Your Guide To The Most 12 Famous Restaurants In Memphis

Want to know the most acclaimed places to eat when in Memphis? Let’s ketchup on what you might be missing out!

Memphis, Tennessee most notable as being “home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll,” a city that thrives on entertainment and social gatherings. It isn’t shocking to hear that they also have fantastic places to enjoy a good meal. Finding where regular locals (who know their city) like to eat the most is what you are going to be discovering today as we dive into famous restaurants in Memphis!

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Your Food Blueprint For Today

For The BBQ Lovers
Breakfast Really Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day
Southern Comfort, What More Do You Need?
Dine Out With These Dinner Options
Don’t Worry Vegetarians And Vegans, We Got You!
Need A Sweets Break? You Dessert It!
Thirsty? Let’s Toast To These Spots

The saying goes that there is nothing better than a home cooked meal, well with these famous restaurants in Memphis, it’ll feel like that with every outing!

For The BBQ Lovers

Memphis is known as the “barbecue capital of the world”, it would be criminal to not list some of the best BBQ spots in the city. So, in no particular order:

The Bar-B-Q Shop

1782 Madison Ave | Memphis | https://thebar-b-qshop.com/

Valuing long time customers is The Bar-B-Q Shop’s livelihood. Familiar faces that wander into their shop are considered family. Prideful in the fact that they were able to expand the restaurant twice in size just by people raving about their food. They are the originators of the famous “bar-b-q spaghetti,” something you’ll never look back on once you tried it! A restaurant that has its speciality all in its name!

“Food was amazing. The service was top notch. you can tell it is a family restaurant. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to people. Give it a whirl” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa Card for The Bar-B-Q Shop Here.

Central BBQ

Image courtesy of the Central BBQ Instagram page.

147 E Butler Ave | Downtown Memphis Location | https://eatcbq.com/

Now with six locations, Central BBQ is growing in size for a reason. Famous for its “fall off the bone meat,” Central is known for its meat that is so good, you don’t even have to get it with sauce! Using hickory and pecan woods, their elaborate dry rub for their ribs, you’ll be happy to have stopped by any of their locations!

“Great place to eat food was great

The banana pudding was awesome would recommend if your in Memphis you need to stop by and try fro sure

You won't be disappointed” -Yelp Review

Cozy Corner Restaurant

Image courtesy of the Cozy Corner BBQ Facebook page.

735 North Pkwy | Memphis | https://cozycornerbbq.com/

Welcoming regular Memphians or someone visiting the city for the first time, Cozy Corner Restaurant has so many options for barbecue you won’t know what to choose! Though you will probably end up wanting seconds.

“I absolutely recommend this place!! I ordered the 4 bone rib meal with baked beans/ coleslaw and everything was on point. The ribs were both meaty and flavorful throughout not just bones. I'll have to pay this place another visit in the next two months ;).” -Yelp Review

Corky’s Bar-B-Q

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Image courtesy of the Corky’s BBQ about page.

5259 Poplar Ave | Memphis Location | https://www.corkysbbq.com/

Corky’s goal? Bring the best barbecue possible. Over 30 years in the business, Corky’s has kept up with the times, wanting to serve awaiting customers the best BBQ you can get.

“Service was excellent ..bread was soo good I couldn't stop eating it. The sweet tea was good. Catfish nuggets, pull pork nachos, fried pickles were so good and tasty! I can't wait to go back!!!” -Yelp Review

Breakfast Really Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Breakfast food is arguably some of the best food you can have. Plus, starting your day with savory or sweet food that’s made for your satisfaction always makes someone feel good.

Arcade Restaurant

540 S Main St | Memphis | https://arcaderestaurant.com/

Founded in 1919, Arcade Restaurant is Memphis’ oldest cafe! It’s also arguably Memphis’ most popular diner. Movies have been shot there, it’s an eyesight for photographers, and it has its amazing food serving as the foundation. This diner serves breakfast all day, lunch specials throughout the week, and some dinner options, it has earned its acclaim for the past 100 years.

“A classic! If you need a diner food fix & are downtown--this is the spot. We went on a Saturday morning (highly recommend getting there earlier rather than later), so it was poppin. Took a minute to get our food, but the servers were wonderful and so was the food. You get a little bit of everything with each meal, and the portions are hearty.” -Yelp Review

Brother Juniper’s

Image courtesy of the Brother Juniper’s Instagram page.

3519 Walker Ave | Memphis | https://brotherjunipers.com/

In their own words: “food, family, and community are the key ingredients to Brother Juniper’s award-winning, nationally acclaimed restaurant.” A hot spot in Memphis for its good food made with fresh ingredients, and to help those in need

with their charitable efforts! You can’t go wrong if you eat here!

“We've been coming to Brother Juniper's since 2017 and it is our favorite breakfast place in Memphis! The quality and consistency of their food is always spot on and we tell everyone we know to try the cinnamon roll pancakes!” -Yelp Review

Bryant’s Breakfast

Image courtesy of the Bryant’s Breakfast Facebook page.

3965 Summer Ave | Memphis | http://bryantsmemphis.com/

Specializing in their own homemade biscuits, Bryant’s Breakfast has brought southern style breakfast mainstream. If you wake up really hungry, this restaurant is here to take care of you. With many options, it’s a great place to eat!

“Best breakfast in town. You can tell by the lines that sometimes go out of the building. The service is fast and friendly though so I don't mind waiting in line. You will not go hungry with their generous portions. Cash only.” -Yelp Review

Cafe Eclectic

Image courtesy of the Cafe Eclectic Instagram page.

603 N McLean Blvd | Midtown Memphis Location | https://cafeeclectic.net/

Everything on their menu is made from scratch, from the beginning of the day until the end, Cafe Eclectic is an all around great diner. Whether you’re there to just grab a coffee or a full meal, this restaurant is taking care of each and every customer with some sinfully good looking food.

“Friendly service and delicious food. The coffee is great also. I always appreciate meatless options and they have them. I will definitely be back.” -Yelp Review

Southern Comfort, What More Do You Need?

You may be guilty of skipping lunch, I know I am, so if you have the time, why not look into these delightful restaurants that have a selection of southern comfort food just waiting to be eaten.

The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant

Image courtesy of The Four Way Restaurant Instagram

998 Mississippi Blvd | Memphis | https://www.facebook.com/thefourway/

This establishment is the embodiment of comfort soul food. With its rich history that deserves a look at, The Four Way Soul Restaurant has been a staple in Memphis for decades. Welcoming every customer through its doors with the smell of good food and good company!

“They are an amazing soul food restaurant from the welcoming people to all the history inside that beautiful place and the food was really good

That Baked Fish was delicious!!!” -Yelp Review

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Image courtesy of the gusfriedchicken website.

310 S Front St | Downtown Memphis Location | https://gusfriedchicken.com/

You might have heard of this restaurant through the grapevine and well, it’s in the name! Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken is famous for a reason, what started out as a small tavern, grew into the establishment that every Memphian knows today. With 34 locations, Gus is bringing people together one piece of chicken at a time.

“When in Memphis you must try Gus's Famous Fried Chicken! The staff is very polite and the cooks make excellent tasty food for you to break bread with your family and friends !” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken Here.

Soul Fish Cafe

Image courtesy of the Soul Fish Cafe Poplar Facebook page.

4720 Poplar Ave | East Memphis Location | https://soulfishcafe.com/

If you’re a fan of fish and southern style food, Soul Fish Cafe is the place for you! With its famous fried catfish and fresh veggies, Soul Fish Cafe is bringing authentic southern style food to every customer, and with multiple locations you probably won’t have to go far for this delicious food.

“Best wings and catfish no matter the location. They always have fresh catfish and chicken. I'm never disappointed with the quantity, quality or service.” -Yelp Review

Dine Out With These Dinner Options

Whether it be for a date, family outing, or meeting up with some friends, dinner is for socializing and what better to do that over some good food?

Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos

45 S Main St | Downtown Memphis Location | https://macielsonmain.com/

If you’re looking for something easy and fast, look no further than Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos! Food specialized to eat with your hands, this spot is great for any occasion. It’s branded as affordable and authentic Mexican food just for you!

“The absolute BEST shrimp quesadilla and their soup warms you up from the inside out on a cold day. They always give lots of food for a more than fair price.” -Yelp Review

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