Try Breakfast or Lunch In Binghampton At Inspire Community Cafe

Ed. Note: Contributor Veena has the latest on Binghampton's newest restaurant, Inspire Community Cafe, which opened in January 2019. All photos by Veena unless otherwise noted. As of November 2020, Inspire Community Cafe is open for socially-distanced dine-in and patio dining for Saturday brunch (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Sunday brunch (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.). They also offer takeout family meals for pre-order.

Hazel's Lucky Dice Delicatessen Brings A Jewish Style Deli To Cooper Young

Intimate late-night music venue Bar DKDC is now seeing the light of day with Karen Carrier's latest project—a Jewish style deli in the heart of Cooper Young. Hazel's, named after her mother, had a soft opening today in Cooper Young. Hazel's is open for lunch takeout only, every weekday. That's Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Comfort Food and Comforting Hugs at Alcenia's In The Pinch

Ed. Note: Alcenia's is OPEN for takeout only. Call ahead at 901-523-0200, place your order, then drop by and pick up the most delicious Southern soul food you've ever had.

Alcenia's Memphis Hours:

Tues. - Fri. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm some Saturdays (call ahead)


Alcenia's is a soul food restaurant in the Pinch District of downtown, and the owner, B.J., is just as famous for her hugs as she is her comfort food. I went for lunch yesterday with my coworkers and a friend.

Southern Cuisine and Breakfast For Dinner Downtown at King & Union Bar Grocery

Forget buckets of loaded potato skins for a suspiciously low price, because there's a new restaurant offering Southern flavor in the Doubletree Hotel downtown where TGI Friday's used to be! It's called King & Union. King & Union Bar Grocery is named for its address at the corner of Union Avenue and B.B. King aka Third Street downtown. It's right across from AutoZone Park, inside the Doubletree Hotel, which is open.

Where To Get A Cuban Sandwich In Memphis

National Cuban Sandwich Day is August 23! This food holiday is even more made-up than the usual made-up food holidays, but I think a sandwich with ham, pork, cheese, and pickles is worth celebrating anytime.

Never had one? An original Cuban sandwich is constructed with Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, but there are variations.

Found: A Meal at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

I'm not sure what I can say about Gus's that hasn't already been said at this point? It's a simple but beloved place, and while it's now a national chain, the original location was in Mason, Tennessee about an hour from downtown Memphis.

The second location is on Second Street downtown, and you'll usually find a long line, so be prepared to wait. The theme of the restaurant is Fried Things. Gus's has a handful of appetizers aka crispy-fried vegetables, slaw, baked beans, fries, white bread, desserts, more sides, and the main event: fried chicken.