Tastes of Summer (Ave): A First-Day-of-Summer Food Tour
On the first day of summer, we explored one of Memphis’s most diverse food corridors that is Summer Ave. to find a few new gems.
On the first day of summer, we explored one of Memphis’s most diverse food corridors that is Summer Ave. to find a few new gems.
Summer Ave. is one of the most diverse making it a treasure trove of restaurants and hidden gems. Most Memphians should know the key hitters; Bryant’s, RYU, Nagaosiki Inn, Chinese Sub Shop, La Michocana, La Guadalupna, Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant and more.
All spots we highly recommend but we wanted to set out to visit spots we’ve never been to so here’s where we went!
Aldar Cafe
One of the newer spots along Summer Ave., Aldar Cafe is a yemen coffee and tea shop. It has a much more modern feel than most spots along the street. The all day Arabic Breakfast is a must order for only $10. The red tea that comes with it is so tasty. Beware it did come out so hot we didn’t get to drink it until we were at our next stop. Also recommend trying the Manoushe which is a Lebanese flat bread. They offer it in multiple topping flavors. You can also schedule a coffee tasting for $10 per person. A minimum of five people are required to book.
LOCATION:
4514 Summer Ave Suite 1, Memphis, TN 38122
Balqees Restaurant & Grill
An unassuming Yemeni and Arabic spot tucked in the same corner as Aldar Cafe so we naturally had to stop by. We were the only ones dining in for lunch and opted for the combination platter for $16 which is enough for two people who aren’t starving. The lamb, hummus, and beef koftka were all tasty!
LOCATION:
4514 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Dim Sum King
I was immediately struck by just how massive the dining space was. Dim Sum King serves Cantonese and Mandarin dishes. If I were to visit again, I’d spend more time planning my order in advance. The menu is extensive and we may have panic-ordered but for the price you can't go wrong loading up on orders. . I really enjoyed the soup dumplings and the egg tarts are interesting. Have a favorite on the menu? Let me know what we should have ordered instead. If you find yourself at the DMV next door, you can spend the overly long line wait time planning out your order.
LOCATION:
5266 Summer Ave #65, Memphis, TN 38122
Picosos
Possibly overshadowed by sharing a parking lot with Bryant’s and Nagosk is Picosos Mexican restaurant. We opted for three tacos (asada, pastor, and chorizo) and a steak burrito that all were more than appropriately priced. The burrito was HUGE. They make it easy to order to-go or they have a dining room. They serve Mexican breakfast too from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
LOCATION:
3937 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Jarochos Paleteria
We’ve always visited La Michoacana (which we love) but we were on the hunt for new spots which led us to this little gem. I ordered the Mangonada which I was then told is their most popular item. They have so many options from creamy or fruit paletas, waffle sundaes, and countless more concoctions. Heads up that the taco truck parked out front was not open at the time of our visit.
LOCATION:
4900 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Where do you love to eat on Summer? Whether it’s a hidden gem or a known fave, shout them out in the comments!
Check out all the spots in our latest reel!
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