I’m putting together a list of Downtown favorites for Memphis in May. What are your top picks? I’m also doing a roundup of barbecue joints around town for BBQ weekend, and the blogger who created the Google map will finally be revealed…
Let's eat
Responses to “Downtown dining”
April 27th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Spindini, Circa, Encore
All have good to really great food, happening bars and excellent people watching–usually a who’s who of Memphis.
April 27th, 2008 at 9:34 am
i don’t really care who is who but i know what.. Bluefin’s sushi bar blows everyone downtown away…period
April 27th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Big Foot Lodge for poutine, that fine French Canadian dish. And Rum Boogie Cafe for their gumbo.
April 28th, 2008 at 8:29 am
On Beale with a group of frinds after a long day of beer drinking at the fest?
Hit Beale for pulled pork at Pig on Beale, red beans & rice at Rum Boogie Cafe, and/or the roast beef po boy at King’s Palace Cafe.
Are you sober, with the family and starving?
Go to Papa Pia’s on Union. Great Italian restaurant and many of the dishes are available “family-style.” This is also a great place to people watch as they have huge windows in the front.
Have a hot date and hunger for a great steak after a long day of festival food?
Go to Mesquite Chop House on Union. Order anything as it is all good. The prime rib pizza is a great way to start. A prime filet is the best way to end.
April 28th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Let’s not forget about Majestic Grille, Stella, McEwens, Lolos Table, Cafe 61 and Automatic Slims. Whatever the jerk of the day is at Slims will be wonderful. You absolutely can’t beat the crawfish mac and cheese @ Cafe 61. Love the dessert shots @ Majestic and can’t wait to check out their new amenities.
April 28th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I can’t believe I forgot to include Itta Bena. I live for their filet bites and their lettuce wedge with blue cheese and bacon. And Blues City Cafe is great for a crowd. We always order the sirloin steak served family style.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Okay, exactly what is poutine? It doesn’t sound like something we may want to eat? 
April 28th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Spindini is my favorite in town! It has great food and great atmosphere! Try it!!
April 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Automatic Slim’s and Sauces would be my top downtown picks. Circa and Texas de Brazil are also great when I’m in the mood for something fancier (or ravenously hungry for steak in the case of the latter).
April 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Movie & Pizza Company on Mud Island. Good pie, cold beer, great atmosphere! You could eat there then walk over the bridge and catch the trolley to Tom Lee Park–no traffic headaches!
April 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
As an “islander”, we are drawn to Flying Fish and the Majestic with our daughters (great on the “patio”), but I love the atmosphere, service and food at Itta Bena, the Inn at Hunt Phelan (for very special occasions) and Felecia Suzanne’s.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Circa for fine dining and wines.
Flying Fish and Auto Slims for casual fun.
Texas de B for touristy pleasures
Viva Downtown Memphis!
April 29th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I also vote for McEwen’s & The Inn at Hunt Phelan. I’m glad to know about the poutine because I’ve been wanting to try cheese curds somewhere.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Great (these can’t be beat, everything is great):
Encore, The Inn at Hunt Phelan, Automatic Slims, Pearl’s
Good (nice for any occasion, never a let down):
Rio Loco, Blue Fin, Flying Fish, Sauces
Skip (over-rated, not worth it)
Papa Pia, Mesquite Chop House, Spinidini, Circa
April 30th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Is no one going to lambast Smitty for a pure advertisement plug? All the restaurants he named have the same owners… interesting.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Why not keep these blogs upbeat and positive? The whole blog has been so much nicer for a while now. Jennifer asked to list your favorites, not spend your time being nasty and contrary. Leave that to the political blogs. This is not a scientific poll. Let’s show some class and decency.:)
And as for me, I like Gus’ chicken. Tourists for Memphis in May are looking for cheap, good food. What about a blog devoted to the best “fair” kind of food–you know, the food sold in trailers on the riverfront? Some of it is quite yummy! And hot wings!!!???? Have you done a best of for that?
April 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I saw several people name the Inn at Hunt Phelan, and wondered if it’s usually packed? The one time I tried to eat there I gave up after being bumped into and stepped on a few times too many while waiting in the overcrowded and noisy bar. But I’ve heard good things about the food, and if that was an atypically busy night it might be worth trying again.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I know this could be blasphemy, but I like the fried chicken at Miss Polly’s on Beale much better than Gus’, and their menu is more varied with better sides.
For a nice restaurant, I love Stella, Itta Bena, and EP’s. A little off the downtown core, but Mollie Fontaine Lounge is great for small plates and cocktails.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am
Cayenne Moon for cajun - best bread pudding in town
Silky’s for dry ribs
Sauces - crab cakes and seafood
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 am
Cheesecake Corner is phenomenal. Try the quiche too which is equally outstanding.
Arcade is a must for breakfast/brunch.
And since E&H is serving soul burger’s for lunch, I’ll include them too!
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Matt, we went to The Inn at Hunt Phelan for Sunday brunch & got reservations on one day’s notice. Of course, it’s probably a lot more popular this time of year & in summer when people can get out on the patio. The food and service were both really good & the server offered to take pictures of our group since we had people together from different cities. I haven’t been at night but I wouldn’t enjoy the experience you described either.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Majestic, Encore, Blue Fin-for great sushi and trendy atmosphere. So many places to eat-so little time (and $)
May 12th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
The Little Tea Shop. Great corbread! You fill out your menu like a lotto card and…poof! Out comes great southern food.
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