Top 5 Memphis places to eat!
I think it would be great, if someone of the most active Chowhound's in Memphis, would post their "Top 5 must-visit chow destinations in Memphis" for purposes of educating us newbies.
I don't want to start a big discussion of what should qualify to be on everyone's list. If it qualifies for discussion as chow on this board, it qualifies for your list. It is personal to you as far as your own choices. I just want to see a condensed version of some of the most often talked about places on this board.
Name for me the 5 places you would take me if you were to show me what you consider to be your very favorite chow places in Memphis. You are my shepherd and I am your grasshopper. Assume I am open to try anything you want to show me. It is your most perfect list of places. Maybe the 5 places you would personally go to if you found out you were leaving Memphis forever.
jan
Oct 05, 2007 07:01PM
Okay, I'll take the bait. Let the battle begin:
I've been here for over 20 years, since Memphis was a wasteland. Things have improved. I'm going to do two lists. One of the places I go to whenever I can, and one of the best meals I've had here in the year or two.
Where I always go when I can:
Gus's Chicken - I loved the Mason place but haven't been since the fire. Good food downtown also.
Pho Saigon - I go there all the time. I love the eggrolls and the Spicy Hue Style Noodle Soup. Very friendly and huge portions for little money.
Automatic Slim's - The go-to place for downtown. I've never had a bad meal there and the service is usually top-notch.
Bari - Maybe I go there all the time because it's near where I live. But the food has been very good recently. They're sort of up-tight about odd stuff (like the no butter rule) and the service is iffy, but it's usually a good meal for the money in a great location.
Sekisui - No, it's not always great but most of the outposts are consistently good. I've lived in Memphis since sushi was virtually non-existent, and this has filled the void. I go to Midtown most often, but also the original and Pacific Rim.
Honorable Mentions: Lobster King - because I think it's the most authentic Chinese in Memphis and usually excellent.
Rendevous - not because the food's that good, because it's not, but because it's an institution where you usually will get something at least decent and a fun experience. Perhaps this is more for tourists.
Best Meals -
Tsunami - My best meals in Memphis have been here. Yes, I've been to Erling Jensen's and the like, but the only dishes I've had in Memphis that have wowed me have been here.
Stella - I've had great meals here and always had fun. Maybe Felicia Suzanne's or McEwen's or Grill 83 (or even Circa) can be as good, but this is where I want to go.
Beauty Shop - The menu seems always to be in a state of flux, but I always want to go back. I've had some amazing dishes here (duck, guacamole) and always want to return.
Folk's Folly - It can be a crapshoot, but when it's on it's totally on. Yes, it's a totally different environment from the others - but if one's stuck having a business dinner it's hard to think of a better place. I've been disappointed there, but also very impressed. And the service never fails.
RIP - Cielo - It's where I always wanted to go. I haven't been to the replacement, but I memorable meals there.
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It changes often, but for now, in no particular order, Bari, Lobster King, Gus's Fried Chicken, Payne's BBQ, and Erling Jensen (for a splurge).
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It's a hard decision, but here goes! In no particular order...
River Oaks - One of the top two best meals I've had. The chef and staff are super friendly. Their duck stuffed with foie gras is superb. If you get the chance, splurge for the chef's table. It may be cramped, but you'll be happy and stuffed when you leave.
Encore - Jose Guiterrez was at Chez Phillippe in the Peabody for years. Encore's got amazing food at equally amazing prices. Get the pissaladiere--never anything left on the plate when it's ordered.
Super Sub Shop - Close to the University of Memphis campus near Southern and Highland. It's cash only. For sandwiches, you have the choice of soft or hard bread, but I've never been able to tell the difference. Whatever's in the special sauce is scrumptious.
Pho Hoa Binh - It's a family run Vietnamese place. Everything there is delicious and affordable.
Interstate BBQ - Everyone has their opinion on BBQ in Memphis, but this one's my favorite. (The BBQ Shop on Madison is a VERY close second.) The ribs and the bbq spaghetti cannot be missed.
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That is a really tough question. I learn more towards road food, not because Memphis doesn't have some great upscale restaurants, but because it's what Memphis does best.
1. Payne's BBQ--this place is so good that they should serve it at the state mental hospital to show suicidal people that life is really worth living. The pork sandwich, hot with slaw (of course), may be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. At less than $4, I feel like I've robbed a bank with each bite.
2. Gus' Fried Chicken--I grew up eating fried chicken at dinner-on-the-ground in rural Mississippi, and Gus' compares with the best. It's not quite as good as my grandmother's, but almost. It's the best served in a restaurant anywhere. I won't even eat fried chicken anymore unless it's Gus'. I've replaced the sweet tea of my youth with a forty of PBR, making the chicken all the more better. Though, their sweet tea is darn good too in case you have to get back to work.
3. Los Tortugas Deli Mexicana--Whenever I travel in California, I'm on a quest to find the perfect fish tacos. I've eaten some good ones in San Diego, but none compare to the redfish tacos at Los Tortugas. They're fresh and perfect in every way. Even better with a fresh-squeezed limeade.
4. John Besh's N'awlin's(Horeshoe casino)--The barbeque shrimp here aren't served head-on like they are supposed to be (the chef explained to me that the Yankees up here just won't eat them that way), but they are absolutely amazing. They're even better than where they originated at Pascal Manale's in New Orleans. Ask for extra bread to mop up the sauce. You'll need it.
5. Taylor Grocery--No, it's not in Memphis but an hour and half away, but I still have to put it on the list because it is every bit worth the drive. They have hands-down the best catfish, and the atmosphere may be the best in America. The Dickey sauce served with it is just tartar sauce, but is named so because poet/novelist James Dickey, who wrote Deliverance, once lapped up a bowl of it and claimed it was the best soup he'd ever eaten. And have you ever seen a restaurant where people bring bourbon and tailgate as they wait on a table?
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1. Formosa - the best Chinese restaurant in the South, IMO, try the hot & sour soup, the String Bean Chicken too.
2. Central BBQ - though you may get a better sandwich at Interstate or Bar-B-Q Shop (sorry, I don't understand the cult of Payne's) they are the best overall BBQ restaurant in America. The BBQ Chicken can be had wet or dry, and the ribs (dry, of course) are unequaled.
3. Taqueria de la Guadelupana - Anywhere I can get a goat burrito and a Mexican Coke (bottled in Mexico using cane sugar, NOT corn syrup) is great, and they have other great dishes as well.
4. Flying Fish - funky, fresh, and the best place to eat fish in the city.
5. A-Tan - not for Chinese, or for the Japanese Steakhouse, but for the sushi. Yes, rave about Bluefin or Sekisui, but the sushi is BETTER at A-Tan, IMO, and it's better-priced. It's great quality at an outstanding value, with a 5-7 happy hour for sushi each day.
YMMV.
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I'm with ya on Guadelupana - love, love, love that place! Give me a goat sandwich and Mexican coke, and I'm happy.
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Please try Taco Loco on Lamar! No exaggeration, best mexican I have ever had!
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I'd have to agree with Mooing. Taco Loco is a little hidden gem. Get the barbacoa (spelling?) if you can on the weekends. I wasn't sure I would like goat, but it was delicious!
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I see a pattern developing here. for me ( in no particular order) Erling Jensen, Bari, Gus's,(although the original location in Mason is actually better), Encore, SPR. Also Automatic Slim's, Central BBQ, Pho Saigon, Dish, The arcade(for breakfast), Interstate BBQ, Felicia Suzanne's and the Beauty shop, are all good choices as well
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I moved away from Memphis almost a decade ago so my list is more the places I have to go when I am back for a visit. No particular order
1) BBQ: Rendevous (ribs), Germantown Commissary (pulled shoulder) or Central BBQ (BBQ bologna)
2) Huey's, burgers and fries like no where else I love Overton Square but Cordova is good too
3) Breakfast: Brother Juniper's or Blue Plate Cafe
4) The Arcade for milk shakes
5) Paulette's/Three Oaks Grill
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1. Bryant's Breakfast on Summer Ave. Food just doesn't get any better than their country ham, egg and cheese biscuit.
2. The BBQ Shop- best ribs I've ever had
3. Central BBQ- 2nd best ribs I've ever had
4. Dyer's hamburgers- They really are cooked in old grease, and they really aren't greasy
5. Gus's chicken- although tamales from Blues City General Store might be just as good
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In no order:
Encore - always good
BBQ Shop - best sandwich ever, and i could eat the BBQ spaghetti every day
River Oaks - try it all!
Guadalupana - tongue sandwich please
Super Sub Shop - cant believe someone else picked it! two yums up!
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Like tennreb, I have a bias towards lower end places, because that's what Memphis has historically done best. But since the fine dining has improved remarkably over the past 8 or 9 years, I'll throw a nice place in there as well. In no particular order:
Payne's: I spent a couple of weeks this past summer trying out virtually every reputable bbq restaurant in Memphis, and for my money Payne's assembles the best chopped pork sandwich in Memphis. That is all I can vouch for.
Rendezvous or Central: I think Central's ribs are better, but they aren't THAT much better, and the experience at Rendezvous has always just felt like Memphis to me. I don't really know how to explain it differently.
River Oaks: No, it doesn't have much history, and it may not even be the best fine-dining in Memphis, but I have always had very good to grat food there, and the place has a warmth that I keep returning for.
Gus's: It's that good. Really.
Dyer's: Why not? It's unique, it's fun, and you bite into a double cheeseburger and try to tell me it isn't delicious in al the wrong ways.
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I ate in a place tonight that always looked interesting, but I've never seen it mentioned here: The Half Shell, on S. Mendenhall... Despite the fact that they were out of oysters (a place called the Half Shell being out of oysters?), my food was really, really good.
I had the Voodoo Shrimp.
So, does this place make it on anybody's list?
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I like their oysters, especially during their oyster fest, but I could skip it other than that. I don't find their seafood very impressive. It seems like everything is fried, but then I think it's fairly difficult to find great seafood in Memphis.
I can't believe they were out of oysters...
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TO get good fresh seafood, try Aisan restaurrants such as SPR, Bluefin or Lobster King, or Italian places such as Bari or Ronnie Grisanti's. All of there serve fresh high quality seafood in creative ways. Although there aren't any really good"seafood" places, it's not hard to find good seafood to eat.
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The Flying Fish is also a good source of seafood.
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You can't beat the freshness at Lobster King, since it's swimming next door before it gets cooked.
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Oyster fest(or whatever it is called) was nice last year - got some tatamagouches, kumomotos, and apalachicolas. Other than that, I can go there for a drink, but I usually don't touch the food. I'll head over to SPR or even Ryu(another little gem) for the ol seafood.
BTW, does anyone else here like beef tataki? I usually head over to Saito in Bartlett for that.
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Well, I was still wanting some oysters the other day after striking out at the Half Shell. I was driving around downtown, about to give up, when I accidently came across Pearl's Oyster House! Though the oysters were pre-shucked, they still tasted fresh and salty and wonderful!
The oyster po-boy? Not all that great... Don't know why you can't get decent french bread in Memphis... This bread was soft and sweet, and very tasty, but it just wasn't the type of bread that is used for po-boys. And it didn't have enough oysters either...
Overall though, I enjoyed the experience very much- I really loved the look and "feel" of this place- might not be in my top five, but I will be back...
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As soon as the French Bakery gets back open, you'll be able to get not only good, but rather excellent baguettes and pain de compagne and the best lavosh around. They are supposed to be opening soon at a new location on Mendenhall, just South of Poplar.
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I don't know if anyone here has tried it, but The Pita Cafe - on Poplar, just in front of Clark Tower - has some pretty tasty sandwiches. You can't go wrong with a guy that tells first time customers, "If you don't like what I suggest, I'll gladly make you sdomething else off the menu."
On that note, Foozi isn't bad, either.
OOf course, neither are top 5 material.
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My pita at The Pita Cafe was delicious, but had a bone in it, which prevented my return. I found Foozi kinda ordinary, especially compared to Ciao Bella, which was 200 yards away the last time I visited.
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Neely's BBQ should be added to the list.
www.choppedonion.com
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I'm with Choppedonion. Neely's ribs are great. Huge servings at a great price, too.
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Awesome thread. Being new to Memphis, I will take this list to heart. This board rarely steers me wrong.
Though i am far from being able to list my "top 5," since I haven't tried all that many yet, here's what I've liked so far:
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana- We have been here over and over in our three months in town. LOVE the snapper tortuga and snapper salad. Everything has been absolutely wonderful. MMm, the corn.
Bombay House- We've tried this out of convenience and it's really growing on me. Any dish they make with the tandoori chicken in a sauce is great. Naan is mediocre. Also tried Golden India, which was fine- best part was the chaat app.
Jarrett's- Very good. Were out of the two entrees that I wanted to order. It was late on a MOnday night, though.
Bahn Thai and Bangkok Alley- Both are decent. I see there is a new "Thai Bistro" opening on G'town Pkwy in Cordova. Any info on this? I love Thai food.
Edo Japanese- really enjoyed our meal there. The sushi wasn't as great as I would hope, but our non-sushi food was great.
Encore- Good meal.
That's it for now. We try to get out on weekends when we can get babysittes. (though I take my son lots of places- his favorite so far is Swanky's. Perfect for a one year old.)
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i'm coming in from atlanta so what would be some of the offerings that i wouldn't be able to get in atlanta (so that eliminates ethnic food) ...
I've got 2 on my list that are must eats...
1. gus's
2. central bbq...
Now i know everybody's got opinions on Q, so i guess two others would be BBQ shop on madison and Kozy Korner @ danny thomas & N. Pkwy
I used to live in memphis, but its been a decade since i've been back...so please let me know if there's anything else of note
thanks!
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I would like to help, but I am afraid I am missing the gist of your post. I know that in any city, you can get any kind of food that you want. Are you meaning cuisine or experiences or both? Are you looking for something that screams Memphis(besides BBQ)? Possibly some examples from other cities would help.
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like in LA i hit up chung king in SGV, some taco joints, the thai temple on sunday, soot bull jeep (korean bbq), and pink's...those are some of the harder to find stuff ....stuff that I don't have in atlanta.
In memphis, I know i have to hit up gus's and 2 bbq joints ... i'm just trying to gather which ones i should hit up and what else that is well done in memphis and harder to find everywhere else...kinda like something that is special to memphis.
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For a real foodie experience, go to Payne's BBQ on Lamar. It's in the ghetto, and it isn't a tourist stop, but it may be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. Ask for some "skins" (not on the menu).
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Those are some great "Memphis-only" places. Just about any of the fine dining in Memphis is probably replicated in Atlanta. However, there is a new upscale place above BB King's called Itta Bena (the delta town where he is from) that is excellent. The food isn't particularly unique (steaks and seafood), but it is very good. The atmosphere is really cool, though. There's no sign because they want to keep tourists from taking over the place. You go in by a staircase on third street. A cheap but great Memphis place is Soul Fish in Cooper-Young for excellent fried catfish (the best in Memphis and as good as just about anywhere in Mississippi).
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Well, there is always BBQ spaghetti- I've never seen it anywhere but Memphis. It is kind of nasty, though. Then there is BBQ shrimp- which I've only tried two or three times in Memphis, but was very good every time.
But I just realized that the OP asked for "Top 5 must-visit chow destinations in Memphis"- though they don't serve food, the Winchester Farmers Market would certainly qualify- I've never seen anything like it anywhere in the south!
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I LOVE BBQ SPAGHETTI! Especially from the BBQ Shop. BBQ Nachos from Al's on Raines are great as well. Sampler Platter from Interstate is a great way to get a "little of everything".
I also like Interim's burger, best in Memphis.
Out in Collierville is the Tennessean, I'd give that place high marks for everything - it's in a modified train car on the town square. Definitely worth the drive.
I also am very fond of the Winchester Farmer's Market. Speaking of, I do like going to Lobster King and then going to the market next door, or vice-versa.
Please don't let anyone talk you into going to the Rendezvous.
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At last- someone on here who has been to the Winchester Farmers Market! Isn't that place incredible? I've never seen anyplace like it anywhere...
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BURGERS....Kudzu's on Monroe (never could figure out why Huey's always gets the "Best Burger" in the Memphis Flyer. I guess it's just a popularity thing)
VIETNAMESE... Lotus on Summer Ave. (Been there forever I think)
MEXICAN....La Guadalapana on Summer Ave. near Mendenhall
BBQ..... Interstate for sandwich...Jack's (Old Summer Rd) for Ribs
FRIED CHICKEN.. Gus's (I actually like the one downtown better than the original in Mason,TN)
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We just had a two night stay in Memphis and I wish we could have eaten at every eatery suggested...however, here are a few updates according to a CA girl....
...The Inn at Hunt Phelan- had an exceptional meal. There is so much history there. Four different Presidents have actually stayed at the Inn. You can dine in the mansion or in the open bar area. I would definitely recommend it. I hear Sunday Brunch is a real winner there too. The grounds are beautiful. Oh, and it is a bread and breakfast. It is a little further down on Beale St by Danny Thomas Pkwy.
...Gus' Fried Chicken was a great recommendation. I would go back again and again...
...Then Itta Bena above BB Kings was a fabulous suggestion. There was a long line waiting to get into BB Kings so I looked for the "Ambassador"...the guy in the yellow suit and asked about the possibility of going upstairs for fine dining....oh, he just kind of rolled his eyes and said "follow me!" What an experience. Our meal was delicious and I would definitely go back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun experience.
Thanks to all you Chowhounds for taking the time to share your experiences so we know where to go when in town.
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There is an unmarked staircase on the back of BB Kings that leads directly to Itta Bena, so you can avoid the downstairs crowd.
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So I'm home for the summer in Memphis after my first year of college and in my time being away I've realized just how much I missed my 'go-to' Memphis eateries (lived here for 18 years). Also, keep in my mind that I'm a broke college student (meaning my money is involuntarily directed to pay for an edjukayshun...uh, food tastes better). My budget is, by my own standards, around 6 dollars. So my three ultimate favorites:
Chinese Sub Shop - by U of M, whatever's in their bread absolutely hits the spot everytime. And the amount of food for 6 dollars is RIDICULOUS... I've never not been satisfied. Get a sandwich, not Chinese food. I don't know what a Chinese sub really is by convention but whatever they're doing, they're doing something right.
Taqueria de la Guadelupana- on Summer, this is absolutely the best Mexican I've ever had. Not quite as filling as CSS, but gets the job done with a good-sized burrito. Also comforting is the fact that those off Hispanic/Latina heritage frequent this place in greater numbers than regular customers...
Pita Wraps- on Poplar by Clark Tower. I have no idea how so much is packed into these pitas, but they are absolutely filling. The sauces are the icing on the cake (4 or 5 different kinds blend together perfectly). Any gyros are pretty good and a very have-it-your-way deal.
I'd be remiss if I didn't include...
Gus's - it's just good chicken. It's a tradition if anything else and a must-visit. Pretty straightfoward, get the fried chicken and you're in business!
Pho Hoa Binh- Limited buffet but good quality. Great vegetarian choices too (show ME the meat). Only 4.95 for the lunch buffet. I believe it's on Madison. My boss took me out for a treat here for lunch and it was good stuff, as filling as all-you-can-eat.
Keep in mind this is all for 6 dollars mostly (no drinks or sides) and the places I miss most after a year in Atlanta...
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I'm glad this thread was revived recently because it's time for an addition - Restaurant Iris. I've been there twice now, once soon after it opened and then yesterday. It was good the first time, great the second. It's mostly New Orleans style menu with some nice twists - a great brussels sprout salad (and I don't usually like them) and amberjack "cafe au lait" with an amazing sauce really stand out. Also excellent service and a very reasonably-priced wine list with wines I haven't seen elsewhere in Memphis. It's a great addition to the Memphis dining scene - up there with the best in the city.
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Restaurant Iris is wonderful. I saw N'Awlins mentioned earlier in this thread. For those who aren't aware, N'Awlins is gone, but the chef, Kelly English, stayed around to open Iris.
Las Tortugas is always great. There's so much passion about the food there. Talk to them about what they make - you'll learn something new every time you visit.
El Taco Loco on Lamar is the best cheap taqueria style Mexican in town. The weekend soup and barbacoa are amazing.
Payne's is the best barbecue sandwich in town, but I'm really surprised that no one has mentioned Cozy Corner yet. I love their Cornish hen.
Interim makes the best burger in town and works with local farmers to get in the best local produce.
Inn at Hunt Phelan is consistently wonderful and also works with local farmers.
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Been a while since I posted on this one...I have to revise my list now.
In no particular order..
Itta Bena
Super Sub Shop
Taco Loco
River Oaks
Brooklyn Bridge
Note not all of these are for the best food, but a combo of food and/or atmosphere.
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Just moved home after being gone for 8 years and so far, here are my faves:
Best Burger: Belmont Grill...sorry kicks Huey's in the butt.
BBQ Sandwich: Payne's Payne's Payne's!
Best "Small Plates" aka Huge Portion Apps: Tsunami
Most Original: Umai next door to...
Cheap Sandwiches: Kwik Shop on Madison
Mexican: Mariscos Mazatlan (haven't tried Deli Mexicana, but have heard that while great, it is like dealing with the Mexican food version of the Soup Nazi in there, plus it is in G'Town and I try to avoid that part of town at all costs)
Italian: Bari--just EXCELLENT. Great cheeses, wines and pastas. Have not dined in the dining room yet but have heard the fish dishes are insane(ly) fantastic. My fave is the sauteed calamari, olives and tomatoes.
Lunch Buffet: Pho Hoa Binh on Madison
Just really starting, but cannot wait to try Iris, Hunt-Phelan, Encore, A&R BBQ, Equestria and the later hours (ha!) at Cozy Corner.
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i will be passing through Memphis and want to stop and eat some bbq. i have been to Central and Rendezvous before and i did not care for Rendezvous to much {no smoke on the food} i loved Central and i want to try a few other places. i will be traveling on HWY 55 so i would like to stay close to the HWY if i can. i want to try Payne's because i hear they have the best pulled pork sandwich and thats what i look for in a bbq joint oh and also good ribs. is Payne's a safe place to eat? so i need 1 more place to try on the way back home. thank's.
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Payne's is my favorite. The barbecue sandwich really is as good as advertised. Also good are the baked beans. And the fried pies. I've never had the ribs. I hear they're good, but I can't get past that sandwich!
I've only ever been to Payne's during the day, and though it is in an area that is kind of rough around the edges, I have never felt even remotely unsafe.
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heavy d-
I'd either try A&R on Elvis Presley or the BBQ Shop on Madison in Midtown. Neither are too far from 55, but are in the city.
bbq shop is at www.dancingpigs.com
1802 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis TN
1782 Madison Ave Memphis TN
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I've never felt unsafe at Payne's either, even when I've gone alone (and I'm a woman). It's just one of those places that everyone loves, and no one in the neighborhood would disrespect it by doing anything to make anyone feel unsafe there. Your main concern would probably be timing. Payne's isn't open late, so you want to be sure to plan accordingly.
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I have to agree with you about the place. Though I can't vouch for safety if you walk a few hundred feet in either direction.
I enjoy your blog, by the way.
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1. Payne's - sandwich
2. Central - ribs
3. A&R - sandwich
4. Cozy Corner - rib tips
5. BBQ Shop - sandwich
If I get tired o