The Top 5 Hole-in-the-wall Restaurants in Memphis is a city that is renowned for its barbecue, but it also offers a wide range of culinary delights that are waiting to be discovered in its hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The Beauty Shop Restaurant, Payne’s Bar-B-Que, The Arcade Restaurant, Bryant’s Breakfast, and Cozy Corner BBQ are just a few examples of the exceptional dining experiences that await those who are willing to venture off the beaten path. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Memphis for you to discover.
1. The Beauty Shop Restaurant – This restaurant, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is located in a former beauty salon and features unique decor and an eclectic menu. Customers rave about the delicious food and the quirky ambiance, which includes vintage salon chairs and hair dryers.
2. Payne’s Bar-B-Que – This is a classic Memphis barbecue joint, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, that has been serving up delicious smoked meats for over 100 years. Customers love the tender pulled pork and the tangy, flavorful sauce.
3. The Arcade Restaurant – The Arcade, while among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is a historic diner that has been a fixture in downtown Memphis since 1919. Customers appreciate the friendly service and the classic diner fare, including breakfast all day.
4. Bryant’s Breakfast – This family-owned restaurant, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, serves up hearty breakfast and lunch dishes, including classic Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken. Customers appreciate the generous portions and the affordable prices.
5. Cozy Corner BBQ – Cozy Corner, while amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is a small, unassuming restaurant that serves some of the best barbecue in Memphis. Customers rave about the succulent ribs and the flavorful sauce, which is made from a secret recipe.
Overall, these restaurants in Memphis are considered top spots because they offer unique and delicious food in a cozy, low-key atmosphere. They are not fancy or upscale, but they offer an authentic taste of Memphis cuisine and culture.
Top 5 Hole-in-the-wall Restaurants in Memphis
The Beauty Shop Restaurant
Address: 966 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-3pm, closed on Mondays.
Phone Number: (901) 272-7111
The Beauty Shop Restaurant, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is a unique dining experience located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. This restaurant is housed in a former beauty salon and the interior features a retro, eclectic vibe. The salon chairs and hair dryers have been transformed into functional elements of the restaurant’s decor, and the walls are adorned with vintage beauty products and mirrors.
The Beauty Shop serves up American cuisine with a twist, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Their menu features dishes like the “Biscuit Bonanza,” which is a hearty breakfast sandwich made with a biscuit, sausage, bacon, egg, cheese, and gravy. For lunch and dinner, their standout dish is the “Flaming Elvis” sandwich, which includes a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich topped with bacon and flambeed with rum.
What makes The Beauty Shop Restaurant unique is its quirky atmosphere and creative menu. Customers love the fun and playful vibe of the restaurant, as well as the high-quality, flavorful food. The restaurant’s attentive and friendly service also sets it apart from other dining options in the area.
In terms of service, The Beauty Shop Restaurant provides attentive and personalized service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences. The restaurant also offers catering services for private events.
Main Menu Items:
1. Flaming Elvis – This is the restaurant’s signature sandwich, which features a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich with bacon and flambeed with rum. Served with chips.
2. Biscuit Bonanza – This hearty breakfast sandwich includes a biscuit, sausage, bacon, egg, cheese, and gravy. Served with breakfast potatoes.
3. The Beauty Shop Salad – This salad is made with mixed greens, candied pecans, blue cheese crumbles, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette.
4. Beauty Shop Burger – This juicy burger is topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Served with fries.
5. Roasted Veggie Sandwich – This vegetarian sandwich includes roasted mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers, topped with goat cheese and pesto mayo. Served with chips.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Flaming Elvis sandwich and it was absolutely amazing! The staff was so friendly and accommodating. This restaurant is a must-visit in Memphis.”
“The Beauty Shop has such a fun and unique atmosphere, and the food is even better. I tried the Biscuit Bonanza and it was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had. Highly recommend!”
“I love this place! The Flaming Elvis sandwich is definitely the star of the menu, but everything I’ve tried has been delicious. The staff is always so welcoming and attentive.”
In summary, The Beauty Shop Restaurant in Memphis offers a unique dining experience with a creative menu, quirky atmosphere, and personalized service. Customers rave about the delicious food and fun vibe of the restaurant, making it a must-visit spot in the city. They rank amid the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis for good reasons.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que
Address: 1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, closed on Sundays.
Phone Number: (901) 272-1523
Payne’s Bar-B-Que, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is an institution, serving up classic Memphis-style barbecue since 1972. The restaurant is located on Lamar Avenue, and the interior is simple and no-frills, with picnic tables and a few booths for seating.
Their signature food item is the chopped pork sandwich, which consists of tender, smoky pulled pork piled high on a bun and topped with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Payne’s Bar-B-Que also offers other classic barbecue dishes such as ribs, sausage, and brisket.
What makes Payne’s Bar-B-Que unique is their commitment to tradition and quality. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since it opened, and they still use the same recipes and cooking techniques that have made them famous for over 50 years.
In terms of service, Payne’s Bar-B-Que is a no-frills establishment with counter service. The staff is friendly and efficient, but the focus is on the food rather than the ambiance.
Main Menu Items:
1. Chopped Pork Sandwich – This signature sandwich features tender, smoky pulled pork piled high on a bun and topped with a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
2. Ribs – Payne’s Bar-B-Que offers both pork and beef ribs, slow-cooked to perfection and coated in their signature dry rub.
3. Sausage – This house-made sausage is a standout dish, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors.
4. Brisket – The beef brisket at Payne’s Bar-B-Que is slow-cooked to tender perfection and sliced thin.
5. Baked Beans – A classic barbecue side, Payne’s Bar-B-Que’s baked beans are sweet and smoky with chunks of meat mixed in.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the chopped pork sandwich and it was amazing! The meat was tender and smoky, and the sauce had the perfect tang. I also loved the classic Memphis-style atmosphere of the restaurant.”
“This place is a must-visit for any barbecue lover. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious and the sausage is some of the best I’ve ever had. Don’t miss out on the baked beans, they’re the perfect complement to the smoky meat.”
Payne’s Bar-B-Que is hands-down the best barbecue in Memphis. The chopped pork sandwich is the perfect balance of meat, sauce, and bun. And the service is always friendly and welcoming.”
In summary, Payne’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis is a classic barbecue joint that has been serving up delicious, traditional Memphis-style barbecue for over 50 years. Their signature dish is the chopped pork sandwich, but their other meats and sides are also top-notch. While the interior is no-frills, the focus is on the food and the commitment to tradition and quality shines through. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis.
The Arcade Restaurant
Address: 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7am-3pm, Sunday 8am-3pm.
Phone Number: (901) 526-5757
The Arcade Restaurant, while among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is an institution, serving classic diner fare in a retro setting since 1919. The interior features a classic diner vibe with red booths and a long counter, and the walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia.
Their signature dish is the breakfast special, which includes two eggs, bacon or sausage, grits or hash browns, and toast or a biscuit. The Arcade Restaurant is also known for their classic milkshakes, made with hand-dipped ice cream and served in tall metal cups.
What makes The Arcade Restaurant unique is its history and nostalgia. The restaurant has been a fixture in downtown Memphis for over 100 years, and it has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Visitors can enjoy classic diner food in a setting that feels like a trip back in time.
In terms of service, The Arcade Restaurant is a classic diner with friendly and efficient counter service. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and they make sure every customer feels at home.
Main Menu Items:
1. Breakfast Special – Two eggs cooked to order, bacon or sausage, grits or hash browns, and toast or biscuit. This is the signature dish of the restaurant, and a classic diner breakfast.
2. Chicken and Waffles – Crispy fried chicken served on top of a fluffy waffle, drizzled with syrup. This sweet and savory dish is a favorite among customers.
3. Pimento Cheese Burger – A juicy burger topped with house-made pimento cheese and served on a brioche bun. This is a unique twist on a classic diner favorite.
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup – A comforting classic, with gooey melted cheese on grilled bread and a side of warm tomato soup.
5. Fried Bologna Sandwich – Thick slices of fried bologna served on white bread with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. This is a nostalgic dish that will take you back to childhood lunches.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the breakfast special and it was the perfect start to my day. The bacon was crispy, the eggs were cooked perfectly, and the grits were creamy and delicious. And the atmosphere of the restaurant is so charming and nostalgic.”
“The milkshakes at The Arcade Restaurant are a must-try! They’re so thick and creamy, and they come in a cool metal cup. I also loved the classic diner vibe of the restaurant.”
“The staff at The Arcade Restaurant were so friendly and accommodating. I had a special request for my order and they went above and beyond to make sure it was just right. And the food was delicious, too – I had the chicken fried steak and it was cooked to perfection.”
In summary, The Arcade Restaurant in Memphis is a classic diner that has been serving up delicious breakfast and lunch fare for over 100 years. Their signature dish is the breakfast special, but their milkshakes are also a standout. The restaurant’s history and retro setting make it a unique and nostalgic dining experience, and the friendly service ensures that every customer feels welcome. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis.
Bryant’s Breakfast
Address: 3965 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Hours: Monday to Saturday 5:30am-1pm, Sunday 7am-1pm.
Phone Number: (901) 324-7494
Bryant’s Breakfast, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is a classic diner located in the heart of Memphis. It is known for its traditional Southern breakfast dishes, served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is simple and unassuming, with a long counter and a handful of tables.
Their signature dish is the “Soul Burger,” a breakfast sandwich that features a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg, cheese, and sausage gravy, all served on a toasted bun. This dish is a hearty and indulgent way to start your day.
What makes Bryant’s Breakfast unique is its dedication to using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on making everything from scratch, from the biscuits and gravy to the sausage and bacon.
In terms of service, Bryant’s Breakfast is a no-frills diner with friendly and efficient counter service. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and they make sure every customer feels at home.
Main Menu Items:
1. Soul Burger – A breakfast sandwich that features a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg, cheese, and sausage gravy, all served on a toasted bun. This hearty and indulgent dish is the restaurant’s signature dish and a must-try for any first-time visitor.
2. Biscuits and Gravy – Homemade biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. This classic Southern breakfast dish is a customer favorite.
3. Pancakes – Fluffy and light pancakes served with butter and syrup. These pancakes are made from scratch and are the perfect comfort food breakfast.
4. Bacon and Eggs – Two eggs cooked to order with a side of crispy bacon. Simple and classic, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a traditional breakfast.
5. Grits and Eggs – Creamy and buttery grits served with two eggs cooked to order. This is a classic Southern breakfast that is filling and delicious.
Customer Reviews:
“The Soul Burger at Bryant’s Breakfast is legendary for a reason. It’s a messy, indulgent, and delicious way to start your day. And the biscuits are out of this world!”
“I love the simple and unassuming atmosphere of Bryant’s Breakfast. It’s like stepping back in time. And the food is fantastic – I had the pancakes and they were light and fluffy.”
“Bryant’s Breakfast uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and it really shows in the quality of the food. I had the bacon and it was some of the best I’ve ever had.”
In summary, Bryant’s Breakfast in Memphis is a classic diner that serves up traditional Southern breakfast dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their signature dish is the Soul Burger, a hearty breakfast sandwich that is a must-try for any first-time visitor. The restaurant’s dedication to using fresh and locally sourced ingredients sets it apart from other diners, and the friendly service ensures that every customer feels at home. They have earned the rank of the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis.
Cozy Corner BBQ
Address: 745 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (901) 527-9158
Cozy Corner BBQ, while amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis, is a family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant located in downtown Memphis. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a small dining room decorated with vintage memorabilia and photographs of the restaurant’s history. The menu features a variety of smoked meats and traditional Southern sides.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the Cornish game hen, a half chicken that is smoked to perfection and served with a tangy barbecue sauce. The meat is juicy and flavorful, with a slightly crispy skin that adds a nice texture. The sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken, with just the right amount of sweetness and heat.
Cozy Corner BBQ is known for its charcoal smoker, which is located right outside the restaurant and can be seen from the dining room. The smoker is a custom-made steel drum that is used to smoke all of the restaurant’s meats, giving them a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with gas or electric smokers.
he restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient. Customers are greeted with a smile and a warm welcome, and the staff is always willing to answer questions and make recommendations. Orders are taken promptly, and the food is served hot and fresh.
Main Menu Items:
1. Cornish Game Hen – The signature dish of Cozy Corner BBQ, this half chicken is smoked to perfection and served with the restaurant’s tangy barbecue sauce.
2. Ribs – Slow-smoked pork ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, with a smoky flavor that is complemented by the restaurant’s homemade sauce.
3. Pulled Pork Sandwich – Tender pulled pork served on a bun with pickles and onions, and a side of barbecue sauce.
4. Hot Links – Spicy sausage links that are smoked and served with the restaurant’s signature sauce.
5. BBQ Bologna – Thick slices of smoked bologna served on a bun with pickles and onions, and a side of barbecue sauce.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Cornish game hen and it was amazing! The meat was juicy and tender, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The sides were also delicious, especially the mac and cheese.”
“Cozy Corner BBQ is a hidden gem in downtown Memphis. The Cornish game hen is a must-try, but the ribs and pulled pork are also excellent. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the service is top-notch.”
“I’ve been coming to Cozy Corner BBQ for years, and it never disappoints. The smoked meats are always delicious, and the sides are all homemade and tasty. The Cornish game hen is definitely the star of the menu, but everything else is great too.”
Cozy Corner BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Memphis-style barbecue. The Cornish game hen is the restaurant’s signature dish and is not to be missed. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make for a great dining experience. They can definitely be counted among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis.
From soulful southern breakfasts to delectable barbecue dishes, these Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Memphis offer a unique taste of the city that will leave visitors wanting more. This is why they are the best restaurants in Memphis for you to discover. So next time you find yourself in Memphis, be sure to check out these hidden gems and indulge in the city’s mouthwatering culinary scene.
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