South Main Dining Guide

Breakfast and Coffee

Looking to kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast or local cup of joe? Here are some South Main morning favorites:

• Dr. Bean's specializes in unique small-batch, single-orgin coffee, using a variety of beans from around the world.
• The espresso-based beverages, along with delicious pastries, sandwiches and smoothies, are why Memphians love Bluff City Coffee.
• Hustle and Dough Bakery + Cafe, located in the lobby of Arrive Hotel, features Vice & Virtue's specialty-grade coffees with pastries, freshly baked bread and desserts. (Tip: Might we suggest the bourbon barrel-aged coffee and a slice of honey butter toast? Yum!)
• Stop by Memphis' oldest restaurant and regular hangout of Elvis, The Arcade Restuarant, for some sweet potato pancakes or a Southern-style breakfast. If you're in for lunch or dinner, The Arcade also offers fantastic burgers and sandwiches (and be sure to ask about their daily specials). 

Memphis Staples

From world-famous barbecue to spicy fried chicken, Memphis has plenty of must-eats around town—and South Main has a nice concentration. 

• You gotta try the deliciously spicy fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Chicken, which is consistently raked among the nation's best. 
• One of the locals' favorite barbecue joints, Central BBQ offers a varied menu from pulled pork and ribs to barbecue nachos and some of the city's most popular chicken wings.
• Looking for some home cookin'? Promise and Fannie Lou's offer Southern favorites like fried chicken, fried catfish and mac & cheese.

High-End & SMART-CASUAL Dining

South Main is also home to some of the city's best fine-dining experiences, including three restaurants from local James Beard Award-nominated chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman. They're mixed in with spot-on choices for casual business meals and client dinners or a nice spot for a date. 

• Located inside Central Station Hotel, Bishop is the city's newest offering from Ticer and Hudman. At Bishop, guests can expect a locally-inspired take on French cuisine. 
• Catherine & Mary's offers Italian cuisine inspired by the cooking of the chefs' grandmothers. The multi-course menu consists of shared plates and Italian favorites, combined with an expansive wine and craft cocktail list. 
• South of Beale, or SOB, is an upscale gastropub featuring signature burgers and savory apps. With a seasonal menu, every trip to SOB is unique.
• The Lobbyist is among the newest hot spots in South Main and the city with a menu that focuses on local meats and a focus on seasonal produce.

Casual

Memphis is a pretty laidback city, so of course, we have some incredible casual dining options. Whether you're exploring South Main's renowned museums or shopping its popular boutiques, you'll find all kinds of casual bites that'll keep you moving thoughout the day. 

• Good Fortune is a delight for fans of Asian cuisine with a Memphis twist. Everyone flocks to this spot for their wings, scratch made noodles, and dumplings.
• Visit Slider Inn's downtown location on South Main with a massive outdoor patio. Mix and match an array of sliders and mini-sandwiches, or opt for the "Mid-South's only authentic" lobster roll. No matter what you choose, Slider Inn's food will surely hit the spot. Their Jameson Slushie is the perfect beverage to beat the Memphis heat. 
• Whether you're dining in, ordering takeout or having it brought to you, South Main Sushi is a good spot to hit. The full bar and "night on the town" atmosphere fits in perfectly with its location on South Main. We suggest ordering the sweet and spicy banzai wings and trying their saké—and make sure to ask about the roll of the day.
• Looking for a spot to enjoy a meal with a great outdoors vibe? Hit Loflin Yard or Carolina Watershed. Both have savory bbq to try.

Sweets

• Looking for a sweet treat to cap off your meal? Word of mouth spread fast about this unexpected hot spot dessertery. The Cheesecake Corner offers a variety of unusual flavors, such as coconut pecan, peaches & cream, strawberry pound cake and many, many more. You can find their cheesecake inside Fannie Lou's.
• Good Fortune's traditional Taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry, is a must-try with their seasonal flavors.
• Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe is the perfect stop for a quick sweet treat with cookies of all flavors. Butter cookies are their specialty and a local favorite.

BARS

From outdoor hangout spaces, a brewery and a distillery to dive bars and taverns, downtown's South Main Arts District offers a wide-ranging bar scene fit for any and every style.