The Most Flavorful Restaurants in Memphis

Donald's Donuts

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"Limited menu, but it's small town and they sell out regardless. Friendly counter help , the prices are fair. It's a donut shop. Don't need much more than that"

Esco Restaurant & Tapas Memphis

★★★★☆ 3.6 (38)

"I have been wanting to try Esco for a while now, and I am so glad we finally did :)Their happy hour is from 4-6:30 with half odd their drink menu and selected food items. The ambience was so fun and lively, and service was perfect. I would love to try more of the drink menu because the 2 we got were so good. I think Esco is my new favorite place to start a night out downtown!"

Rio Colorado

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (17) • $

"Really didn't experience much of the menu just stopped after our riding the bike with friends to get a snack, some A/C and something cold to drink. The nachos were good and the staff super nice."

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurante

★★★★☆ 4.3 (13)

"While there was nothing wrong with my experience at Rio Grande, there was also nothing special or exciting about it. My chicken enchiladas were tasty, but not the best. The salsa was decent but not spectacular. Service was quick but again, pr for the course. You won't be disappointed nor will you be hyped to make it back."

Bowle's Bar-B-Que

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (5)

"This is worth leaving Hwy 55 for. If you love deep country barbecue in a low rent place head for Bowles. When we were there it had only men, one to a table and I suspect it functions as their club. Sarah, the owner brought us one menu for two people. Two men passed their menus to us so we knew strangers were OK. They helped us order: one jumbo bbq sandwich and one loose meat bbq. The pork was lean shredded not dry and tasty without sauce. Sauces were mild and hot; both good. Loose meat comes with beans, slaw and fries. We ate it all. Desserts are delicious. We got the brownie with a light texture and a deep chocolate taste. As we left we said good bye to everybody and promised to come back."

El Vaquero

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (21) • $

"I'm actually super disappointed New Orleans doesn't have an El Vaquero now because I was super impressed! My husband brought me here since it's his favorite restaurant since he was a kid and I can see why! The decorations are cool, service is nice, and the food is our of this world! Seriously, I was super impressed by the breadth of the menu, and the food was even better! I ordered the fiesta dinner to try a little bit of everything, and it came with a chalupa, taco, tamale, enchilada, Chile relleno, rice and beans... It's a ton of food for around $10! My husband got the Dakota quesadilla brava which was full to the brim with grilled shrimp, steak, and chicken... And it was HUGE! By far probably the best quesadilla I have ever had. Plus, the portions are so large we definitely had enough for leftover lunch the next day! Thanks for making my Paris visit delicious!!"

Jackie's Country Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (10)

"The only drawback to this old diner is that it is in a rough area. It doesn't look great from the outside, but inside tells a different story. Great breakfast food lives here! We went on Mother's Day and could see that it is popular with the locals. They featured fresh banana pancakes on this day. Of course I couldn't resist. They were fresh and they were good. My grandchildren could've eaten their weight in pancakes.Simple preparation but effective. And the grits is authentic. Can't complain about that. And the prices were obscenely low. The staff was really friendly and kind and we had an enjoyable experience overall.The only other negative is that they do not take a credit card. It's cash only. But if you don't mind that definitely go here and give it a whirl. I know I will definitely make an excuse to be back."

Rock House Live

★★☆☆☆ 2.1 (23)

"We realize a new place has kinks to work out so we are willing to make allowances. We were ignored upon arrival, but finally recognized after a few interactions. Our server was OK, but when I asked about the wedge salad advertised online she was unaware. I opted for the regular salad and the spouse got a rice bowl.We were both disappointed. The salad was bagged greens with a few additions, bagged croutons and bottled dressing. The spouse's rice bowl didn't have enough sauce and said the guacamole was not appetizing. The atmosphere has potential to be a fun tavern and I'm sure the fried and nacho options are good. There just needs to be more attention paid to the healthier items"

Wimpy's

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"Absolutely love this place. The decor is all Wimpy. Mr Shelton spent a lot of time rehabbing this old mainstay. He did a great job. We have hosted team parties here and eat here when we are in need of a true hamburger. Looks like I get the same thing every time I post. The classic burger is just so good. The pickles are amazing and the thick slice of tomato and then the thin sliced red onion. Amazing. The onion rings are good also. Service is always great and parking is right out front. We lost Mr Shelton but the restaurant lives on and we are so glad. Awesome locally owned and operated family business."

R J's Eatery

★★★★★ 4.7 (7) • $

"When you're in Fulton, it's hard to find something out of the box, but this place makes it happen. One of the best places to eat in town. They have a wide variety of Chicago style foods, makes you feel like you're in the city. Italian beef sandwiches, Meatball sandwiches, diner hamburgers made fresh, cheese sticks and BBQ nachos, everything on the menu is good. Don't hesitate to stop in and try the food, great service as well! The owner is a hoot!"

The Ridge Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3 (4) • $

"Under New Management, Best it's Ever Been. Fish is delicious ( don't believe you will find any better anywhere). Hush Puppies moist and delicous, White Beans delicious. Slaw Mayonnaise or Vinegar Great. Have been Going there for Over 20 Years. It is best it's ever been including Service and Food. If ever in area it's worth going 20 miles out of way to eat there."

Hydeaway Catfish Inn

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (1)

"Food was burnt and catfish fillets were size of nuggets. Owner was rude when we called her about it. Won't be going back. Don't waste your time or your money!!!"

Bucket List Cafe

★★★★★ 4.9 (17)

"Good home-cooking never needs a fancy presentation; Bucket List gets the important points right. Great southern foods like my grandparents served on their farms, in a kitschy little cafe - perfect!Sweet iced tea is good, and various soft drinks are also available. The Fried Green Bean appetizer is crispy and tastes great - easily the best fried green beans I've tasted!! Trust me: EAT THESE. Entrees offer a wide variety of fried and grilled road-kill (just kidding) in generous serving sizes. My Fried Fish & Shrimp lunch came with Fried Okra and Mashed Taters (choice of brown or white gravy), plus Hush Puppies. It was so much food - but it tasted so good that I ate every bite! My wife loved her Chicken Fried Chicken, and had enough to take a bit home for our hungry dogs! We wanted to try the Fried Twiinkie dessert, but were too full. Next time!"

House of Grace Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (13)

"Unique sandwiches and salads you wont find elsewhere. A local favorite! One of my favorite places to eat. They always have a small hot buffet for lunch with a main dish, soup or beans and warm rolls and cornbread. It comes with a salad bar which always has seven cup salad (fruit desert) on it. They have a house tea that's also good."

Big John's Bar-B-Q

★★★★☆ 3.5 (11) • $

"My fiancée drug me out to Hohenwald to go camping for our anniversary. Woefully unprepared, we stopped at Walmart to grab some provisions and asked our cashier for good local food.No lie, she recommended Subway. Frustrated (and my phone not getting any Internet) we began to head back to the campsite when we passed this restaurant and decided to stop in, glad to be able to avoid fast food.Thank goodness we did! The barbecue was made to order and we watched the flames go up and smoke the food right there in front of us. Without a doubt, some of the best barbecue I've ever had. The sides left something to be desired but weeks later, we joke about traveling the hour and a half to get more of that barbecue."

Cardinal Drive-In

★★★★☆ 4.3 (22) • $

"First time here and wow what a great burger. I got the double cheeseburger and it was fantastic!! Thanks Cardinal for a great lunch"

Hollywood Fish Market

★★★★★ 4.7 (11) • $

"Great food,authentic location you can't beat it. I grew up seeing Hollywood fish market but I couldn't remember ever eating there. Omg, I was missing out. They literally have everything, fried, boiled,grilled whatever however you want it. Even the cake is delicious. They can get really busy so I suggest calling to place your order at least 20 mins ahead of time and you should be good. Service is great the staff is hilarious and very helpful. I suggest the 2 piece fish dinner with a side order of fried shrimp. You can't go wrong with that!"

Longtown Travel Center & Cafe

★★☆☆☆ 2.3 (6) • $$

"Restaurant is located in the back of the gas station/truck stop. Great place off the interstate to get a fresh burger (no frozen patties here) or hand breaded chicken strips. The country fried steak looked huge. Seriously. You could feed a family of 6 on that meal. Ranch wasn't homemade. Huge disappointment in my book but I got over it. Gas station area looks a little sketchy (complete with confederate flag dreamcatchers that line the wall for sale). No lie. It's a hot cluttered mess in there. The cafe isn't all that pretty to look at but it serves its purpose. Stay clear of the restrooms unless you like learning the local gossip on the stall walls - it's definitely there. Hole in the wall place with decent food and decent prices. We paid $20 for 2 to eat. No smoking inside but there are nifty little benches outside that double as an advertisement outlet for a local social security disabi lawyer. I found that entertaining but I digress. Small lot with about 40 truck spaces if you drive a semi. Oh and cool little historic marker close to the store if you are into that sort of thing. I am. Quit judging me.Happy travels. Stay safe."

Slide & Ride Tavern

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Nice small hole in the wall bar, good place to watch sports shoot pool and have a cold beer and price are reasonable price!"