The Archives Bar & Bistro
179 Madison Ave, Memphis
(901) 209-5505
Recent Reviews
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Met up with some friends after work for drinks. Ordered a dirty vodka martini. When it arrived, it had a slight pink hue to it, which was perplexing. But I had asked if they had Tabasco behind the bar they could add to my drink. They did not. So I assumed maybe they tried using a different hot sauce in my drink. I drank the first one and it definitely off and wasn’t great, but I was really looking forward to a martini so I knocked it back. Ordered a second and it was even more pink. I took one sip and immediately spit it out. It was horrible. That’s when I realized what the bartender had done. She used sweet vermouth in a dirty martini. If you are a bartender, and you can’t make a simple cocktail like a martini, you have no business being behind a bar.
The service was severely lacking and inattentive. To the point that it wasn’t even worth bringing up the drink issue because I knew there was nothing they could do to fix it.
As the server dropped our checks which were not correct by the way, she informed us that the 20% service charge is not autographed and that she does not get any of that. So in addition to a 20% service fee, you were also tipping the weight staff. Avoid this place. It’s got scam written all over it.
Beautiful space after the renovation but not much has change in the level of service that they provide.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
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.
I took my mother here for the Mother's Day. From the second we walked in, the service was impeccable! Everyone was so incredibly kind and spoke. They made conversation and were friendly. We never had to even ask for a refill or anything else we might need. They were very attentive. The food was incredible. Such a good variety and everything was fresh and extremely delicious. The owner even came over to speak and we received flowers and had the absolute best experience. The ambience and decor or the place was so neat and very well done! I would eat here again over and over! I don't have a single complaint and we talked the entire ride home about how we were so impressed with every aspect of it!! You don't get service like that much more these days!!
A must visit while in Memphis! This became our home base eatery after just the first visit. The lamb chops and truffle fries are the best I've ever had in my culinary adventures! The scallops and ordered were better than any other restaurant in Memphis BY FAR. The atmosphere is cozy, soft, and welcoming which matched the energy of the staff. The decor is unique, modern vintage without that commercialized feeling. We ended up returning to this restaurant four additional times within an 8 day period it was so incredible.
Brava Archives! ❤️🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem in downtown Memphis. Historic hotel bar and restaurant with great food and service. Lamb chops and lobster mac n cheese hush puppies are must try.
We have a ball but the food was simplistic , definitely love the chef and server and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
The server was sweet! The bartender had the NASTIEST attitude. At shift change, he passed the attitude to the next bartender and she sucked too. They did not work as a team or help the server. The flow was not cohesive AT ALL. They ran out of lobster but failed to communicate that. The wait for libations was ridiculous and it was not a busy night. I would be remise not to mention the serving size. It was minuscule compared to the egregious price. 3/10 do NOT recommend
I’m quite selective when it comes to food, but the dishes I chose here truly exceeded my expectations. Every bite was rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying. The slow-braised short rib stood out as my favorite, and I couldn’t settle on just one dessert—so we indulged in both! For a last-minute dinner choice, I was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional service, delicious cuisine, and inviting atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is upscale, yet fun. You get a great corner lot view of Madison and BB King Blvd. The food is delicious and presented beautifully. The chef/owner is super friendly and understands/accommodates for food allergies. We will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was excellent. I had the airline chicken which was moist and very flavorable. The Chef's take on Creme Brulee was a little different but it was delicious. The service was a little uneven but everyone was very friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
Chef Phillip does amazing things to scallops. Our waitress A'Niyah was kind, funny, and gave excellent service. The food had so much flavor packed into every bite. Great atmosphere, especially the bathroom. 5 stars across the board!
Walked by this corner restaurant so many times and finally went for my birthday! Super classy inside with a fancy vibe! The staff was so nice and long-time downtown chef Justin was not only sweet to say hi but did impeccable work! Food was very delish and and again the staff did a great job of making me feel special on my birthday
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere, great vibe, warm welcoming service, food was delicious and at a very reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs
Great Vibes, Great food, Amazing Staff. I give it 2 thumbs up!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would definitely go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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