Wondering where to find authentic Southern cuisine in Memphis?
The culinary tradition of Memphis captures the true essence of the South. Some of the city’s most iconic dishes include chicken wings and fried catfish, often served with classic Southern sides like collard greens, okra, mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potatoes, and more. You don’t have to sit down at a restaurant to enjoy great food in Memphis—you can also experience an authentic Southern barbecue in good company.
Below, you’ll find a mini-guide to Memphis’ signature dishes and where to try them.
- Authentic Southern cuisine in Memphis: guide for tourists
- Choose the right accommodation to enjoy Southern food
Authentic Southern cuisine in Memphis: guide for tourists
Memphis cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors, from savory meats to sweet desserts. It’s not just about barbecue—breakfast is also a big deal here. Below are some must-try dishes when visiting Memphis and the best places to enjoy them.
If you want to enjoy local cuisine in comfort, try the Vitality Café, our in-house restaurant. Discover the services for organizing the location for business dinners and ask for more information for parties and private events.
Best chicken wings of the South
Chicken wings are a must-order when in Memphis. The city is often considered the chicken wing capital, having perfected both flavor and sauces for this Southern specialty. Memphis-style wings are typically coated in a sweet honey-based sauce called Memphis Honey Gold and breaded with a special blend of spicy seasonings. This combination enhances the flavor and makes them irresistible to both locals and visitors.
Since 2003, Memphis has hosted the Southern Hot Wing Festival, which in 2020 evolved into the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival. This event brings together 100 cooking teams along the Mississippi River to showcase their best honey-glazed and spicy wings.
For some of the best wings in town, check out Best Wings of Memphis, located near Overton Park (location of the famous Memphis Zoo) in the East Parkway neighborhood, offering both dine-in and takeout options. Another top choice is The Wing Guru in East Memphis, a highly rated and popular spot.
Soul food tradition
Southern cuisine is all about hearty, flavorful dishes centered around meat and seafood. Memphis soul food is a staple of the city’s culinary scene, featuring fried catfish and fried chicken served with sides like collard greens, okra, mac ‘n’ cheese, and sweet potatoes. To finish off your meal, don’t miss a slice of chess pie or a serving of bread pudding.
One of the most famous soul food restaurants in Memphis is The Four Way, but there are many other great places to try, including:
- Alcenia’s
- Soul Fish
- Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
- Gus’s Fried Chicken
If you’re heading to Alcenia’s, keep in mind two things: the food is rich and delicious, and the dining experience is slow-paced and relaxing. Every dish is made to order, so come hungry and get ready to savor some of the best fried chicken with Lima beans in town.
The barbecue capital
Memphis is world-renowned as the barbecue capital, boasting over 100 barbecue restaurants throughout the city. The most popular dishes include pulled pork and ribs, but you’ll also find smoked beef, sausage, and even bologna.
For an authentic Memphis barbecue experience, you can’t go wrong with these top spots:
- Central BBQ
- Payne’s
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
- Cozy Corner
- Bar-B-Que Shop
- Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
- Germantown Commissary
Nothing beats spending a day enjoying slow-smoked meats and cold beer with friends. Pick your favorite spot and savor the true taste of Southern barbecue, perhaps after a long day exploring the attractions near Graceland or the countless shops of the Wolfchase Galleria.
Homemade breakfast at a restaurant
In Memphis, breakfast is a beloved tradition, featuring homemade biscuits that are buttery and flaky. There are many great spots to enjoy breakfast or brunch. Bryant’s Breakfast, a local institution for over 50 years, serves classic biscuits in a traditional diner setting. Another well-known restaurant is Sunrise Memphis, which has two locations and is famous for its biscuit sandwiches.
Some common breakfast ingredients in Memphis include fried eggs, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, cheddar cheese, country ham, fried green tomatoes, and, of course, homemade biscuits. If you’re a biscuit lover, make sure to try the specialties at Biscuits and Jams, By The Brewery, and Kinfolk.
Remember that our Memphis Vitality Hotel offers a tasty complimentary continental breakfast, perfect for starting your day off right.
Choose the right accommodation to enjoy Southern food
If you’re planning a trip to Memphis to indulge in authentic Southern cuisine, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Vitality Hotel is the hotel in Memphis conveniently located near the city’s top restaurants, making it easy to explore the best dining spots. Plus, our services ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.
Discover our available rooms, choose the one that best suits your needs, and book now through our website for an exclusive deal!