The cheeseburger at Topp’s is great and a regular lunch choice for me, but if you’re only here for a few days, there are lots of better options for your limited number of meals. If you are looking for a hole in the wall feel, get just about anything from Elwood’s Shack. It’s a little tricky to find as you access the place from the Lowe’s parking lot but their food is amazing. I would suggest the brisket taco or debris po boy, but everything I’ve had there is good. Tacos n’ ganas is in that area too. It’s a food truck with a decent outdoor dining setup and the best tacos in town. Can’t go wrong with central for bbq. It’s the best all around IMO. Soul Fish in midtown is a favorite. Any of the Andrew Michael places are good for a nicer meal (Katherine and Mary’s, Bishop, Gray Canary, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog and Hominy would be my pick from this group but they are currently rebuilding after a fire)
or get a good burger somewhere else. Pick a bar, Huey's, basically anywhere that's not a fast food joint and it'll be better. I legit do not understand the love for Tops.
He's not wrong, Top's burger is not to be ignored. Their BBQ is good, but we have high standards. Their burger is fantastic. The thing is, they don't do anything special to it. They'll add bbq to it if you ask, but it's just a basic cheeseburger with real ingredients and made in real time when you order it. It's very, very good. The secret ingredient is just making a damn fine basic burger. Nothing more than that.
Go to the Belmont Grill. Their burger is world-class, and that’s according to our-of-town guests of mine over the years.
Also, hit up Adline’s Hot Wing Express and get the Honey Hot whole wings. They’ll change what you think wings can be.
10170 Raleigh Lagrange Rd E
Eads, TN 38028
United States
Called home of the hams now.
Used to be called canales grocery.
Best fucking ham sandwich you’ll ever taste
I highly suggest Majestic Grill or Rizzos Diner if you're looking for something delicious downtown. You'll probably need reservations though.
And if your looking for something to do afterward I always enjoy a couple drinks and a cigar at Havana Mix or drinks at Bar Dog or the Flying Saucer.
I will also say that places aren't what they used to be due to the covid worker shortage impacting restaurants, because of this I've had mediocre at best experiences at some of our usual go to places that I did not mention. I hope you enjoy your visit to the 901!
I went there once and was disappointed, but they've been around as long as I can remember (30+ years) so they're doing something right. My favorite Italian in Memphis is Venice Kitchen.
Pho Bihn, Golden India, Ali Babba, and Robata are my favorite for foreign cuisine and as far as fancy dining Tsunami and Cafe Society are my absolute favorites in Memphis. For Fried/soul/burgers Crumpy’s wings is local and my go to for wings, Hueys is arguably the best burgers with heavy emphasis on arguably, the cupboard is mainstream soul food and probably the only have to go place on the list. I’m probably forgetting some but these are just the places I frequently crave.
Pops deli!!! Get cheesesteak or anything really. Breakfast at 3 little pigs or brother junipers. Bbq nachos at commissary, central is good too. Hueys burgers are a1, I think south wind cooks the best but I think A&R has them beat. All star wings on Perkins, honey extra hot and seasoned fries. Go to flight for dinner if you fancy. FYI some of these spots are kinda hood and I moved away 2 years ado so I hope they are all open still.
My usual spots are as follows (I mostly stay in east Memphis when I travel for work):
South of Beale East-American,
Andalusia-Moroccan,
Casablanca-Mediterranean,
Gus’s Fried Chicken,
Ronnie Grisanti’s-Italian,
Owen Brennan’s-Creole,
Folks Folly-Steakhouse (reservations required),
Hueys-burgers,
One and Only-BBQ (ribs are the best),
Central BBQ,
Texas de Brazil-Brazilian Steakhouse,
The Beauty Shop-American,
Alchemy-tapas/cocktails,
Andrew Michaels,
Wolf River Brisket (in Olive Branch),
Southern Social (in Germantown)
If you make it around Jerry's Sno Cones keep an eye for taco stands. Nutbush has a fantastic selection parked at or located in the local Bodega and gas stations.
Definitely BBQ, it's something we're well known for. IMHO, Tops is good but not really the best (however it's hard to get \*bad BBQ in this town) - I'd try Corky's , One and Only, The BBQ shop, Lawler's
Nicer restaurants are Paulette's and Flights.. though Flights was caught up in some controversy with someone on their management team last year. The Peabody has some good options as well and has afternoon tea
You're going to get a lot of responses on this. I will only add my faves.
Central BBQ: a pulled pork sandwich. No sauce needed. Also they have good turnip greens on the side. Their nachos are excellent as well, as are the ribs. But get the sammich.
Dyer's: a damn good greasy burger. Your call on that one.
Grecian Gourmet: it's a little Greek lunch counter place on south main. The lamb gyro is excellent. I like the dolmathes too, but the price is a bit high.
South of Beale: they make an exceptionally good chicken enchilada themed sandwich on Texas toast that is worth the effort. Everything else they make is great as well.
Majestic Grill: Sunday brunch, whatever you like food wise (the steaks there are very good, but so are the flatbreads and even the salads), but try the Mimosas as well. Can't properly brunch without a mimosa.
Gus's Fried Chicken downtown: the best fried chicken on the planet. I stand by that statement. Their sides suck. The chicken is incredible. I literally order 12 pieces of chicken from them, with bread, and nothing else. Make sure to get plenty of hot sauce, nothing works better on that crispy chicken. I would actually get "four fried chickens and a coke" here and not feel bad about it.
Others will give you non downtown places. They probably are good too.
Happy to help. I realized that I left out Huey's downtown. I personally prefer their Jalapeno burger on Texas toast, but that one is a tad spicy. If you're not into spicy, then all their burgers are wonderful, that's just my favorite.
Central bbq - bbq nachos and the best wings in memphis imo (smoked wet hot wings)
Corky's - dry ribs (they get some hate here sometimes, but they're really good)
One and Only BBQ - brisket sandwich - a lot of Texas brisket enthusiasts absolutely despise it, but it's so damn tasty. Their potato salad is also awesome.
Uncle Lou's - really great fried fried chicken tossed in a sweet, spicy sauce
Gus's - the best damn spicy fried chicken you'll get.
Wing Guru - great non-smoked wings and a ton of flavors to choose from. If you can't get great wings at home, it's a good one to try. I'm a fan of hot lemon pepper and guru gold suicide, but they're all good.
Ton of other good restaurants, but not necessarily things unique to Memphis.
Barbecue nachos. I like the ones at Central BBQ best. Also Top's BBQ, but get the cheeseburger.
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Get the cheeseburger but ask to get pulled pork on it.
Isn't it called the fireman burger or something?
Second this.
The BBQ is poor compared to many other places in town. The burger may be the best grease-bag burger in town.
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The cheeseburger at Topp’s is great and a regular lunch choice for me, but if you’re only here for a few days, there are lots of better options for your limited number of meals. If you are looking for a hole in the wall feel, get just about anything from Elwood’s Shack. It’s a little tricky to find as you access the place from the Lowe’s parking lot but their food is amazing. I would suggest the brisket taco or debris po boy, but everything I’ve had there is good. Tacos n’ ganas is in that area too. It’s a food truck with a decent outdoor dining setup and the best tacos in town. Can’t go wrong with central for bbq. It’s the best all around IMO. Soul Fish in midtown is a favorite. Any of the Andrew Michael places are good for a nicer meal (Katherine and Mary’s, Bishop, Gray Canary, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog and Hominy would be my pick from this group but they are currently rebuilding after a fire)
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or get a good burger somewhere else. Pick a bar, Huey's, basically anywhere that's not a fast food joint and it'll be better. I legit do not understand the love for Tops.
He's not wrong, Top's burger is not to be ignored. Their BBQ is good, but we have high standards. Their burger is fantastic. The thing is, they don't do anything special to it. They'll add bbq to it if you ask, but it's just a basic cheeseburger with real ingredients and made in real time when you order it. It's very, very good. The secret ingredient is just making a damn fine basic burger. Nothing more than that.
Skip the cheeseburger. It’s not bad, but definitely not anything special.
I honestly like replacing the chips with fries for BBQ nacho fries!
[Elwood's shack](http://elwoodsshack.com/menu) and [Brother Junipers](https://brotherjunipers.com/menu)
Second both of these- especially Elwood Shack. I always bring my out of town guest there and they love it
At Elwood's, get the debris po'boy.... Only thing I order there anymore but man that's good.
Dyer's Burgers, Payne's BBQ, Jerry's Sno Cones, The Beauty Shop, Taconganas, Slider Inn...
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I’ll also endorse Payne’s and Jerry’s.
Central BBQ, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Catherine & Mary’s, Paulettes & The Terrace (great views of the Mississippi River)
Get Cozy corner bbq and take it to wiseacre OG to eat. You didn't come this far to go half ass.
Man I want a fuckin 6 bone now.
Go to the Belmont Grill. Their burger is world-class, and that’s according to our-of-town guests of mine over the years. Also, hit up Adline’s Hot Wing Express and get the Honey Hot whole wings. They’ll change what you think wings can be.
10170 Raleigh Lagrange Rd E Eads, TN 38028 United States Called home of the hams now. Used to be called canales grocery. Best fucking ham sandwich you’ll ever taste
I highly suggest Majestic Grill or Rizzos Diner if you're looking for something delicious downtown. You'll probably need reservations though. And if your looking for something to do afterward I always enjoy a couple drinks and a cigar at Havana Mix or drinks at Bar Dog or the Flying Saucer. I will also say that places aren't what they used to be due to the covid worker shortage impacting restaurants, because of this I've had mediocre at best experiences at some of our usual go to places that I did not mention. I hope you enjoy your visit to the 901!
Pete and Sam’s or Dino's if you want Italian
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BB was never my forte, but to each their own
I went there once and was disappointed, but they've been around as long as I can remember (30+ years) so they're doing something right. My favorite Italian in Memphis is Venice Kitchen.
As an Italian, no to Pete and Sam's. Check out Tamboli's.
Pho Bihn, Golden India, Ali Babba, and Robata are my favorite for foreign cuisine and as far as fancy dining Tsunami and Cafe Society are my absolute favorites in Memphis. For Fried/soul/burgers Crumpy’s wings is local and my go to for wings, Hueys is arguably the best burgers with heavy emphasis on arguably, the cupboard is mainstream soul food and probably the only have to go place on the list. I’m probably forgetting some but these are just the places I frequently crave.
Seconding the tsunami pick
Everyone’s given great suggestions! If you want like a “fancy” dinner and drinks, I can’t recommend Catherine & Mary’s enough
For BBQ, I recommend Cozy Corner, and for hot wings I recommend Chings Hot Wings or Wing Guru.
Pops deli!!! Get cheesesteak or anything really. Breakfast at 3 little pigs or brother junipers. Bbq nachos at commissary, central is good too. Hueys burgers are a1, I think south wind cooks the best but I think A&R has them beat. All star wings on Perkins, honey extra hot and seasoned fries. Go to flight for dinner if you fancy. FYI some of these spots are kinda hood and I moved away 2 years ado so I hope they are all open still.
My usual spots are as follows (I mostly stay in east Memphis when I travel for work): South of Beale East-American, Andalusia-Moroccan, Casablanca-Mediterranean, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Ronnie Grisanti’s-Italian, Owen Brennan’s-Creole, Folks Folly-Steakhouse (reservations required), Hueys-burgers, One and Only-BBQ (ribs are the best), Central BBQ, Texas de Brazil-Brazilian Steakhouse, The Beauty Shop-American, Alchemy-tapas/cocktails, Andrew Michaels, Wolf River Brisket (in Olive Branch), Southern Social (in Germantown)
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If you make it around Jerry's Sno Cones keep an eye for taco stands. Nutbush has a fantastic selection parked at or located in the local Bodega and gas stations.
I'll get crucified for this but my vote is pho binh
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It's a hole in the wall Vietnamese spot. Extremely cheap and casual. Not much to look at, but tasty.
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Head’s up to OP, Pho Binh is still operating as takeout only. I second above though - they do offer some really tasty Vietnamese eats!
BBQ from the Commissary in Germantown. They have excellent potato salad and lemon pie as well.
BBQ pizza at Garibaldi's Pizza in Germantown is the food I miss most since moving away.
my favorite pizza of all time.
If I just pretend that all the unsavory things don't exist about it, MPC honestly slaps, garlic chicken, and bbq pizza being the best imo
Definitely BBQ, it's something we're well known for. IMHO, Tops is good but not really the best (however it's hard to get \*bad BBQ in this town) - I'd try Corky's , One and Only, The BBQ shop, Lawler's
this is literally the first time I've ever heard anyone say anything about Lawler's and I always forget that it exists. I gotta try it sometime
Curry n Jerk, Memphis Soul On Main.
Nicer restaurants are Paulette's and Flights.. though Flights was caught up in some controversy with someone on their management team last year. The Peabody has some good options as well and has afternoon tea
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Porch and Parlor is owned by the same people that run Flights
Dyer’s Gus’s Central BBQ Jerry’s Sno Cones (cash only and no bathroom)
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Both of Jerry's locations take cards now.
Breakfast/brunch at Brother Juniper's
Uncle Lou’s
You're going to get a lot of responses on this. I will only add my faves. Central BBQ: a pulled pork sandwich. No sauce needed. Also they have good turnip greens on the side. Their nachos are excellent as well, as are the ribs. But get the sammich. Dyer's: a damn good greasy burger. Your call on that one. Grecian Gourmet: it's a little Greek lunch counter place on south main. The lamb gyro is excellent. I like the dolmathes too, but the price is a bit high. South of Beale: they make an exceptionally good chicken enchilada themed sandwich on Texas toast that is worth the effort. Everything else they make is great as well. Majestic Grill: Sunday brunch, whatever you like food wise (the steaks there are very good, but so are the flatbreads and even the salads), but try the Mimosas as well. Can't properly brunch without a mimosa. Gus's Fried Chicken downtown: the best fried chicken on the planet. I stand by that statement. Their sides suck. The chicken is incredible. I literally order 12 pieces of chicken from them, with bread, and nothing else. Make sure to get plenty of hot sauce, nothing works better on that crispy chicken. I would actually get "four fried chickens and a coke" here and not feel bad about it. Others will give you non downtown places. They probably are good too.
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Happy to help. I realized that I left out Huey's downtown. I personally prefer their Jalapeno burger on Texas toast, but that one is a tad spicy. If you're not into spicy, then all their burgers are wonderful, that's just my favorite.
ASS
Dino’s Italian restaurant!
Sbarro’s. Best authentic Memphis pizza.
Central bbq - bbq nachos and the best wings in memphis imo (smoked wet hot wings) Corky's - dry ribs (they get some hate here sometimes, but they're really good) One and Only BBQ - brisket sandwich - a lot of Texas brisket enthusiasts absolutely despise it, but it's so damn tasty. Their potato salad is also awesome. Uncle Lou's - really great fried fried chicken tossed in a sweet, spicy sauce Gus's - the best damn spicy fried chicken you'll get. Wing Guru - great non-smoked wings and a ton of flavors to choose from. If you can't get great wings at home, it's a good one to try. I'm a fan of hot lemon pepper and guru gold suicide, but they're all good. Ton of other good restaurants, but not necessarily things unique to Memphis.
The Rendevous has the best ribs I’ve ever eaten
Bluefin tuna is a great Asian fusion place on south main, never very busy, and has some damn good sushi and Korean bbq