50 Best American Restaurants in Memphis

“My husband & I had dinner at Napa Cafe Saturday night & what a wonderful experience! From the moment we walked in we felt so welcome. Our waitress was just precious! She need everything about the menu. Glenda, the owner was great also. Steaks were cooked to perfection! We can't wait to return to our new favorite place.“

“Iconic stage, great team, yummy food. One of Memphis' best live music venues.“

“Great service on Father’s Day. The brunch menu was okay, but limited options. The bread pudding is delicious! I will have to go back and try the dinner menu.“

“The last time we went here we were severely disappointed in both food and service, but this visit was a total change. The food was perfectly prepared… We had rotisserie chicken and trout. They even delayed one because it wasn’t perfect but explained. I can’t say what a huge improvement it was! Something changed and we look forward to returning“

“I came to support a group of students earlier this week to celebrate winning king and queen of the school. First of all let me say the staff was very rude to the administration staff. Even though reservations were made and confirmed and they knew in advance that the students were coming they refused to seat our party and denied the reservations ever being made even after being shown the email messages. The female manager asked for us to wait outside of the restaurant being that it was about 42 degrees that day until the limousine arrived to pick the students back up . The children were dressed in their Sunday best with white dresses and the young boys were in tuxedos and were looking forward to having their luncheon that was awarded to them for their hard work at school. I strongly believe that if the students were not all African American and staff as well they would have treated us differently. I will never ever support nor spend money with Majestic Grill again. I was hurt the way they treated these students who worked oh so hard and were looking forward to what was supposed to be a special day to remember.“

“We stumbled into this spot on a Saturday evening—no reservations, no plan—just a spontaneous dinner idea. Despite it being the weekend, we were seated right away. The place was buzzing but not overflowing, which was a pleasant surprise.

Now, parking was a bit of a pain. It’s in the downtown area, and between the street closures and a few events going on, we ended up paying a ridiculous amount for a nearby lot. Something to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit.

The menu had a fun, modern fusion vibe. We kicked things off with the focaccia shareable platter. The bread itself was great—light, fluffy, topped with flaky sea salt—but the rest of the platter felt a little underwhelming for the price. Think a few veggies and dips, nothing too exciting.

We also tried a non-alcoholic cocktail with mint and watermelon—super refreshing and surprisingly well-balanced. Definitely a highlight.

For mains, my friend went with the chopped steak and mashed potatoes—cooked perfectly medium rare with a beautiful char. Solid choice. I ordered a pasta dish with braised beef that had a curry-style seasoning twist. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the dish had an interesting concept, but it didn’t completely land for me. It felt like it was almost great—just missing that final spark.

We skipped dessert (too full!), but the vibe of the place was relaxed and lively, kind of laid-back chic. Service was friendly but on the slower side.

All in all, a decent experience with a few standout moments—but probably not one I’d rave about. Still, if you’re in the area and in the mood for something a bit different, it might be worth a try, but overpriced IMO.“

“I am from out of town and wanted an upscale good quality restaurant with a nice atmosphere. This place was exactly what I was looking for. The bar made fantastic cocktails ? the waiter was very nice. The steaks and Frites was amazing and cooked just like I asked for- Rare ? also got their version of an espresso martini also very good. Cannot wait to come back here highly recommended the gunpowder fizz.“

“The food was delicious!! And the service was excellent!“

“I always enjoy the terrace they have a beautiful view of the river, wonderful tapas/ sharable plates, and also amazing drinks. My husband and I love date night here. I have tried most of the menu and have yet to be disappointed. Worth a visit whenever downtown. If you are lucky you will get Niki as a bartenders she is great!

Vegetarian options: All items are shareable and about 1/3 of the menu is meatless and there is a good variety of items that can be ordered without meat.

Parking: Depends on time but there is parking because the terrace is on the top floor of a hotel. It is free parking.

Wheelchair accessibility: Via hotel there is a sidewalk and elevator. No stairs“

“Great food as always Chip and Amanda. Good to see y'all.“

“Loved the atmosphere and the waitress was great“

“I recommend the Coconut Cream Pie!!“

“We had an excellent experience at an early dinner. We sat at the bar due to we didn’t make reservations ahead of time. I highly recommend making reservations for this very popular restaurant. Stephen, the bar manager, was very knowledgeable about all the menu items, their ingredients and how they were prepared. He made excellent recommendations. He made conversation with everyone and ensured we were well taken care of. The service and atmosphere were outstanding.“

“We had a very delicious meal last night. Everything was wonderful and our server, Brenda, did an excellent job for us. 5 stars across the board.“

“Cierra and Jai was amazing. Thanks for the great service ladies 🥰😘💖💖“

“First class dining experience. Exquisite food and immaculate service provided by our gracious server, Reese. Will be back!“

“I tried some fried Oreos from their food truck when they were setup at the Foodees event! They were aMaZinG!!!! And the staff was very friendly too!“

“Amazing food! Everything was well seasoned and cooked to perfection! Had the Chicken and Lamb Kebobs with fries and lentil stew. I ate every single bite! And the sauces they had were equally delicious! The owner was very kind, and friendly, and the wait for the food was appropriate. Will be back again! 5 stars!“

“This restaurant is a much needed addition to the Ridge Lake area! We work next door and walked over for lunch…what a pleasant surprise! So grateful to have a great new restaurant in the neighborhood! Ambiance and vibe are great, can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“I just ate the best burger ever!!!! Thank you Yo Mama for giving visitors from Mayfield ky (displaced due to Dec 10th tornado in Clinton, ky) a real good Memphis experience!!!! best burger ever! 5 stars“

“Nice drinks good atmosphere“

“I was visiting from Birmingham and was bored and hungry so I looked up some places and this one popped up!! I’m so glad I went everything was really good and that grape tini was amazing!!!! The atmosphere was a bar and grill vibe and I really enjoyed myself even tho I was alone lol the waiter was really nice and the prices was pretty good too!!!“

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“Been awhile since I've been here so though I would give it a try again. Had the best waitress, food was great; Homecooked vegetables and pork chop! WILL be going back soon! Hey does anyone remember what was there before George Lensley's?“

“Bacon! One of the best breakfast of my life.“

“I absolutely enjoy the service, food & atmosphere here so much that I posted a reel on my business page for out of town guest searching for a nice place to dine. Our waitress Rachel was top notch. Great to experience in a society of people not wanting to work.“

“Neat little tucked away neighbood atmosphere pub. Good drinks, didn't eat, however food looked really good. I'm not sure if the 18% grat added to bill is a Memphis thing, but it has happened in a few establishments... :( it's a bummer!“

“Food 10/10 Great customer service Friendly Staff“

“First time at this venue, and it was great. clean, great staff, great acoustics. Hope to be back soon!“

“This is the place to be, if you are looking for a nostalgic venue, with great food. Atmosphere, and a vibe that just feels like fun. Clean establishment ! The worst thing about Hernando's Hideaway is having to leave when the party is over. Every time I have been to The Hideaway, it is an escape to another era.“

“Once again, I had a taste for some lamb. Went this time on a Wednesday night and I asked for my usual. They didn't have the same sides as they do on Saturday. But the Owner suggested Grilled rice & fried okra. It was amazing. I did notice everyone who pulled up was ordering this Strawberry Hennessey drink. I will try that my next visit. I left a small tip and the Owner seem some appreciative. If you're in the Frayser area stop by and get you a plate of Tender lamb Chops.“

“Had a great time while in Mempis“

“I went to this fabulous restaurant for Mother's Day, with family, and again today, and I have to say, everything was amazing, the food was incredible , I had an amaretto sour, it was the best, I ever had, this service was without a doubt, impeccable, we never had to for one thing, the waitress, came to ask us, if we needed anything, so many times, you would have thought, we were her only customers, she was awesome, I will be going back in the very near future, they most definitely deserve 5 stars.“

“We were staying couple of nights in Memphis and wanted to experience a local BBQ joint. This is about as authentic as it gets! We had beef brisket and pulled pork one night and ribs the next night. Yes, we ate there both nights, it was so good. But the best was the cole slaw! They made it with red cabbage, jalapenos, and blue cheese. The best I've ever eaten. The staff were courteous, kind, and funny. My kind of place! 5 STARS“

“The food was exceptional. My fish was cooked to order (didn't take long) and to perfection I had to bring it home because I was full from the sides. This was my first time here and I'm coming back! Oh, the sweet tea was awesome as well.🥰🥰🥰🥰“

“Food was fabulous, great service“

“We had a great experience. Jerica made it a great experience. She's extremely hospitable, knows her regular customers and makes sure you get what you need when you need it. The pace is so critical. Nothing ruins a meal like everything arriving at once.“

“Food was good, and quick. Had fish sandwich, burger tater tots and onion rings hot crisp I thought they were pretty good. service polite and attentive.“

“Whenever I visit my uncle who lives in Frayser he always recommends we eat at this restaurant. It has a great variety of well-cooked soul food. Some of my favorite dishes are the fried fish and okra. They also have a great selection of desserts. The deli plate is usually what we get because you get a meat and two vegetables and your bread and a drink. They have a large variety of food to choose from, no matter what your taste bud is it will be satisfied by this great restaurant. It has also been in business for decades now“

“Queen of Cravings Egg rolls sooo Fye ?. So Fye I hired them for one of my family private events and it was a MAJOR hit!!!! I highly recommend them plus they are professional and black owned!!!!! Thank y’all so much for serving us delicious food !!!!“

“We have just eaten and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Food was great, staff were extremely friendly.“

“This was my 1st time at this location and probably my last, on a Friday night at 8pm the place was dead, no one probably 10 ppl. The food was average but let me tell you about the drinks. Someone is cutting cost! We order a jack and coke and go some CHEAP VERY cheap WHISKEY, we also go Tito and water and it tasted like BLUE TOP! Maybe if they had of let us get a few drinks in it could have passed.“

“Please call in and place your order! Food is very good but the wait time is very lengthy. I was told it would take 10 mins and I waited almost an hour for 5 whole wings and 2 waffles. Kept being told 2 mins and ended up being a whole hour in total. I will order call in next time because it’s Good 😊“

“Traveling through Memphis 3 yrs ago with our grandson J’Alan. He was 8 at the time he gave it 20 stars and has talked about it since. He picked Memphis for his vacation this year just so he could go to Arnold’s BBQ! He was not disappointed! 💙💙💙 Great food and service!“

“This food was too fye. I was bummed they were out ofntirkey necks, so I thought I was settling for turkey wings & dressing. My mama can cook her a** off so I wasn't looking to be impressed or anything, just dinner. Drinks 5/5 Server 5/5 Music 5/5 Food 5/5. My daughter ordered the wings, we had to run it back and order more. 5/5. One of my sides were sweet potatoes 5/5. I didn't care for the macaroni much. The service was a bit slow, but there was sonkuch live in the food that I could see why, PLUS like I said the vibes were on point. It gave my party and I a chance to get acquainted and have a great time there honestly. I can't wait to visit Memphis again. I had my daughter this round, next time I'm coming round five to see what the kickback when they throw the kids out is really about!“

“I ate at Big Bad Breakfast on 2/12/2025 For the first time. I will be coming back The service was great Food was great I absolutely loved it“

“good food and great service. We just ate here but definitely interested in the hotel“

“Midtown wonderful establishment! Where else can you get a great meal at 7am? Classic Southern dishes. Absolutely try the Meat & 3 plus a slice of dessert! 🥧“

“The food, atmosphere and hospitality were phenomenal. Everyone enjoyed their soul food. If I ever make it back to Memphis, I will definitely eat here again. The food was absolutely amazing.“

“Very Professional customer service, less crowded is what I like the most“