Like all good southern cities, Memphis has many options for dining, and, no, not just barbecue. Wondering where to eat in Memphis, Tennessee? Keep an open mind as you continue to read because this list is not exclusive.
This post is sponsored by the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. The MCVB paid for portions of my travels, but all opinions are my own.
Here’s Where to Eat in Memphis, Tennessee
Visiting the home of Elvis Presley? Headed to a Grizzlies game? Whatever brings you to Memphis, you’ll want to stop and stay a while. Not only is the city an iconic spot for good music, but its food scene is also incredible. Here’s where to eat in Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Belly Acres
Belly Acres is situated in the Overton Square area of downtown Memphis, and they pride themselves in being “citified farm fresh.” Their goal is to bring delicious, sustainable gourmet burgers and toppings to the city direct from their farms. The restaurant’s atmosphere is fun and kid-friendly (a large, climbable tractor sits right in the entryway), and the food is prepared fresh in their kitchen as you order. I ordered the “Voodoo Moo-Moo.”
My burger was fresh, the sauteed onions were not soggy, and the sriracha aioli was, literally, the perfect extra kick to an already outstanding burger. They have standard kid fare (chicken strips, burgers, grilled cheese, etc.), so even the pickiest palates will find something they like at Belly Acres.
2. Huey’s
Huey’s is a legendary Memphis staple for a good reason. It began 45 years ago as a bar and has since transitioned into a bar and restaurant combination. It’s a family-run business that supports the local economy in Memphis. Still, even some locals think Huey’s is a “chain” because it now has 8 locations all over Memphis and its surrounding suburbs. I ordered the Smokey Melt Burger.
I love a good patty melt, and the one I ate at Huey’s satisfied me. Also, get the onion rings. You will thank me later.
Oh, and what am I doing in the photo above? It’s a “thing” at Huey’s to shoot toothpicks at the ceiling and see if they stick. Quite fun and possibly a little dangerous.
Don’t knock it till you try it!
3. Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous
One of my daughters is obsessed with “Man vs. Food” on the Travel Channel, so it was an absolute must for us to go to Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous (even though it’s supposedly touristy, I have it on good authority that even the locals still love it after all these years).
Memphis-style barbecue is slightly different in that it is a vinegar base with a dry rub seasoning, but that doesn’t stop their ribs from being packed full of flavor and covered with that smokey taste that all well-cooked ribs have.
Since 1948, Rendezvous has been grillin’ up ribs in their alley restaurant in downtown Memphis, and I don’t see them stopping anytime soon.
Other Places to Eat in Memphis
Considering the short time frame of a weekend getaway, the following places are recommendations from the I Love Memphis Blog but have not been vetted personally by Sarah of On the Road with Sarah.
Breakfast recommendations:
- Cafe Eclectic
- The Liquor Store
- Barksdale’s
- Gibson’s Donuts
- Brother Juniper’s
- Bryant’s Breakfast
Lunch recommendations:
- Aldo’s
- Bounty
- Second Line
- Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos
- Majestic Grill
- Gus’ Fried Chicken
Dinner recommendations:
- Bishop
- Catherine & Mary’s
- Gray Canary
- Hog & Hominy
- Magnolia & May
- Dory’s
Check out Things to Do in Memphis with Kids for more Memphis must-dos.
