Cindy Brewer
President; Destination King; Memphis
What are three great dining experiences you would recommend for groups visiting Memphis?
- Blues City Cafe on Beale Street: Memphis barbecue is a must when visiting Memphis, and it does not get any better than Blues City Cafe. The chefs prepare the ribs in an open view of the grill in this "juke joint" diner. The wet ribs are so tender that the meat falls off the bone and can be eaten with a fork. Blues City also serves fried catfish and a skillet cobbler that is out of this world.
- The Majestic Grille: Located downtown on Main Street on the trolley line, this restaurant is very group-friendly and has a diverse menu of Southern favorites. Located inside the old Majestic Theatre, a large movie screen plays old movies while you dine. My favorite menu item is the fish and chips. On a nice day, you can enjoy the patio (great for groups) and people-watch. In the summers, Majestic also hosts great block parties.
- The Beauty Shop: This midtown restaurant was built out of an old Southern beauty shop. Guest tables are built around the old hair dryer stations, and the eclectic dinnerware and mismatched glassware will remind you of grandma’s home. Beauty Shop is a good group dining option before or after a tour of Graceland or Stax en route to downtown Memphis. I have many favorites here, including the homemade guacamole, the daily grilled cheese specials and, of course, the caramel or strawberry cake "hunks" that are served for dessert. And Sunday brunch is a must!