The 20 Must-Try Memphis Mytouries

Alcenia’s stands out as the quintessential soul-food spot in Memphis, where you’re likely to receive a warm hug from the owner. Located in the Pinch District, just a stone's throw from the iconic Bass Pro Shops pyramid, this beloved diner excels in classic meat-and-three fare. Enjoy highlights such as crispy fried chicken, savory catfish, tender pork chops, waffles, fried green tomatoes, and hot-water cornbread, accompanied by essential sides like cabbage, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.

Memphis offers a wealth of breakfast spots for the early birds, with a variety of omelets, bacon, and pancakes on the menu. However, not all of these places receive the same level of national acclaim. Bryant's stands out as one of the city’s top breakfast destinations, often featuring a line that stretches outside (but don’t fret, it moves fast). On your first visit, try the sampler: a trio of eggs cooked to your liking, paired with bacon, sausage, country ham, and pork tenderloin, along with two homemade biscuits smothered in country gravy, a potato patty, and some grits.

For those who love sweets, a visit to Muddy’s Bake Shop in the Broad Avenue Arts District is a must. Known for its whimsical treats like chocolate Prozac cupcakes and Strawberry Fields Forever cake, Muddy’s combines a commercial kitchen with a charming storefront that feels more like a cozy neighborhood bake sale than a factory. Expect a delightful variety of cupcakes, cookies, pies, and other delectable desserts.

To truly experience The Liquor Store, a diner with a South Beach vibe nestled in Memphis's Broad Avenue Arts District, just remember one thing: they serve breakfast all day. The menu features classic diner favorites such as pancakes, biscuits, bacon, and sausage, alongside non-breakfast options including Cuban sandwiches, burgers, clubs, and tacos. Indulge in cocktails and sweet treats like banana pudding and a rotating selection of cakes. The diner, housed in a former liquor store, also offers outdoor patio seating. There's an additional location in Midtown on Mendenhall, open daily.

At Flight, the concept of sampling extends beyond just wine and spirits — it applies to their dinner plates as well. Instead of traditional tapas, Flight offers a unique experience with their 'flights' of dishes. Each flight includes three different items, like the soup flight featuring lobster bisque, seafood gumbo, and the soup of the day, or the steak flight with bison ribeye, elk tenderloin, and a Boursin-stuffed filet. For a memorable experience, book a table on the balcony overlooking Main Street and indulge in their decadent chocolate flight.

Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, known for their acclaimed restaurants like Andrew Michael and Hog & Hominy, bring their rich Italian heritage to Catherine and Mary’s. Nestled in the historic Chisca Hotel, the restaurant showcases dishes inspired by their grandmothers, such as fried polenta with ramps and Meyer lemon aioli, meatballs made from guanciale and pancetta, lasagna layered with lamb, and rigatoni with ‘Maw Maw’s gravy.’ Ticer and Hudman have also recently launched Bishop’s at the Central Station Hotel, focusing on French cuisine.

While Memphis is renowned for its barbecue, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken offers a worthy alternative with its mouthwatering fried chicken. This unpretentious Mytoury, adorned with minimalistic decor and checkered tablecloths, attracts loyal customers with its crispy, hand-breaded, and spicy chicken. Accompany your meal with sides like beans, okra, or mac and cheese, and don't miss out on their selection of freshly baked pies, including pecan, chess, and sweet potato. With two locations in Memphis, one on Front Street ideal for downtown visitors and another in East Memphis, Gus’s is a must-visit.

Nuha Abuduhair’s charming patisserie in Midtown offers a delightful array of pastel-colored pastries, complemented by coffee and tea, all within a bright, white-washed space. Named after her childhood home, the shop is a tribute to her late father, a Palestinian immigrant to Memphis. Starting from humble beginnings as a home baker, Abuduhair’s business has blossomed with standout creations like French macarons in unique flavors such as wedding cake, orange blossom, lavender, double salted caramel, and red velvet. Enjoy your treats at the nearby benches and cozy spots in Overton Square.

The ambiance at Vice & Virtue Coffee feels like a Wes Anderson creation—a perfect blend of cozy charm and playful design, ideally suited for the Arrive Hotel in downtown Memphis (formerly the Memphis College of Art’s graduate program). This coffee shop and roastery is dedicated to high-quality beans, curating specialty blends from around the globe and collaborating with local businesses for exclusive brews. Don’t miss their unique collaboration with Memphis-based Blue Note Bourbon, where they age Guatemalan coffee beans in Bourbon barrels before roasting.

Whether or not Earnestine & Hazel’s is actually haunted remains up for debate (most say it is), but what’s undeniable is that this place, once a pharmacy and brothel, now serves the most iconic burger in Memphis. After a night out, nothing beats the Soul Burger: a simple yet legendary creation featuring a patty with onions, cheese, and a special “Soul Sauce.” At just $6, it’s an affordable indulgence that pairs perfectly with a few cold beers.

Soul Fish Cafe perfectly balances affordability, comfort food, and ambiance, with four convenient locations around the metro area. True to its name, fish is the star here, with options like fried and baked varieties, including the popular catfish basket. However, the menu also features a range of other delicious choices, such as po’ boys, tacos, salads, and vegetable plates.

Chef Kelly English has brought a contemporary twist to New Orleans cuisine with Iris, located in East Memphis. A blend of Crescent City heritage and Memphis pride, English has garnered significant acclaim since opening Iris in 2008 in Midtown, and relocating to a more spacious venue (previously Grove Grill) in 2022. With its refined setting, Iris is ideal for a romantic dinner, featuring dishes like crab au gratin and fried oysters, followed by mains such as grilled Scottish salmon or the steak iris, a New York strip paired with honey-roasted carrots and fried oysters.

The Four Way embodies the quintessential soul food diner, a staple in South Memphis since 1946. Located at the intersection of Walker and Mississippi Boulevard, it’s a cherished spot known for its hearty offerings like vegetable plates, hamburgers, and turkey with dressing. This iconic establishment was frequented by civil rights figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., and has been a favorite haunt of celebrities including Al Green, Elvis Presley, and Ike and Tina Turner over the years.

Once a beauty shop beloved by Priscilla Presley, The Beauty Shop has been transformed by renowned Memphis chef Karen Carrier into a vibrant dining spot. The restaurant preserves some of its former charm, with salon stations turned into booths and seating beneath vintage Belvedere hair dryers. The menu is equally impressive, featuring unique dishes like the Watermelon and Wings: succulent chicken wings coated in white Sichuan pepper and sweet chile lime juice, fried to perfection, and served with fresh watermelon and a sprinkle of toasted cashews.

David and Amanda Krog launched Dory next to Malco Paradiso Cinema Grill in East Memphis in early 2021. Initially, they offered a tasting menu due to pandemic restrictions, but they always intended to expand to a full a la carte menu. By 2023, they made the shift, replacing the tasting menu with a diverse selection of dishes such as pork loin with smoked white bean puree, scallops and mussels served with herb risotto, and black oyster mushrooms paired with masa, cheese, and fermented onion powder.

Inspired by her Californian roots, Michaela Hugoboom-Dockery brought a unique blend of casual sophistication to East Memphis with Hen House. This wine and cocktail bar feels like an inviting extension of the owner’s home, complete with a relaxed vibe and a playful drink menu. Alongside delectable dishes like duck, rainbow trout, and shrimp and grits, don’t miss out on the inventive cocktails: The Hound Dog, a tribute to Elvis, combines amaro Nonino, dry Curacao, bitters, and local Blue Note Juke Joint bourbon.

Founded by Eddie and Alfred Pao, who migrated from Taiwan in 1977, Mosa Asian Bistro continues the legacy of their first restaurant, Formosa, with a diverse menu inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, China, Korea, and Japan. The family-run establishment, which gained fame with Mulan in 2005, delights diners with its array of comforting dishes. The menu features tempting starters like spring rolls and potstickers, and standout entrees such as Korean barbecue beef—tender flank steak in a savory soy glaze with a hint of lime. The hot-and-sour soup, a cherished family recipe, is a highlight, combining tofu, mushrooms, and eggs for a satisfying flavor.

New to the Memphis dining scene, Bog & Barley is a sophisticated Irish pub that opened in 2023 at the Regalia Shopping Center. The venue is a heartfelt project by DJ and Jamie Naylor, featuring nearly 450 pieces of wood sourced from Ireland, and a design by Dublin’s O’Donnell O’Neill. The extensive menu offers classic Irish fare such as bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and beer-battered fish and chips. The whiskey selection spans Ireland, North America, Scotland, and Japan. Finish your meal with a serving of warm Irish bread pudding or a rich Irish tea crème brûlée.

Muggin Coffeehouse provides a full range of coffeehouse classics—espresso drinks, nitro coffee, and delectable baked goods—alongside unique Memphis-inspired creations. Try their Zippin Pippin, named after Elvis’s favorite ride at the now-defunct Libertyland amusement park: a rich blend of steamed milk, espresso, and white mocha topped with whipped cream and caramel. Muggin also offers coffee bags with playful names like Hard Out Here for a Drip, a nod to Three 6 Mafia’s hit song. Located just off Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven, Muggin was the first locally-owned coffee shop in this predominantly Black neighborhood, which is also home to Graceland.