Memphis, Tennessee, isn't just the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll; it's a vibrant culinary destination where flavor reigns supreme. From legendary barbecue pits and soulful kitchens to innovative modern eateries and upscale dining experiences, the city offers an astonishing array of tastes that reflect its rich history and diverse culture. Prepare your palate for a journey through the heart of American cuisine, where every meal tells a story.
This guide will serve as your comprehensive hub, connecting you to the very best Memphis has to offer. We've scoured the city to highlight the must-try establishments, ensuring you experience the true essence of Memphis dining. Whether you're craving world-famous ribs or a gourmet steak, we've got you covered.
Savoring the Soul of Memphis: Iconic Barbecue Joints
No visit to Memphis is complete without diving headfirst into its legendary barbecue scene. This city lives and breathes smoke, and its pitmasters are true artists. You'll find a style that's distinctly Memphis, often characterized by dry rubs and a deep, smoky flavor that has earned international acclaim.
Take Central BBQ, a Memphis institution where the air is thick with the scent of hickory, and the dry-rubbed ribs boast a perfect bark-to-meat ratio. Their pulled pork nachos are the stuff of local legend. Another heavyweight, Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, founded in 1984, delivers slow-cooked, fall-apart tender pork ribs bathed in a tangy-sweet sauce available in mild or hot, all within a vintage Memphis atmosphere.
For a truly unique experience, Cozy Corner stands out with its barbecued Cornish game hen, a smoked bird that showcases a different side of Memphis BBQ. This family-run spot, founded by Desiree Robinson, offers a no-frills interior focused squarely on incredible food. Then there’s Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, serving since 1948, famous for its distinctive "dry ribs" charcoal-grilled with a secret spice blend in a downtown alley with a time-capsule feel. Finally, The Bar-B-Q Shop in Midtown is renowned for inventing the Texas Toast BBQ Sandwich, piled high with smoky pulled pork and their award-winning Dancing Pigs sauce, offering both "wet" and "dry" ribs to satisfy any craving. To truly immerse yourself in the city's smoky heritage, Explore iconic Memphis BBQ joints in more detail.
Elevating Your Palate: Upscale & Fine Dining Experiences
While barbecue is king, Memphis also boasts a sophisticated dining scene perfect for special occasions or those seeking a refined culinary adventure. These establishments combine elegant ambiance with exceptional cuisine, often drawing on Southern influences with a gourmet twist.
Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House, established in 1977, remains Memphis’s premier steakhouse, celebrated for its butter-soft USDA Prime filets. Dimly-lit, wood-paneled rooms set the scene for a luxurious meal, complete with tableside Caesar salad and live piano music. For a hidden gem with a romantic allure, Itta Bena is nestled above B.B. King’s Blues Club, accessed via an unmarked staircase. This spot beautifully fuses Southern and Creole cuisines, offering memorable dishes like duck and waffles with bourbon maple syrup, and classic shrimp and grits. Adding a quirky yet upscale touch is The Beauty Shop, a former 1950s beauty parlor complete with vintage hair dryer chairs. Chef Karen Carrier’s inventive menu includes delights like watermelon and wings, coffee-cured duck breast, and citrus-soy grilled salmon, proving fine dining can indeed be playful. For a deeper dive into the city’s more refined culinary offerings, check out our guide to Upscale & Fine Dining in Memphis.
Casual Comfort & Family-Friendly Feasts
Memphis excels at creating welcoming spaces where delicious food is served with a side of Southern hospitality. From legendary fried chicken to classic diners and global flavors, there's a casual eatery for every taste and every family.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, established in 1953, is a must-try, known for its thin, spicy coating that seals in juices, creating a peppery, crispy crust that has attracted presidents, celebrities, and food critics alike. Step back in time at Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’s oldest cafe dating back to 1919. With its vintage neon sign and 1950s diner vibe, it's famous for Elvis's favorite booth, sweet potato pancakes, breakfast pizza, and old-school burgers. For an authentic taste of soul food, Alcenia’s, named after B.J. Chester-Tamayo’s mother, is a sanctuary offering perfectly seasoned and crisp fried chicken, rich candied yams, and tender turnip greens.
Global Cafe, located inside the bustling Crosstown Concourse, is a unique immigrant-run food hall featuring three distinct kitchens operated by women cooking homeland specialties – from Sudanese sambusas to Syrian fatayer and Venezuelan arepas. If you're craving a classic burger, Huey’s is legendary not just for its juicy, hand-formed burgers like the "World Famous Huey Burger," but also for its quirky tradition of sticking toothpicks in the ceiling. For a taste of the best wings beyond barbecue, Ching’s is an unassuming strip mall spot famous for its Honey Gold wings, coated in a sweet-hot-tangy sauce. Finally, Good Fortune Co. in the South Main Arts District offers exquisite Asian fusion cuisine, highlighted by hand-pulled noodles in rich broths, Tantanmen ramen, and delicious pork and chive dumplings. Discover even more options for Casual & Family-Friendly Memphis Restaurants across the city.
Starting Your Day Right: Best Brunch Spots
Memphis knows how to do breakfast and brunch, transforming morning meals into culinary events. Whether you're an early riser or prefer a leisurely late-morning feast, the city offers innovative and comforting options to kickstart your day.
Sunrise Memphis has revolutionized the breakfast scene with its innovative yet comforting dishes. Expect massive, buttery biscuits, perfect with pepper gravy or as hearty sandwiches, alongside the "Kitchen Sink" – a loaded plate of eggs, cheese, bacon, avocado, and hot sauce. While known for its all-day diner fare, Arcade Restaurant also shines bright for brunch, especially with its sweet potato pancakes. It’s the perfect spot to soak in some history while enjoying a classic morning meal. For more delightful ways to begin your day in Memphis, you can Discover Memphiss top brunch spots.
Exploring Memphis One Bite at a Time: Dining by Neighborhood
Memphis is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and culinary landscape. From the historic charm of Downtown to the artistic vibe of South Main, the vibrant energy of Midtown, and the community spirit of Crosstown, exploring the dining scene by location can enhance your experience. For instance, you'll find Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous and Itta Bena downtown, while The Bar-B-Q Shop is a Midtown institution. Global Cafe offers its diverse flavors within the Crosstown Concourse, and Good Fortune Co. adds to the eclectic mix of the South Main Arts District. To help you navigate the city's culinary geography and plan your outings efficiently, we invite you to Explore Memphis dining by neighborhood.
Your Next Memphis Culinary Adventure Awaits
Memphis is a city that truly eats with its heart. Every restaurant, from the hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint to the white-tablecloth steakhouse, offers a piece of the city's soul. We hope this guide has sparked your appetite and provided a clear path to discovering the unforgettable flavors that make Memphis a premier food lover's paradise. So go forth, explore, and let your taste buds lead the way through this incredible culinary landscape.