16 Memphis, Tennessee Soul Food Spots That Locals Swear Could Fool You Into Thinking Grandma Made It

Memphis carries a rich tradition of soul food that runs deep in its neighborhoods and kitchens. The city’s restaurants offer hearty, flavorful dishes that bring comfort and a sense of home to every table.

Recipes passed down through generations come alive with slow-cooked meats, savory sides, and rich sauces that fill the air with irresistible aromas.

These beloved spots serve meals that feel personal and timeless, creating an experience where every bite invites you to savor the warmth and history behind the flavors.

1. The Four Way, Memphis, TN

Since 1946, this place has been serving up the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and smile. The fried chicken comes out crispy and golden, while the greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning.

Every plate arrives loaded with generous portions that remind you of Sunday dinners at home. The cornbread melts in your mouth, and the mac and cheese stretches when you scoop it up.

Families have been coming here for generations, passing down their favorite orders like treasured recipes.

2. Alcenia’s, Memphis, TN

Walking through the door feels like entering a family reunion where everyone gets a hug. Owner BJ greets guests with genuine warmth that sets the tone for the entire meal.

The fried green tomatoes burst with tangy flavor, and the cabbage cooks down tender with smoky undertones. Each recipe carries stories from generations past, prepared with care and plenty of love.

The walls display colorful artwork and sayings that make you grin while you wait for your food to arrive.

3. Granny’s Southern Kitchen, Memphis, TN

The name says it all because this kitchen truly cooks like someone’s grandmother is back there calling the shots. Meatloaf comes out moist and packed with flavor, topped with a glaze that caramelizes perfectly.

Sweet potato casserole arrives at your table with a pecan topping that crunches just right. The yams underneath melt on your tongue with natural sweetness enhanced by warm spices.

Portions could feed a small army, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share.

4. Southern Hands Homestyle Cooking, Memphis, TN

Buffet style service means you can pile your plate high with everything that catches your eye. The smothered pork chops swim in rich gravy that begs to be sopped up with biscuits.

Green beans cook low and slow with bits of ham that add smokiness to every forkful. Candied yams glisten with brown sugar and butter, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet on your plate.

I once watched someone go back for thirds on the dressing alone, and honestly, nobody blamed them one bit.

5. JJ’s SoulFood & Grill, Memphis, TN

Grilled items share menu space with classic fried favorites, giving diners options that suit different cravings. The catfish gets seasoned perfectly before hitting the grill, creating a crispy exterior that locks in moisture.

Baked beans simmer with molasses and spices that make them taste nothing like the canned version. The potato salad balances creamy dressing with crunchy celery and perfectly cooked potatoes.

Regulars know to order the peach cobbler before it sells out because it disappears faster than ice cream on hot pavement.

6. Memphis Soul Southern Cooking, Memphis, TN

Chicken and waffles here create a combination that makes breakfast feel like a celebration. The waffle comes out crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, providing the perfect base for syrup.

Fried chicken pieces stack on top, adding savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet waffle below. The butter pecan sauce drizzled over everything ties the flavors together in unexpected harmony.

Weekend mornings bring crowds who know this meal will keep them satisfied until dinnertime rolls around again.

7. Soul Fish Cafe, Memphis, TN

Catfish takes center stage here, prepared so well it might make you forget about chicken entirely. The cornmeal coating crunches with every bite while the fish inside stays flaky and moist.

Hushpuppies come out golden brown with a slightly sweet interior that pairs perfectly with the savory fish. Coleslaw provides a cool, creamy contrast that cuts through the richness of fried foods.

My cousin once ordered the catfish platter and declared it better than our uncle’s secret recipe, which caused quite the family debate.

8. The Cupboard Restaurant, Memphis, TN

This spot has been feeding Memphis since the 1940s, and the recipes haven’t changed much because they got it right the first time. Mashed potatoes come whipped smooth with butter and cream, creating clouds of comfort on your plate.

The roast beef falls apart at the touch of a fork, swimming in brown gravy that tastes like hours of patient cooking. Turnip greens cook down with just enough pepper vinegar to give them a little kick.

Lunch crowds pack the place daily, so arriving early means shorter waits and first pick of the daily specials.

9. Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken, Memphis, TN

Fried chicken here comes with a signature hot sauce that locals crave like morning coffee. The coating stays incredibly crunchy even after the sauce gets drizzled over the top.

Spice levels range from mild to make-you-sweat, so order according to your tolerance for heat. The chicken itself stays juicy underneath all that crispy coating and tangy sauce.

Sides like coleslaw and baked beans help cool down your mouth between bites of spicy chicken. This place proves that sometimes simple food executed perfectly beats fancy cooking every single time.

10. The Second Line, Memphis, TN

New Orleans flavors meet Memphis soul food traditions in dishes that celebrate both cultures beautifully. Gumbo arrives dark and rich, packed with sausage and chicken that have soaked up all those complex spices.

The jambalaya comes loaded with rice that absorbed every drop of seasoned broth during cooking. Fried chicken gets a Creole twist with special seasonings that set it apart from traditional preparations.

Dessert options include bread pudding that melts on your tongue, finished with a sauce that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.

11. Sage Restaurant, Memphis, TN

Upscale presentations meet down-home flavors in a restaurant that respects tradition while adding modern touches. Short ribs get braised until they practically dissolve on your fork, served over creamy grits that soak up every drop of sauce.

The shrimp and grits combination elevates a classic dish with perfectly seasoned shellfish. Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon make even vegetable haters reconsider their stance on greens.

Date nights here feel special without losing that comforting soul food essence that makes Memphis cooking so beloved across generations.

12. Kountry Cookin’ Soul Food Restaurant, Memphis, TN

Country cooking traditions shine through in every dish served at this no-frills establishment. The neck bones get cooked until the meat slides right off, creating a dish that tastes like pure nostalgia.

Lima beans simmer with ham hock, absorbing smoky flavors that transform a simple legume into something special. Fried corn adds sweetness to balance out the savory items piled on your plate.

Prices stay reasonable enough that families can eat together without worrying about the bill, which matters just as much as good food does.

13. SugaShack, Memphis, TN

Creative twists on traditional recipes make this spot popular with younger crowds seeking familiar flavors with fresh perspectives. The chicken and waffle sandwich stacks crispy poultry between two waffles, creating handheld comfort food perfection.

Sweet tea gets infused with different fruits, adding new dimensions to the classic Southern beverage. The loaded mac and cheese comes topped with everything from pulled pork to fried chicken.

Brunch service on weekends draws lines out the door, so calling ahead or arriving early saves you from standing around with a growling stomach.

14. Orange Mound Grill, Memphis, TN

This neighborhood gem serves the community with honest food at fair prices that keep regulars coming back weekly. Hamburger steaks get smothered in onions and gravy that make you forget about fancy steakhouses.

The spaghetti might surprise you, but it follows a Southern tradition of making pasta with its own special twist. Fried fish plates come with enough food to take home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Last summer, I watched a grandmother bring her whole family here for a reunion meal, and their joy reminded me why these places matter so much.

15. The Beauty Shop Restaurant, Memphis, TN

A former beauty salon transformed into a restaurant keeps original hair dryers as quirky decor while serving elevated comfort food. Shrimp and grits get refined with careful attention to texture and seasoning without losing their soul.

The fried green tomatoes come stacked with creative toppings that enhance rather than hide the main ingredient. Pork chops arrive thick and juicy, proving that simple preparations often work best.

The unique setting makes dinner feel like an experience rather than just a meal, perfect for impressing out-of-town visitors with Memphis creativity.

16. Miss Shirley’s Soul Food, Memphis, TN

Miss Shirley cooks like she’s feeding her own grandchildren, which means every plate leaves the kitchen with love baked right in. The smothered chicken swims in gravy so good you’ll want to ask for extra biscuits just to soak it all up.

Peach cobbler comes out bubbling hot with a crust that balances crispy edges and soft center perfectly. The sweet potatoes get mashed smooth with butter and spices that make them taste like dessert.

Regulars call ahead to reserve their favorite dishes because popular items sell out before closing time most days of the week.