This week’s “Superbowl of Swine” draws thousands of visitors to the Bluff City. We’ve got some savvy suggestions on where to get fed and cocktail’d in between taking in the epic event known as Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, May 17-19.
Soulfish Cafe in Memphis, Tenn., serves an outstanding blackened catfish.
Beyond BBQ
Yes, this city on the Mississippi River has a well-deserved rep as one of the finest places to eat succulent meats cooked low-and-slow, we’re going to take a moment to look at all the other options.
For the sake of keeping it close to the action in Tom Lee Park, we’re also going to focus on spots near downtown and Midtown. So, let’s start with the most important meal of the day.
There’s likely going to be a line to order at the counter at the wildly popular Sunrise, but it moves fairly quickly. Use that time to study the extensive menu, but it’s hard to get past those clever biscuit sandwiches including a house-smoked bologna, egg and American cheese. Oh, but then there’s also the breakfast tacos stuffed with house-made chorizo and don’t forget the pimento cheese grits.
The Arcade on South Main does classic diner fare in a space that looks like a retro movie set while Hustle and Dough down the block crushes the avocado toast game because the house-baked bread is just so good.
Hop a trolley heading north for an excellent espresso drink at Comeback Coffee and you just might catch a whiff of the famous Rendezvous barbecue. That neighborhood is home to the production facility that prepares ribs and pulled pork for shipping across the country.
There are plenty of places to grab Sunday brunch, but only South of Beale (SOB) serves up banana pudding pancakes (brilliant!), duck confit fried rice and a patty melt starring mac-and-cheese.
Let’s do lunch
Love some comfort food? Look no further than the belt-busting meat-and-three spots serving up generous portions.
The Four Way is the city’s most famous soul food destination with a menu that includes neck bones and chitterlings (served only on Fridays), plus a long list of sides that can be combined as a veggie plate. We’ll have the turnip greens, black eyed peas, pickled green tomatoes and cornbread dressing, please.
In Midtown, Fino’s from the Hill does right by its mission to rep St. Louis-style Italian sandwiches, salads, pizza and pasta. Don’t miss the meatball sub.
Walk into Soul Fish Cafe and you’re likely to spot golden fried catfish in front of happy diners at most tables, but consider going a different direction with the blackened version. Nicely spicy, these tender fillets can be tempered with a side of cool slaw and don’t mind if we do on the crispy okra.
Dinner and drinks
The lobby bar in the historic Peabody Hotel scores high marks for people — and duck — watching while there’s a swanky air of exclusivity at The Memphian’s stylish Tiger and Peacock. During busy weekends, reservations are essential, as is an order of the caviar-topped chips and dip alongside that well-made cocktail.
Tiger and Peacock in The Memphian is a gorgeous rooftop bar that serves upscale snacks.
If you’re in the mood for some surf to balance out the turf, head to Tsunami, where seasoned chef Ben Smith has been impressing guests since 1998. Yet, the menu remains fresh and wonderfully approachable. Fish tacos or Thai black rice as the fragrant foundation for a roasted sea bass or the lemongrass shrimp pasta, all so good. And light enough so you’ll still have room for some chocolate banana lumpia.
Karen Carrier’s Beauty Shop is also a sure bet for fabulous food and a lively dining room, but you might be disappointed if you expect to walk in. Unless it’s during non-peak hours. Start with the grilled romaine before moving along to the whole fish, both dishes perfect candidates for sharing.
One of the newest dining destinations is a homage to American-Italian cooking restaurateur Deni Carr Reilly grew up eating in New Jersey. She and her husband, Patrick, have a loyal fanbase at their well-established Majestic Grille but the recently debuted Cocozza in Harbor Town is red hot right now. If you can’t score a table for dining at this snug spot, at the very least, you’ve got to get a take-out order that includes the incredible meatballs.
There’s much more to explore, so you might want to extend that stay.
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