Memphis food? Man, it's way more than just barbecue. Sure, we're famous for smoked meats - and rightly so - but dig deeper and you'll find killer soul food joints, modern Southern kitchens, and places doing things with catfish that'll make you rethink everything. Finding the best restaurants Memphis has to offer can be overwhelming though. I've eaten my way through this city for a decade, had some incredible meals, and yeah, a couple disappointments too. This guide cuts through the noise.
What Makes Memphis Restaurants Special?
Look, it's the soul. Seriously. There's a vibe here you won't find in New York or LA. It's music and food all tangled up together. Think smoky blues bars doubling as rib shacks, grandma's recipes surviving generations, and chefs putting modern spins on classics without losing the heart. Portions tend to be generous, prices generally kinder than big coastal cities, and nobody rushes you out the door. It's about savoring the moment, the flavors, the company. That Memphis warmth comes through on the plate.
Beyond BBQ: The Full Memphis Food Spectrum
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. You want barbecue? Memphis delivers. But locking yourself into *only* smoked meat does this city a disservice. Some of my most memorable meals happened at:
- Soul Food Spots: Where collards simmer for hours, fried chicken crackles perfectly, and cornbread is practically sacred.
- Modern Southern Gems: Chefs taking local ingredients and traditions, then turning them into something fresh and exciting.
- Global Flavors: Seriously good Vietnamese, authentic Mexican taquerias tucked into gas stations, even fantastic Ethiopian.
- Breakfast & Brunch Havens: Biscuits that could solve world peace, shrimp & grits that redefine comfort.
Focusing only on finding the best Memphis BBQ restaurants means missing half the story. This city feeds your soul in more ways than one.
The Absolute Best Memphis Restaurants (By Category)
Forget generic "top 10" lists. What matters is what *you're* looking for. Craving a fancy anniversary dinner? Need a kid-friendly spot after a day at Graceland? Just want the most mind-blowing ribs known to humankind? I got you. Here's the real deal, broken down how locals think.
Best Memphis BBQ Restaurants (The Heavy Hitters)
Let's start with the big guns. Choosing the "best" BBQ spot sparks friendly arguments faster than politics here. It depends: dry rub or wet sauce? Pork ribs or pulled? Atmosphere matters too. Here's a breakdown of the heavyweights battling for the title of best Memphis BBQ restaurant:
| Restaurant | Address & Hours | Signature Moves | Price & Vibe | My Honest Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Vergos' Rendezvous | 52 S 2nd St Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm Closed Sun |
Legendary Charcoal-Broiled Ribs (Dry Rub), Big Ass Beer, Greek Salad (trust me) | Loud, iconic, basement vibe. Tourist central but iconic. | Ribs are unique & tasty. Can feel chaotic. Service is... brisk. Worth it once for the history. |
| Central BBQ (Multiple Locations) | Main Location: 147 E Butler Ave Daily: 11am - 9pm |
Smoked Wings (Dry Rub), BBQ Nachos, Moist Brisket. Their BBQ Sauce is liquid gold. | Casual, easy-going, consistently great. Perfect for groups. | My personal go-to. Reliable quality across locations. Wings are addictive. Rarely disappoints. |
| The Bar-B-Q Shop | 1782 Madison Ave Tue-Thu: 11am - 8pm Fri-Sat: 11am - 9pm Sun: 11am - 4pm Closed Mon |
BBQ Spaghetti (Yes!), Incredible Ribs (Both Dry & Wet), Dancing Pigs Sandwich | Cozy, local favorite, family-run feel. | BBQ Spaghetti sounds weird, tastes amazing. Ribs are top-tier. Feels authentically Memphis. |
| Cozy Corner Restaurant | 745 N Parkway Tue-Sat: 11am - 5pm Closed Sun & Mon |
Cornish Game Hen (Smoked whole!), Rib Tips, Sauce with a kick. | No frills, cafeteria style, legit BBQ temple. | Game Hen is legendary. Get there early - they sell out! Pure Memphis flavor. |
BBQ Pro Tip: Forget lunchtime on weekends if you hate lines. Hit these spots mid-week or right when they open. Also, "dry ribs" means seasoned heavily with rub, not sauced. "Wet" means slathered. Memphis BBQ restaurants offer both styles. Try them side-by-side!
Top Tier Memphis Restaurants for Fine Dining & Upscale Southern
Barbecue might be king, but Memphis restaurants offer incredible experiences for a special night out. Think refined Southern ingredients, creative cocktails, and atmospheres where you might actually want to wear something nicer than jeans.
| Restaurant | Address & Hours | Can't Miss Dishes | Price & Vibe | Personal Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Iris | 2146 Monroe Ave Tue-Thu: 5pm - 9:30pm Fri-Sat: 5pm - 10pm Closed Sun & Mon |
Chef Kelly English's Foie Gras & Grits, Bouillabaisse, Seasonal Creations | Intimate, romantic, French-Creole-Southern fusion. Reservations essential. | Consistently one of the best meals in town. Impeccable service. Pricey but worth it for occasions. |
| Bishop | 545 S Main St Tue-Sat: 5pm - 10pm Closed Sun & Mon |
Modern Southern. Rabbit Rillette, Incredible Veggie Plates, Creative Cocktails | Sleek, trendy but warm, located Downtown. Great bar scene. | Fantastic for inventive takes on Southern staples. Menu changes often. Portions lean stylish, not huge. |
| Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar | 39 S Main St Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: 10am - 9pm |
Concept: Order "Flights" (3 small portions) of Appetizers, Mains, Desserts, Wine! | Sophisticated Downtown vibe. Perfect for trying lots of flavors. | Love this concept for groups or indecisive eaters. Can get loud. Wine list is impressive. |
| Elegant Farmer | 262 S Highland St Tue-Thu: 5pm - 9pm Fri-Sat: 5pm - 10pm Sun: 10:30am - 2pm (Brunch) Closed Mon |
Farm-to-table focus. Brunch is stellar (Ricotta Pancakes!), Dinner plates change seasonally. | Cozy, rustic-chic, neighborhood gem feel. Reservations recommended. | Brunch is arguably the best in Memphis. Dinner is excellent, sourced locally. Feels special. |
Last anniversary at Iris... man. That foie gras grits? I still dream about it. Price tag makes you blink, but for once or twice a year? Yeah. Bishop feels cooler, maybe a bit younger crowd. Flight is brilliant if your table can't agree on what to order. Elegant Farmer’s brunch? Worth the wait. Get the pancakes.
Essential Memphis Soul Food & Casual Gems
This is the heart and soul. Unpretentious, flavorful, often family-run spots serving up pure comfort. Think crispy fried chicken, collard greens cooked with smoked turkey, mac and cheese that's creamy perfection. These aren't fancy, but they're some of the best restaurants Memphis offers for authentic flavor.
| Restaurant | Address & Hours | Must-Try Plates | Price & Vibe | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Four Way | 998 Mississippi Blvd Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm Closed Sun |
Historic spot. Fried Chicken, Turnip Greens, Meat & Three Classics | Pure Memphis history (MLK Jr. ate here), cafeteria style, welcoming. | Food is solid soul food staples. You come for the history and authenticity. Chicken is reliably good. |
| Alcenia's | 317 N Main St Tue-Fri: 11am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 3pm Closed Sun & Mon |
"Ghetto Burger", Fried Catfish, Hugs from Ms. Betty (Owner!) | Tiny, colorful, bursting with love. Feels like grandma's kitchen. | Ms. Betty is a treasure. Food is good, but the experience? Unforgettable. Small, waits happen. |
| Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken | Multiple Locations Main Spot: 310 S Front St Daily: 11am - 9pm |
Just Fried Chicken (Spicy!), Baked Beans, Slaw. Simple & Perfect. | Casual, focused, often crowded. Downtown spot has character. | Best fried chicken in Memphis? Strong contender. Spicy, crispy, juicy. No frills, just greatness. |
| Payne's Original Bar-B-Que | 1762 Lamar Ave Tue-Sat: 11am - 6pm Closed Sun & Mon |
Chopped Pork Sandwich (Mustard Slaw!), Ribs. Cash Only! | Hole-in-the-wall, smoky, authentic. Tiny seating. | That chopped pork sandwich is iconic. Flavor bomb. Not fancy. Go early. Cash only - don't forget! |
Had a friend visit last month, insisted on "real Memphis, not tourist stuff." Took him to Payne's. He took one bite of that chopped pork sandwich, looked at me, and just nodded. No words needed. That's the magic. Gus's chicken? Legit fire (literally spicy). Four Way feels like stepping back in time. Alcenia's? Betty calls everyone "baby" and hugs you. Your soul leaves fuller than your stomach.
Best Memphis Restaurants for Breakfast & Brunch
Memphis doesn't mess around with the most important meal. Whether you need a quick killer biscuit before work or a sprawling brunch with mimosas after church, we've got you covered. Finding the best breakfast Memphis offers is a delicious quest.
| Spot | Address & Hours | What to Order | Price & Vibe | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant's Breakfast | 3965 Summer Ave Mon-Sat: 5am - 2pm Closed Sun |
Huge Pancakes, Scratch Biscuits & Gravy, Hearty Platters | Classic diner, bustling, no frills, fast service. | Go early or expect a wait (worth it). Pancakes are plate-sized perfection. Pure breakfast fuel. |
| Brother Juniper's | 3519 Walker Ave Daily: 7am - 1pm |
"Famous French Toast" (Stuffed!), Huevos Rancheros, Creative Omelets | Cozy, popular with locals & students, quirky charm. | French toast is legendary. Expect LONG weekend waits. Parking is tight. Food is consistently excellent. |
| Another Broken Egg Cafe (Multiple) | Germantown Location: 2080 S Germantown Rd Mon-Fri: 7am - 2pm Sat-Sun: 7am - 3pm |
Gourmet Benedicts, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Strong Coffee | Upscale casual chain, consistent, reliable, spacious. | Chain? Yes. But consistently good. Less chaotic than Brother Juniper's. Solid brunch cocktails. |
| Elegant Farmer (Brunch) | 262 S Highland St Sun: 10:30am - 2pm |
Ricotta Pancakes, Farmer's Breakfast Bowl, Biscuits & House Jam | Elevated, fresh, stylish. Reservations highly recommended. | Best upscale brunch in town. Pancakes are unreal. Worth the splurge. Book weeks ahead for Sunday. |
Bryant's at 7 AM on a Wednesday? That's Memphis working folks fueling up. Coffee strong, biscuits fluffy, service quick. Brother Juniper's on a Sunday? Patience test. That French toast though... it's like dessert for breakfast. Elegant Farmer feels fancy, but those ricotta pancakes? Light, fluffy, perfect. Another Broken Egg is my safe bet when I don't want to battle crowds but still want quality eggs benny.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites
Sometimes the best Memphis restaurants aren't the loudest. These are the places locals guard a little jealously. Off the beaten path, maybe a little quirky, but serving up incredible food with genuine character.
- Pho Binh (On Madison): Looks like a literal house. Inside? The best Vietnamese in Memphis. Lemongrass Tofu, Pho, Spring Rolls. Cheap, delicious, BYOB. (Madison Ave, Lunch & Dinner, Closed Tue)
- Global Cafe: Inside Crosstown Concourse. Three immigrant chefs (Syrian, Sudanese, Nepali) sharing their homelands. Momo Dumplings, Shakshuka, Lentil Soup. Unique & delicious. (Crosstown Concourse, Lunch & Early Dinner, Closed Mon)
- Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Authentic Mexican in a grocery/deli. Tortas Ahogadas, Fresh Aguas Frescas, Tamales. Family-run passion project. (Germantown, Lunch & Early Dinner, Closed Sun)
- Robinson's Record Grill: Tiny lunch counter *inside* a record store. Best Chili Cheeseburger you've never heard of. Cash only. Pure Memphis weirdness & goodness. (Sun Studio Area, Lunch Only Mon-Fri)
Found Pho Binh years ago by accident. Looked sketchy from outside. Walked in, smelled heaven, and had the best $8 lemongrass tofu lunch of my life. Robinson's? Grabbed a burger there while browsing vinyl. Place hasn't changed since 1975. Burger was greasy, messy perfection. Las Tortugas? Worth the drive to Germantown. Those tortas... authentic. These spots aren't on every "best restaurants Memphis" list, but they should be.
The Memphis Restaurant Scene: What You Need to Know
Alright, let's get practical. Navigating Memphis eats smoothly requires some local intel:
Reservations: For upscale spots (Iris, Bishop, Flight, Sunday Brunch at Elegant Farmer), book weeks
Parking: Downtown can be tricky (metered, garages). Midtown/Overton Square street parking or lots. Neighborhood spots usually have parking lots. Ride-shares are smart for downtown evenings.
Pricing: Memphis is generally affordable compared to major metros.
- $: Under $15/person (Bryant's, Payne's, Gus's, Pho Binh)
- $$: $15-$30/person (Central BBQ, Bar-B-Q Shop, Brother Juniper's, Alcenia's)
- $$$: $30-$60/person (Iris, Bishop, Flight Dinner, Elegant Farmer Dinner)
- $$$$: $60+/person (Multi-course at Iris/Bishop)
Tipping: Standard 18-20% for good service. Counter service spots often have tip jars ($1-2/item is appreciated).
Dress Code: Memphis is casual. Shorts and t-shirts are fine almost everywhere except *maybe* fine dining dinner (Iris, Bishop - think smart casual, nice jeans okay). BBQ temples? Wear your stretchy pants.
Biggest mistake I see tourists make? Trying to cram Graceland, Beale Street, *and* a sit-down dinner downtown on a Saturday night without reservations. Recipe for hangry disaster. Plan ahead for those special dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Restaurants
What is the #1 best restaurant in Memphis?
Tough! For pure Memphis flavor history? Maybe Payne's or Cozy Corner. For refined Southern dining? Restaurant Iris. For consistent awesome BBQ? Central BBQ. There isn't one "best." It depends on what you want!
Where do locals eat BBQ in Memphis?
Locals hit Central BBQ (reliable, great wings), The Bar-B-Q Shop (BBQ Spaghetti!), Payne's (chopped pork), Cozy Corner (game hen), or Germantown Commissary (a bit out but beloved). Rendezvous is iconic but often has more tourists.
What is the best Memphis restaurant for a special occasion?
Anniversary/Fancy: Restaurant Iris (intimate), Bishop (trendy). Fun Group: Flight (tasting flights), Majestic Grille (Downtown old-school charm). Unique: Itta Bena (speakeasy above B.B. King's on Beale).
Best cheap eats in Memphis?
Bryant's Breakfast, Payne's BBQ (cash only!), Pho Binh, Gus's Fried Chicken (lunch specials), Elwood's Shack (eclectic counter service). You can eat VERY well here without breaking the bank.
Best Memphis restaurants near Graceland?
Honestly? Options are limited right by Graceland itself. Your best bets are a short drive: Four Way (historic soul food), Cozy Corner (legendary BBQ), or head towards Downtown/Midtown (10-15 min drive) for WAY more choices.
What food is Memphis known for besides BBQ?
Soul Food (fried catfish, greens, fried chicken), Fried Pickles (often a BBQ joint app!), Delta Tamales, and incredible Breakfast/Brunch (biscuits, shrimp & grits).
Best place for Memphis soul food?
Four Way (history & classics), Alcenia's (love & "Ghetto Burger"), Blue Plate Cafe (Downtown lunch counter comfort).
What are the best Memphis restaurants with live music?
Many Beale Street spots (Blues City Cafe, B.B. King's) combine decent food with great music. Earnestine & Hazel's (dive bar with legendary Soul Burger and late-night jukebox/jams). Some BBQ joints might have acoustic blues on weekends.
My Final Take: Choosing Your Best Memphis Restaurants
Forget chasing some mythical "perfect" list. Memphis is about the experience as much as the food. Ask yourself:
- What vibe do I want? Loud and rib-sticking? Cozy and romantic? Quick and delicious?
- What's my budget? Memphis caters to all.
- Who's with me? Picky kids? Foodie friends? Large group?
- Where am I staying/exploring? Don't spend all day driving unless it's worth it (Cozy Corner or Payne's might be!).
Mix it up! Do one BBQ lunch, one soul food feast, one nice dinner. Explore a neighborhood gem. Memphis rewards curiosity. Be prepared for waits at popular spots – it’s part of the deal. Talk to locals at the bar. Memphis folks love sharing their favorites.
The best Memphis restaurants aren't just places to eat; they're slices of the city's soul. Get messy with some ribs, savor that perfect biscuit, try something new like BBQ spaghetti. That smoky, soulful, slightly chaotic Memphis charm? You'll find it on the plate, every time. Enjoy every bite.
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