A favorite in Memphis, this restaurant is where locals take visitors for fun atmosphere and food. Technically, the ribs served at the Rendezvous are not barbecue - they are char-grilled with a dry rub of spices. But the slabs of ribs are huge, tender and reasonably priced. Barbecue sandwiches - filled with rich and juicy shreds of pork - as well as portions of both pork and beef ribs is a specialty here. Antique implements, signs and artifacts of the old South fill the warehouse-like space. The tables are close together, but the noise and crowds are part of the fun.
This exceptionally popular restaurant with a pleasant, cabin-like dining room has been featured in publications such as Bon Appetit, USA Today and The New York Times. The best choice on the menu is the pork shoulder sandwich. A barbecue sandwich in Memphis means dark, chewy shreds of meat that have been smoked for hours, layed out on a bun and topped with cole slaw and a spicy sauce. You can buy the barbecue in packs with all the fixings. Cold beer, on tap or by the bottle, is the drink of choice.
Located in East Memphis, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar offers fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Succulent cuts of beef are the house specialties. The large selections of wines complement the meal in style. Baked brie, beef carpaccio and other appetizers are a delightful way to begin your meal. Filet mignon, prime rib, pork, chicken and the freshest seafood are available as entrees. Delectable desserts complete the austere dining experience.
The huge BBQ sandwich here is the favorite choice of many and makes an inexpensive lunch by itself. Beef or pork ribs come with beans, slaw or potato salad. (You can get beef ribs in Memphis, but you are likely to get odd reactions when you order them—to locals, "barbecue" means "pork.") The BBQ spaghetti (pasta with barbecue meat and sauce on top) is served with slaw and bread. With most business being take-out, the dining room is small and functional. If you do choose to eat at the restaurant, you will find that the dress is decidedly casual, as are the table manners—the only way to eat ribs is with your fingers.
Coletta's Italian restaurant is located in Memphis, near the suburbs of Cordova and Bartlett. This Italian restaurant is an idyllic location to celebrate a special occasion. The ambiance is serene and romantic. Murals of Italian landscapes enhance the elegant setting as diners listen to the melodic sounds of a large fountain in the center of the dining room. Traditional Italian dishes, such as mostaccioli, eggplant Parmesan, spaghetti, lasagna and chicken Alfredo are available as well as other hearty meals, such as filet mignon, Shrimp Diane and Salmon Florentine.
OEC Japanese Express is a quick, family-friendly restaurant in Bartlett where you can grab Asian food to go or dine in the casual atmosphere. A wide variety of sushi rolls and hibachi meals are available for lunch and dinner. The hibachi meals come with sweet carrots and fried rice during the lunch hours. They include a house salad as well with dinner orders. Sushi rolls come in spicy or traditional versions sure to please every palate. -Ann Baker
Deli Mexicana (Las Tortugas) provides upscale dining in a casual, cozy atmosphere. The ambiance is perfect for a date night or evening out with your family. Located in between the Memphis suburbs of Cordova and Germantown, Deli Mexicana prides itself on the freshest ingredients, whether it is fish, meat or a wide variety of produce. Every entrée is prepared fresh from scratch, including the breads used in the tortas--a type of flatbread. The authentic Mexican restaurant feature such delicacies as grilled fish tacos, snapper sandwiches, tamales and ensalada de carne as well as many traditional Mexican entrees. Freshly prepared fruit juices and desserts are also available. - Ann Baker
The Donut Box offers more variety than typical doughnut shops. Not only do they have mouth-watering doughnuts, Danish and other pastries, they provide choices that are more substantial as well. Pigs in blankets, ham and cheese croissants, sausage biscuits and other savory entrees are available for diners who desire a heartier, less sweet meal, brunch or snack. It is located in the heart of Bartlett, just a couple of miles from Interstate 240. The Donut Box is the perfect place for customers of all ages to grab a box of doughnuts for the road or to enjoy a tasty brunch. -Ann Baker
Dig into delicious Southern fare prepared from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at Felicia Suzanne’s in Brinkley Plaza. Set in a classy space with brick-exposed walls, dim, comforting lights and lovely outdoor patio, it’s easy to like this place the moment you step in through the door. The Caramelized Onion Tarts, Chicken Crepes and Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich are particularly popular with the locals.They also have plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options allowing everyone to feast on the sumptuous delicacies served here. Keep a look out for their theme nights which can be quite a lot of fun. The warm atmosphere, charming Southern hospitality and delicious meals will have you raving about this place for a long time to come.
Moma's Bar-B-Q is nestled in the northeast section of Memphis, near Bartlett. The family-friendly atmosphere invites diners to partake of tasty barbecue specialties that are famous in this part of the nation. The lunch menu offers pulled pork barbecue served as sandwiches or plate lunches along with several other home-style offerings such as grilled cheese, fried bologna sandwiches, nachos, country fried steak and salads. Moma's is just as well-known for its country style breakfasts that include biscuits, red eye gravy, omelets or many other Southern favorites. - Ann Baker
Pork, chicken and beef barbecue selections are available at Jim ‘N Nick's Bar-B-Q along with old-fashioned side dishes, such as collard greens, cinnamon apples and potato salad. Their specialty is barbecue, such as ribs, brisket and pulled pork. If your tastes lean toward macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers, a variety of large salads or deli sandwiches, Jim ‘N Nick's offers this type of meal as well. This southern-style restaurant is family friendly, yet it is also perfect for a date night with dishes such as spinach and artichoke dip, grilled rib eye or the soup of the day. The restaurant is conveniently located off Interstate 40 and is just down the street from the Wolfchase Galleria Mall. -Ann Baker
OEC Japanese Express is a quick, family-friendly restaurant in Bartlett where you can grab Asian food to go or dine in the casual atmosphere. A wide variety of sushi rolls and hibachi meals are available for lunch and dinner. The hibachi meals come with sweet carrots and fried rice during the lunch hours. They include a house salad as well with dinner orders. Sushi rolls come in spicy or traditional versions sure to please every palate. -Ann Baker