100 Things To Eat in Memphis (2012 edition)

100 Things To Eat in Memphis (2012 edition)

Ed. Note: This is the 2012 edition of "100 Things to Eat in Memphis". Some restaurants may have changed their menu since then, so please keep that in mind. If you want to see the 2013 list, click here.

You know that "100 Things to Eat Before You Die" survey that's been making the rounds lately? There's now a Memphis-centric version.

The Memphis Yelp community made a list of 100 Things to Eat in Memphis, a list of the most extreme, most well-known, or "best" local dishes. That list has disappeared from the Internet, but most of it is preserved here for posterity.

I've added in new or different dishes to replace restaurants that have closed. I've noted those with an (*).  I'm not saying this is exactly what I would pick for the Top 100 Things, but it's a great list and a great way to get a feel for the variety of delicious eats available in Memphis.

How many of these have you tried?

1. Tuna sandwich from Chinese Sub Shop
2. BBQ plate from Germantown Commissary
3. Fried chicken breast from Gus's
4. Soul Burger from Earnestine and Hazel's
5. Peach cheesecake from Cheesecake Corner
6. Chorizo tortuga from Las Tortugas
7. Sea bass at Tsunami
8. Ribeye from Folk's Folly
9. John Deere snow cone from Jerry's
10. Joyce roll from Sakura
11. Dry rub ribs from Bar-B-Que Shop
12. San Diegan from Brother Juniper's
13. Guacamole from Las Delicias
14. Homeroom Chicken and Grids from Lunchbox Eats
15. Red velvet donuts from Gibson's
16. Greek burger from Alex's Tavern
17. Gas station sushi
18. Uptown burger from Roxie's Grocery

Burger, Roxie's Grocery, Memphis, Tenn.

19. Muffaletta from Kwik Chek
20. Gyro from Castle
21. Key Lime Pie ice cream from La Michoacana
22. Twice-baked potato salad from One and Only BBQ
23. Cheesesteak from Yang's
24. Shrimp and grits from Sweet Grass
25. Buffalo tenderloin from Erling Jensen


26. Barbecue pizza from Coletta's
27. Cornish game hen from Cozy Corner
28. Grilled cabbage from Deja Vu
29. Bulgogi from Du Won Jung
30. Roast duck from New Asia
31. Rib tips from Tom's Barbecue
32. Capote cupcake from Muddy's Bakeshop


33. Barbecue tofu nachos from R.P. Tracks
34. Chips (aka fries) from Brass Door Tavern
35. Ravioli from Vanelli's Deli
36. Mac'n'cheese from Mollie Fontaine Lounge
37. Voodoo Chocolate Passion Cake at King's Palace
38. Banana pudding from Cozy Corner
39. Turkey leg from a vendor outside of a Melrose High football game
40. Spicy shrimp tacos from Maciel's*

Cornish Game Hen, Cozy Corner, Memphis, Tenn.

41. Almond croissants from Off the Square Catering
42. Crazy noodle bowl from Bhan Thai
43. Banana pudding from Germantown Commissary
44. Tiger Bleu Chips from Brookhaven Pub
45. Barbecue nachos from Central BBQ
46. Blueberry donuts from Gibson's
47. Hot wings from Ching's
48. Surf 'n' Turf from Restaurant Iris (we'll be waiting to see if this is still available when RI reopens)*
49. Shrimp salad from Bogie's
50. Chilean sea bass from McEwan's
51. Wedding cake supreme snow cone from Jerry's

52. Hummus and falafel from Casablanca
53. Nachos on Dorito's from Sushi Jimmi*
54. French fries / sweet potato fries from Young Ave. Deli
55. Pineapple shake from Shanghai
56. Coconut cake from Beauty Shop
57. Spicy crab soup from Ryu
58. Goat taco from La Guadalupana
59. Turkey and dressing from the Four Way
60. Reuben from Trolley Stop Market
61. Thai Gumbo from Tao
62. Honey gold wings from All-Star
63. BLT from Links of Galloway

Maciel's taco spread.

64. Pan-fried dumplings from Panda Garden
65. Hot wing rolls from Blue Monkey
66. Barbecue pizza from Pete and Sam's
67. Mussels from Bari
68. Ribs from A&R Barbecue
69. Salsa Tayde from Las Tortugas
70. Baklava from Cafe Med
71. Pickled green tomatoes from Soul Fish
72. Vegan Memphis barbecue sandwich from Imagine Vegan Cafe
73.Tacos from Fuel Food Truck
74. Brussels sprouts from South of Beale
75. Bi Bim Bop from Kwik Check

Bi Bim Bop, Kwik Check, Memphis, Tenn.

76. Ribs from Central Barbecue
77. Grilled cheese from Say Cheese food truck*
78. Burger from Huey's
79. Fried chicken taco from El Mero Taco*
80. Homemade chips from Pop's Deli
81. Nachos from Interstate Barbecue
82. Steak sandwich from Jack Pirtle's
83. Pork chop sandwich from Tom's BBQ
84. Skewers from Stick 'Em Food Truck*
85. Meat-stuffed pizza at Little Italy
86.Fried shrimp poboy from Fresh Gulf Shrimp food truck*
87. Breakfast sampler from Bryant's
88. Crab eggs benedict from Sweet Grass
89. All-in-one from Las Delicias
90. Pronto Pup
91. Lobster roll from Slider Inn

Lobster Roll, Slider Inn, Memphis, Tenn.

92. Nuts and chocolate from Peanut Shoppe
93. Lunch buffet from Pho Hoa Binh
94. Hoppin John with corn sticks from Little Tea Shop*
95. Badass Nachos from Sweet Grass Next Door*
96. Island Club from Bardog Tavern
97. Lobster pronto pup from Rizzo's Diner
98. Monte Cristo from Half Shell
99. High tea from Chez Philippe
100. Chili pineapple paleta from La Michoacana

Is there anything that should be added? Add them in the comments.

top photo credit: David Meany / Contiki Purchase/ Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

This post originally published on May 2, 2012

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Kate
Mempho sandwich- Patrick's Chicken Pot Pie- Patrick's (Thursdays only) Fried Oysters - Flying Fish
June 11, 2012 2:58pm
Renee Dichtel
Chesses dip and Panchos dressing from Panchos Mexican Restrants
June 28, 2012 2:24pm
Borys T
Hamburger steak and sides from Bryant's and the absolute best hamburger in town at the Brooks
June 28, 2012 6:50pm
Mary
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp - Cafe Ole
July 5, 2012 10:50am
Becca
I know that Jerry's Wedding cake supreme gets all the buzz but you have to try a blackberry-raspberry cheesecake supreme! Sooooo much better than the wedding cake! 
July 19, 2012 5:26am
lj
i think they are forgetting the barbeque from the rendevous!
July 25, 2012 2:49pm
Chelsea Barnett
Rendevouz BBQ is the best. Spaghetti Warehouse is located near Memphis and is also very yummy.
August 6, 2012 9:21pm
CK
Chelsea, there is a Spaghetti Warehouse downtown...I think they were trying to stay away from chain restaurants.  I'm surprised that Yolo is on here, Rendezvous and Blues City aren't...and Jerry's is on here twice.
August 15, 2012 6:48am
teresa e
Really?   WTH is VEGAN BBQ?  I would be ashamed. what about  SHOWBOAT BBQ? the best!  and Corky's. And Rendezvous ribs and cheese plates? OMG!!   Paulette's K- pie?  and  Paulette's coquille St Jacques? Paulette's anything...who are you people? Some new-age-pukka-bead-wearing hippies? However, Coletta's BBQ pizza is  a true champ in the food lineup in MFS. we used to go there on dates in the early 70's just for the BBQ pizza!  ditto for Pancho's cheese dip. Probaly no cheese in there anyway...Chain establishments do not count...
September 9, 2012 9:32pm
teresa e
oh yeah..first date with hubby at the old half shell, over french dip and oysters on the half. I knew he was the guy for me. A foodie!
September 9, 2012 9:34pm
Amy J
Crawfish etouffee from Bayou, sausage plate from Corky's, and cheesefries from Hueys
September 16, 2012 11:20pm
POPS
Honey-dipped fried chicken at Uncle Lou's. Hollah!!!
November 6, 2012 10:09pm
Mandee
  Uncle Lou's chicken!! I can't believe it's not on this list. It's amazing. They were also on Triple D! Sweet and spicy love sauce baby!    Proud that central BBQ made the list twice!
December 30, 2012 1:31pm
The Beginning …
[...] genesis of this blog is this list of 100+ things to eat in Memphis. Well, to be fair, perhaps it started with this list of 100 things to eat before you die, that made [...]
January 20, 2013 11:30am
Jennifer
teresa: vegan bbq sandwich is like a regular bbq sandwich, but made with vegan ingredients. EVERYTHING at Imagine Vegan Cafe is delicious! Non- vegans love it just as much as vegans!
January 20, 2013 11:39pm
Maggie
The BBQ pizza from either Garibaldi's or Coletta's   
January 23, 2013 9:25pm
Leah
Rendezvous Ribs, Marlowe's BBQ, Corky's BBQ, Blues City Cafe Ribs and BBQ, Spaghetti Warehouse Spaghetti and Lasagna, and Coletta's just to name a few. Thanks! :)
January 30, 2013 10:34am
Megan
Thai Tom yum soup and Thai Tom khai Kai soup at Tycoon Noodle Shop on Kirby. They have the BEST Tom yum soup ever! Not a fancy place but cheap and delicious!!   
February 9, 2013 4:20pm
Jeanna
Chicken wings from China Wok----better than even Gus' Cheesecake from Guadelapana on Austin Pea---best in the world. Hurricane Roll from Sea Bistro    
February 11, 2013 8:58am
Renee
Sunday Brunch at Cafe Fontana
February 20, 2013 11:16pm
Corndog
King Creole Salmon from Buckley's with the Buckley Bud!!!! and pretty much anything else from Buckley's
February 23, 2013 9:56am
Emily
How can you not have Dyer's on the list? Everything is good there! Or Ernestine and Hazel's? And whoever says that vegan bbq is just like regular bbq...hahaha...um no.
March 1, 2013 1:47am
Kerry (Admin)

Earnestine and Hazel's is #4 on the list.

March 1, 2013 10:07am
Steve
Honey Gold or Seasoned Wings from Bosses. I didn't like chicken wings until I went there.
March 28, 2013 6:02pm
Marcia Summers
Muddy's cupcakes!
April 3, 2013 10:01pm
Chelsea
bbq chicken pizza from memphis pizza cafe! 
April 7, 2013 8:52pm
Erin
Love this list!  I've been working my way through it for a couple of weeks now.  It's fun always having somewhere new to try--with delicious food, to boot.  Here are some of the additions I've made to my personal list already... 101. gator tators and creme brulatte from Cafe Eclectic 102. blackened chicken pasta from King's Palace Cafe 103. bar popcorn from South of Beale 104. pork chop from The Majestic 105. B.E.L.T. from Brass Door Inn 106. mussels from Bar DKDC 107. Sam I Am from Young Ave. Deli  
April 12, 2013 3:56pm
Sam Tweddell
The Warm Blondie Brownie from Local! Any dessert with bacon should be on everyone's Must Try list!
June 10, 2013 3:54pm
JWo
This is awesome. I’ve only been in town since the end of February and we’ve already hit nine of the places on the list, but I’ll have to go back to try some of the recommended dishes now. I printed this out to hang on my fridge for idea when the wife and I want to go out. Can’t wait to see the next list!!
June 11, 2013 9:33am
Theresa
omg the tahini and/or Spicy cashew seaweed salad from Get Fresh Memphis is TO DIE 4!!!  Call Holly and/or Nevada and ask for a sample...www.getfreshmemphis.com  They are super healthy, super nice and they cook out of First Congo Church specializing in really yummy Vegan and vegetarian food on the go. 
June 12, 2013 11:16am
KAB
No catfish???  Really?? How about a catfish sandwich from Best Wings in Memphis.  They give you enough catfish for at least 2 sandwiches and it's GREAT.  Oh and the wings are good to - honey hot is what I like.
June 12, 2013 12:43pm
C Ya
Right now, I'm really wishing these items were downloadable. :-)
June 13, 2013 3:41pm
Jean
Everything Pizza from Pietro Pizza hwy 70 between Apling & Mfs Arlington
June 13, 2013 7:20pm
I”m From…
[...] word, open mike, concerts, plays, etc.  Lets not even mention the  food in Memphis. What!!!   (https://ilovememphisblog.com/2012/05/100-things-to-eat-in-memphis/ Check this out for a start). Yet when I get out in these streets to attend these amazing events, [...]
June 26, 2013 11:12am
Shannon Hinman
My husband grew up in Memphis and has the following suggestions: pulled pork from Corky's, dry ribs from Rendezvous, cheese dip from Poncho's, hamburger from Dyers. We actually get Corky's barbecue sent to us in dry ice from Memphis to Utah through FedEx. 
October 20, 2013 10:00pm
Paula Payuk
The potato salad from one and only is actualy ST CLAIRS, an old Memphis restaurant. How can Central BBQ smoked turkeu be left off?
November 21, 2013 11:23pm
Beka
I would have to say an Omlet from Stone Soup and anything from Second Line is delicious!  
December 24, 2013 10:54am
100+ Things To…
[…] I Love Memphis Blog posted this list from Yelp and has another 75 comments of suggestions for the list. I might have to go through […]
January 7, 2014 3:02pm
Carolyn mullinax
Formosa. 
January 26, 2014 2:51pm
chris gosch
god i miss memphis!!!
January 26, 2014 9:15pm
me
How did you forget SideStreet Grill. They hav awesome food. Shld hav definitely made the list.
January 27, 2014 11:53am
JHB
In no particular order: Biscuits and Gravy-Jack Pirtles Burger- Jim and Samella's House (In South Memphis) Butterroll- Melanie's The Buffet at Chow Time The Opulence- Crepe Maker Shoulder Sandwich-Big Bill's Patrick's-Pork Chop and Fried Eggplant Maui Wowie- Mellow Mushroom Pizza Lemon Bar- La Baguette Goey Butter Cake Cupcake-Frost's Bakery Honey Gold Wings- Crumpy's Hot Wings- D'Bos Wings and Things Burger- Double J I am fat, so I could go on naming good places to eat for hours!
January 28, 2014 12:47am
Lisa M
Bread pudding from Iris
January 28, 2014 1:42pm
Deanna Johnson
Banana Cream Pie at McEwens
January 28, 2014 3:24pm
Madison
Hanburger from Broadway Pizza. BEST IN TOWN
January 28, 2014 3:34pm
Charles Purifoy
Crayfish and dumplings at Felisha Suzannes is the best dish I've had in my 78 years.
January 28, 2014 6:05pm
jeanetta glass
Broadway pizza
January 28, 2014 6:22pm
Alison
How can Andrew Michael's AM Breakfast not be on the list? Or H&H pizza of some sort (Shroom or Redeye?!?)???
January 28, 2014 6:22pm
Victor Hassell
Hamburger from Kudzu's - a little bar 'n' grill around the corner from SunStudio
January 28, 2014 6:32pm