Home-cooked, meat-and-three, Southern cookin' — whatever you want to call it, Memphis is a natural at serving traditional Southern classics made with love. If you haven't had a good sit-down, unbuckle-your-belt, nap-inducing meal lately, then read this guide for Memphis favorites that feed the belly and the soul.
Home-cooked, meat-and-three, Southern cookin' — whatever you want to call it, Memphis is a natural at serving traditional Southern classics made with love. If you haven't had a good sit-down, unbuckle-your-belt, nap-inducing meal lately, then read this guide for Memphis favorites that feed the belly and the soul.
THE FOUR WAY
998 Mississippi Blvd. — 901-507-1519
A can't miss lunch spot after a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The Four Way has been dishing up scrumptious soul food to locals and visitors since 1946. It was famously one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite spots, where he would often dine with other Civil Rights leaders. Mouthwatering favorites include the fried catfish sandwich with fries plate, the turnip greens and fried green tomatoes.
Johnnie Mae's Soul Cafe
969 E. McLemore Ave. — 901-480-8181
For more soul food in Soulsville, try newly opened Johnnie Mae's Soul Cafe. The home-style recipes found here come from owner Derrick Craig's mother and cafe namesake, Johnnie Mae Craig. It'll be hard to choose your order from this wide-ranging menu, featuring everything from gumbo to shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles. You'll also find daily specials, like fried catfish, chicken and dressing, meatloaf, and country fried steak, to go along with your favorite side dishes.
SOUL FISH
862 S. Cooper Street — 901-725-0722
4720 Poplar Ave. – 901-590-0323
3160 Village Shops Drive – 901-755-6988
8413 US-64 – 901-207-1583
With multiple locations in Memphis, Soul Fish offers traditional Southern comfort food for a great price. Just as the name describes, you won't want to miss their catfish any way you like it — fried, grilled or blackened.
SOUTHERN HANDS
6025 Winchester Rd. — 901-367-8989
3624 Austin Peay — 901-207-2514
1811 Kirby Pkwy — 901-746-9729
5175 Millbranch — 901-552-4304
With four locations, this Memphis staple knows a few things about cooking some outstanding soul food. Every fresh, handmade meal feels like digging into family dinner at grandma’s house. From their hearty entrees to tons of Southern sides, there’s definitely something for everyone at Southern Hands.
Inspire Community Cafe
510 Tillman Street, Suite 110 — 901-509-8640
Grab a seat on the patio and dig into some BBQ chicken nachos or a Costa Rican black bean quesadilla from Inspire. This Binghampton eatery offers an eclectic menu with everything from all-day breakfast to homemade chili and rice bowls. Plus, healthy eaters are in luck. Inspire also offers smoothies and superfood smoothie bowls.
ALCENIA'S
317 N. Main Street — 901-523-0200
Alcenia's is a newly renovated soul food restaurant in the Pinch District of downtown, and the owner, B.J., is just as famous for her hugs as she is her comfort food. There are two things you should know before you head into Alcenia's: the food is decadent and delicious, and it's going to be a leisurely lunch. Everything is made-to-order so come hungry and be prepared to relax and socialize with a cup of their world-famous Ghetto-Aid. You know what's begging to be ordered here: fried chicken with a side of lima beans (you can get it with or without okra).
GLOBAL CAFE
1350 Concourse Ave. Suite 157 — 901-512-6890
The South may be known for our deliciously decadent traditional food, but at Global Cafe the chefs put a spin on the soul food we know and love. This international food hall in Crosstown Concourse not only combines comforting cuisine from Syria, Sudan and Venezuela, but it also serves as a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Mix and match dishes from each stall to create a meal that soothes the soul.
MS GIRLEE'S
629 Chelsea Street — 901-522-8791
Exploring Uptown Memphis for the day? Drop by this family-owned restaurant to get your soul food fill. With a massive menu filled with oxtails and smothered chicken to a huge list of “vegetables,” such as potatoes with cheese and macaroni, there are more than enough of these delicious dishes to go around.
GRANNY'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN
326 S. Cleveland Street — 901-730-0231
This hidden gem is perfect for anyone craving a taste of classic, down-home cooking. Known for making food “like grandma used to make,” and formerly known as 'Peggy's Heavenly Home Cooking, Granny's Southern Kitchen lightens up Southern meals by using plenty of fresh veggies and protein. But when you dive into one of these magnificent meals, you’ll definitely find they don't sacrifice flavor.
THE CUPBOARD
1400 Union Ave. — 901-276-8015
One of the best places to get your meat-and-three, only it's hard to just pick three sides with all the great choices. The Cupboard features freshly prepared veggies, including eggplant casserole, crowder peas, turnip greens and corn pudding. Of course your meal is served with fresh yeast rolls or homemade cornbread. Top it off with some homemade banana pudding, and you're set.
