The Most Flavorful Diners in Memphis

Webster's Food & Drink

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (44) • $$

"I'm not sure if people are just ordering the wrong thing, or what, but this 3 1/2 star average couldn't be more wrong. I went with 2 other people. I ordered the bacon-wrapped Quail, they ordered a shrimp salad and the thai shrimp tacos. My quail was exquisite - a delicious dish I think everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. I was also a big fan of their cheesy grits! My colleagues were just as impressed with their food, and, after polishing off a scrumptious mudpie dessert, we left as happy travelers. I definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling to MS, and hope I get another chance to travel (and eat) there."

Little Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.5 (11) • $

"Always enjoyed the food there. Quite original Great lunches and breakfast. Great waitress and staff. Always happy. Sometimes backed up. Highly recommended"

Mel's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (43) • $

"What a great stop for breakfast. It's off the main road but well worth the extra minute. We had the Flo special and it was great!! The best bacon I've ever had at a restaurant. The biscuits were so light they fell apart as I buttered them. The two of us ate for $20.00 which included coffee and water."

The Grill

★★★★★ 4.9 (7)

"Great place. Pretty much a foodie paradise. We stepped into town to partake in the Mississippi River marathon. Tonight's special was lobster Mac n Cheese. A bit too heavy for tomorrows race. I went with their salmon. The place was fully booked but had a high top bar table which did not require a reservation. Thank goodness we came early. Our hostess was helpful took separate checks and all our orders came out perfect. The only hiccup was it took about an hour for the food to come out. With all the orders I think the kitchen was swamped a little. Would have been nice to have some nuts or something to stave off the hunger but when the food arrived it was quickly scarfed down. No drinks but water for me, the salmon was perfect.This place has a rustic feel to it. Bar seating and tables. Classic brick wall interior. Open ambiance.Parking lot next door was convenient and free.They also have a to go delivery out back well marked in the parking lot."

Country Diner

★★★★☆ 3.8 (12) • $

"cash only. nearest atm is by the school hwy 48 marketWe have been here twice for take out. Everyone is pleasant enough. Although I did have an issue with the second time when I called in the order. Betty jo seemed so very nice our first visit. But her phone attitude comes across as annoyed or some may say it's rude. I am still confused on what the "chicken fried steak" is- I ordered it & once Home discovered it was chicken breast. I called & told her that my chicken fried steak was chicken. She says she'll make me a new one so my daughter goes to get it. Once Home with the new sandwich - it is again chicken. So I don't know if that's the way it's supposed to be or if it's supposed to be beef. I didn't call again to say anything. I will say the sweet tea is amazing. We actually suggested she sell it by the gallon jug. I will continue to go eat there. I would love to try more things. However I don't think I'll be calling in orders. Lol. I do wish they sold more "country" meals like fried chicken, roast beef, maybe a daily special that the same each week. I don't know. I e also had the hamburger steak with cheese & onions. It was really good."

The Nations Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (65) • $$

"My husband and I had driven by this place a hundred times before we finally stopped in. Yes, it is a dive bar but that is part of the charm. It's a great neighborhood spot without all of the bachelorette parties and tourist nonsense.Our bartender was super friendly. I can't remember his name but he called everyone "Buddy" and it cracked me up. Great service--he kept our drinks full and checked in on us throughout the night to make sure we were all good.We ordered the hot pretzel and a burger with tots. Best pretzel. That should have been my meal. The burger was good--not greasy, did not fall apart. The tots were delicious. I was definitely not expecting my food to be as great as it was. We will be back!"

City Diner

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Great ServiceStopped on a trip to my old family home area. And wanted a local meal. Breakfast was excellent. The severs and owners engaged in banter and good fellowship. Had the Hanna Omelet which Hanna made up and they added to the menu. Recommend it for a great meal off the interstate about 6 miles but well worth the trip"

Arcade Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (955) • $$

"Breakfast is the best! One of my fave all time joints, always go here when I'm through town. Thank you! Don't go a changin'!"

The Trusty Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (18)

"Trusty Diner is like eating with friends who are world class cooks!Lawton is imaginative and ambitious and it's always a treat to visit this sweet little place. And.. if you want favorites like sandwiches, roasted chicken and great soup, along with classic sides- he has got you covered. And finally- don't sleep on the desserts!Service is great too!!Don't miss out on this town treasure!"

Coby Jo's Diner

★★★★★ 4.8 (10)

"So the new trend in many of the southern cookhouses we experienced on this trip was to mega size the amount of food and ramp the price along with it. Coby Jos is an amazing example that good southern cooking in moderate proportions is not overly heavy. The prices are incredibly reasonable. The amount of food was perfection. A meat with three sides, a roll or cornbread, a drink and dessert for around $10. If you want some good old southern cooking in a reasonable portion and variety capped off by a reasonable price come on down. Breakfast is served but the deal of the day is the plate lunch. It's different every weekday and worth the trip. To be sure to get the plate lunch be there before 11:30."

Midway Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (36) • $

"Great food hot and fresh and service is excellent, very welcoming, a bit of a distance from home but worth the drive. Also love that they open early 5:30 AM."

E&B Bigger Burger

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8)

"The best BBQ in Batesville, for sure. You can even see the smoker they have out back, try finding that evidence at other BBQ places in the area. The size of the BBQ sandwich is astounding, each one having upwards of a 1/2 lb. of meat. The sauce isn't that great, but who cares because the meat is excellent. You can taste the time and smoke inside the meat. And the coleslaw is very good also. The staff are super friendly, despite the space looking rather bleak. I'd suggest this place to anyone from out of town or for anyone in Batesville wanting to support a local business. Any time I need a 'cue fix I'm coming here."

Ramon's

★★★★☆ 4.3 (23) • $$

"THE place to eat in Clarksdale. Not a huge menu because it does not have to be. Everything they make is outstanding! Best fried shrimp above Interstate 10 andLegendary onion rings. The crew there could not be any friendlier."

Route 64 Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (11)

"I'm doing this specifically for onion rings. These are the best rings I've ever had. Am I an onion ring aficionado? No. But I can say these were life changing. The batter wasn't too much, was too soft or too crunchy. The fry was perfect. Go here if for no other reason than the rings.Onion rings."

Wendell Smith's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (170) • $

"I always love a basic diner style restaurant. You can't go wrong with the no frills of Wendell Smith's. We went for a late breakfast. My wife had a starchy meal. Eggs with grits, potatoes and biscuits. Everything was excellent I had perfectly cooked eggs and the potatoes were very good, definitely get the onions on the potatoes If you are looking for trendy, this is not it If you are looking for good basic food with nice people, try this. I don't think you will be disappointed."

Zinnie's

★★★★☆ 3.8 (14) • $

"Well, you guessed it. It is a dive bar! But this place has a lot of memories for me, so I love it.You see, all of the cool kids in college used to hang out here back in my Rhodes days. And by cool kids I mean the frat guys. Cute frat guys. 12 years later and I'm still nostalgic about this place. And when I walked in their door last night, I was pleasantly surprised to find the cute boy I'm dating standing by the bar...just like old times. Yes, it is smokey. Yes, I wouldn't use the bathroom here. But this place has character, cheap drinks and awesome patrons. Oh, and the music. Love the music."

Kuntry Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (15) • $

"Always come there for the fried catfish and it was always good food and service, and close to our home."

Memaw's Country Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (4)

"Stuck in a corner of a busy truckstop, this clean and cozy little restaurant is offering up a range of familiar Southern comfort food in a meat and three style. Daily specials feature meat and vegetables cooked like your grandmother used to serve.Tried their country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, English peas and fried okra today and it was all very good. The homemade roll was exceptional. Will be back to try some of their other options including a nice breakfast menu served daily until 10:30 am."

Bryant's Breakfast

★★★★☆ 4.2 (342) • $$

"This breakfast will hit you harder than your mama on report card day, in a good way. Get ready for a happy tummy. Country ham biscuit a MUST."

JEM

★★★★★ 4.8 (13)

"Jem is a culinary haven that lives up to its promise of stripping away pretentiousness from fine dining. From the moment you step in, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity, a testament to the owners' vision.The menu is simply put a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted to tantalize every taste bud. Each dish is a masterpiece, reflecting the passion and skill of the chefs. Not a single bite disappoints; instead, each one leaves you craving more.The camaraderie between the owners shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience. It's evident that their friendship forms the backbone of Jem's launch. The employees even have benefits. Wow. In a city filled with dining options, Jem stands out as a beacon of excellence. It's not too soon to declare my love for this gem of a restaurant - I'm right there with you."

Smoky City BBQ

★★★★★ 4.6 (11)

"Amazing!!! Wow! This place is truly a hidden gem for us - but we are SO glad we found it. This is the place tourists should come to try for real Memphis/Southern/Soul Food because it is amazing, authentic and memorable. Prices are great and the service is wonderful. Thank you for giving your customers a really great experience. We will be back again soon, and probably many more times!"

West Street Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (109) • $

"This was typical diner food. It wasn't good and it wasn't bad. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, check them out. Husband was satisfied with his food. He has pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon. I had a biscuit, sausage and potatoes. Service was good. Price point it excellent."

Kokomo's 50's Diner

★★★★★ 4.7 (27) • $

"This friendly place has a great atmosphere. They've been around for the longest time. The food is great and the service is so welcoming."

Mona’s Diner

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (3)

"Great little breakfast spot! Friendly, fast service. Cute little place, plenty of seating and nice and clean. Good coffee and good made to order food. The server also informed us of a Fried Fish and Fried Chicken Buffets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She said the also have Dumplings, Okra, Mashed Potatoes and other sides on the buffet as well. She did mention on Sunday's the buffet was only open from 11am-2pm but I think Friday and Saturday it is open in the evening as well. They have a nice little menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I posted pics of you want to check them out. The only downside was the Gravy tasted packaged not fresh made and the biscuit was a bit dry. Otherwise I would've given it 5 stars! Give this little local Mom and Pop place a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed."

Santa Fe Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (13)

"What a charming place in the country. New to the area and found this local gem. The menu is simple and it's a no frills diner. But the food was delicious. If you want bacon and eggs at a working man's price, come here. Very homemade. The gals there are very down to earth and served us promptly."

Gold Rush Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.2 (208) • $$

"The food was fantastic. Lots of food for a reasonable price. I had great service and frequent coffee refills. My only complaint is that the menu I was given was so badly faded that you literally couldn't read some of the words. They really need to buy new menus."

Blue and White Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (23) • $

"Very small, cute decorated (with royal blue and white tiles on walls of dinning room and also in restrooms. Waitress came rite over and got our order for "sweet tea". WOW if you don't know sweet tea in the South is you're in for a SWEET surprise. I had to ask for plain tea to dilute this southern treat. We got the recommend local cat dinner. Such a plate of catfish I've ever seen! It was so sweet and tender, not the heavy breading like most restraints serve. Served along with the fish was a big pile of fries and a goodly portion of cold slaw. The waitress displayed the well known southern hospitality, in my experience a rarity in many Northern states. The tab about $20.00 with tip for the three of us. Can't wait to come here again next month while traveling again."

Goodie's

★★★★☆ 4 (31) • $

"As Chinese eateries go, this restaurant is right on par in regards to taste, menu selection and cost with some of my other favorite Chinese restaurants. Lobby is a bit dated but I rarely see customers dining in so I'm guessing remodeling is not something in their future. I normally get sweet and sour chicken which always arrives hot, fresh and delicious. This place is in a plaza with a gas station and parking is a bit tight but don't let that discourage you from getting a quality meal at a reasonable price, cheers!!"

Mel's Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Menu Selection - from Breakfast to Lunch to Dinner, you will find something that pleases your palate at Mel's. There Specialty - Hot wings, comes in too many varieties to mention here and are considered one of the best you will ever eat, anywhere.Their Burger and Sandwich menu is unmatched in their market for taste and quality. ABOVE ALL - you will find exceptional customer service! From the moment you walk in the door they greet you, seat you where you please, and pour on the smiles and constant catering that you would expect at a fancier restaurant. Then, after you enjoy all the great service and food, make sure you stick around for some dessert like a piece of cheesecake! You will not be dissappointed in the least. Overall, this is one of the best taste and values you will find in the county. Everyone needs to experience Mel's Diner in Paris, TN."

Capricorn Internet Café

★★★★☆ 3.6 (9) • $$

"My food is always good here when I'm able to get the wings cooked crispy as I like them. The service is good and the staff is usually friendly. Eric makes the best drinks..."

Fizz Sheffield

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (6)

"I was staying at the Clarion so It decided to try out the restaurant in the lobby. I had a burger and fries and it was good! The burger was moist and seasoned very well. The price was reasonable; it was $13.00. I will definitely eat here again!"

Velvet Ridge Drive- In

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Really good food drive in burger joint style. But they take time to make your food right. And they use quality ingredients. Had the chicken fried steak no knife needed. Recommend."

Artisan Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.8 (67) • $$

"Something wonderfully unexpected at a cute cafe in Paducah. Portobello and Brie with tomatoe basil soup, tempura eggplant with an onion tahini date chutney with sausage, potato and kale soup. The bakery has something for everyone, try the pecan bar."

Texas Roadhouse

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (38)

"Food is always good unfortunately the staff is about as dependable as Taco Bell when it comes to giving you everything you paid for. Picked up our dinner only to find out once I got home they had left out the salad, chili and fries. Drove back across town after calling, picked up the rest of the food and checked before leaving to find they still had forgotten the chili. Waited on the chili, drove home and once I opened the salad found out they gave me the wrong salad. Back across town for a third time only to have the hostess get rude once I arrived. Your staff screwed up multiple times and now you're gonna get mad like I'm in the wrong? An hour and a half after picking up the first part of my order and I finally have everything. If you are getting take out from here take out everything while at the store and verify it is all there."

The Electric Jane

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (83)

"We had the best time coming here for the Taylor Swift drag brunch! Not only were the performers so entertaining, our bartender Kat was fantastic!! So professional and attentive but also so nice and friendly! Had a great time talking to her and the drinks were made were great. We all had food and I personally recommend the biscuits! We would come here all the time if we lived closer but as it was, we had a blast!"