By Skip Davis
Memphis, Tennessee rests on the Mississippi River, and is known for its blues music scene and dry barbecue restaurants. Attractions to check out while visiting the "Bluff City" include Beale Street, which features blues clubs, restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as Sun Studio, where many rock 'n roll artists of the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, recorded their records. Although it is primarily known for barbecue, Memphis has a variety of award-winning restaurants.
Marlowe's Restaurant
After visiting Graceland, the estate of the late Elvis Presley, check out Marlowe's Restaurant, a family-owned barbecue restaurant that has a casual, rustic atmosphere and can accommodate large-group outings. The restaurant has Elvis Presley photos and artwork spread throughout the restaurant. Marlowe's has been recognized by "Little Blue Cafe", a television program on Turner South network, as the best barbecue ribs in Tennessee. The restaurant is only open for dinner. Aside from its famed ribs, other dinner entrees at Marlowe's include t-bone steak, Mississippi Delta catfish and homemade lasagna. Marlowe's Restaurant also has a gift shop and hosts private functions, such as parties and corporate dinners.
Marlowe's Restaurant
4381 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 332-4159
marlowesmemphis.com
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous is situated in an alley off of Beale Street. Opened since 1948, Rendezvous' dry ribs have become "the very essence of Memphis barbecue" according to the BBQ Bible, written by author Steven Raichlen. This restaurant has been recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of the "Top 5 Best BBQ Joins in America", as well as being voted as the "Best Barbecue Restaurant" by the Southern Living Reader's Choice Awards. As for the restaurant itself, it is located in a dimly-lit basement setting, but there are seating arrangements for large groups. Rendezvous is open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as dinner from Tuesday through Saturday. The menu has hearty selections such as meatless red beans and rice, beef brisket and pork shoulder plate. Rendezvous will ship barbecue goods, and the restaurant has facilities for hosting private banquets and receptions.
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
52 S. 2nd St.
Memphis, TN 38013
(901) 523-2746
hogsfly.com
Restaurant Iris
Restaurant Iris has been given several restaurant awards by Memphis Magazine, including "Best Restaurant," "Best Chef" and an "Award of Excellence" for its ambiance. In addition to this, Kelly English, the restaurant's chef, has been given the award "Best New Chef" by Food and Wine Magazine. Iris serves New Orleans-style cuisine in a vibrant, fine dining atmosphere located in midtown Memphis. There are indoor and outdoor patio seating arrangements at Iris that accommodates romantic dates, as well as family outings. Iris is open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday, as well as brunch on Sunday. The brunch menu at Iris features New Orleans barbecue shrimp and stuffed mirliton, and the dinner menu includes entrees such as gulf flasher and speckled trout. Iris also has an extensive wine list and recommends its patrons to call and make reservations.
Restaurant Iris
2146 Monroe Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 590-2828
restaurantiris.com
Resources
About the Author:
Skip Davis has been writing professionally since 2005. His work has appeared in "Southern Literary Magazine," on various websites and in graphic panels at the Jackson Zoological Park in Jackson, Miss. Currently living in Southern California, Davis received his Bachelor of Arts in theater at Belhaven College.
