Where to Eat in Memphis

quickwhittravel

January 8, 2020

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!

Rendezvous Special: Ham, Cheese, Salami, Sausage, Pickles and Peppers, and Crackers

Mama’s Pork Shoulder BBQ Sandwich with Mustard-vinegar Slaw and Beans

My Barbecue Chopped Chicken Sandwich with Cole Slaw and Beans

Daddy-o’s Pork Shoulder Plate with Beans and Cole Slaw

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!

Turkey Wrap and Caesar Salad Combo

My dad’s Wild Mushroom Flatbread

Chicken Club Wrap and Clam Chowder Combo

Cheese Ravioli with Spinach, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Toasted Pine Nuts

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!

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Homestyle Potatoes, Bacon (oh the bacon!), Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Patties, Grits, Orange Juice, and Coffee

My Omelette with Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Provolone Cheese

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.

Coffee Time!

Just a sampling of the beautiful pastries at the bakery!

I had an Equinox (with the pink pearl on top, pictured above), and a Strawberry Sensation (the dark red one with a white chocolate tube on top, to the far right above!). I recommend them both!

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

Savory Monkey Bread with Dill Butter

White Fish (I think it was Barramundi!) with Spaghetti Squash and Brussels Sprouts

T-Bone Steak with Butter and Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Romaine Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bleu Cheese, Candied Pecans, and Bacon

Truffle and Parmesan Fries

Fried Sweet Potatoes, Burrata Cheese, and Greens; the brown stuff is Chocolate Ganache. It’s not what I was expecting!

Dessert

Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

Banana Nutella Crepe

The Shop

Go for the food, stay for the beauty!

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!

Already feeling that caffeine boost!

Peppermint Latte and Biscoff Cookie!

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!

Tea time! This is from a tea I had at Rosebriar with my friend Carol a few years ago!

Soup, sandwiches, and tea on the most beautiful dishes!

Every tablescape is tailor-made and beautiful!

Want more? Check out my United States Page for all my all-American adventures!

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