This is going to be a work in progress, so don’t expect the be all end all Memphis visitor page right away. I figured I would go ahead and publish it so I can get feedback on other stuff I might have forgotten.

Being a long time downtown resident, I probably know things that would be useful to vistors. If you can think of anything I didn’t, email me and let me know.

I guess I should start with where to stay. If money isn’t an issue, I would go with either The Peabody , Hampton Inn at Beale Street, or The Westin. All are close to everything, nice, and have ample secure parking.

For a little less money, I’d go with something like SpringHill Suites. It’s a few more blocks away, but still really close to the action.

There are literally hundreds of places to eat downtown, so I’m basically just going to hit the highlights and the local favorites. A google local search will turn up everything if somehow you don’t see something you like.

I’ll start with places that deliver. After a long day of travel, you might want to stay in the room and relax. Room service generally blows and costs a fortune, call these guys instead.

Tucker’s – 9012740333 – Pizza, Wings, and Subs. Also stuff like catfish, fried chicken, steaks, and pasta. See my review here.

Camy’s – 9017251667 – Pizza, wings, subs, pasta, grilled entrees like steak and chicken, etc.

Westy’s - 9015433278 – Huge variety of stuff from pub grub to rice dishes. Unfortunately their website is just a picture. I’ll try to scan a menu and put it up, or I imagine you could always call them.

Wang’s China Bistro – 9015232065 – Chinese. Even though they drive me nuts with their constantly changing menu hours, they still have great food.

China Restaurant – 9015273838 – Another Chinese place, a little cheaper than Wang’s, I like some items from Wang’s more and some items from here more. I alternate between the two when I feel like Chinese. I linked to their google local page, as they don’t have a website that I can find, but you can view their menu and order online at delivery.com by entering the address of your hotel.

That about covers it for the local stuff. Of course you’ve got all the chain pizza places, but I’m not going to bother listing them here. The local places have better pizza anyway.

Now on to the rest of the places. I’m going to try and cover the stuff that I like with a decent sampling from every major category, but downtown Memphis a big food area, there’s no way I could get anywhere close to scratching the surface of even just the places in the downtown core area. Google Local is a good way to find all of them or all in a specific category.

Pub Grub

Hoop’s bar, part of EP’s Delta Kitchen, at 126 Beale (Hoop’s entrance is actually around the corner on second street, across from George Paul’s Last Call) has a pretty good selection of pub grub including burgers, pizza, egg rolls, and chicken tenders. They offer carryout, but I’d stay and take advantage of the Jager and Sake machines and entertaining bartenders.

Huey’s at 77 N 2nd street at the intersection of 2nd and Union has a huge variety of stuff, including the a burger that’s won the Memphis Flyer’s best of award every year for the last couple of decades. You can find the complete menu online here.

Dyer’s at 205 Beale has some interesting burgers. I usually go to Huey’s when I feel like a burger, but every once in a while I feel like a Dyer’s burger.

Black Diamond at 153 Beale has a decent selection of pub grub, but the only thing you need to know about is the pizza. The only thing premade is the crust, everything else is made fresh right there. Great stuff. It’s a locals/industry bar, so tip well and expect entertainment from the bartenders and other patrons.

Dan McGuiness in Peabody place has pub grub and Irish items. The potato soup is awesome. Their lunch specials are also great, particularly turkey and dressing on tuesdays.

Mexican

Rio Loco on Union is the only mexican place I like downtown, it leans toward authentic, and has a great margarita special during happy hour.

Italian

Papa Pia’s on Union is supposed to be really good. I haven’t tried it myself as it’s a relatively new addition, but I hear good things. My previous suggestion, Conte’s, has apparently closed.

Spindini on South Main in the Arts District gets great reviews from everyone, but I generally don’t think Italian when I’m int he mood to dress up a bit and do the upscale dining thing. Also a relatively new arrival, I haven’t tried this one yet either.

BBQ/Soul Food/etc

Blues City Cafe at Beale and Second serves up southern standards in relaxed cafe/diner style setting. All of their BBQ is pretty good, you basically can’t go wrong with them in you’re in the mood for this style cuisine.

King’s Palace Cafe on Beale features BBQ pork ribs as well as steaks, chicken, and pasta dishes. I love the voodoo chicken and voodoo potatoes.

Rum Boogie Cafe at Beale and Third serves ribs and other southern food and features live music every night. Ask for Porter, and make sure you harass him.

BB King’s at Beale and Second also features southern food and live music. Try and plan to eat there on a night when Corey Osborn is playing.

Eclectic/Other/Etc

Cafe 61 is probably my favorite place to eat, featuring a unique menu with different features every day. Reasonably priced and casual. How many chances do you have to eat Duck and Waffles 50 yards from the Peabody Ducks?

Circa is also great and super convenient for me, being basically in my building. They have a nice happy hour too.

EP delta kitchen has great food and live entertainment, as well as a lot of special events with special menus.

More to come…