5 Memphis Food News To Know This Week

Memphis Food News Update

The Memphis food scene is constantly evolving whether it's new spots opening or expanded menus to meet the latest trends (still waiting for an espresso martini flight, Memphis). 

We hope this list provides Memphians a reason to get out to support our local culinary scene whether it's finding a new reason to visit an old beloved spot or trying something new.

But first, a few restaurant ICYMI: 

Have a new restaurant tip for us? Email us at [email protected]! We're going to try to keep this blog updated weekly.

Here Are Five Memphis Food News To Know This Week:

Downtown Dining Week is Underway!

This week, 60+ downtown restaurants are participating in Downtown Dining Week where they’ll offer special menu items, heavily discounted meals, and drink specials. This is your chance to try something new or support your favorite spots! DDW runs Nov. 4-10, 2024. Our guide breaks down all of the deals being offered this week plus tips for navigating the week.

Global Cafe to Offer Tamales and Free Rompope 

With the holiday season approaching, Global Cafe is offering diners complimentary Rompope with any entree purchase in November and December. Rompope is the Mexican version of Eggnog. They’ll also offer a new seasonal treat of homemade tamales for both months served in two varieties: chicken with salsa verde or pork with mole. 

Flame Ramen Starts Ghost Pepper Ramen Challenge 

If you love spicy food or a food challenge, this one's for you. Flame Ramen started a Ghost Pepper Ramen challenge where you’ll have ten minutes to finish the bowl. If you finish in time, you will get the bowl for free and a $25 gift card. This ramen is their 7734 Hell spice included with one of the hottest peppers in the world. Can’t wait to see who is brave enough to slurp this one down.

Feel Luxurious with this Caviar Tasting Experience 

Tiger & Peacock, the chic rooftop bar at The Memphian hotel, added a new caviar and pairing options to their menu. Choose from three new varietals accompanied by optional wine pairings. Book the experience via reservations. They also have a fun new disco punch bowl perfect for a group outing that we featured in a new reel last week.

Hit the Case Sale at Meddlesome 

All month long, Meddlesome Brewing is selling cases of beer for $30. Don’t want to be stuck with the same beer? Meddlesome lets you mix and match beers. A case is 24 beers which breaks down to $1.25 a beer excluding tax. What a steal for craft beer!

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10/28 UPDATE:

Hen House Goes Hogwarts

A Harry Potter pop-up of sorts is happening now at Hen House. There are some magically themed cocktails and bites–like a Professor Sprout’s Burger. Plus, they’ve decorated the place with banners, floating candles, and more hidden decor nods to find.

New Fall Flavors at Mempops 

Crosstown Concourse recently highlighted three new flavors at Mempops and they are so fun! For those looking for some fall flavors, order the pumpkin cheesecake or cranberry goat cheese (need to try this one immediately). Mixing fall and summer vibes, they also added a cranberry lemonade option. 

 

Try these Deep Fried Ribs and Waffles 

Move over chicken and waffles. We’re all about trying these deep fried ribs and waffles offered by The Gourmet Gallery, a new restaurant in South Main. Consider us there asap.

R&B Dinners and New Drink Menu Come to Cache42 

Every Tuesday night, Cach42 is hosting R&B Dinners beginning at 7 p.m. They’ll be playing your favorite R&B songs while you eat. Specials will include $5 lemon drops, apps, and strawberry Hennessy plus $25 hookah. Beginning this week, Cache42 is also introducing a new drink menu. Sneak peek here. 

Their posts don’t let us embed them but here are the details for the R&B dinners. 

Don’t Overspend for Lunch with this StickEM Kabobs Deal 

Have you ever gone out to grab a quick lunch and accidentally spent $20-$30? Us, too often. StickEM, a Midtown spot that specializes in kabobs, has a great daily special where you can get two sides and two kabobs for just $10. Available daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.


10/21 UPDATE:

Shuck It Mondays Come to Green Beetle 

For oyster lovers, head to Green Beetle for Shuck It Mondays. Every Monday, the Beetle will have ½ dozen oysters for $9.99 plus $5 Memphis drafts. Begins every Monday at 4 p.m.

WKND Hang Suite Gets Major Makeover 

 “The Re:Birth of Cool” as they’re calling it. WKND Hang Suite has made some major changes and improvements from a new patio courtyard, a facelift in the main room, new food items, hookah flavors, happy hours, and a new bottomless Sunday brunch. Sunday brunch is $50 with endless brunch and mimosas with special guest DJs every week. 

Here is their most recent Instagram post for details.
 

Belle Meade Offers Thursday Night Football Deal 

Have you seen the Belle Meade bar? It’s huge! Perfect for watching football. Every Thursday night, in honor of Thursday Night Football, Belle Meade is offering the Belle Meade burger and a cold draft pint for only $15. The deal is available until halftime of the game and is limited to the bar side of the restaurant.

Grab $5 Burgers at Farm Burger 

Speaking of burgers, Farm Burger is offering a burger deal every Wednesday where you can build your own burger for just $5. This deal is available from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Build your own burgers come with three toppings.

The Perfect Cocktail for Pickle Lovers 

Pickles seem to be one of those flavors that you can either be meh about or really, really love. On the love side? Check out this fun pickle cocktail at The Liquor Store called the Einstein.

Sip on a Halloween Mimosa Flight 

Eggxactly Breakfast & Deli offers super cute mimosa flights and now they have a special one getting folks into the Halloween spirit. Their BOO-zy Mimosa Fright Flight (nailed the name) features four flavors: Jack-O-Lantern, Haunted Harvest, Pumpkin Patch, and Blood moon. They also have two new cocktails for the month, Goblin’s Gold and Love Spell.

Pizzas are BACK at Bar Hustle

I’m seriously excited for this news. Bar Hustle has finally added pizzas back to their menu. If you didn’t try them back in the day, they’re seriously tasty Detroit style. You can even build your own pizza with up to 5 toppings! Available daily from 5pm to 10pm.⁠ Available for to-go too.

Another Spot Adds Smashburgers to the Mix 

A full guide to smashburger is on the way because we have so many options now! My belly thanks every single establishment. ECCO is the latest to add smashburgers to the menu and it looks absolutely delicious. This smashburger is made with a Wagyu beef patty smothered in caramelized onions, American cheese, special sauce, and topped with crisp romaine.

New Eats at FedExForum 

The Grizzlies regular season is upon us (first home game is Oct. 26!). Ahead of the season, FedExForum introduced quite a few new changes in the arena from countless grab and go self checkout sections (including a new self-grab food court), Coca-Cola being the new soda brand (hello Diet Coke!!), Tacos-n-gnanas, Chick-fil-a, and more. Catch this reel for some of the new spots to check out.

Commissary BBQ Offers One Heck of a Lunch Special 

This likely isn’t new but it’s one of those new to me so it may also be new to some of you! I just found out per Instagram, that Commissary offers a $8.95 carry out lunch special where you can choose between four sandwiches and comes with one side and large drink. It is carry out only and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. What a steal of a price!


10/07 UPDATE:

Sip on Cider Floats and Slushies at Jones Orchard 

I somehow missed this highly anticipated post (for me) but caramel cider floats and cider slushies are officially back at Jones Orchard! Both are topped with a donut. This is only available at the 7170 Highway 51 location. They also have soft serve in vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin spice, and coffee flavors.

Magnolia & May gets a Spooky Makeover 

Magnolia & May is getting into the spirit of Halloween. They’ve dropped teasers on Instagram of Halloween decor around the restaurant and festival cocktails like a skull shot and a cocktail with a shot of something very green. What’s being offered? You’ll have to visit to find out! They’re also hosting a trunk-or-treat on October 13 and a Hall-O-Wine dinner on October 16.

Have a Halloween-themed Macaron at Sift Bakery 

Let’s keep it spooky here. Sift Bakery has some fun new additions for Halloween. I am obsessed with these pink ghost macarons filled with oreo. They also have candy corn macarons. Candy corn does not get the love and respect it deserves. Sift is super tasty! Highly recommend the trip if you haven’t visited yet.

New Menu and Early Bird Specials Return to Sekisui Midtown 

There’s a lot to choose from on Sekisui menu. I personally want to get my hands on the spicy tuna crispy eggplant. In addition to new menu items, they have brought back their early bird specials. If you like to eat earlier than later–this is a good deal. It runs Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Everything is $13.95 and served with soup and salad: chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura, two sushi roll combos, and a sushi and nigiri combo.

Paulette’s Celebrates 50 Years with Weekly Specials 

For the month of October, Paulette’s will celebrate with five weeks of special menus in honor of their 50th anniversary. Happy 5-0, Paulette’s!! The menus will feature beloved dishes over the years. Each week will offer a three course dinner with options to choose from. See the menu for each week here.


9/30 UPDATE:

Cameo’s Halloween Pop-Up Returns this Week! 

A biased statement but THIS is the best Halloween pop-up done by any bar in Memphis. Cameo’s Nightmare on Union Avenue Halloween Pop-Up returns October 1 and runs all month long. They take the decor and drink menu seriously from the alien blood jello shot syringe and espresso martini blood bags. Throughout the month they’ll have a variety of events from spooky DJ nights, Rocky Horror Picture Show night, and more. Take a peek at our reel from last year to get an idea.

New Fall Cocktail Lineup at Swamp Bar 

Speaking of spooky.. All of the new cocktails at Swamp Bar are $13. We can’t speak highly enough of what Chef Kelly English has done with this cool and always evolving space which also just happens to have one of the best happy hours. Anyways, back to the drinks. These are some seriously fun additions to the menu. We’ll start with the Basic Witches Brew (bacon 8yr rum, rivulet pecan liqueur, espresso, vanilla syrup, pumpkin whip.) Click the post below to see all the new drinks.

Cafe India Reduces Prices on Buffet Options 

One of the largest, if not largest, Indian buffets in the city offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at a serious value. Weekdays the buffett offers 25+ food options for $14.99 with weekends costing $17.99 for 35+ options. It won’t let me embed their Instagram post, so click here to see! 

graphic of new buffet prices

Mary’s B.O.T.E. Introduces New Happy Hour 

Memphis’ official tiki bar now has a (pretty dang good) happy hour menu! Happy hour will be offered on Sundays and Tuesday through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Drink specials will cost $6-$8 for bahama mama, dark & stormy, margarita, and more. They’ll also offer a B.O.T.E. Combo Meal for $12 which includes a well daiquiri, pizza, and chips. Here is their Instagram post with the menu.

happy hour menu at Mary's B.O.T.E.

Prime Night With a Side of Football

Every Thursday night is Prime Rib night at Green Beetle in South Main. For $25.99 you can get a 12 ounce prime rib with a baked potato and side salad. Enjoy while watching Thursday Night Football or with one of their $7 Old Dominick Whiskey Sours. Begins at 5 p.m.

 


9/23 UPDATE:

City & State Fall Menu is Here! 

One of the best lineup of fall inspired coffee and drink concoctions in the city can be at City & State–which begins today (Monday!). This year’s menu includes favorites like Lumberjack and The Raven–I love this activated charcoal with rosemary drink so much. A fun one I’ll be trying first is the Strange Brew with houjicha, ube, pumpkin spice, ginger, and milk. Also, just enjoy this beautifully curated post below highlighting each drink.

Order a Creepy Cake from Prima’s 

I always love the holiday themed treats Prima’s puts together. If you’re feeling spooky, order one of their creepy cakes which are now available. There’s the fan-favorite Jack cake (below), a spooky skull cheesecake, and my personal favorite–the sugar skull cake & cookies. Their Halloween menu includes Bride of Frankenstein cookies, a grazing board, a spooky cookie decorating kit, and more.

Soft Serve with a side of bagels? 

Soft serve is the latest new addition to the menu at Hive Bagel & Deli. It’s served with local honey for a light treat. Only Hive can get me excited about soft serve in this way because everything they touch is chef's kiss

Bardog Offers Law School Deals 

Given its proximity to the U of M Law building, we expect students will happily take up this deal. Law students can get 15% off lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. plus $3 PBRs and $5 wells on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to midnight. This deal is good only in Bardog’s Underdog (downstairs.

Staks Kitchen is the latest to join the Smashburger Gang

If you have been following this weekly blog, you’ve likely seen my love of tracking new smashburger additions across the city. This new option from Staks is unlike any other in the city, opting for a breakfast inspired smashburger complete with hashbrowns, fried egg, and bacon.


9/16 UPDATE:

Fall Cocktails Available Now at Cameo 

Cameo is one of my favorite cocktail bars in the city and I always get excited for their new menus. I’ll be popping in soon to try out a few of their new fall inspired cocktails–always paired with clever names. Check out the new menu below. The Panic! At The Minivan, Mississippi Highway Turkey, and Suspiciously Chill will be first on my ordering list.

Get a Wafflesticle Sundae at Dipsticle 

There is a sundae unlike anything you’ve seen at Dipsticle and I finally had the opportunity to try it. This is such a fun dessert pairing and one you can and should share. One of Dipsticle’s specialties is dipped “waffsticles” aka delicious waffles on a stick in an assortment of flavors. For the sundae, they take it up a notch with adding scooped icecream, drizzle, and toppings.

Capital Grille Brings Back Wagyu & Wine Deal 

“Been waiting for this to return for years” is just one of the comments on the post announcing the return of this deal which offers both a comfort and elegance factor. The Capital Grille has reintroduced this deal through Nov. 1, where you can get gourmet burgers made from Waygu beef and a glass of Duckhorn Wine for $35. This deal is available in their lounge.

Ghost River Expansion Adds Kitchen Space

Over the weekend, I had a chance to check out Ghost River Brewing’s expansion grand opening party at their OG taproom on South Main. If you missed the news, they have a new building, bar, and covered stage which now affords them the ability to serve liquor and their own food. A familiar name is behind the menu too. If you were also upset to hear about the closing of New Wing Guru, you may be delighted to hear former owner Jesse McDonald is now leading the Ghost River kitchen. I didn’t have a chance to grab a bite but the menu does include wings and some of their iconic flavors. Check out the menu below!

Shroomlicious Starts Fish Fry Fridays 

For all our vegan eaters, fish fry Fridays can still be enjoyed. Shroomlicious Meals now offers Fish Fry Fridays where you can get a basket of vegan catfish bites served with their signature sweet chili and slaw. I’m fairly certain that the vegan substitute is using mushrooms given many of their dishes use mushrooms. One of our favorite vegan spots in the M!


9/9 UPDATE:

The Wizarding Experience Returns to JoJo’s Espresso 

This Friday, September 13, JoJo’s Espresso will have a Harry Potter-inspired makeover from the decor to the coffee connotations. We went last year (check out the reel we did) and we were thoroughly impressed with the details and effort put into it. Excited to see how they do it for year two. Get a butterscotch latte and an apple cider donut from Palmer House Bakery.

BarWare Gets Sporty and Now Opens for Lunch on Saturday 

BarWare is known for their cocktails but they’re hoping to tempt sports fans to come inside. They’ll start to play football games on their projector and offer drink specials (unclear what those specials are at the moment). More news from BarWare, they’re now open on Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. Perfect timing to enjoy their bloody marys, mimosas, and patio grilling!

Frost Bake Shop Rolls Out Pumpkin Flavors 

If you’re like me and are itching for fall and fall flavors–you’re in luck. Fall has come to Frost Bake Shop in the form of their pumpkin inspired new menu items. They’ve added pumpkin cupcakes, gooey pumpkin bars, and pumpkin cakes.

Try a Churro at Global Cafe 

One of our favorite Memphis restaurants has added churros to the menu and my only thought is what took them so long!? These look so good. The churros at Global Cafe are served with a side of sweetened Lechera milk and chocolate fudge

Grind City Brewing Co. Adds New Canned Beer 

A new canned beer has hit the taproom and soon store shelves. Gator Patrol is the latest beer to be canned from the Grind City arsenal. It’s a tasty sounding tangerine cream sour. Can’t wait to give this one a try!


8/26 Update:

Bog & Barley Introduces “Emerald Eats” Bar Specials 

Enjoy a new set of bar specials at Bog & Barley from 2:30-5:30 on weekdays. Drink specials include a $10 old fashion of the day, $5 Guinness and Auld Bog (Soul & Spirits Irish stout). Plus, n/a options like French Bloom Le Blanc Champagne for $10 and a $8 mocktail. The Emerald Eats menu, as it's dubbed, also has discounted small plates like Scottish salmon cakes for $8. See full menu below!

Monday Deals at Tekila on Union 

Mondays are often slow for the restaurant biz. Tekila on Union is trying to change that with their weekly Monday deals that include two for one margaritas, free cheese dip, $5 off lunch (dine-in only), and $3 off any Tekilogia drinks. This place is an experience so if you haven’t been–these deals are the perfect reason to give it a visit.

South Main to Host a 901 Day Cocktail Contest for Trolley Night 

Sample all the delicious cocktails South Main has to offer at the South Main Association’s upcoming 901 Day Cocktail Contest. Participating bars include The Lobbyist, Slider Inn, Arcade, South Main Sushi, Fat Tuesday, Rumba Room, Caption by Hyatt, Bar Hustle, and Hyatt Centric. Free for SMA members. If you’re not a SMA member, tickets are $9.01 per person.

One11 Madison adds happy hour where you pay what time it is 

At One11 Madison, Wednesdays now mean all-night happy hour and the time you visit determines the cost of your drink. Each hour features a new deal corresponding to the time for that hour. At 4 p.m., tequila is $4. 5 p.m. means $5 green tea shows, $6 margaritas at 6 p.m. and $7 whisky sours at 7 p.m. Additional deals include cocktails from $8-$12 and $10 food specials. Details here!

Hot-n-Heavy Dogs Returns to Downtown 

Hot-n-Heavy Dogs is a mobile hot dog stand that was once a staple in the downtown area pre-COVID. Last week, they set back up where it all started to a warm welcome back from longtime fans. Hot-n-Heavy specializes in Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis style dogs using all beef Nathan’s Hot Dogs and the most delicious fresh baked Challah Buns from Ricki’s Cookie Corner. Find them every Tuesday at the corner of Main St. and Union Ave. from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.


8/19 UPDATE:

 

By The Brewery is Hiding $15 Gift Certificates 

The hunt is on! By The Brewery is following a recent trend of hiding money around the city for others to find–this time in the form of $15 certificates! You may be the next lucky one to snag one of the gift certificates if you’re following them on Instagram. They’ll be sharing clues ahead of each drop and in case you’re not familiar with them, By The Brewery is a delicious breakfast and lunch spot at the Tennessee Brewery in South Main. We love their biscuits!


Have a Private Coffee Tasting at Aldar Cafe 

Here’s a fun group outing to learn all about the origins of coffee all the way from Yemen to the 901. Aldar Cafe, a Yemeni coffee shop and bakery on Summer Ave., is now offering private coffee tastings for groups of five and more. During this informative session, you’ll try more than five of their beverages and pastries. Only costs $10 per person! Schedule your private coffee tasting.

Dipsticle Adds Kunafa-Filled Gelato 

We’ve been craving kunafa ever since our visit to Petra Pastry. So we will be eager to get over to to Dipsticle Artisan Gelato Café, They specialize in Italian gelato and sorbets on a stick. Dipsticle is always adding fun new flavors and creations and this one really is speaking to our stomachs. They just started offering a pistachio gelato filled with kunafa. Yum! What’s kunafa? It’s a popular Middle Eastern pastry with sweet cheese. Super tasty!

French Truck Coffee Offers Back-To-School Promotion 

From now through August 23rd, French Truck Coffee will offer a special 15% discount on all drinks for students and teachers. It’s their way of supporting teachers as students with the start of the school year. Available at all locations. Just show your school ID to take advantage of the deal!

 

Enjoy a Filet Mignon Sandwich at Restaurant Iris

When Kelly English posts a video of him eating, you just have to share it. In said video, Kelly shared that at Restaurant Iris you can now enjoy a filet mignon sandwich with fries every Sunday night for $25. The filet mignon sandwiches are served with chimichurri mayo, arugula, and caramelized onions on a ciabatta bun. Enjoy the video of Kelly eating btw. :)

About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

Chocolate Fondue Date Night at Greys Fine Cheeses 

With cheese fondue already available at Greys Fine Cheeses, they’ll soon add a new date night option with chocolate fondue. Available starting the first week of December, you’ll be able to reserve this sweet treat from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner only. Reservations are required.

Hampline Brewery Gets Doughy

After adding a especially crafted forno piombo wood-fired oven, Hampline has now rolled out its Orsoza! Pizza menu. I was lucky enough to visit Hampline recently when they were handing out free pizzas to try. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. We had a traditional margarita pizza but the menu features so many more fun options. The Big Sur with brie, mozzarella, fig, pear, prosciutto, pear, arugula salad, with balsamic drizzle is just one example. Pizzas will be available every Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9pm. 

Tonica Adds 10 New Menu Items 

The new menu expansion at Tonica Tapas & Cocktails features ten new dishes from tapas to larger portion entrees. They also added new cocktails! A few of the new food items include whipped ricotta, red fish and gumbo, fried calamari, and a farro salad. Edible Memphis has a great post featuring them here. 

McRib Lovers will Love Magnolia & May’s New Sandwich 

I must confess that I have never tried a McRib. I don’t know that I ever will now with this new sandwich from Magnolia & May. The MagRib, as they’ve dubbed it, is a hefty sammy with Home Place Pastures beef short rib, pickles, onion, and Alabama white BBQ sauce. I neeeeeed it.

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