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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Mnyama
I was dreaming about Las Delicias quacamole last night!!!  
January 28, 2014 6:39pm
Sarah Lin
I think that mr paos hot and sour soup from mosa is a real Memphis treat. We have lived lots of other places and my husband is Chinese and it is the best that we've had.     
January 28, 2014 7:06pm
Mike
Memphis pizza cafe!!
January 28, 2014 10:06pm
Lennie
Fries and burbon mayo from bardog lobster pizza from spindini
January 28, 2014 10:09pm
Charles Lindsey
Everything on the menu at Belmont Grill is great, and the burger is the best in town!
January 28, 2014 10:12pm
Stephanie
Nagasaki's salad dressing and soup.  Everything is great there.  The tempora mushrooms and shrimp.  Hmmmm  
January 28, 2014 10:29pm
Felicia
Chopped BBQ from Payne's
January 28, 2014 10:43pm
Esther
Falafal wrap from Gigi's 
January 28, 2014 11:06pm
Katie
Sweet potato pancakes from Arcade must be added!
January 29, 2014 12:27am
Jeremy
Gyro for east parkway grill. I know it's "just a gyro" but I've been to Greece and back it is by far the best I've had
January 29, 2014 12:28am
Brian
No love for Uncle Lou's?  Fried, sauced chicken.  Also, Blue Plate Cafe - Banana pancakes with peanut butter syrup.  Pountine from Kooky Canuck.  Pizza from Lucchesi's.  Lots more to try!
January 29, 2014 12:33am
Josh
I had to double check but you left dry ribs  from the rendezvous. Should be in the top 5. If you weren't aware of the rendezvous you shouldn't be writing this list!
January 29, 2014 1:12am
Keith
Fried pickles from Jerrry Lee's, and Panchos cheese dip.
January 29, 2014 7:54am
shelley
Onion Rings from Leonard's Pit BBQ!
January 29, 2014 8:58am
shelley
...and Tacos w/Tropicale sauce & Panchos cheese dip from Panchos
January 29, 2014 8:59am
Kip
Hanid from Derae. (anything from Derae, actually)
January 29, 2014 9:12am
Erin
Fino sandwitch on soft bread from Finos Italian Deli and Catering Cheese Grits from Brother Junipers Red Curry from Bangkok Alley Toast from Stone Soup Creamed Corn from Hog n Hominy
January 29, 2014 9:23am
rex johnson
Banana pudding cheesecake, or gumbo from Stone Soup Cafe.
January 29, 2014 9:26am
June Wheeler
very obivious you hav never eaten BBQribs at MEmphis BBQ Co.they are the best
January 29, 2014 9:33am
Diana
coffee from Tamp & Tap! potato salad from Bogie's!
January 29, 2014 10:39am
Miranda
adult mac n cheese from the 3 angels diner.... to DIE for!
January 29, 2014 11:31am
Christine J
Shrimp with Boom Boom Sauce from Evelyn & Olive on Madison.  Phenomenal!  
January 29, 2014 11:31am
Tundrea Lyons
The STUFFED turkey (or angus, if you prefer) burger at Mot and Ed's (1354 Madison)!! ERMEHGERD!!!
January 29, 2014 12:04pm
carey
No Uncle Lou's Sweet Spicy Love chicken?? You should be ashamed!!! I didn't see Dyer's burgers on there either!!!
January 29, 2014 1:09pm
Martin Smith
Turkey burger from Mot and Ed's!
January 29, 2014 1:49pm
sarah
Vietnamese hot/sor sp from Saigon Le!  
January 29, 2014 2:03pm
Taylor Guardnio
Gator stew from Deja Vu!! That stuff is incredible!! I'm shocked you got it down to 100!
January 29, 2014 4:58pm
Luke
PAYNE'S!!! Chopped shoulder sandwich or fried bologna. Best q in town. 
January 29, 2014 6:03pm
CeCe Carpenter
Greens and cornbread sticks from The Little Tea Shop
January 29, 2014 7:12pm
Kim thornton
Cheeseburger from tops BBQ on union and cheese grits from brother junipers!
January 29, 2014 8:26pm
Jim
Pepperoni and jalapeño pizza at Memphis pizza cafe Overton ssquare fish n chips at Celtic Crossing hash and eggs at brass door
January 29, 2014 8:50pm
Michelle Hazelrig
Rendezvous ribs! 
January 29, 2014 9:42pm
Deborah
We lived there 12 years and we think you should add: India Palace buffet, anything at Fino's and the goat cheese tamales at Boscoe's Squared. Great list! 
January 29, 2014 10:06pm
Janie
The bens roll at Sakura And make your own salad at swankys 
January 29, 2014 10:53pm
Sharon H
California Grilled Chicken Salad from O'Charleys.
January 29, 2014 11:00pm
Cheryl
Grilled chicken salad and chef salad from Exline's in Millington.
January 29, 2014 11:23pm
XeX11
Where is Uncle Lou's fried chicken?! I think about that place more often than I should. 
January 30, 2014 12:00am
Drey
Sekesui-PGF Roll !!!!
January 30, 2014 1:03am
Jen
Gyro from brother junipers!! Best thing I've ever put in my mouth!!!
January 30, 2014 2:20am
Tiffany
Pulled pork sandwich from Cozy Corner with coleslaw on top and extra bbq sauce... Make it messy as you want, I'm eating it... Also the beef bbq sandwich will have you salivating too.... My favorite BBQ spot in MEM... ;-)
January 30, 2014 4:55am
Ed collins
Gyro,s from Raffe's on Poplar  
January 30, 2014 7:52am
Deborah Hargis
I have been to Memphis mant times over 45 years and was married to a Memphian!  Anything from the Rendevous is wonderful and the best BBQ is from Bozo's in Mason if it is still there.  Also they have the BEST potato salad on the planet.
January 30, 2014 10:04am
Doug
Disappointed not to see Uncle Lou's on this list. And if you go to Pops Deli, get the Philly!
January 30, 2014 10:07am
Linda
Patrick's tenderloin steak sandwich.   Key lime pie at Houton's.  Crust is unbeatable. Kale at Interim Foozi's pork tenderloin sandwich
January 30, 2014 10:25am
MemphisviaLA
#19 The muffaletta at Kwik Chek just isn't the same since Harry's no longer making them (the divorce killed all those sandwiches Harry created)
January 30, 2014 10:37am
Claire R
Bacon-wrapped, stuffed shrimp from Molly's La Casita.   Mmmmmmmmm....  
January 30, 2014 11:00am
Daphne M
Where is Uncle Lou's?? Have you not been lucky enough to experience the Sweet Spicy Love and Homestyle chicken? Shame on you, lol!!!
January 30, 2014 11:43am
Betty Keen
Creamed spinach from Pete & Sams Barbecue and onion loaf from Corky's Anything from Sheridan's
January 30, 2014 3:51pm
Craig J
Peanut butter and banana pis from Hog and Hominy
January 30, 2014 5:02pm
Chris L
I was so very happy to see the Rendezvous was not on this list.  Completely over rated.  
January 30, 2014 8:21pm