Best Restaurants in Memphis
The only thing more powerful in Memphis than the soulful sound of the blues is the tempting smells of barbecue wafting from its best kitchens
While Memphis might boast a cosmopolitan downtown, it's a laid-back town at heart, resting along the banks of the Mississippi. Many of the city's top restaurants match its gentle pace, with simmering, slow-cooked food and down-home service to match. Delve deep into Memphis' diverse culinary landscape, all while soaking up the southern hospitality at these best restaurants in Tennessee.
SOUTHERN COMFORT
Crowd into the casual downtown eatery, Gus' World Famous Hot and Spicy Chicken, and gobble up rich fried chicken and delectable sides, including fried green tomatoes, baked beans and mac and cheese. Set inside a tiny, unassuming brick building, the laid-back interior pops with playful checked tablecloths and colorful tin-pressed ceilings. Serving up southern cuisine, Blues City Cafe epitomizes the ultimate Memphis experience. Wolf down hickory-smoked barbecue ribs, fried catfish and seafood gumbo into the wee hours of the morning. Make a stop at the attached Band Box, an intimate venue that hosts nightly blues and rock concerts.
BLUE RIBBON BARBECUE
Mosey downtown to Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, a two-story barbecue joint with knickknack-covered walls, quaint gingham tablecloths and a lively bar. Settle down for a generous helping of pork ribs, lamb riblets and beef brisket drenched in their signature dry rub. In the historic Cooper-Young neighborhood, the original Central BBQ location serves up food fast via its counter-service system. Help yourself to slow-smoked meats, including ribs, turkey and chicken, smothered for 24 hours in dry spices. Catering to your entire family, the restaurant also has a kids’ menu and a spacious patio for outdoor dining.
BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH
Fill up on cheesy grits, fresh-baked biscuits and veggie omelets at Brother Juniper’s, a family-owned, breakfast-only eatery in Normal Station, just steps from the University of Memphis. Eager to give back to the community, the restaurant also employs at-risk youths. Arrive early, as the little café opens only in the mornings and afternoons and draws big crowds. Spend a lazy weekend morning brunching at the downtown-based Majestic Grille as you sip mimosas and devour shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, frittatas or buttermilk pancakes. Outfitted with towering ceilings, the glamorous yet affordable restaurant pays homage to the space’s history as a 1913 movie palace by showing films on a hanging screen.
Burger Haven
Unwind at Huey’s, the relaxed downtown tavern known for its hand-breaded onion rings and thick burgers topped with bleu cheese crumbles, jalapenos and onion straws. Your kids will love the fun atmosphere and on Sundays, the restaurant showcases live jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll performances. Head to Earnestine & Hazel's Bar and Grill and order the simple but celebrated Soul Burger, topped with onions, cheese, pickles and special “Soul Sauce.” Dance the night away as live bands and jukebox music fills the small dive bar tucked away in the historic South Main Arts District.
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Tour the home of a famous musicianm have your pick of barbecue and more in Memphis.