We all have our favorite breakfast joints from back when–I was a Ferguson’s devotee. Most of us love Brother Juniper’s, and some are lucky enough to know that the Shelby Forest General Store does a mean fry-up if you’re willing to make the drive. But where else? Where’s the best breakfast in and around town?
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Responses to “Best breakfast”
March 24th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Buns on the Run and Cafe Eclectic are my favorites in Midtown. La Espiga at Summer and Graham used to have a really great Mexican breakfast menu, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been there.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:17 am
You know, I lived across the street from Brother Juniper’s for an entire year…and never was able to eat there as the wait was too long. Instead I found myself driving back to a familiar breakfast place, the Pancake Shop on Summer Avenue. It’s not fancy or trendy or hipster-cool, and I’ve never had a bad plate of food there. It’s also home to the best french toast and apple pancakes I’ve ever had…anywhere.
If I’m off work during the week and able to make a later morning stop, I often visit any one of my local Mexican restaurants for breakfast. Nearly all serve traditional breakfast dishes, but they usually don’t open until 8:00 a.m. or later.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Amy, the best part about Barksdales, locate on Cooper south of Union, is the quality of the food. Nothing pretentious, just really, really good breakfast food. Reasonable prices, now if I could just get them to carry rye toast.
Juniper’s is also a great place for breakfast. The “Spankolopitis” (Johnathan, please forgive the spelling) is a delight. Filling is fresh spinach with feta cheese.
I have been told that the “Garden and the Lamb” omelette is even better. It has not only the spinach and the feta, but gyros meet. I was going to try it yesterday, but Junipers, as I am proud to say were a large number of other restaurants, were closed for Easter.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I like Half Shelll for their brunch. But, I love the new resturant down in Harbor Town called Tugs. Love it!!
March 24th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Bro. Juniper’s, the best bacon and home fries available in the city. I will happily wait in line any day.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I don’t understand peoples obsession with Bro. Junipers. I know the biscuits are whole wheat, but they are always incredibly heavy, and nearly almost cold, in my honest opinion, the omeletes and other dishes are mearly “ok”. I agree with Barksdales, and especially La Espiga, it is always top notch.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
1. Bryants
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10. My House
11. Bro Junipers
Yet to try Espiga or Cafe Eclectic. The latter’s menu looks great.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Juniper’s and Buns on the Run tied for first, then Bryant’s, and the Pancake Shop on Summer (next to the old Market Basket).
However, the Arcade serves a wonderful plate of Country Ham with Redeye Gravy that is not to be missed, also.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I see all the Bryant’s recommends……I just figured it goes without saying 
I just wish it was open on Sunday. It’s within walking distance, which is helpful for weekday mornings when the parking lot is slam-packed and the line stretches around the entire length of the restaurant.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Love Bryant’s & Buns on the Run.
Bayou Bar & Grill has a great Sunday brunch with an Eggs Benedict with Fried Oysters. Their grits are amazing, too!
March 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
The Beauty Shop has a pretty good brunch menu, I used to eat there fairly often on Sunday mornings. The Half Shell was a bit far from me to travel to for breakfast, but the Sunday brunch was tasty there too. Yia Yia’s is more varied (and expensive), but I rarely feel like getting dressed up Sunday mornings and it’s a little too dressy to go to in casual wear.
La Baguette is good if you feel like eating pastries—they have a pretty wide selection.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
On the subject of brunch, I can heartily recommend the Sunday brunch at Southland Greyhound Park. The chef there has spent many months tweaking the menu, and they offer a great selection of well prepared breakfast items. And although I’m not usually a fan of Bosco’s, they, too have a good Sunday brunch. Plus, there’s Paulette’s, where I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad meal, brunch, lunch or dinner.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I’ve had consistantly good breakfast food from the Blue Plate Cafe on Hwy 64. The pancakes there are more like flapjacks than the puffier ones at their Poplar location. I’ve probably been there 20 times in the past year my friends and I have always been pleased (plus no wait on a Sunday morning at 11 can’t be beat!)
I do like the Pancake Shop on Summer too!
March 24th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
My vote for best Eggs Benedict would definitely go to Paulette’s, with The Peabody’s coming in a close second. But does anyone out there remember the “Country” Eggs Benedict served at Ferguson’s Cafe? It was a biscuit with a poached egg, country ham, and gravy…oh, those memories!!!
March 24th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
1.Pancake Shop on Summer
2. Barksdale
3. Cracker Barrel
4. Brother Juniper
5. Ham biscuit from Canale’s
6. Blue Plate
March 24th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
1. Bryant’s Breakfast
2. Barksdale
3. Blue Plate
Brother Juniper’s is way over rated and over priced, and their biscuits are not ones I would recommend. I know this place has a reputation, but I think it is just because of the university-midtown crowd. Bryant’s rocks, with Barksdale and Blue Plate a good second choice. I also like Cracker Barrel for pancakes. Also, Buns on the Run is a good choice if in the midtown area.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I also have to go with barksdales. The good mornin breakfast is one of the best deals in memphis and a place where folks don’t even look up if you happen to come in with pajama pants on, which was common attire for myself and friends during college.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Anyone have any recommendations in the Hickory Hill/Southwind area? Casual breakfast on weekdays? I usually end up eating at Cracker Barrel and for some reason the food there always makes me feel bad the entire rest of the day… I’m guessing dough conditioner, or some similar product that real people don’t usually put in food.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I agree that Junipers is overrated. It’s way different, which probably is why it gets the press, but it under achieves.
Anne brings up pancakes. I know it’s a chain, but nobody has better pancakes than Perkins.
For good ole biscuits and eggs - Bryants.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Perhaps this is not the appropriate forum, but the talk of Ferguson’s brings up a concern of mine. Let’s ask Ms. Biggs to write about what leads to the downfall of restaurants that have been institutions in Memphis, like Ferguson’s and Buntyn’s. It is not for lack of customers that these fell by the wayside. Owners of such places should have a sense of what their businesses contribute to the uniqueness of the community (imagine downtown without Rendezvous). Perhaps if this is realized, less ill-conceived attempts at expansion (such as Buntyn in Collierville, which served frozen yeast rolls on occasion) will occur at the expense of the overall business.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Buns on the Run for vegetarian gravy & biscuits…where else in Memphis can you find this? Could use a bit more spice, but, believe me, I’m not complaining….a miracle in Memphis.
Brother Juniper’s for a veg. friendly menu. Excellent biscuits and the home fries and any omelet combination make a morning meal complete. Plus, the memories….
Barksdales is consistently good and several options.
Want an experience on-par with Mel’s Dinner (that is, feisty, experienced dinner waitresses? Go to Waffle House in Southaven. They still smother, dice, etc. hashbrowns, but will also create custom-ordered omelets with a more than mildly amusing, jovial attitude.
And, salsa is considered a condiment at each booth.
For those who like to eat breakfast/ brunch til the late afternoon on weekends (and have a screwdriver, bloody mary or even a beer), have any great suggestions?
March 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Rockett, try the Brushmark at the Brooks Museum. Great Sunday Brunch menu that changes every week. Very creative menu items and you can get a bloody, mimosa, or screwdriver too. Plus you can’t beat sitting on the terrace overlooking the park in this beautiful weather.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
OOOOOO you mentioned Canale’s….I used to eat there for lunch as a kid 15 years ago when that was in the middle of nowhere are they still open? And has the Half Shell not priced themselves out, they got new fancy menus and alot steeper prices but the food is still good but the same food its been for 5 years
March 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Barksdale, Cracker Barrel, Bryant’s, Brother Juniper’s & Blue Plate. I ate breakfast at Brother Juniper’s on a recent Friday & it wasn’t up to par, other than the four-cheese grits. I had great expectations about breakfast at The Cupboard, but the service was very slow when I went in February. I would definitely stay away from the eggs Benedict at Blue Plate on Stage. The hollandaise sauce tasted like it was made with powdered mix & it was awful. But their biscuits & sawmill gravy are a real treat.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am
wait a sec. aren’t there a raft of differences, philosophical and material, between breakfast and brunch? let’s not confuse the issues.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am
FK, I agree wholeheartedly. Brunch is a completely separate issue altogether.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I had a great brunch at Brother Juniper’s on Saturday and the three of us only had a 10 minute wait. However, I was a little surprised at the extra charge of 25 cents per egg for egg beaters.
King Biscuit Diner on Dexter Road in Cordova serves an awesome breakfast - love their virtually grease free omelets with a broader choice of fillings including Brie, steak, sausage, cured salmon, and the option of ordering an egg white omelet. I usually ask for fruit instead of toast and always get a generous serving of fresh, appealing looking produce. I also have to register a rave about the Apple stuffed French toast - talk about the ultimate comfort food!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Something I thought was rather unappetizing happened at Brother Juniper’s. My friend ordered poached eggs & I didn’t hear her ask for them separate from her other food. But it was a good thing they were delivered that way. They were served in a small bowl & she had to pour water off them into a saucer because they were actually drippy. Thankfully I ordered an omelet so I didn’t have that situation.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’m seeing a few Buns on the Run answers. I have been intrigued by that place for a while. I though it was just a bakery.
Are they generally busy on weekend mornings? I quit going to Brother Junipers’s because it was always so crowded.
Does Buns on the Run do lunch also?
March 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
The Minit Stop a the corner of Bartlett Rd. and Pleasant View. Homemade biscuits, biscuits and gravy, chicken egg and cheese sandwiches, BLTs… you name it.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Old Time Barbecue in Olive Branch — Three Pigs on Park — Bryant’s on Summer — Buns on the Run
March 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Old Time Barbecue in Olive Branch…that’s interesting.
Must be a rule that a ‘Q place that doesn’t have very good ‘Q must have an amazing breakfast.
(See also “Bryants”)
March 25th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Janine:
FYI, Bryant’s hasn’t served barbeque in over 4 years. Aside from their terrific homemade biscuits, they have awesome plate lunches.
Also, I forgot to add King Biscuit to my previous reply. They have great french toast and breakfast, especially on Sundays!
March 25th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Buns on the Run for lunch is WONDERFUL, but they only do it Tuesday thru Friday, Saturday is breakfast only.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Norma and Sandy reminded me of King Buscuit Diner. I didn’t mention them in my earlier post. How could I forget? The granola, fruit, and yogurt is reminiscent of the breakfast staple in Switzerland. Mrs. ProfDave’s favorite. I do for the more tradtional buscuits et. al. My only complaint is those HUGE coffee cups. So wide the coffee gets cold fast.
March 26th, 2008 at 7:20 am
The Q at Old Time Barbeque in Olive Branch is outstanding! It also is a great breakfast hangout for the locals with great Southern breakfast items. I also like the Half Shell breakfast and Bryant’s on Summer.
March 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
dude the sausage and egg biscuit w/ cheese at the exxon tiger mart on poplar and highland..gotta get there when they fresh or they tend to gets a bit tough. but you can always wash it down with a knaughty forty
March 26th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Shag, I agree! You have to try the sausage and egg sandwich at the circle k across from Neils. Plus, you can get it togo have a beer at neils. Neils has great ambiance to enjoy that mmmmmmmm great tasty premade and defrosted tasty goodness!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Bryant’s definitely the best overall BUT if you’re looking for the best Waffle head to CK’s especially the one on Poplar & Evergreen; The Waitress/Cook “Ultra” gets the food out while it’s still sizzling and the juke box has some good “Soul Music”!
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