Memphis, the Bluff City, isn't just about Elvis and Beale Street. Beyond the neon lights and tourist traps lies a world of culinary gems – vibrant, unique, and deeply ingrained in the Memphis soul.
So what are the best restaurants only in Memphis? The best restaurants you can only find in Memphis are:
Beauty Shop
Central BBQ
Dory
Cozy Corner
Slim & Huskies
Chef Tams
Pho Binh Vietnamese (Take Out Only)
Flying Fish
The BBQ Shop
Flight
Los Comales
Uncle Lous Fried Chicken
While most people only think of BBQ (and they're many great places in Memphis not in this list), we tried to cover stuff that someone might enjoy over the course of a week here.
Personally I don't think you can have ribs and fries more than once or twice a week, if that. So we're covering Mexican, American, BBQ and Asian in this list!
And before you ask, we left Gus's Fried Chicken off the list because you can now find it outside of Memphis!
The Best Restaurants Exclusive to Memphis
This list is not exhaustive and I'm sure they're other places we might have missed. It's also running the range from fine dining to budget friendly and fast casual. But the main requirement is it can't be anywhere else!
1. The Beauty Shop: Dinner, Drinks, and Decadence
Stepping into Beauty Shop feels like entering a stylish speakeasy with a modern twist. Exposed brick walls meet velvet booths, creating an atmosphere that's both cool and inviting. And the real kicker is you're eating in a literal beauty bar type salon.
But the real star of the show is the food.
Expect innovative small plates bursting with flavor, from their melt-in-your-mouth crispy duck to the decadent $16 guacamole. They have a varied menu and specialize in brunch so make sure to plan ahead.
Don't forget to pair your meal with one of their expertly crafted cocktails – the perfect ending to a night of Memphis magic.
2. Central BBQ: Smoky Heaven for BBQ Devotees
Memphis claims barbecue royalty, and Central BBQ is a shining crown jewel.
This no-frills joint focuses on one thing and does it masterfully: slow-smoked, pit-cooked perfection.
Ribs that fall off the bone, pulled pork with just the right amount of smoke, and their signature "Memphis bologna" – a unique smoked sausage – will leave you understanding why people travel miles for this experience.
Come hungry, leave happy (and slightly smoky!).
Pro Tip: I personally think their dry rub chicken wings with ranch sauce are some of the best in the city. If you're here for the ribs please do yourself a favor and try one or two wings, you can try them each for $3-4 per wing I think.
If you want a "yes Chef" type of vibe, then we got the place for you.
Ditch the predictable Memphis fare and dive into a kaleidoscope of flavors at Dory, an intimate tasting-menu gem helmed by Chef Dave Krog.
Forget à la carte – here, a multi-course adventure awaits, weaving local ingredients into globally-inspired masterpieces.
Imagine melt-in-your-mouth lamb meatballs perfumed with Moroccan spices, followed by delicate crudo drizzled with yuzu kosho, each bite a testament to Krog's restless culinary spirit.
Inspired by his travels and collaborations with farmers, Krog transforms humble vegetables into vibrant compositions, like his signature roasted cauliflower adorned with Castelvetrano olives and a swirl of saffron aioli.
Whether you crave buttery scallops bathed in a Thai curry broth or a decadent chocolate ganache finale, Dory promises an unforgettable journey.
Stepping into Cozy Corner feels like you're entering someone's warm, welcoming kitchen.
The location looks a little rough from the outside, but once you're inside you will feel welcome and excited to know you're in a local favorite.
This family-owned haven serves up soul food classics made with love and generations of tradition.
BBQ bologna, wings, Rib tips, pork sandwiches and more are just a few things you should try.
Oh and I saw almost everyone ordering the pies for deserts.
Come with an empty stomach and a ready heart; Cozy Corner nourishes both.
5. Slim & Huskies: Pizza Heaven Meets Craft Beer Mecca
Memphis isn't all meat and gravy.
At Slim & Huskies, thin-crust pizzas reign supreme. Imagine perfectly blistered crusts topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients, cooked in a wood-fired oven that breathes life into every bite.
Pair your pizza with one of their extensive craft beers on tap, sourced from local and regional breweries.
The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make this a casual yet memorable dining experience.
6. Chef Tams: A Global Adventure on Your Plate
Chef Tam's is a journey for your taste buds. They were featured on Bravo or one of those other cable cooking shows as well.
It's soul food with a twist.
The day that I went I personally thought the music was too loud, but the loaded french fries were very tasty along with the fried chicken sliders.
If you're in the mood with souhtern comfort food with a twist you have to give this a place a visit.
(Take out only)
Nestled in a strip mall lies a hidden gem - Pho Binh.
This family-run restaurant offers some of the most authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Memphis.
Their steaming bowls of pho, filled with rich broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs, are a staple, but don't miss out on other specialties like the lemongrass tofu or lemongrass chicken.
I personally find their curry tofu with lemongrass (if you enjoy tofu) to be the best balance of a semi gravy with rice.
My second favorite item here is the fried rice, either with wheat gluten or tofu which they cut very cutely into small pieces.
If you're craving seafood, there's no better place than Flying Fish. You have to eat here because it has a very unique look with checkered table cloths and 1950s vintage vibe.
This vibrant restaurant sources its ingredients directly from the Gulf Coast, ensuring the freshest catch possible.
From fried catfish to creative spins on things like sandwhiches to tacos, the Flying Fish is one of those joints that has something for everyone.
The bustling atmosphere and friendly service make this a fun and delicious experience for the whole family.
BBQ Shop isn't your average barbecue joint.
It's a fusion of traditional techniques with modern innovation, resulting in mouthwatering dishes that push the boundaries of barbecue.
Smoked beef belly burnt ends served with kimchi glaze, duck confit nachos drizzled with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, and brisket smoked overnight and served with jalapeno cheese grits – these are just a few examples of their adventurous food you'll get here.
No list of the best BBQ in Memphis is complete without this on it, and if you ask any local where the best BBQ in town is that isn't overrated this should most likely be at the top of their list.
Forget the typical Memphis fare of barbecue and soul food, and soar to new culinary heights at Flight Restaurant. And make sure you make a reservation before your trip to Memphis!
This upscale haven isn't just about the destination, it's about the captivating journey along the way. Imagine indulging in a symphony of small plates, each paired with a complementary "flight" of wines, designed to tantalize your taste buds and broaden your palate.
At the helm of this culinary adventure is Chef Joshua Dowdy, a passionate Memphis native who honed his skills under renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Daniel Boulud.
Sample melt-in-your-mouth seared scallops nestled on creamy risotto and drizzled with a vibrant lemon beurre blanc, or savor the decadent richness of braised short ribs glazed in a sweet and savory red wine reduction.
This is one of those places you want to take a business colleague too if you are trying to close a deal or celebrate one, and/or also a date for a special occasions.
Fancy for sure!
11. Los Comales
The location on Madison is hands down the best free chips and salsa you can eat. I literally come here for the green super hot salsa they give you for free when you sit down. It's like a creamy jalapeno paste and sets the tone for the rest of the meal.
From there I get the chicken fajita burrito (almost every time) and my brother usually asks for a vegetarian taco bowl.
They're many great Mexican restaurants in Memphis but head here at 6PM on a Friday and you'll realize from the amount of locals in the place that you made the right choice.
Pros: Easy on the budget compared to the other restaurants, great service, and the food is fresh and hot.
11. Uncle Lous Fried Chicken
If you have more than a day or two in the city, you have to try this place. Get the lemon pepper hot wings, they're so good!
Pro Tip: I highly recommend you order ahead, even if you're going to eat here.
Everybody gets their food in foam containers so it makes no difference, but it is the difference between ordering and waiting 30-40 minutes or getting there for your 5:15PM order and having it by 5:25.
The lady at the front is nice and if she calls you sweety I think you're doing just fine that day.
This place and Gus's are often discussed as the best fried chicken in the city, but as far as I know Uncle Lous is only in Memphis. They have also been featured on Guy Fieri I believe from the magazine cut outs you see all through the store.
Conclusion
In summary, ditch the tourist traps and the predictable menus – your taste buds deserve an adventure!
Memphis has woven its own magic into every cuisine, from the slow-smoked, Memphis-rubbed BBQ that's legendary for a reason to Vietnamese pho simmered with local spices that'll surprise your palate.
It's more than just food here – it's a story on a plate, a chance to experience the soul of the city with every bite.
So, skip the chains and the familiar, and dive into the unique Memphis spin on flavors.
Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite dish – with a side of Memphis magic.
Also...what else did we miss? We'd love to hear your suggestions.
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