Memphis Food (and Coffee!) Choices for Your Trip
Memphis has a wide variety of local restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorites, but be sure to hop over to choose901.com to stay in the know of all the hot new spots to try!
Bean There, Brewed That - Your Daily Dose of Caffeine
Elevate your coffee experience with precision and passion! City & State's dedication to top-notch roasts and meticulous preparation shines through in every pour-over, latte, and tea they serve. And don't miss out on their delectable homemade breakfast and lunch offerings courtesy of Porcellino's.
Byway Coffee is a Memphis coffee truck with a loyal, almost cult-like following—and for good reason. Their tagline is “Coffee Worth Chasing,” and you’ll want to check their Instagram for their weekly schedule to find out where they’ll be. Keep an eye out for their always-fun featured drinks, too!
Escape the routine and step into the cozy haven of Otherlands Café! Whether you're seeking a productive workspace, a spot to catch up with friends, or just a peaceful retreat, we've got you covered. Their menu includes a mouthwatering array of brewed coffee, espresso wonders, frozen treats, teas, smoothies, muffins, bagels, breakfast burritos, soups, sandwiches, and more.
Whether you're in the mood for a cup o' joe, a glass of fine wine, or looking to unleash your artistic side with mug making and wheel throwing, Belltower Coffee’s got your back.
Cxffee Black is a Memphis-based coffee brand and social enterprise that celebrates Black culture and excellence through specialty coffee. Founded with a mission to reclaim coffee’s African roots, Cxffee Black offers high-quality beans, unique blends, and a vibrant community-centered experience. More than just coffee, it’s a movement that fuses education, entrepreneurship, and cultural empowerment, making every cup a statement of Black innovation and history.
The Hub is a cozy café nestled within an East Memphis church, offering a welcoming space for community and conversation. Known for its tasty lattes and expertly crafted coffee, it’s the perfect spot to grab a delicious drink while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a caffeine fix or a quiet place to work, Hub Coffee blends great flavors with a strong sense of connection.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown, Dr. Bean's Coffee and Tea Emporium is a culinary gem that has been perfecting the art of coffee roasting for nearly a decade right here in Memphis. Discover the rich tapestry of flavors in their diverse blends, featuring the vibrant tastes of Ethiopia, Honduras, and other Central American delights
Bringing a slice of OG New Orleans goodness, French Truck Coffee serves up a dynamic experience. Indulge in their ever-changing single-origin pour-overs, expertly crafted espresso delights, and a delightful menu featuring breakfast sandwiches and more.
Rise N’ Dine
Our NY-style bagels are uniquely crafted with a twist – they're boiled in a special blend of water and locally sourced, seasonal honey, creating a distinctive crust and flavor. But that's not all! We're not just about bagels; we also whip up a delightful array of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.
A true Memphis classic since 1968, Bryant’s will have your mouth watering for more. Offering country ham, blueberry pancakes, homemade biscuits and gravy, omelets and many other favorites, it’s impossible to go wrong.
At Brother Juniper's, the secret recipe for success is simple: Food, Family, and Community. These three vital ingredients come together to create an award-winning, nationally acclaimed dining experience like no other.
Step into a time capsule of delicious nostalgia at Memphis' oldest cafe, renowned for its hearty southern-style cooking and huge portions. Let the flavors transport you back to the good ol' days, where great eats and cherished memories await. Come savor the taste of history!
From humble beginnings in 2008 as a cozy neighborhood coffee shop and breakfast haven, Café Eclectic has flourished into a beloved local gem. They've taken things to the next level with their in-house bread bakery, crafting everything completely from scratch.
Experience a burst of flavors at this vibrant, quick-serve diner, where Southern breakfast and lunch dishes come to life in a colorful setting. Don't forget to check out their full bar for a little extra flair.
A Memphis icon since 1969, Gibson's is your go-to spot for a classic donut experience. Here's a pro tip for you night owls: they keep their doors open 24 hours, and after 11 pm, you can score a dozen donuts for just $3 or a half dozen for $1.50 (while supplies last).
Midday Munchies and Evening Eats
City Silo is your destination for wholesome goodness, whether you're craving a refreshing smoothie on the go or a relaxed, sit-down meal bursting with flavor. And fear not, even your meat-loving friends are welcome here – our menu caters to omnivores too!
Mad Grocer is a local favorite inside Crosstown Concourse with excellent food, offerings, and vibes. They don’t offer online ordering, but definitely check their website or socials for the daily specials. Jeff from Serve901 literally checks them every day to decide whether the lunch he brought is still worth eating. 😂
Global Community Cafe isn't just about delicious food; it's a celebration of diversity and unity. With an array of mouthwatering options, including vegetarian dishes for our plant-based friends, their menu is crafted with love by refugees and immigrants from places like Venezuela and Syria.
Kwik Chek may look like a simple Midtown convenience store, but it’s a hidden gem serving up some of the tastiest food in Memphis. With an eclectic menu featuring everything from stacked sammies to Korean-inspired dishes like bi bim bop and the must-try Bi Bim Bop Burger, it’s a go-to for bold flavors in an unassuming spot. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a full meal, this local staple delivers big on taste and character.
Discover your new go-to destination at Good Fortune Co. – where house-made ramen and dumplings, craft cocktails, and delightful Taiyaki ice cream converge for a flavor-packed experience.
Hard Times Deli, which opened in February 2025, has quickly become a standout in Memphis' Medical District, serving up hefty, flavor-packed sandwiches. With a booming social media presence and a devoted following, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal between service projects. And if you’ve got room, their cookies come highly recommended—just one more reason to add this local gem to your Memphis food list before heading home.
Petals of a Peony is a Memphis favorite for authentic Sichuan cuisine, with its main Midtown location plus several smaller “Little Petals” spots around town. If you’re wondering what to order, Jeff from Serve901 recommends the twice-cooked pork and dry spice wings—two dishes well worth trying!
Discover a world of culinary excellence where every bite is a burst of flavor and every meal is a celebration. Golden India’s quality and authenticity shine through in every dish they serve.
Serving Blues, Brews, and burgers in Memphis since 1970. Huey’s unique locations boast graffiti walls, a hometown vibe, and live music. The World Famous Huey burgers have been the Best in Memphis since '84. Sundays mean live jazz, blues, and rock from local and regional talents.
Explore our diverse menu, offering everything from chicken tortilla soup and garlic shrimp tacos to lettuce-wrapped tacos, steak salad, queso dip, and guacamole made fresh to order.
Slider Inn: A beloved icon in Memphis's culinary realm, renowned for their mouthwatering sliders and the infamous Jameson Slushie.
The Beauty Shop: Step into a whimsical world of New American cuisine and cocktails, where vintage hair-dryer chairs and glass-brick booths add a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience.
Experience a Memphis food truck Staple! Birria Tacos with mouthwatering shredded beef and epic cheese pulls await, along with burritos, quesadillas, and Tacos de Canasta. With four locations, it's all just around the corner.
BBQ and Soulful Bites
Since 2002, Central BBQ has been a beloved local gem, leaving an indelible mark on Memphis. Their renowned fall-off-the-bone meats and generously topped nachos are sheer decadence on a plate. And let's not forget their must-try wings, creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and an array of other mouthwatering menu delights.
Don't let appearances deceive you – Cozy Corner BBQ is a true hidden gem. Established in 1977, this iconic BBQ joint has become a staple in the city's culinary scene. Beyond its unassuming exterior, you'll find a warm and welcoming family-run establishment serving up the most irresistibly delicious BBQ.
At Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, they’re not your average chicken joint. They’re a full-service restaurant dedicated to crafting made-to-order, hand-battered fried chicken with a distinctly Southern spicy twist. And when it comes to the mouthwatering sides, they take it up a notch – everything, from coleslaw with freshly shredded cabbage to potato salad made from scratch, is prepared in-house daily.
Ching’s Hot Wings is a Memphis staple, and the Honey Gold wings are practically a Memphis institution—you’ve got to try them. The walls are covered with photos of basketball players and other Memphis personalities who’ve stopped through and gotten to know owner Lafayette. One of the most notable is Memphis Tigers legend Derrick Rose, a longtime friend of Lafayette’s. Come for the wings, but take a minute to check out all the Memphis basketball history on the walls, too!
The Four Way has been a South Memphis landmark for more than 70 years, serving up incredible soul food alongside a rich piece of Memphis history. During the Civil Rights Movement, the restaurant was a gathering place for community leaders and was frequented by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others involved in the movement.
Jeff highly recommends the catfish plate with spaghetti as a side. And unlike some of our other recommendations, you don’t need to add The Four Way to your Serve901 bucket list—we make sure every Serve901 group gets here!
Elwood's Shack may be a small shack on Summer Ave, but don't let its size fool you – it's a powerhouse of delicious grub! From BBQ Pizza to BBQ Burritos and beyond, their menu is brimming with flavorful options. And at Choose901, the staff's unanimous favorite is anything featuring their mouth watering brisket
Rendezvous, a Memphis icon since 1948, is your go-to for legendary ribs in a downtown basement setting. Experience a must-have Memphis dining tradition.
Payne's Bar-B-Q: A Memphis classic since 1972, adored by Choose01 office and BBQ lovers. This unassuming spot, run by the Payne family, serves up unique Memphis BBQ delights, like their slow-smoked pulled pork sandwich with mustard sauce and coleslaw, and the smoked bologna sandwich.
The Sweet Spots
When it comes to genuine Mexican ice cream, La Michoacana hits the bullseye with their delectable menu featuring fresh fruit paletas, homemade ice cream, aqua frescas, and fruit cocktails.
At Sugar Ghost, the only thing spooky is how scarily delicious everything is! But there are no tricks here, only an abundance of delightful treats. From unique flavors like Lavender Honey to Bubble Tea floats with popping pearls, your taste buds are in for a spine-tingling experience.
Step into a time capsule on Beale Street at A. Schwab's, the last remaining original business and one of the Mid-South's oldest treasures. Here, you can savor old-fashioned milkshakes and floats that'll transport you back in time. If it's been delighting taste buds since 1876, you know it's something special!
Sweet Noshings is already a force to be reckoned with in the local candy shop scene. But what takes the cake is their ice cream menu that's a true knockout, featuring a delightful array of classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and indulgent treats like chocolate chip cookie dough and salted caramel.
I'm right there with you in pledging allegiance to Salted Caramel Mempops! But fear not, there's a treasure cove of fruit and cream-based flavors waiting to capture your heart.
At Muddy's Bake Shop, our love for Memphis shines through in every delightful bite! We work our ovens around the clock, crafting fresh treats daily to bring you an array of mouthwatering cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, brownies, pudding, and so much more.
Jerry's Snow Cones is on a whole different level of delicious! Maybe it's the incredible selection of 70+ flavors, or perhaps it's the game-changing snow cone supreme with ice cream filling. And let's not forget about the mouthwatering menu, stacked with feel-good foods like burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, churros, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and more. Whatever the magic ingredient is, this Memphis gem has a lane all to itself.
DVOUR Dessert Shop is a sweet stop in Downtown Memphis’ South Main neighborhood, serving up some seriously good desserts and treats. City Leadership’s Nashayla is particularly fond of their strawberry cheesecake! 🍓🍰
South Main is fun to explore on its own, and DVOUR’s close proximity to the National Civil Rights Museum makes it an easy stop while you’re already in the area.
Memphis' premier family-owned bakery since 2004. Blending modern baking techniques with a passion for great food to create cakes and desserts, they taste as good as they look. Always made from scratch, try their exceptional flavors and see why they’re the top choice in the Mid-South!