This is an ode to one of our favorite streets in Memphis. You could pull up in the morning and spend your entire day eating and exploring your way through this 6 block radius. And when you decide to do this, because you should, we’ve put together a little preview of all the restaurants you’ll happen upon to help you out a little bit.
The Arcade– Oldest cafe in Memphis and Elvis’ favorite spot in town. They still have his booth reserved for him, as well as, his fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu.
South Main Sushi– We won’t judge you for purchasing 4 or more rolls. They are that good, tbh!
Rizzo’s– Southern Food at it’s finest. It’s not cheap, but then again can you put a price on “slow roasted beef brisket and garlic mashed potatoes?”
Arrive Hotel- Inside you will find Vice & Virtue Coffee and Hustle and Dough Pizza.
- Hustle and Dough Pizza– Not just a cheese and pepperoni pie place they open at 7 and have actual pies! Like a personal sized apple pie that tastes like your grandmother made it.
- Vice & Virtue Coffee– If you like good coffee go here. If you like cool places to hang out, go here. It’s win, win really.
Earnestine & Hazels– While currently closed, you haven’t really lived until you’ve had an E&H cheeseburger at 3AM. It’s also the only thing on the menu.
Memphis Soul Southern Cooking– This place is exactly what it sounds like. DE.LIC.IOUS.NESS. It’s quick and oh so good.
Grecian Gourmet– Best gyro in the city. The Pita Nachos are a local favorite and don’t sleep on the Feta Dip.
Puck on South Main- If you’re with a group and everyone is feeling something different, this is your place. They’ve got sandwiches and pizza and Chinese and Italian and Mexican—and to top it all off, there’s a vegetarian booth.They even have ice cream and coffee. Told ya there’s something for everyone.
Spindini– A little on the fancy side, but pasta, pasta, pasta!
South of Beale– Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, what more needs to be said.
Slider Inn– Cool environment (inside and out) and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Burgers, wings, and fish tacos are some favs.
Pearl’s Oyster House– No we’re not 30A, but because of FedEx, Memphis has some of the freshest seafood this side of Seaside.
Rumba Room– Pre COVID this is where you came to dance. Post COVID this is where you go to get some of the best Peruvian food in town. We like to dance, but we’ll take those crispy cheese balls with red hot aioli all. day. long.
Green Beetle– From sandwiches and burgers to salads and catfish they pretty much have it all.
Bedrock Eats– Rumor has it, that Marc Gasol loved this place so much that the Grizzlies had it in the locker room for him after every home game. So be like Marc, win a ring and eat at Bedrock.
Pontotoc Lounge– They only do a few things, but they do those few things well. We recommend the pork rinds. All. Day.
Catherine & Mary’s– Named after the founder’s grandmothers, it’s some of the best pasta in town, but be careful, the menus in Italian…
The Gray Canary: OK, it’s time. Put on your skirt instead of your Spanx, grab your dress pants instead of your sweatpants and head to the Gray Canary. Whether you’re looking for a nice meal or just a drink that makes you feel good, you can’t go wrong here.
Bishop Memphis: Sure they have amazing cocktails and some of the best French food this side of the Mississippi, but they have a potato bar and I want everything on it.
Desserts
Cheesecake Corner– Best Cheesecake you will ever eat. Don’t @ me.
Cupcake Cutie– Think Subway, but for cupcakes! You pick your cake flavor, icing flavor, and add any toppings. Mind. Blown.
Sweet Magnolia Gelato– Boozy Gelato. Need we say more? *Located inside Puck Food Hall*
Primas Bakery– Just steps away from Central Station, this bakery will for sure brighten your day. From cookies to macarons, cupcakes to donuts, they’ve got you covered.
Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies– If you find yourself at Central BBQ, just walk west and across the street is Makeda’s. If you turn down a butter cookie, I probably don’t want to be friends with you, unless it’s because you’re getting the banana pudding, in which case I would ask, “why aren’t you getting both?!?!”
Coffee
Bluff City Coffee– If the bar from Cheers was a coffee shop.
Vice & Virtue Coffee– You go for the gram, you stay for the coffee. *Located inside the Arrive Hotel*
And here are a couple spots that are close, but not quite South Main…
The Vault– It’s more bar than grill, however, those loaded vault fries do hit the spot sometimes.
Wiseacre– This place ya’ll! Such an incredible place with the most amazing beer.
Gus’ Fried Chicken– We do not deserve the greatness that is Gus’, but we will be thankful for it. The fried chicken has a bit of a kick to it, but you just take a bite of that white bread and all is right with the world. You may want to get there early though, there’s usually a line out the door.
Central BBQ– Geez where do I start. The answer is wings, ALWAYS START WITH THE WINGS. Or you could get the BBQ nachos on house chips, or the ribs (dry or wet or one of each), or the smoked sausage, and don’t sleep on the house made ranch or the fries. They just do you right.
