Updated June 27, 2020.
Ask anyone what to eat in Memphis, and they won’t hesitate to recommend barbecue! But there’s more to Memphis than slow-cooked meats and savory sauces. Memphis has definitely undergone a revival since my parents lived there as newlyweds, and on our recent family trip back to the city where my dad went to optometry school forty years ago, we ate at some old favorites and tried out some newcomers. Here’s the best of what and where we ate in Memphis!
The Rendezous
Y’all. This is THE barbecue place in Memphis! It’s literally in an alley, but you’ll be glad you ventured down the way! It’s been around since 1948, and it’s hosted everyone from tourists to locals to dignitaries, to your average Joe. The service is classic Tennessee-style friendly, and you should come hungry!
The Majestic Grille
This was a delight! This restaurant is in an old, historic theater, and they show old TV shows and movies while you eat! While we were there we saw a Christmas episode of “Bewitched”, and then Bing Crosby in The Bells of St Mary’s! The food was great, the service was friendly, and it’s very popular as a pre-theatre dinner spot, so make reservations for dinner early!
Capriccio Grill, The Peabody Hotel
We were fortunate enough to stay at the Peabody Hotel during our weekend in Memphis, and my dad got us all the Bed and Breakfast package! This included breakfast each morning at the Capriccio Grill, complete with grits, bacon, omelettes, and pastries! Here’s a sampling from the buffet!
Feeling fancy? Read about Staying at the Peabody Hotel!
Peabody Bakery and Deli
Coffee is available to Peabody guests each morning in the Bakery, but don’t worry, they have specialty beverages available for anyone–not just guests! Their coffee of the month in December was a peppermint mocha, which is one of my favorites! And while you’re here, don’t forget to treat yourself to a beautiful, delicious treat! They have everything and more.
What’s the deal with the ducks? Check out
How to See the Peabody Duck March!
Beauty Shop Restaurant
So, I was really excited about trying out this place. I love seeing how people reuse old buildings and give them new life. This is such a fun concept, using an old beauty shop (complete with huge blow dryer seats!) as a restaurant. However, we found the food combinations to be a little too eclectic (even for me–chocolate ganache with cheese and salad?). The desserts were awesome, though, so I would actually recommend going in just for dessert if you want the experience!
Dinner for Four
Dessert
The Shop
Keough’s Coffee
A friend recommended Keough’s Cafe right on Main Street, and it was a hit! I really needed a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and this cute cafe was exactly the right place. I got a peppermint latte, and much to my delight, it came with a Biscoff cookie! The shop is in a beautiful historic building, right in the heart of Main Street shopping and just steps away from the Riverfront!
Rosebriar
If you happen to be in town for a girlfriend getaway and want something fun and girly that involves great food and boutique shopping, Rosebriar in nearby Eads is just the place! They can seat up to 30 people and are experts in afternoon tea (Downton Abbey, anyone?), baby and wedding showers, and private dinners. And don’t forget shopping! You do have to make reservations in advance, but it will definitely be a special, Southern experience you won’t forget! Ask for Debbie and tell her Quick Whit sent you!
Want more? Check out my United States Page for all my all-American adventures!
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