An Eastern Orthodox Priest runs this unassuming restaurant. It is often difficult to find a table, but worth the wait. Try the huge, fluffy homemade rolls, both wheat and white. The omelets can be ordered with a variety of toppings including spinach, mushrooms and feta cheese. On the side, try the sauteed potatoes, which can be topped with black beans, Swiss cheese, green onions or salsa. The decor is simple with red and white checkered tablecloths and few pictures. There are two dining rooms or you may eat at the bar. Classical music makes this a pleasant place to start the day.
The barbecue at Central BBQ is probably the best Memphis style pork you will have in your life. Everything they serve, be it their brisket, potato chips, sandwiches or starters will be beyond your expectations, great quality with spicy flavors and delightfully low prices. Naturally, the place is crowded at all hours of the day and one almost always has to wait for a while for a table. Luckily, they also take online orders.
Central BBQ is famous for slow-smoked barbecue served in what it claims to be the Memphis Style. This Downtown location is a favorite with professionals working in the area, and children, adults and senior citizens alike. Start your meal with an appetizer like BBQ Nachos and Smoked Hot Wings, then go on to enjoy a Beef Brisket Plate, turkey Plate or a Ribs Platter that can be shared among two to four people. You can also opt for a combo platter or sandwiches in varieties like BBQ Bologna and Smoked Sausage. Do not miss the delicious cheesecake and Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. This eatery offers bulk packs and large meat trays for sharing among a group, and caters for private parties.
A favorite in Memphis, this restaurant is where locals take visitors for fun atmosphere and food. Technically, the ribs served at the Rendezvous are not barbecue - they are char-grilled with a dry rub of spices. But the slabs of ribs are huge, tender and reasonably priced. Barbecue sandwiches - filled with rich and juicy shreds of pork - as well as portions of both pork and beef ribs is a specialty here. Antique implements, signs and artifacts of the old South fill the warehouse-like space. The tables are close together, but the noise and crowds are part of the fun.
Elwood’s Shack is a cozy deli that offers its patrons a taste of delicious comfort food ranging from Philly, sandwiches and subs to tacos and hot dogs. Locals are fond of this place, and rightly so, due to the varied menu. Each item of the menu is carefully prepared by the master chefs so as to retain their fine flavor. Outdoor dining is offered to patrons. One can also pack something to take home and savor at leisure.
Colorful quick-serve diner offering eclectic Southern breakfast & lunch fare, plus a full bar.
This exceptionally popular restaurant with a pleasant, cabin-like dining room has been featured in publications such as Bon Appetit, USA Today and The New York Times. The best choice on the menu is the pork shoulder sandwich. A barbecue sandwich in Memphis means dark, chewy shreds of meat that have been smoked for hours, layed out on a bun and topped with cole slaw and a spicy sauce. You can buy the barbecue in packs with all the fixings. Cold beer, on tap or by the bottle, is the drink of choice.
Bistro-like atmosphere and service make McEwen's one of downtown's most comfortable restaurants. Its two chefs make lunch and dinner quite different experiences. Lunch offers excellent sandwiches, such as the Grilled Ahi tuna with Creole aioli and the roasted chicken salad. Salads include the savory grilled apple salad, and there is also a good selection of soups. Dinners are more elaborate and inventive. Standout dishes include smoked trout and potato pancakes, and an unusual lamb carpaccio. Portions are large!
