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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Meredith
Redfish-The Elegant Farmer Thai Noodle Salad- Local Gastropub BBQ Nachos- Alfreds  
May 3, 2012 8:21am
Kristina
Corn sticks and Hoppin John from The Little Tea Shop.  Fried eggplant from Patricks.
May 3, 2012 10:48am
Victoria
Cheese Straws - Off The Square Catering!
May 3, 2012 11:01am
Jim
Bardog Tavern's Meatball Hoagie is the best example of a true home-cooked Italian sandwich in Memphis.  I think a lot of their great food is still a secret.
May 3, 2012 1:15pm
stymiesbro
BBQ fried balognansandwich from Payne's. Aunt Martha's iced tea.
May 3, 2012 2:21pm
Mike
Hoppin' John and cornsticks from the Little Tea Shop (only on Tuesdays)
May 3, 2012 3:22pm
Mike
Margarehita Pizza from the Trolley Stop Market.
May 3, 2012 3:23pm
MK
anything - broadway pizza dessert shooters - majestic grille bbq pizza - garibaldi's stoner pie - the cove   mr. beefy - the cove
May 3, 2012 3:43pm
AJ-Memphis
Cheeseburger from Tops BBQ (Union's my fav) Parmesean and Garlic Fries at Bosco's
May 3, 2012 3:49pm
Emily
106. ANY of the Gelato at YoLo 107. Curry Tofu from Pho Hoa Bhin 108. Tuna Entree from Tsunami 109. Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish 110. Margarita Pizza from Trolley Stop 111. Rigatoni from Bari 112. Cuban Sandwich from Soul Fish 113.  Veggie burger from Houston's 114. Carrot Cake from Soul Fish 115. Girl Scout Mocha from Republic Coffee 116. California Veggie from Bogie's Deli 117. Beauty Shop has THE BEST Bloody Mary EVER! 118. Crab Cakes from Sekisui Pacific Rim 119. Buffet on Sunday's at India Palace/Golden Indian has better Veggie Korma 120. Onion Kulcha at India Palace 121. Veggie Platter at Abyssinia  122. Margarita at Ciao Bella 123. Green Salsa at La Guadaulapana
May 3, 2012 5:53pm
Go Tigers
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen - AM Breakfast
May 3, 2012 6:10pm
todd adams
Newbys World Famous Marinated Chicken Sandwich grilled since 1975  
May 3, 2012 6:17pm
Shantih
Banana Cream Pie from McEwen's Lamb Ribs from Alchemy
May 3, 2012 10:17pm
Dawne DD
Memphian by birth, but now a Nashvillian, sadly I've only accomplished 7 out of 100 (including 3 of top 4) Gotta get back :) !
May 3, 2012 10:31pm
CWest
Burger and fries made in 100 year old grease - Dyer's
May 4, 2012 1:02am
Kerry (Admin)
That's an excellent addition to the list.
May 4, 2012 8:06am
Ken
Cheeseburger from Sweden Kream Barbecue Ribs from Cozy Corner Honey Gold Wings from Adline Hot Wings Express Memphis Strip from Blues City Cafe Egg Rolls from Shanghai
May 4, 2012 9:03am
Elizabeth
BBQ spaghetti from Interstate BBQ
May 4, 2012 9:15am
Colleen
Alfredo roll at Sakura Chicken fried rice at Osaka Fries at the Beauty Shop Blackened tilapia or fish tacos at Bonefish Chicken alfredo at Dino's Cajun catfish at the Cajun Catfish Co. Caprese pizotto at Russo's (and their bread!) Spinach dip and greyhound drink at Houston's  
May 4, 2012 9:48am
I love Thai Food
Pad Thai from Bangkok Alley! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
May 4, 2012 12:31pm
Riyadh Ismail
80. Pop's Deli is listed for their chips. Although great, the Philly Cheesesteak is the must have in this place. Ranked 1# for cheesesteaks on Urbanspoon.com. Then try the Burgers, or Gyros.
May 4, 2012 1:26pm
Amber
Emily's suggestion of Abyssinia is a great one. It's one of my favorite restaurants in Memphis.
May 4, 2012 2:23pm
Posey 4 Shosey
Shrimp and Grits from Felicia Suzanne's!
May 4, 2012 2:33pm
Jennifer
Just chiming in to say that this post (and all of the comments) make me love Memphis even more.  
May 4, 2012 2:42pm
Kelcey
The crab stuffed mushrooms, bread pudding, and sizzling steaks from Ruths Chris Steak House!!!
May 4, 2012 4:18pm
Kelcey
Anything from cafe 1912!
May 4, 2012 4:27pm
Patty
Sunday Brunch at the Peabody, Dry Rub Ribs at the Rendevous, Pancho's  Cheese Dip
May 4, 2012 9:07pm
Linda
Dont forget the Lacy Special at the Little Tea Shop!!!
May 4, 2012 10:20pm
GCP
Bologna Sandwich and Fried Chicken from Uncle Lou's Tom Yum soup (with tofu) at Chao Praya BBQ Sandwich at Leonard's BBQ Hamburger + Pimento Cheese from the Trilley Stop Market Pimento Cheese Patti Melt from the Grive Grill Lamb Burger from Jim's Place Pepperoni Pizza from High Point Pizza  
May 4, 2012 11:00pm
Sarah
BBQ Nacho's from a Red Birds Game
May 4, 2012 11:55pm
Maria
Pimento Cheeseburger from sweet grass/ next door. Off the hook amazing!!!
May 5, 2012 6:56am
Ken
I forgot to mention this in my first reply: Mr. Good Burger from Roxie's Grocery - It is an amazing concoction of meat and cheeses that will blow your mind.
May 5, 2012 7:32am
Meg
Anything from Lotus.  Slooooooooooow service, because it's just Joe and his wife doing everything, but worth the wait every time.
May 5, 2012 11:26am
Gary
Hummus from Raffe's!
May 5, 2012 1:20pm
Amber
Anything from the little tea shop!! Its awesome home cooking with the best sweet tea ever!!
May 5, 2012 10:45pm
Jon
A malt or grilled cheese and tomato soup from Wiles Smith. Best rainy day November lunch ever.
May 6, 2012 8:24pm
Judy Hyde
#43 and #9 at Pho Saigan Sausage cheese plate at Redbirds game  
May 6, 2012 8:45pm
Amy
Central Bar B Que - jerked wings The Crazy Noodle- anything Young Ave Deli- fried cheese, like their fries, they make them by hand! Memphis Pizza Cafe-  their calzone, any way  
May 7, 2012 7:21am
Amy
oh yeah...Patrick's- Black and Blue Burger, their bun is the best and Zinnie's for lunch- Ms.Puddin's chicken breast with the works or her Chicken and Dumplin's
May 7, 2012 7:24am
Chris
Hot and Sour soup from Formosa (or Mosa, its Fusion-style son) Shrimp and Grits from Buckley's Slap Yo Mama chocolate pie - the Pie Folks Dutch Oven shrimp - Rendezvous (not on the menu - order 24h in advance) +1 on Yang's deli - a hidden jewel on Summer Ave.!!  
May 7, 2012 7:58am
Shelley
Pecan crusted catfish - Jim's Place East Blue cheese stuffed burger - P&H
May 7, 2012 5:43pm
Jerry Wilson Jr.
Anything from Fino's????  Just needin' a little shout out!! --Jerry
May 8, 2012 9:42pm
Mary Helen Lovett
Spicy Tomato Soup from La Baguette
May 11, 2012 10:34am
Olivia Lunsford
Cheese Fries - Huey's Nachos - Swankys  Veggie Burger - Hard Rock Cafe Deviled Eggs - Germantown Commissary   
May 13, 2012 12:02am
Dizzy
How can you have a list of Memphis food and leave out a Double Double from Dyers?
May 22, 2012 10:04am
Sam Shaw
Oreja de elefante tacos (elephant ear tacos) and Elote (corn) at Las Tortugas!
May 22, 2012 9:35pm
Cassandra
A must try is a Chicken Shawarma Pita (the #4) from Pita Cafe (3950 Park). It's to die for, and no one seems to have heard of this place! I go at least once a week. -brussels sprouts salad w/ bacon and sherry and lobster knuckle from Restaurant Iris -porkchop sandwich at Broadway Pizza -gyro at Kwik Check
May 22, 2012 11:19pm
Melissa
The Big Cheeser Burger at El Toro Loco!
May 23, 2012 2:24pm
Jess
Everyone should try a sandwich from finos (off Madison). Everything they have is delicious!!
May 29, 2012 9:44am
Guilherme
and . Oh, Baby ! ooowee..! Does that look good or what I do aolpogize, but I'm going to have to eat some of this right in front of you ! Are you hungry or what?.. So the next time you're looking for some recipes for your barbecue, you check out the bbq pit boys dot com classic pit boyz
June 11, 2012 1:06am