Places to Eat Near the Renasant Convention Center

So, you're attending a meeting or event at Memphis' Renasant Convention Center. Where are you going for lunch? (Or dinner, or coffee or drinks, for that matter?) Here's a list of downtown Memphis dining and drink options close to the convention center to keep you going.

Closest Eats to the Convention Center

If you’re looking to grab a bite in walking distance of the Renasant Convention Center, these four hotspots will do the trick.

ALCENIA’S (0.1 mi)
Get a hug from the owner B.J. Chester-Tamayo herself before getting your hands on some of the best soul food in town. Alcenia’s, named after Chester-Tamayo’s grandmother, is a local favorite. This Southern-style meat and two restaurant will have you coming back for seconds—and don’t forget to ask about the homemade preserves.

WESTY’S (0.2 mi)
From wild rice dishes to a variety of sandwich and burger options, Westy’s has a wide-ranging menu that you’ll love. With original recipes to classic favorites—as well as some delicious hot fudge pie—Westy’s has become a downtown Memphis staple.

FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB (0.2 mi)
Just a short walk from the convention center, Ferraro’s offers pizza, pasta and wings at some of the best prices in the city. The specialty pie "The Memphis" is an excellent bbq chicken pizza that'll give you a little taste of the city. If you’re looking for healthy options, the soup and salad bar are also house favorites. 

COMEBACK COFFEE (0.2 mi)
Looking for a pick-me-up before or after your convention or conference? Look no further than Comeback Coffee. This local java shop offers a variety of coffees and teas, as well as a breakfast and lunch menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

These next few recommendations are slightly farther away from the convention center, but you can hop on one of our vintage trolleys, or grab an electric scooter or an Explore Bike Share cycle as an alternative to walking. 

MEMPHIS MUST-EATS Near the Convention Center

If you're in Memphis, you have to pay your respects to the following three establishments.

RENDEZVOUS (0.7 mi)
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous may be the most famous barbecue restaurant in the city, but their ribs are world-renowned for a reason. Despite being tucked away in an alley, Rendezvous is kind of hard to miss. The smoke they use to tenderize those ribs, sausages and pork butts flavors the air around Second Street and Union Avenue.

GUS'S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN (0.9 mi)
A tiny brick building on South Front Street, Gus’s keeps it simple and perfect with spicy fried chicken that has just the right amount of heat to water your eyes but also keep you eating. Look for Gus's signature yellow sign so you don't miss this Memphis gem. 

BEALE STREET (1.1 mi)
Beale Street may be the live music epicenter of Memphis, but it’s also got a slew of great restaurants. Tucked away above B.B. King’s Blues Club, Itta Bena offers visitors a cool and quiet corner to feast on a Delta-influenced menu. And if you just want to have a drink and listen to awesome live music, Rum Boogie Cafe is the spot for you. Itta Bena and Rum Boogie Cafe are just two of the many great options down Beale.

BUSINESS DINNERS NEAR THE CONVENTION CENTER

Looking to reward your boss, team member or client? Here are a few business dinner options sure to impress any company.

FELICIA SUZANNE'S (0.4 mi)
Memphis chef Felicia Willett is known for her high-quality twist on Southern Creole cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere. Her downtown restaurant, Felicia Suzanne's, is mostly known for dinner, but she does offer a mean Friday lunch. 

FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR (0.5 mi)
Order your favorite entrée or order a flight of them. One of Memphis’ most popular restaurants, Flight takes a unique approach to the fine dining experience. Guests are encouraged to order small plates, giving them a taste of the different dishes Flight has to offer. You can also order a flight of wine from the wide-ranging wine bar.

MCEWEN'S (0.6 mi)
From sandwiches and salads to the popular salmon entree with miso and pecan glaze, McEwen's has a wide ranging menu that large groups will love. The “Wine Cellar” is available for parties up to 20 people who would like to add a little Old World charm to any private dining event. 

CHEZ PHILIPPE (0.7 mi)
Located in the iconic Peabody Memphis Hotel on Union Avenue, Chez Philippe has long been the standard-bearer for fine dining in Memphis. Featuring traditional French cuisine, Chez Philippe offers diners a range of prix fixe menus, including the highly indulgent seven-course experience.

MAJESTIC GRILLE (0.8 mi)
A former movie theater, the Majestic is a go-to for visitors and locals alike. The art-deco décor and eclectic menu make it a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. Even better, grab a seat at the bar, order a glass of wine and share a couple of their signature flatbreads.

CASUAL Eats Near the convention Center

Some of the best meals come from the unplanned places where you can walk in off the street, sit down and feel at home. These joints are perfect if you're looking for a quick meal that'll still hit the spot. 

BARDOG TAVERN (0.5 mi)
Out of towners love Bardog’s eclectic menu, featuring everything from spaghetti dinners to vegetarian burritos. Whether you’re staying out late, coming in for breakfast or staying in for the night, Bardog’s kitchen is ready for any occasion. Along with their daily lunch and dinner menu, this neighborhood bar and restaurant offers daily breakfast, weekend brunch and delivery orders and stays open until 3 a.m. nightly.

MACIEL’S TORTAS & TACOS (0.6 mi)
In the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine? Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos has everything from mouth-watering nachos and quesadillas to tasty tacos and tortas. Located on Main Street, this taco shop prides itself in being fast and affordable. Don’t want to leave your hotel? No worries. Maciel’s also takes delivery orders.

SOUTH OF BEALE (1.1 mi)
The first official gastro pub in Memphis, South of Beale, or SOB as it's known, is a cool, affordable chef-driven joint. With creative cocktails, a great wine list, and a menu that features bites, small plates and seasonal entrees, SOB’s is a great spot for that casual yet unforgettable night out.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS NEAR THE CONVENTION CENTER

Has your family come along with you this trip? Share these family-friendly restaurant recommendations near Renasant Convention Center with them, or better yet, join them!

HUEY’S (0.7 mi)
You really can’t go wrong with a burger after a long day of sightseeing around Memphis. A perennial winner of local polls for best burger, Huey’s has a particularly great kids’ menu, which includes mini corn dogs, the kid’s mac-n-cheese and the Baby Huey burger. 

ALDO’S PIZZA PIES (0.7 mi)
One of Memphis’ favorite local pizza joints is located in the heart of downtown on Main St. Start your meal off right with an order of garlic knots, then dig in to one (or three) of Aldo’s specialty New York-style pizzas. If one of the 12 options doesn’t strike your fancy, build your own! Cap the meal with one of six dessert options—we suggest the mini cannoli.

UNCLE BUCK’S FISH BOWL AND GRILL (0.7 mi)
Located inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill offers fun for the entire family. Before dinner, explore everything this massive Bass Pro Shop has to offer, including an in-store swamp with live alligators. Then grab some fish tacos and hit the lanes at the nautical themed Uncle Buck’s. Round out the evening by riding to the top of America’s tallest free standing elevator to the outdoor observation decks where you can take in the sights of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River.

KOOKY CANUCK (1.0 mi)
You definitely will not leave hungry after a visit to the Kooky Canuck. This popular burger restaurant features the Kookamonga Challenge, a four-pound burger. Eat it in under an hour and it's yours for free.

Looking for even more options? Here's your guide to the Memphis food scene.