10 Things To Eat And Drink In Memphis Right Now

10 Things To Eat And Drink In Memphis Right Now

Settle in for the winter in Memphis with these ten delicious things to eat and drink in town right now.

1. Gourmet grilled cheese and bison tacos from Fuel Food Truck
If you can catch Fuel's food truck (which has a slick new paint job) on a day when they're offering their gourmet grilled cheese, get it. It's worth every penny to add the bacon, too.

Pro tip: If you want more protein, grab a friend and split the bison tacos.

grilled-chz-and-taco-fuel

2. Fried game hen and waffles from Flying Sobie's food truck
Ghost River has wasted no time in turning their taproom into a go-to Sunday brunch spot, and they have the same awesome food truck each week along with their Beer-mosas and Beer Marys. Flying Sobie's offers deep-friend Cornish game hens with your choice of sauce.

You have to try this, Memphis. It is so tasty. I can't imagine a better holiday hangover cure. Next time, I might get fries instead of the waffles, because the fries were seasoned to perfection. Ask for extra napkins (trust me) and dig in.

game-hen-flying-sobies

3. Whatever floats your boat from Cupcake Cutie
Cupcake Cutie lets you pick your cake flavor, frosting flavor, and toppings for your very own cupcake creation. I'm talking ice cream shop style, with everything from gummy worms to Oreo crumbles.

The little shop is right off of Court Square in downtown Memphis and also has donuts in the mornings "while they last".

cupcake-cutie-pink

4. Cocktails from Dodici/Bari
Word has gotten out about Bari's new weekends-only craft cocktail bar, meaning that you'll probably have to wait a while for a spot at the twelve-seat speakeasy Dodici, located above Bari Restaurant. Get all the details from Meghan over at the Flyer.

If you can't make it out on a Friday or Saturday, you can still enjoy Vincent's magical concoctions at the bar or a table at Bari. I tried some recently - I'd tell you what these drink are, but I don't know - I told Vincent what I liked and that sneaky booze wizard made me the most beautiful and delicious cocktail I'd ever had. (Mine was the one on the right. It involved bourbon and wine and rosemary. The one on the left was amazing, too - citrus and bourbon and baby narwhal tears, probably.)

cocktails-dodici

5. Pomme frites at Bounty
I don't know when Bounty upped the ante (and price) on their cheese fries, but this mountain of fries, goat cheese, scallion cream sauce, and bits of country ham is a definite upgrade from the original preparation of this dish and totally worth it. Four hungry folks couldn't even demolish them. Don't forget that everything at Bounty is gluten free.

cheese-fries-bounty

6. Happy hour at Alchemy
From what I hear, people aren't quite sure what's up with Alchemy in Cooper Young. Here's what I know: it's under new ownership, they still have the fancy cocktails, small plates, and big plates setup, and I really like their food. Also they have the most ridiculous happy hour in town right now. Everything, and I mean everything on their menu, is 50% off Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

I highly recommend sitting at the bar for best service. Basically every time I sit at the bar, I have a fantastic experience. Below is their cheese/charcuterie plate, which was awesome.

cheese-plate-alchemy

7. Drinks at Belle Tavern
Belle Tavern in downtown Memphis seems like a speakeasy from the outside; it's in the alley between Aldo's and Tamp & Tap and, though it boasts a neon sign, you kind of have to be looking for it. On the inside, it feels more like a neighborhood bar - decently lit, tables, couches, TVs, populated with downtowners.

The very friendly bartender, Q, made me this "three-whiskey old fashioned" which will definitely keep you warm this winter. I hear their food is good, and I'll report back once I get a chance to try it.

triple-old-fashioned-belle-tavern

8. Fried shrimp taco from El Mero Taco food truck
I'm kind of in love with the fried chicken tacos from El Mero. Apparently I'm not the only one, because during a recent Food Truck Thursday in Court Square, they were sold out. I went with my second choice - the fried shrimp taco - and I was not disappointed.

The shrimp were remarkably fresh (I guess they fry them to order) and the peanut slaw and wasabi aioli on point. If you're into meaty spicy tacos, grab a chorizo one, too.

tacos-el-mero-taco

9. Croutons at The Side Porch

There is a place in Bartlett that has the best bread item I have ever tasted.

Behold here the almighty Side Porch crouton.

But wait – there’s more! Side Porch Steak House also has steaks, of course, and they’re also incredible – and a good deal less expensive than most places. Whatever’s in the meat marinade is unholy savory goodness, and you can get every cut of steak plus chicken and fish.

The place kind of reminds me of my grandma’s house, the staff is super friendly, and do expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour (depending on size of party) if you go at, like, 7:30 p.m. on a weekend. Luckily they have a little bar to keep you occupied with amazing “craft cocktails” while you wait.

10. 901 Grille
Rest in peace, Kwik Shop Grill (not to be confused with Kwik Chek). I enjoyed many grilled burgers, chicken gyros, and seasoned fries from the little store at East Parkway and Central over the years. Now, the owners of City Market have remodeled and reopened the space as 901 Grille. I've been twice and tried the lamb and beef gyro and the falafel pita.

While both were good (and super cheap, at $5.99) I'm not sure it fills the void of Kwik Shop's greasy, seasoned comfort food. Still, it's good to have this super convenient option, a clean new interior, and I've heard great things about their burger. I'll be back.

falafel-901-grille

And one more picture from Alchemy...the Brussels Sprouts and a crab cake.

brussels-crab-cake-alchemy


What's the best thing you've tried in Memphis recently?

Comments Make Us Happy

6
Leave a Comment
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Sunny B
I have sent this before, :) you must try the burgers at Mojo Café and fries are also good , place is on HWY 64 just east of Summer ave.
December 20, 2016 9:39am
Holly Whitfield
Sunny B...yummmm!
December 20, 2016 10:05am
Bobbye Crockett
Found restaurant, Posh, on same strip as Humdinger's at Poplar and Kirby. Good fresh food and very important for me most meals are gluten free. I have celiac so this is very exciting when I find a good place to eat. The place is small. They prepare meals ready to pick up and have vegan and vegetarian dishes as well. Their menu is pretty variable and everything I have tried has been good. They close at 8:00 pm so no late dining in restaurant.
February 4, 2017 1:14pm
Holly Whitfield
Jules Posh Food! I've heard of it. So glad you discovered a new, tasty place.
February 6, 2017 1:37pm
e
i hope you included the actual restaurant menu or address. (to be more accurate for travelers visiting a new city)
April 3, 2017 2:09pm
Holly Whitfield
The restaurant names and links to additional info (menu, website, hours, address) are included for pretty much every item.
April 3, 2017 4:11pm