen that plays silent films and classic movies during meals.  This combination creates a dining experience unique to Memphis.

Weekend getaways from Chicago.

Itta Bena

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A hidden culinary gem sits above BB King’s Blues Club – Itta Bena, named after B.B. King’s Mississippi birthplace.  This intimate spot brings Southern flair to Memphis’s dining scene.

Itta Bena Cuisine

The restaurant blends contemporary Southern cuisine with Delta influences.  Local flavors shine through elegant interpretations of traditional Southern dishes.  Diners will find creative preparations that showcase fresh ingredients and time-honored Southern cooking methods.

Itta Bena Signature Dishes

The restaurant’s stellar reputation comes from several outstanding dishes:

• Cajun Abita Shrimp – Their signature favorite served with house-made Abita beer bread
• Signature She-Crab Soup – Featuring jumbo lump crab meat, cream, dry sherry and red pepper flakes
• Delta Red Fish & Grits – Blackened redfish atop white cheddar grits with sautéed garlic spinach, crowned with crawfish etouffée sauce ($37)

Itta Bena Pricing

Main entrées cost between $32-$38, including favorites like Tuscan Stuffed Chicken ($32) and Maple Bourbon Salmon ($36).  Premium sides enhance the meal with options like Five Cheese Mac & Cheese and Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole.

Itta Bena Ambiance

Relaxed sophistication defines the atmosphere, and you won’t need a jacket here.  The space offers a unique experience that combines upscale dining with genuine Southern hospitality.  The restaurant welcomes walk-in guests daily, though reservations are recommended.

Food trucks in Austin.

Arcade Restaurant

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The Arcade Restaurant, a 104-year old establishment, stands as Memphis’ oldest restaurant.  This South Main Arts District landmark serves classic Southern fare in a historic setting.  Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos started the restaurant, and now his family’s fourth generation runs the business.

Arcade Restaurant Cuisine

The restaurant serves breakfast all day and Southern-style lunch specials throughout the week.  Dinner specials are available Thursday through Friday and the menu features an impressive bar and coffee selection.  The kitchen stays true to Southern cooking traditions but adds modern twists to some classics.  Their pesto, feta, and walnut pizza brings a fresh take on traditional flavors.

Arcade Restaurant Signature Dishes

The restaurant’s famous dishes include:

• French Toast Breakfast Plate ($15.63) – A Travel Channel favorite that comes with eggs, hash browns or grits and bacon or sausage
• Sweet Potato Pancakes – Food Network featured this dish that includes two eggs, bacon or sausage and your choice of sides
• Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich – Elvis’ go-to sandwich, sometimes served with mayonnaise
• The Downtowner Pizza – A crispy crust topped with feta cheese, artichoke hearts and olives

Arcade Restaurant Pricing

Breakfast items cost between $9.25-$10.95.  The restaurant’s downtown location and tourist appeal haven’t pushed prices too high.  Salads range from $9.25-$10.50, making the menu available to customers with different budgets.

Arcade Restaurant Ambiance

The restaurant’s interior captures authentic 1950s style with boomerang tabletop patterns, bright neon signs and original storefronts.  Movie makers’ attention has been drawn to this location, which appears in films like “Great Balls of Fire,” “The Firm,” and “Walk the Line”.  Elvis’ dedicated booth with surrounding memorabilia makes this one of Memphis’ most unique dining spots.

Weekend getaways from Memphis.

Brother Juniper’s

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Brother Juniper’s has been the go-to breakfast spot near the University of Memphis campus for more than 40 years.  This family-run restaurant caught national attention when it appeared on the Food Network and earned its place among Memphis’s best eateries.

Brother Juniper’s Cuisine

We enjoyed breakfast and brunch dishes that the staff prepares from scratch in their open kitchen.  Customers can watch their meals come to life right before their eyes.  Brother Juniper’s excels at creative omelets and breakfast skillets with unique flavor combinations.

Brother Juniper’s Signature Dishes

The restaurant earned its reputation with these must-try items:

• Open-Faced Omelets – Uniquely presented with toppings piled high rather than folded inside
• San Diegan Omelet – Featuring avocado, bacon, tomato and cheese
• Hungry Man Breakfast – A substantial plate with eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon and toast
• House-Made Bread – Freshly baked and available as toast or for purchase as full loaves

Brother Juniper’s Pricing

Quality meets value with breakfast entrees between $9-$14.  Specialty omelets and skillets might cost extra depending on your choice of ingredients.

Brother Juniper’s Ambiance

Rustic wooden tables and local artwork create a cozy, welcoming space.  Weekend crowds mean you might need to wait, but regular customers say the food makes it worthwhile.  The staff’s friendly service and community atmosphere have made this spot next to the university a true Memphis breakfast tradition.

The Beauty Shop

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The Beauty Shop brings a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Memphis.  This Cooper-Young district restaurant operates in a 1950s beauty salon where Priscilla Presley got her beehive styled.  Karen Carrier, chef and restaurateur, opened this gem in 2002.

The Beauty Shop Cuisine

The menu features contemporary American dishes with bold international flavors.  Carrier’s creative cooking combines Southern traditions with global influences.  Critics praise her dishes as “imaginative, well prepared and full of surprises”.  The restaurant caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

The Beauty Shop Signature Dishes

Standout offerings include:

• Watermelon & Wings with sweet chile ginger lime sauce
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a customer favorite
• The Jamaican Duck with muddled blackberries
• Lucky Pot featuring Ramen & Ribeye in a Saffron Tumeric broth

The Beauty Shop Pricing

Menu prices range between $31.00 to $50.00.  The Jamaican Style Sugar & Spice Crispy Duck costs around $32.00.

The Beauty Shop Ambiance

Original beauty shop elements remain throughout the space.  Mint green wash basins sit behind the bar, while Belvedere hairdryers serve as seats.  The original terrazzo floor adds to the vintage charm.  Glass brick stalls create intimate dining booths. Modern touches like hand-blown art-glass lights and glamorous copper and silver-leaf walls blend with these retro features.  Guests often describe this mix as a “camp wonderland”.

Food trucks in Miami.

Paulette’s

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Paulette’s has served Memphis diners for over 40 years.  The restaurant moved from its original Overton Square location to Harbor Town on Mud Island in 2011.  This riverside gem combines continental cuisine with spectacular river views.

Paulette’s Cuisine

The menu features continental cuisine with subtle French influences that create an upscale dining experience without feeling stuffy.  Every meal starts with their signature complimentary popovers and strawberry butter – a beloved tradition that guests have enjoyed for decades.  The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but shines brightest during evening service.

Paulette’s Signature Dishes

The menu’s most popular items have earned a loyal following:

• Filet mignon with béarnaise sauce
• Pan-seared salmon with lemon-dill butter
• Beef Wellington (available as a recurring special)

The restaurant built its original reputation on crepes but now features a wider selection of continental classics and seasonal specialties.

Paulette’s Pricing

Dinner entrées cost between $24-$39, with most dishes around $30.  Breakfast options are budget-friendly and start at $9, making this upscale spot available at different price points.

Paulette’s Ambiance

Crisp white tablecloths and attentive service create an elegant dining room atmosphere.  The restaurant sits inside the River Inn boutique hotel and offers breathtaking Mississippi River views.  This intimate setting works perfectly for celebrations and romantic dinners.  The restaurant’s reputation has grown beyond its excellent food to become a complete experience that blends exceptional cuisine, service, and atmosphere.

Food trucks in Chicago.

Blues City Cafe

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Blues City Cafe stands proudly at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Beale Street.  This authentic Memphis dining spot truly captures the city’s culinary soul.

Blues City Cafe Cuisine

Bon Appetit Magazine celebrates how Blues City Cafe creates a perfect blend of “blues and barbeque, smoke and sauce… meld beautifully”.  The kitchen crafts Southern comfort food and hickory-smoked barbecue ribs with maple BBQ sauce that cooks until “the meat slips right off the bone”.

Blues City Cafe Signature Dishes

The menu features these crowd favorites:

• “Best Meal on Beale” combination platter featuring half-rack ribs and fried catfish ($33.49)
• Farm-raised Mississippi catfish hand-battered with cornmeal and spice breading ($23.49)
• Seafood Gumbo described as “very spicy” with shrimp, crawfish, and catfish ($11.49/bowl)
• Cheese Fries topped with options like homemade chili ($15.49) or BBQ pork ($16.49)

Blues City Cafe Pricing

The menu prices range from $17.99 for chicken tenders to an impressive $88.49 for the 3-pound Porterhouse steak.  Diners can enjoy appetizers between $10.99 and $16.49.

Blues City Cafe Ambiance

Live blues music fills the air from the adjacent Band Box.  This historic corner spot has welcomed everyone from neighborhood regulars to famous faces like Bill Clinton and Tom Cruise.

Rum Boogie Cafe

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Rum Boogie Cafe has been the life-blood of Beale Street for over 40 years.  Visitors seeking authentic Memphis experiences will find an amazing combination of live blues music and Southern cuisine here.

Rum Boogie Cafe Cuisine

The kitchen creates a delicious mix of American, Cajun & Creole, and Memphis-style BBQ dishes. “Down home cookin'” and “smokin’ hot blues” have built the venue’s reputation successfully.  Guests can enjoy Championship Gumbo, Memphis-style BBQ and Mississippi farm-raised catfish on the menu.

Rum Boogie Cafe Signature Dishes

The menu highlights these popular items:

• Memphis Platter ($38.95) featuring a sampler of regional specialties
• Fried Catfish Dinner ($21.95) using farm-raised Mississippi catfish
• Red Beans, Rice, and Gator Gumbo Combo ($18.00)
• Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese ($12.95)

Rum Boogie Cafe Pricing

Entrees cost between $12.95 and $38.95.  The prices put it in the moderate range ($$-$$$) among Beale Street restaurants.

Rum Boogie Cafe Ambiance

Blues music plays live seven nights a week, giving guests an authentic Memphis music experience.  The venue stays open until 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 2:00 AM on weekends.  Visitors can enjoy late-night entertainment here after learning about other Memphis eateries.

BBQ puns.

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant

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Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant stands proudly on Elvis Presley Boulevard.  This Memphis gem has become famous for its authentic Southern hospitality and eye-catching pink Cadillac pickup service.

Marlowe’s Cuisine

Southern barbecue takes center stage at Marlowe’s, where Memphis-style ribs steal the show.  The kitchen team slow-smokes their meats to perfection and lets rich flavors develop naturally.  Their steadfast dedication to quality shows in every homemade side dish that pairs perfectly with the smoky barbecue.

Marlowe’s Signature Dishes

These crowd favorites have helped build the restaurant’s stellar reputation:

• Award-winning ribs available as full or half slabs
• Tender, hand-pulled pork plates bursting with flavor
• Southern fried chicken that’s crispy outside and juicy inside
• Homemade banana pudding that ends your meal on a sweet note

Marlowe’s Pricing

Quality barbecue at Marlowe’s won’t break the bank.  Families and tourists can enjoy moderate prices that match other top barbecue spots in Memphis.

Marlowe’s Ambiance

Elvis memorabilia fills the walls and creates a lively atmosphere that captures Memphis’s spirit.  Of course, the restaurant’s signature pink Cadillac pickup service adds a unique touch you won’t find anywhere else in Memphis.

The BBQ Shop

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The Bar-B-Q Shop stands proudly as America’s #1 spot for ribs, according to the Food Network’s “Top Five Restaurants”.  This Memphis gem has delighted barbecue lovers since 1987.  Their distinctive flavors and cherished recipes make it a must-visit destination.

The BBQ Shop Cuisine

The restaurant’s dedication to authentic pit barbecue makes it special.  They create old-fashioned sauces and cole slaw from scratch.  Their Dancing Pigs sauce recipes have delighted customers for over five decades.  The Original sauce works perfectly for basting and marinades.  The Hot Sauce brings warmth without overpowering the smoky flavors and it won the 2005 and 2008 Fiery Food Challenge for vinegar-based barbecue sauce.

The BBQ Shop Signature Dishes

The menu showcases these remarkable items:

• BBQ Spaghetti – A Memphis original that actually originated at The Bar-B-Q Shop
• Texas Toast Sandwiches – Available with pulled pork, chopped beef or smoked turkey
• The Bar-B-Q Shop Special ($26.99) – A feast including ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket and BBQ spaghetti

The BBQ Shop Pricing

The sandwich prices range from $6.59 for BBQ beef bologna to $8.49 for smoked turkey.  The meals provide great value – you can enjoy a Regular Rib Order at $16.99 or a Slab of Ribs at $22.49.

The BBQ Shop Ambiance

This family-owned spot has a unique pub-like atmosphere that is different from typical BBQ joints.  The space feels warm and inviting.  The restaurant welcomes guests with genuine Southern hospitality Tuesday through Saturday.

Coastal Fish Company

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Coastal Fish Company sits at Hyde Lake’s edge in Shelby Farms Park and delivers one of Memphis’s most picturesque dining experiences.  The restaurant pairs stunning views with exceptional cuisine.

Coastal Fish Company Cuisine

The restaurant excels in fresh, carefully sourced seafood that chefs prepare using both classic techniques and new ideas.  Their culinary style brings coastal dishes to life while offering “land” options in appetizers and entrées that work for a variety of tastes.  The restaurant’s reputation has earned it a spot among OpenTable’s best brunch spots.

Coastal Fish Company Signature Dishes

The menu features these memorable items:

• Raw oysters served with savory sorbets
• Chocolate-covered key lime pie
• Seafood towers featuring raw oysters, jumbo lump crab meat and jumbo shrimp
• Signature broiled oysters
• Seafood Cobb Salad and Cajun Pasta Jambalaya

Coastal Fish Company Pricing

Guests experience upscale dining with matching prices.  The main course selection includes Chilean Seabass ($45.00), Jumbo Prawns ($35.00) and Fruits of the Sea ($29.00).  The premium prices reflect both quality ingredients and the restaurant’s lakeside location.

Coastal Fish Company Ambiance

The space features three unique areas – a cozy lakeside patio “almost touching the lake,” a lively bar section, and a dining room with comfortable booths.  The venue maintains a warm, coastal fine-dining feel that has earned a 4.8-star rating from nearly 9,000 OpenTable diners.  The patio’s sunset views rank among Memphis’s finest dining experiences.

Memphis puns.

Huey’s Downtown

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Huey’s Downtown has grown into a Memphis burger institution that both locals and tourists love.  This relaxed eatery at Second and Union streets gives hungry visitors a perfect break while they learn about downtown Memphis attractions.

Huey’s Cuisine

Huey’s specializes in classic American comfort food, and their world-famous burgers steal the show.  Their menu goes beyond beef patties to include fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and Southern favorites.  The kitchen team makes everything from scratch and ends up creating dishes that please both traditional and adventurous eaters.

Huey’s Signature Dishes

The menu features these must-try items:

• Award-winning burgers with various toppings
• West Memphis Wings tossed in signature sauces
• Jack Daniel’s Burger topped with special whiskey sauce
• Homemade soups prepared daily

Huey’s Pricing

Families and downtown workers can enjoy quality meals at budget-friendly prices.  Groups can share appetizers that provide great value.  Main courses cost moderately compared to other downtown spots.

Huey’s Ambiance

Customer-created toothpick darts and graffiti cover the walls, creating a relaxed, authentic vibe. Sunday afternoons come alive with music and the space strikes a perfect balance between casual dining and Memphis charm.  Huey’s stands as a cultural landmark where everyone feels at home right away.

Comparison Table

Enjoy Places to Eat in Memphis

Memphis is a food lover’s paradise where Southern traditions blend perfectly with modern dining innovations.  The city’s vibrant food scene celebrates its famous barbecue heritage that attracts foodies worldwide.  You’ll find everything from the legendary dry-rub ribs at Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous to elegant flight-style tastings at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar.

The city’s culinary charm goes well beyond its exceptional barbecue.  Coastal Fish Company offers stunning lakeside views and impressive seafood towers.  The Beauty Shop serves creative dishes in a unique setting – a former 1950s beauty salon where Priscilla Presley once got her hair done.

Memphis’s restaurant scene tells stories of its past and present.  The Arcade Restaurant has welcomed guests since 1919. Central BBQ, though newer, has quickly built its legacy with award-winning recipes and techniques.  This mix of old and new creates a unique dining experience you won’t find in other American cities.

Good food doesn’t have to be expensive in Memphis.  You can enjoy world-class flavors at Huey’s Downtown or Brother Juniper’s without spending too much.  Special occasions call for visits to elegant spots like Paulette’s or Itta Bena.

The city’s flavors showcase its Southern heritage and worldwide influences.  Start your day with sweet potato pancakes at Sunrise Memphis, grab spicy fried chicken at Gus’s for lunch and end with sophisticated continental cuisine at Paulette’s while watching the Mississippi River flow by.

These 23 restaurants are just the beginning of Memphis’s food story.  New restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops keep opening while the city stays true to its traditional flavors and techniques.  Food lovers should come hungry – Memphis serves up dining experiences that are as authentic and soulful as its music.

FAQs

Q1. What are some must-try dishes in Memphis? Memphis is renowned for its soul food and barbecue.  Must-try dishes include dry-rub ribs, hot and spicy fried chicken, pulled pork, BBQ nachos, and Memphis-style BBQ spaghetti.  Don’t forget to sample Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and finish with a slice of chess pie or banana pudding.

Q2. Which restaurants in Memphis offer unique dining experiences? Several Memphis restaurants offer unique experiences.  The Beauty Shop serves contemporary cuisine in a former 1950s beauty salon.  Flight Restaurant allows diners to sample multiple dishes through “flight” tastings. Coastal Fish Company provides lakeside dining with stunning sunset views.  Marlowe’s Ribs offers pink Cadillac pickup service for a truly Memphis experience.

Q3. What are some budget-friendly dining options in Memphis? Memphis offers many affordable dining options without compromising on taste.  Huey’s Downtown serves famous burgers at reasonable prices.  The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’ oldest cafe, offers classic diner fare. Brother Juniper’s provides hearty breakfast options, while Central BBQ offers award-winning barbecue at moderate prices.

Q4. Where can I find the best barbecue in Memphis? Memphis is famous for its barbecue, with several top-notch options.  Central BBQ, Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous, and Corky’s Ribs & BBQ are all renowned for their ribs and pulled pork.  The BBQ Shop, voted #1 ribs in America by Food Network, is another must-visit.  Each place has its unique style, so trying multiple spots is recommended for barbecue enthusiasts.

Q5. What are some upscale dining options in Memphis for special occasions? For special occasions, Memphis offers several upscale dining experiences.  Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar provides innovative tasting flights in an elegant setting.  Paulette’s offers continental cuisine with river views.  Itta Bena, hidden above BB King’s Blues Club, serves contemporary Southern cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.  The Coastal Fish Company is perfect for a high-end seafood experience with lakeside views.