At StyleBlueprint, we love uncovering hidden gems almost as much as you love hearing about them! For insight into what the 901 has to offer off the beaten path, we enlisted the help of Memphis foodie Jo Bateman of @901_noms.
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Here in Memphis, we’re lucky enough to have access to some of the best food around. And with the ever-evolving restaurant scene, options are seemingly endless. If you’re looking to discover something new, these are 10 of my current under-the-radar favorites. Give them a try — they might just become yours, too!
La Llamarada
2877 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 • (901) 262-4132
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Craving authentic Mexican food? Look no further than La Llamarada. Located on Summer Avenue, this humble little spot will soothe your soul. Check out the delicious huevos for breakfast, or swing by for a quick lunch that tastes like the best home cooking you have ever had. The menu changes daily, but if you can catch the birria special (on Saturdays), you’re in for a real treat. It is served with rice, beans, and homemade tortillas and topped off with a tangy slaw.
You can’t go wrong with the La Llamarada birria special, a meat stew served with homemade tortillas.
Kwik Chek
2013 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 274-9293
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kwik Chek is in the heart of Midtown, and it’s part convenience store, part deli. It has a local cult following, and it’s easy to see why. The food is unique and delicious, ranging from hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, and wraps to plenty of vegetarian options. You also shouldn’t sleep on the Korean portion of the menu, as you really can’t go wrong with any of the savory dishes. A few of my favorites are The Turk, The Ninja, The Fireball of Freedom, and the delectable Bi Bim Bop.
Kwik Chek boasts a local cult following — partly thanks to the delicious Bi Bim Bop.
Bell’s Catfish and Soul Food
113 S. Court Avenue, Memphis, TN 30103 • (901) 249-7297
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Closed Monday
Fried catfish with soulful sides? Yes, please! The crispy deep-fried catfish and crunchy okra from Bell’s Catfish and Soul Food are a must. Pair them with the candied yams or collard greens or, if you’re like me, both! Don’t forget to save room for one of the tasty desserts, such as the peach cobbler, which is outstanding. Seriously, it deserves an award!
Bell’s Catfish and Soul Food delivers some serious comfort food.
Tuyen’s Asian Bistro
288 N. Cleveland Street, Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 567-5008
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Looking for top-tier Vietnamese food? Tuyen’s Asian Bistro is the place to be. This cozy little restaurant will keep you coming back for more, thanks to fan favorites like the spring rolls with peanut sauce. My personal favorite is the Grilled Shrimp Vermicelli — a must-try! Whatever you do, don’t pass up on the oh-so-crispy wings marinated in fish sauce.
Tuyen’s Asian Bistro dishes up a vibrant, flavorful Shrimp vermicelli.
Payne’s BBQ
1762 Lamar Ave., Memphis, TN 38114 • (901) 272-1523
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
When I think of Memphis food, the first thing that comes to mind is barbeque. And man, does Payne’s BBQ know how to do it right. Opened in 1972, this family-owned restaurant is a Memphis staple. The Chopped Pork Sandwich is out of this world — the slow-roasted pork with yellow mustard slaw and tangy barbeque sauce is the closest thing to heaven on earth. Trust me!
A Chopped Pork Sandwich — the aforementioned “heaven on earth” at Payne’s BBQ.
The Green Beetle
325 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 527-7337
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Memphis’ oldest tavern, The Green Beetle, serves up some seriously delicious grub. With starters like Philly Cheese Fries or Cajun Chicken Tater Tots, how can you not have an instant infatuation? The South Main Dip with hand-cut fries is a dose of happiness, and be sure to keep an eye out for daily specials like Burger Tuesday and Catfish Friday.
The Green Beetle offers comfort food in Memphis’s oldest tavern.
Sabor Caribe
662 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 425-5889
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Have you ever tried an arepa from Sabor Caribe? If your answer is “no,” get ready to delight your palate. A handmade gluten-free corn pocket filled with delicious meats, cheeses, beans, or veggies, accompanied by signature salsas, the arepa is somewhat of an elevated sandwich. If you’re new to Venezuelan food, try the sampler, and don’t skip the churros. The cinnamon and sugar-topped treats are filled with custard and accompanied by Nutella and Dulce de leche. Yum!
The Pork Arepa from Sabor Caribe has our mouths watering.
Bardog Tavern
73 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 275-8752
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
This is bar food at its best. Whether you need a delicious breakfast to soak up the previous night’s cocktails or you’re craving a late-night snack, Bardog has you covered. Try the breakfast sliders, chicken tenders, salads, and more. Don’t forget to add a side of salty fries served with bourbon mayo (it’s out of this world!). The extensive menu and great vibes are great; the food is even better.
Tasty bar food abounds at Bardog Tavern.
The Brass Door Irish Pub
152 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 512-4497
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Monday
With a Cheers-esque atmosphere, The Brass Door will make you feel like everyone knows your name. You’ll want to stay awhile and catch a match on the big screens, sip a beer (or three), and snag some Fish and Chips. And with Reuben Egg Rolls on the menu, who wouldn’t want to be a regular?
The Reuben egg rolls are a unique dish that will have you returning to The Brass Door.
The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant
998 Mississippi Blvd., Memphis, TN 38126 • (901) 507-1519
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
When dining at The Four Way, it’s easy to see why this is Memphis’s oldest soul food restaurant. You can taste the love and care put into every mouthwatering dish. Try the crispy yet juicy fried chicken, fried catfish, yams, greens, and cornbread. Wear your stretchy pants here; you’ll be happy you did!
Indulge in some good old-fashioned soul food at The Four Way.
Dig in, Memphis!
All photos courtesy of @901_noms.
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