Where to eat American food in Memphis: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 7, 2020 Toi Mattera

Best American restaurants nearby. Discover the best American food in Memphis. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for American restaurants near you.. Memphis is a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the birthplace of the blues, of soul and of rock 'n' roll. On Beale Street, W.C. Handy put down on paper the first written blues music. Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all recorded at the historic Sun Records, which is now a museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, welcomes visitors from around the world who yearn for a peek into the life of "the King." Beyond the music, Tennessee's largest city also offers much more. It has more sunny days each year than Miami, and combines southern tradition and hospitality with modern amenities. You'll enjoy great dining (be sure to sample the barbecued ribs), art galleries and exciting nightlife.
Things to do in Memphis

10. Soul Fish Cafe - Poplar Avenue

4720 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117-4402 American, Seafood Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Table Service +1 901-590-0323 http://soulfishcafe.com/
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 185 reviews

Soul Fish Cafe - Poplar Avenue

Reviewed By cobra3073

As a continuation of our weekly luncheon dates, my wife and I chose this restaurant for our “date” this week.Somewhat unassuming, this restaurant is a LOT larger than it appears to be from the outside. Parking in the front is limited but there is ample parking in the rear.We arrived at the restaurant a little after 1:00 PM and quite frankly I thought the lunch crowd would have been served but this was not the case as the restaurant was packed. The first thing I noticed was the “noise!” Upon looking around, I believe quite a bit of the noise is due the floors which are not carpeted. I would think think keeps the fish “odors” down but does not help with the noise levels.As previously noted, the restaurant was crowded however we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get a booth. We could have been seated sooner if we had taken a table. I also observed a patio area with some tables outside in the front of the restaurant.We found the wait staff to be extremely efficient, courteous, and apparently well trained (Thanks Sally!). Our every question was answered politely and with what appeared to be a genuine desire to provide accurate information.As to the meal, I will say this is a GREAT place to go if you want real Southern fried fish. They actually have a pretty extensive menu to include wines and pastries. This is the type place where locals and folks “in the know” go to satisfy their “regular” fish cravings. It is very casual and as I previously mentioned, loud. This is not necessarily the best place to go if you want an intimate dining experience with your significant other. This is about having a great meal at a reasonable price. My wife had the shrimp basket and I had the fried catfish and shrimp. We both felt the shrimps were of good size and very good. The hush puppies which I understand are made in house were a real treat. I was also impressed that the dishes were not overly salty. For the two of us, our bill was approximately 33$.We both agreed this was a restaurant we would visi again, without hesitation.Io

9. Majestic Grille

145 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103-3615 American, Bar, Grill Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Accepts [email protected] +1 901-522-8555 http://www.majesticgrille.com/
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4 based on 1148 reviews

Majestic Grille

While dining at The Majestic Grille you might expect to see Myrna Loy & William Powell sitting at the bar, zinging witty one-liners at each other over ice-cold martinis. Originally built in 1913 as the Majestic No. 1, a silent picture house that entertain

Reviewed By makins2018

Loved the flatbreads... Beware of the onion rings-they are huge and plentiful-unless you have a large crowd, I would skip this (but they were great).

8. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

730 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117-5216 American Lunch, Dinner Outdoor Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 901-767-2323 http://www.gusmendenhall.com/
Food
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4 based on 883 reviews

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Reviewed By agl002

My Favorite Fried ChickenIt’s no exaggeration “World Famous.” At least to me it is. With all the fried chicken places to choose from, here comes another one. Don’t miss this place. Spicy fried chicken done deliciously crispy, spicy, flavored throughout. All of the sides are soul food and delicious. I love the greens. The place is in an offbeat location but well worth going to. It’s alway busy.

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7. Terrace At The River Inn

50 Harbor Town Sq, Memphis, TN 38103-8918 American Dinner Takeout, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts [email protected] +1 901-260-3366 http://terracememphis.com
Food
Service
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4 based on 447 reviews

Terrace At The River Inn

Terrace is the perfect location for dinner with handcrafted cocktails, uninterrupted river views, and unmatched atmosphere.

Reviewed By Modest_2

The service (kitchen) was exceptionally slow and the chicken satay was so dry and bland that it had to be sent back. Stephanie, our server was gracious, but could not compensate for the kitchen. May not return for a while, if ever!

Most Popular Restaurants in Memphis

6. McEwen's On Monroe

120 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103-2512 American Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 901-527-7085 http://www.mcewensmemphis.com
Food
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4 based on 631 reviews

McEwen's On Monroe

Reviewed By johnw046

We hag a fantastic meal in McEwan’s. Waiting staff were good throughout. The waiter who looked after us was especially good. He showed a real depth of knowledge on the food and gave advice on our wine. I took the sweet potato crusted catfish with macaroni cheese and collared greens. It seemed a strange combination but the flavours worked so well together.The ‘trust me’ vegetarian main was very good too, nicely presented and full of flavour.

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5. Itta Bena

145 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3713 American, Cajun & Creole Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Private Dining, Live Music +1 901-578-3031 http://ittabenadining.com/memphis/
Food
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4 based on 476 reviews

Itta Bena

Up the fire escape above BB Kings Blues Club lies Memphis' "hidden gem" Itta Bena. Named for the town where legendary BB King was born, Itta Bena embodies the charm and inspiration of fine southern dining. Itta Bena restaurant and bar invites you in for a

Reviewed By Jeffrey D

Memphis is known for its excellent BBQ and there are many restaurants where you can enjoy it. If you need a break and are downtown, try Itta Bena. Very tasty and varied fare, excellent service and nice decor. Good wine list.

Top 9 Seafood food in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

4. Brother Juniper's

3519 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38111-5917 American, Cafe Breakfast Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 901-324-0144 http://www.brotherjunipers.com/
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4 based on 729 reviews

Brother Juniper's

Food, family and community best describe this hidden jewel in Memphis tucked away in the heart of the University area, and known as the best breakfast in Memphis. We have home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients, excellent service in a friendly casual atm

Reviewed By Linda H

We came here for breakfast based on the reviews here. I ordered the make your own omelet. Even though it was full of fillings, it was just an OK omelet and certainly not worth $15. Service was excellent and friendly. We'll try another place the next time in Memphis.

Most Popular Italian food in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

3. Folk's Folly Prime Steakhouse

551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117-4217 American, Steakhouse Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service [email protected] +1 901-762-8200 http://www.folksfolly.com
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4 based on 317 reviews

Reviewed By davidson1365

Folks Folky is a classic steakhouse that rivals any across the U.S. Without question, it’s the best steak in Memphis, but everything they offer is outstanding. Exceptional service and variety of food available. Is the go to spot for special occasions and anytime you want a great meal.Dear Davidson1365,Thank you for the great review! Look forward to you dining with us again!Best Regards,Shanna Rasoul

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2. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103-4112 American Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Drive Thru +1 901-527-4877 http://gusfriedchicken.com/downtown-memphis-tennessee-location/
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4 based on 4158 reviews

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

At Gus's we're all about the food! Gus's restaurants are low-key with a southern flare where you will hear soulful classics emitting from the jukebox. Many people call Gus's a "blues-infused southern eatery." At Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken we focus o

Reviewed By KBBoca

Well worth the wait in line to get a table. Then come with an appetite and order everything! The fried chicken was superb...crispy with a little kick of heat on the outside and tender, juicy goodness on the inside. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes ( outstanding), french fries ( just OK). But other people had the mac and cheese that looked outrageous....if we only had the room.

Most Popular Bar food in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

1. Lafayette's Music Room

2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104-6501 Bar, American, Cajun & Creole Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Liv [email protected] +1 901-207-5097 http://lafayettes.com/memphis/
Food
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4 based on 289 reviews

Lafayette's Music Room

The music lives on...Some 38 years after going dark, the legendary Lafayette's Music Room returns to the heart of Memphis' revitalized Overton Square. Once again, Lafayette's is the spot to enjoy great food, good local conversation, and some of the best l

Reviewed By Hank_In_AL

We visited the Lafayette Music Room on the recommendation of a friend and planned on spending an evening there having dinner and listening to music. We took an Uber from our hotel to the venue and back. The good - Lafayette is a spacious venue with tables and seating on the main floor and the upstairs. There is also outdoor seating. The stage is relatively large so seeing the performers from either level is not a problem and the sound is well managed. The night we went the cover charge was a very reasonable $3.00 per person. Service was friendly and prompt. The venue has a full menu with plenty of selections. The chairs have metal seats. I did not find them uncomfortable but I noiced there was at least one person that brought along a cushion to sit on. When we arrived there was a jazz/blues group on stage on their last set. The group was good and we enjoyed the music. That group as followed by a singer songwriter backed up by a four piece band. The group was also good and we enjoyed listening to their music. The bad and the ugly - The following is the reason why I could not rate this venue higher than a three. When we arrived and were seated very close to the front and the interior bar. The first thing that struck us was how cold it was in the room. We were seated in direct line with the air conditioning duct and it was blowing very cold and very strong. After a few minutes the blast of cold air became untenable and we moved to another location that provided minor relief. We ended up eating our meal and trying to enjoy the music but were distracted by the frigid atmosphere.We noticed the bartender was bundled up and several patrons were wearing sweaters and/or light jackets. Mind you this was the deep south in mid - August. We ended up finishing our dinner and leaving just as the second act of the evening was beginning their second set. We had planned on stying through the entire show but it was just too cold and we could not relax and be comfortable.If you go to this venue bring along a sweater or light jacket.

Best Wine Bar food near Memphis, Tennessee, United States

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