25 Essential Memphis Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Memphis.
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Tennessee
Small plates of soups, salads & entrees are served with taster-size pours of wine in posh surrounds.
B.B. King's Blues Club
Tennessee
Blues fans come for live music & Southern food classics in a brightly decorated listening room.
Erling Jensen The Restaurant
Tennessee
Refined versions of classic seafood & beef dishes served in a sparse, contemporary dining room.
The Green Beetle
Memphis, Tennessee
Long-standing tavern serving Southern-influenced comfort food, with live entertainment on weekends.
Elwood's Shack
Memphis, Tennessee
No-frills BBQ & comfort food joint offering smoked meats, burgers, tacos, hot dogs & sandwiches.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Memphis, Tennessee
Long-running chain serving spicy fried chicken & comfort sides in a low-key setting.
Cozy Corner Restaurant
Memphis, Tennessee
Long-time standby for barbecued ribs, sausages & poultry served in a no-nonsense setting.
Belle Tavern
Memphis, Tennessee
Narrow, wood-paneled tavern offering a small menu with pub grub, plus a large selection of whiskies.
India Palace
Memphis, Tennessee
Traditional Indian fare including meat & vegetarian entrees amid colorful, mural-covered walls.
Texas de Brazil - Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.
Garibaldi's Pizza
Memphis, Tennessee
Long-running local pizzeria chain serving hand-tossed & Neapolitan pies, plus pasta & subs.
Umiya Sushi Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Central BBQ - Downtown
Memphis, Tennessee
Informal eatery with inventive meat dishes, from BBQ nachos to pork sandwiches & brisket platters.
ARNOLD’S BBQ & GRILL
Memphis, Tennessee
Family-friendly restaurant with a focus on BBQ & classic American comfort fare in a relaxed setting.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Memphis, Tennessee
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Maciel's tortas & tacos （downtown）
Memphis, Tennessee
Chill, family-owned nook preparing made-to-order tortas, tacos & other Mexican delicacies.
Pyro's Fire Fresh Pizza
Memphis, Tennessee
Laid-back pizzeria specializing in made-to-order pies & salads with specialty toppings & sauces.
My Favorite Place
Memphis, Tennessee
Festively decorated, informal Mexican spot for margaritas & classic recipes like fajitas & tacos.
Perkins American Food Co.
Memphis, Tennessee
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Newk's Eatery
Memphis, Tennessee
Regional chain offering a menu of salads, pizzas & sandwiches in a casual setting.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Memphis, Tennessee
Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.
Corky's Ribs & BBQ
Memphis, Tennessee
Local BBQ chain serving hickory-smoked ribs & comfort sides in a folksy space with a vintage feel.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
Memphis, Tennessee
Acclaimed sauces & dry seasonings top ribs, spaghetti & pork sandwiches in a publike setting.
Soul Fish Cafe
Memphis, Tennessee
Local chain serving Southern classics, po' boys & tacos, plus beer & wine, in a casual setting.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Memphis, Tennessee
High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.