10 Places to Eat in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee is a fantastic city for food with some of the best BBQ in the United States. The city is home to many different types of food but BBQ is overwhelmingly the reason that people visit Memphis. I spent the better part of a week in the city and tried all sorts of restaurants ranging from a cafe that Elvis frequented to the creators of BBQ spaghetti. Here are some of my favorite spots and let me know what I left off in the comments.
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[@yellowcricketbelts]

You may not be aware, but the guy that started Voodoo doughnuts is from Memphis and based his doughnuts on Gibson's recipe. They are truly unreal

[@KarlaRamirez-pg3ly]

Yeah this is true, his brother was our tour guide, he told us how his brother asked him to invest and he said no biggest regret ever.

[@soondead007]

We only send tourists to rendezvous. Much better ribs in a lot of other places. Gus, central, bbq shop, Jerry's are all good spots. The arcade is more of a tourist spot for the Elvis angle. If you want a really good breakfast go to Bryant's or the pancake shop on summer. The liquor store is a good spot and often over looked.

[@MrHarryIV]

Completely agree. One and only has some great bbq as well.

[@prettyflowers9290]

Also Neely's Interstate BBQ, A&R BBQ and Tops BBQ.

[@sharisechatfield9234]

@@prettyflowers9290 And Cozy Corner too

[@chykenaalexander8268]

I agree

[@soondead007]

No they don't Dario, they are trash briquette grilled ribs. They are not low and slow. Go for the atmosphere, go for the sausage and cheese plate, go because you like the sauce, but I stand by my first statement.

[@Rascott03]

Just visited last weekend & Payne's was my favorite. Loved Cozy Corner & Central as well. Breakfast at Sunrise Memphis was SO good! Best grits I've EVER had! The food was so good in Memphis, I can't wait to go back!

[@deegassaway6854]

Thanks for highlighting BBQ Spaghetti! A Memphis Classic! ❤

[@tippern2]

I love BBQ Shop, and Central, Rendevouz is great for visitors, but Cozy Corner food must be sampled.

[@addisonrussell6030]

I’m moving back to Memphis from Vegas and I can’t wait to get some Cozy Corner!

[@rileyfam]

I don't know how you didn't include Corky's, my favorite BBQ by far.

[@umac6976]

like good old fashioned factual no nonsense documentaries. really good

[@marksetterlund3109]

The Pancake Shop - x-cellent.for breakfast and lunch (cash only), Jack’s Rib Shack, now gone, had the best Ribs for 20+ years. Fox Ridge Pizza. Uncle Lou’s Chicken and Crumpy’s Wings - so many

[@aperson5006]

I’m gonna be honest, rendezvous is a tourist spot, in my opinion one and only barbecue is the best in town, their pulled pork is amazing and their barbecue sauce is my all time favorite

[@carolynmurphy3292]

You did a great job hitting the “hot” spots! Memphis has some great dining spots! Too many for just a few days!

[@AmberAHue82]

Rendezvous is overrated, in my opinion. I love Soul Fish Cafe, and Huey's is a local burger place with a lot of history.

[@MichaelRei99]

Well you’re entitled to your opinion and he’s entitled to his.

[@ddub87]

I've lived in the Memphis area most of my life and I can confidently say it's like no other city! Come for the food, stay because you got carjacked and stabbed 😂

[@beereal5107]

Thank you again for sharing so much with us ! I don't even wait until the end of your videos to hit the 'like' button anymore, I already know I am going to enjoy the video even before I watch it now.

[@ThroughMyLens]

You're the best!

[@JulieIelasi-lt7yp]

I love the look of the Cafe That Elvis loved to eat at 😊

[@Chinoiserie9839]

This channel doesn't even need a fancy camera work, drones, cool music, fancy shots and complicated editing to keep me entertain. Sometimes I never realized some of their content is 1-2 hours long because every single clip keeps me interested. Thanks for taking us all the time in your trip 😉.

[@crazy8adventures553]

IMO, the best ribs on Beale Street is at Alfreds! Also, if you ever go back be sure to get a burger and deep fried twinkie from Dyers!

[@dylanhatton5178]

Yeah you hit all the main spots! There are many other good restaurants in Memphis, especially around Overton Square that you missed, though.

[@ALittleMoreElvis]

Take a ride to Marlowe’s for the great BBQ and especially if you’re an Elvis fan-they’ll pick you up in an EP-inspired pink limo! 💖

[@greggmorris5104]

The pro-move I'd recommend tourists is to order the smoked wings at Central BBQ. Also the cornish hen at Cozy Corner. There are a lot of good BBQ joints all throughout town that all do a very good job. I second the B-B-Q Shop from the video. But as much as I love Memphis BBQ, I'd get sick having pulled pork or ribs for every meal if I was doing a tour of the all the BBQ joints.

[@gregponder8332]

Payne's and A&R are two more amazing barbecue joints... and they are joints... Payne's is located in what once was a two bay auto repair shop...

[@traceyjones7551]

Now you talking!

[@FeralSnarf]

Paynes is my favorite spot in Memphis

[@leslieochoa88]

Super curious for that BBQ spaghetti now!!

[@iNerdya]

My home town! We love to vlog here!

[@verycraftymom1]

Hey from Memphis. Well, actually Southaven, MS (considered South Memphis) just across the state line. Love following you around the country.

[@dadreadedgemini]

Southaven is not considered South Memphis because South Memphis actually exists. Don't do that.

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Can't go wrong with any place that has delicious BBQ

[@jenniferdunn3542]

We love the Arcade Diner. Their milkshakes are the best!

[@salemk.3098]

make more “places to eat” videos, they are awesome!

[@rhondaz356]

I am thoroughly famished for barbecue. That was excellent. 🌞🤗👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I would like some BBQ now as well 😂

[@stevengill1955]

Blue city Café on Bell Street.

[@cbiscuitmedia1584]

As someone from Memphis, and somewhat of a foodie, the best place for Pizza in town is actually the Memphis Chess Club located downtown. 100% recommended

[@AMC0685]

Great video! You hit a lot of the good spots. AR bbq, One and Only, Meccos has great snow cones, shakes and sundaes! Just tried Jerry’s today, it was good but not like Meccos!! Memphis does have great BBQ!!!Tops is also good!

[@onesizefitsfew]

went to Rendezvous and one of partners asked what do you have for dessert? The waiter said "more ribs."

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha that is awesome 😂

[@BrianRRenfro]

Another good thing about Gus's is that you can get a 40oz with your food! You don't find that often!

[@theMolecularMan]

I like these restaurant videos

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you like them!

[@summerjune9529]

In the summer the lines are sooo long at Jerry's snow cones. I've only been twice and stay right around the corner! I have to go more often especially on warm days.

[@ChristopherT1]

Except for the Rendezvous you pretty much got it em all. The ones you missed I’m keeping to myself and there’s a bunch.

[@TrendingintheWorldToday]

Pancake Shop on Summer Memphis, my wife ate there so many times during her 1st pregnancy. We still go back a few times a year. Jerry Snow Cones are a long time family favorite.

[@chuckrann6282]

Go to Chattanooga and sample the food, sprits and town. Pretty good.

[@majorbuzz]

On my trip to Memphis in 2017, I had no BBQ. 😭 My girlfriend (now ex) is a vegetarian. I didn't want to put her through watching me pig out. Though not near downtown Memphis, we had Sunday brunch at The Beauty Shop after a service at Reverend Al Green's Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. Reverend Al was there! The Beauty Shop is a converted beauty shop 😊 where Priscilla Presley has her hair done, but now serves food and drinks. It still retains a classic look with the big old hair dryers that you'd sit under until your hair was dry. Since my ex-girlfriend is a nurse who works the night shift, I usually eat breakfast alone when we're traveling so she can try to keep on her sleep schedule. Brother Juniper's was recommended to me and I wasn't disappointed on the 3 days in a row that I ate freshest there. Lucky me for dining solo because I was able to find a seat at the counter. The place packs them in.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I had wanted to go to The Beauty Shop but didn't make it there. Will have to check out Brother Juniper next time. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@AKRichardM]

BBQ spaghetti is fantastic!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Heck yes it is!

[@duffeldoffer]

I suggest the "Death by Gangster Gunfire" restaurant ! 😅

[@elvisoneil]

Wiseacre Brewing Co., Andrew Michael restaurants, Young Ave Deli has the best bar food with The Cove having some of the best cocktails in the city.

[@Amanda-oz5jq]

You did a great job but I would add Uncle Lou's fried chicken reg or sauced:) there is usually a long line of people every day!:)

[@brandonbarcafer3373]

Local for all Memphis people like my self. The best breakfast in Memphis is Bryant's Breakfast on Summer ave.

[@RudyC27]

Just don’t make a wrong turn.

[@anicole626]

What do you mean?..I plan to visit Memphis this year. Any suggestions and also places to avoid (if you live there)?

[@jasonrobbins4227]

Man there's so many more then just "10 hot spots". Tops BBQ, Interstate BBQ, Brad's BBQ, Momma's BBQ, Memphis BBQ Co. In Southaven MS, so many food trucks that will blow your mind! Wings galore like JD's wings 😋 not to mention some delicious steakhouses. Can't leave out the Korean BBQ and Japanese sushi/samshi spots. Right at summer and 240 Ryu's has the best sushi. Try the fried Godzilla it will change your life. Plenty of curry to eat if you like it. So much food I gained 12 pounds talking bout it. Don't forget the soul foods too! Dominick distillery don't offer much but a whiskey "hotty toddy" and vodka. They have a restaurant as well.

[@cullenjames7542]

Rendezvous is such a tourist trap. It is a cool place atmospherically, but the food is pretty average and the barbecue has nothing on many of the other places in the city. Bar-B-Q Shop is definitely my recommendation. Cozy Corner is my second recommendation. Central, to me, is fast food barbecue, but as someone mentioned below, their smoked wings are amazing. Also, everyone talks about Gus's, but the best chicken is town is at Uncle Lou's.

[@LIFEWITHTHEJONESES1]

Should do one for Nashville

[@smosh2499]

Can you make a video of you visiting New York city and make a video of things to do there

[@anisafaruqi9330]

My friend and I had a bad experience in Rendezvous. It was also different eating a mustard slaw.😢

[@lth7775]

We are 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰edicts to “Father and Son love” videos, Thank You again, keep up good work 👍

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you so much!

[@TwinsenR]

Some decent recommendations, however my go-to for BBQ would be A&R BBQ on Hickory Hill or Big BIll's BBQ off Kirby/Quince, both have BBQ Spaghetti also. If you want a great filet mignon/lasagna, Amerigo's on Ridgeway has the best that I've had. For a Cajun twist, can't go wrong with pretty much anything at The Half Shell. Not a fan of the one on Winchester, the one on Poplar is the GOAT. HIGHLY recommend the Voodoo Chicken w/ twice baked potato. So GOOD.

[@JoshuaGraves113]

Big Bill's is pretty good. I go there sometimes after work because it's on my way home.

[@deeptideshpande9227]

The ambience at Big Bill's! It was fun designing the restaurant with a client who had a great vision for the space as well as food :) I love Big Bill's, a BBQ restaurant that looks like none other in the city!

[@cityboy60643]

This is a commercial for downtown Memphis. Gus's is good. Tom's BBQ on Raines Rd is far better than the Rendezvous. If you're in Memphis looking for good food, go to the Cooper Young area. Better food and less robbery attempts. Seriously....tourists get robbed all the time in downtown Memphis

[@banzai1015]

Totally agree, Tom's is sooo good, ahh the rib tips.

[@manonnurbelli8142]

Thanks frm future French tourist!))🇫🇷💙🇺🇦

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

You know I have been to Memphis several times and I would love to go back. In the back of my mind I know what you are saying is true about being robbed. As much as I love Memphis I am going to stay the hell out of there because I figure that it is not if I get robbed it is when and will I be shot and killed in the process.

[@oliverlacey3765]

Roxi on Greenlaw got the best burgers 🍔 in town hands down! 😋

[@djthornton98]

Rendezvous is just top notch. I work in the same building so I’m a regular and know a few of the staff. I also work with them when I coordinate Memphis’s food and wine festival; great people to work with. Gibson’s is to die for and am going there in the morning (completely out of the way from work but owell the taste is worth it). Now Jerry’s snow cones I’m gonna disagree with you and leave it at that. One place I would add is Crosstown Brewery right beside crosstown Concourse. Great memphis brewery who’s beers are awesome and great meal options nearby as well.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for the comment!

[@prettyflowers9290]

I had Rendezvous BBQ, I wasn't impress with their BBQ. If I want some BBQ to wake up my taste buds, they would be Neely's Interstate BBQ, A&R BBQ, Tops BBQ and One And Only BBQ.

[@frobber150]

Patrick's Restaurant, Paradise Cafe, Dim Sum Cafe, Buckley's Restaurant, Side Porch.

[@crazy8adventures553]

OMG...I forgot about Patricks! Is Dim Sum the Vietnamese restaurant???

[@frobber150]

@@crazy8adventures553 Dim Sum is a Chinese restaurant

[@leadershiphelpdesk510]

20 years ago rendezvous was not impressive. If I could have anything from Memphis it would be A Big Bufford Burger from Rally's with the seasoned fries. It is a shame the flights leave early and arrive late.

[@GeeTay707]

Wow I need to get out more I didn’t know A Schwab were still in business.

[@coreywhitson6431]

Dam right

[@soonerjhtravels]

do you remember what video it was where you showed a giant BLT? thanks!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Probably the Things to do in St Louis one

[@jbizzle7616]

Gus’s is based in Mason, TN.

[@paulturner6334]

Neely’s best beef links around

[@seethebutter]

Great video, THANKS!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you liked it!

[@LoneWolf42389]

umm, drrrool, I miss Rendezvous, best dry ribs. Hey, Don't forget Interstate BBQ and Neely's both started by same founder, Corky's BBQ, and there's another BBQ called Tops BBQ for BBQ sandwiches.

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

I spent a week in Memphis eating barbecue and of all the places I tried rendezvous was the worst barbecue in the city. Pigs on Beale street was the best.

[@gat2asp919]

Central is awesome. If you like heavy smoke Corky's BBQ is the place

[@stephenkingsley_]

Central BBQ is definitely the top of the heap rn. Also, the people who own Gus's now own Leonard's BBQ, the oldest BBQ place in town. It's still really good and they just moved to a new location.. And ahy place that brands it'self as "hip" and "trendy" is just that. When everyone who wants to post a selfie of themselves eating there has done that, it will be gone.

[@keithsnider8995]

Not sure where you were asking people and they said Rendezvous because most people from Memphis will recommend Central. Rendezvous is the tourist bbq because the location.

[@djthornton98]

Just depends on your taste preference. I prefer Rendezvous over central.

[@manonnurbelli8142]

@@djthornton98 ok but you don’t say why you Preferer it? The place, food, hygiene, customers, security (l am a futur visitor of your city bc Graceland:)

[@marbo2651]

I’ve heard cozy corner is one of the best for BBQ. Is this true?

[@phillybruce]

God I love Memphis!

[@willardwayne3]

Gus's! Mason Tn. Chicken, 40 ounce beers........nuff said right?! Ha! dont curse and keep your feet on the floor or find out why you should have! Dont know if it even exist anymore but THAT'S Gus's fried chicken. Thats the legendary legend!

[@markyuen2312]

What would you do without making a donuts stops while on your trips and video shoots? 😄

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha if the city doesn't have a donut shop there is no reason to go!

[@manonnurbelli8142]

@@ThroughMyLens Donuts stop in Paris, with good one: I will not see you often around here!))🇫🇷💙🇺🇦

[@pawnmack]

If only the old Service Cafe owned by George Vergos was still around. Mabel was the best waitress ever. I sure miss that place.

[@linturner3651]

I agree and disagree. Where I think you missed some gems I'm going to keep quiet and keep the local secrets.

[@nonasmith7063]

Cozy corner has the best barbecue ribs and chicken in the city is in North Memphis minutes like not even minutes for like right around downtown like literally around the corner from downtown you walking in Memphis you walk around the corner your downtown

[@shirleyhawkins869]

hi

[@BADAZZ93STANG]

Tops BBQ has good food!! Their cheeseburgers are cooked to order!!!

[@laurendaboone2551]

Are they handicap accessible

[@lindasimpson6740]

Actually Gradys and Lils were the first place I had barbecue spaghetti, that was the seventies. The best Donuts was Thorntons on Lamar and a bakery on Madison Avenue downtown, can't remember the name also had the best Donuts. The best barbecue joints are long gone. Locations were all over the city. Now I don't care whether you are at home or visiting another city enjoy it,if you don't like it just don't waste your time and money.ever again.

[@nebraskaryan9308]

Don’t forget your bulletproof jacket

[@mtownpyro7198]

good video.. but the rendezvous is a tourist trap...not even close to the best in memphis

[@ZachJames]

Cozy Corner is the best bbq in Memphis.

[@ccwnoob4393]

the fact that you did NOT mention Corky's means you really do know what you're talking about esp being able to separate fact from fiction.

[@barbn.5249]

I ate the best ribs ever at Corky's Ribs. Someone who sat next on a plane recommended it, do I went there when visiting Memphis. So delicious! Lots of locals there. EVERONE ordered ribs... But that was in 2014. No idea if they're still as good?

[@ThroughMyLens]

Will have to check that out next time!

[@mrs.c2793]

Cozy Corner has the best BBQ in Memphis ❤️

[@mrsprecious31]

Corkys rib are supreme 😋.

[@dylanhatton5178]

Corky's isn't as good as the spots in this video, though

[@vampyretime177]

I don’t care for Gus chicken but I am from Louisiana and Manchu’s will always be the best.

[@richardjames6812]

The BBQ Shop is not a drive outside the city. It is located in midtown Memphis which is right in the heart of Memphis about 10 minutes from downtown.

[@kristinae.coleman8320]

He said “located outside of the downtown Memphis area”. That is correct …midtown is outside of the downtown Memphis area

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

How many donuts do you typically get when you visit a place? I need to know if I get too many or too few haha

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I usually only go to the top rated 1 or 2 spots but I would like to go to more haha

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

@@ThroughMyLens there is never a limit on donuts. They are exempt

[@alfredmcdaniels639]

Uncle Lou's

[@spencermcmillin6315]

The same old tired restaurant recommendations. There are great, chef driven restaurants all over the city.

[@sweetheatt.8696]

Been in memphis all my life and never been to Rendezvous I know it's a shame...: I gotta go tho hope they got beef ribs

[@mixeddrinks8100]

Gus's fried chicken... hmm interesting didn't know that, could of swore I saw some in SoCal didn't know it was famous wonder if those are as good.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea they are in a dozen or so states now so maybe in California?

[@mixeddrinks8100]

@@ThroughMyLens quite a few now i just checked earlier

[@mercedeswilkins5566]

You can go to messages and not try their very own barbecue

[@markakira8988]

..

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Donuts! Watch that liver.

[@homevideos.]

rendevouz... tourist trap for bbq

[@VicbengtPL]

Rendezvous is not great, actually I didn’t like it. The Arcade is such a bad place too… For better food, go to Germantown or East Memphis

[@allenuconn]

Memphis BBQ Company is the very best for ribs. Not even close.

[@bridgetteeasley-ellis7531]

Skip Gus' do Hattie B's

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

No to the Elvis sandwich. I’ve been making BBQ spaghetti for years, wow. Now, I want some ribs.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That's awesome, I should try making it!

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

@@ThroughMyLens It’s delicious. You should try making it.

[@sylviajenkins4784]

Missy left central!! No flavor

[@p.herrmann4538]

Peanutbutter and Banana ...why the hell did i never thought of doing that? ...im in the kitchen now.

[@kellywilliams8002]

Grew up on that; many (my Grandmother) loved it with a little spread of mayo:)

[@p.herrmann4538]

@@kellywilliams8002 mayo? thats wild...

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha let me know what you think!

[@manonnurbelli8142]

Fav sandwiches of Elvis!))

[@p.herrmann4538]

@@ThroughMyLens So i tried it... without mayo or bacon ^^ What should i say... Elvis was a genius :D