Soul Fish Cafe

Dining

Memphis’ acclaimed chefs take the cuisine of the Southern USA to a new level. Memphis boasts 100-plus barbecue joints, and at least as many preparation styles. But it's not just about barbecue here: Memphis is also a hot spot for cuisine from all over the world. At Memphis restaurants and bars, request local microbrews Ghost River, High Cotton, Memphis Made and Wiseacre. (On weekends, the latter three open tap rooms. Sample one of Memphis Made’s seasonal brews.) Learn more at: www.visittheusa.se/experience/tasty-guide-whats-cooking-memphis

Copyright: Justin Fox Burks/Memphis CVB

Restaurant Iris

Chef Kelly English has made Restaurant Iris one of Memphis' premiere dining establishments by consistently pushing the envelope of what southern and French Creole cuisine can be. Innovative dishes like fried oyster and blue cheese-stuffed New York Strip exemplify the offerings of a menu with a heavy emphasis on seasonal …

Read more

Copyright: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Central BBQ

It is no easy task to stand out from the crowd in a town as discerning about their barbecue as Memphis, but Central BBQ has managed to do just that, attracting throngs of hungry Memphians with a decadent offering of ribs, hot wings, and most importantly, pulled pork sandwiches (they also have famously delicious …

Read more

Copyright: Craig Thompson/Memphis CVB

Charles Vergos Rendezvous

With a long history in the city (it started as a basement sandwich shop in the 1940s) and now legendary Greek dry rub ribs, which manage to find the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, The Rendezvous is synonymous with Memphis dining and should not be …

Read more

Copyright: 7th Son Studio/Shutterstock.com

Hog and Hominy

"Italian cooking, southern roots" - a tagline that encompasses everything Hog and Hominy is all about. Chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, the kings of Memphis dining, have received praise from major publications, including GQ and The New York Times, for their fabulously executed wood-fire …

Read more

Copyright: Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Though it now has 24 locations across 11 states, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is a Memphis institution. Its roots can be traced back to 1973, and it's the first place any local will tell you to go for fried chicken, and with good reason. Do not skip the sides (the mac and cheese, …

Read more

Copyright: VVDVVD/Shutterstock.com

The Beauty Shop

Winner of the OpenTable Diners' Choice Award in 2015 and 2017, The Beauty Shop is sleek yet playful and boasts a creative fusion menu. The space, formerly a salon, displays remnants of its past, with wash sinks and hair driers spread about. Book well in advance for the wildly popular Sunday …

Read more

Copyright: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Imagine Vegan Cafe

Being vegetarian or vegan in Memphis can be quite challenging, but family-owned and operated Imagine Vegan Cafe has come up with vegan varieties of all of the city's beloved specialties, from pulled pork sandwiches to dry rub ribs and fried …

Read more

Copyright: Foodography/Shutterstock.com

Alcenia's

Famous as much for its hearty and wholesome home-style cooking as for the warmth and charm of owner Betty Joyce "B.J." Chester-Tamayo, Alcenia's is a masterclass in southern hospitality and a one-of-a-kind Memphis experience. Be sure to try the cabbage (yes, the cabbage) and the over-the-top sweetness of the Ghetto-Aid (an extra-sweet Kool-Aid …

Read more

Copyright: Leah Gafni/Memphis CVB

Soul Fish Cafe

Laid-back and uncomplicated, Soul Fish Cafe serves some of the city's most scrumptious po' boys, as well as tacos and no-nonsense seafood (the desserts are pretty great, too). Several locations can be found around the city, in Midtown, East Memphis and …

Read more