Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Best Restaurants in Memphis Beale Street Nightlife Top Memphis Breweries The Best Time to Visit Memphis Memphis International Airport Guide Hotels in Memphis Neighborhoods to Know Public Transportation Day Trips From Memphis The Best Memphis Tours Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids State Parks Near Memphis The Best Memphis Parks Museums in Memphis Live Music Venues Memphis Music Festivals Southern Food in Memphis Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Tennessee Best Southern Food in Memphis By Teresa R. Simpson Teresa R. Simpson Facebook Twitter Teresa R. Simpson is a freelance travel journalist and the author of "Memphis Murder & Mayhem." TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/18/19 patrickheagney/Getty Images There is nothing quite like the rich flavors of authentic southern cuisine. From turnip greens cooked with bacon and catfish fried in cornmeal batter to sweet candied yams and homemade pecan pie, the south knows good food. If you are in Memphis, Tennessee and looking for a true taste of the city, the following restaurants can't be beaten. They are all casual, kid-friendly, and reasonably priced. 01 of 05 Alcenia's Holly Whitfield View Map Address 317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103-1619, USA Get directions Phone +1 901-523-0200 Web Visit website If you can only dine at one southern dining establishment in Memphis, this is a good one to choose. Alcenia's has become famous around town and beyond for their always-fresh soul food, friendly service, and a complimentary hug from the proprietress. The fried pork chops, catfish, fried green tomatoes, and pecan pie are among the local favorites but you really can't go wrong with anything you try here. 02 of 05 Four Way Restaurant View Map Address 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126-5704, USA Get directions Phone +1 901-507-1519 Web Visit website The Four Way Restaurant is one of Memphis' little gems that shouldn't be missed. This tiny restaurant has been serving up soul food for decades and for good reason--their food is delicious. It was also a meeting place for civil rights leaders in the 1960s. Locals love the fried chicken, turnip greens, and peach cobbler. Oh, and if you like uber-sweet beverages, order the VIP, a combination of lemonade and sweet tea. 03 of 05 Gus's Fried Chicken Nathan Cardozo/Creative Commons License View Map Address 310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA Get directions Phone +1 901-527-4877 Web Visit website Iconic Restaurants 4.5 The sign above Gus's Fried Chicken says that it is "world famous" and that may not be too much of an exaggeration. Folks from all over the world have indulged in this spicy and juicy chicken that is native to Memphis. In addition to chicken, you can get the usual assortment of sides but don't miss the seasoned rice and bacon jalapeno hushpuppies. 04 of 05 Peggy's Healthy Home Cooking View Map Address 326 S Cleveland St, Memphis, TN 38104, USA Get directions Phone +1 901-474-4938 Peggy's puts a twist on southern cooking by making it as healthy as possible. For example, unlike many southern establishments, Peggy doesn't season her vegetables with meat or meat drippings (like bacon grease which is very common). Nevertheless, the food here really is heavenly and the smothered chicken, yams, and German chocolate cake are must-tries. Continue to 5 of 5 below. 05 of 05 Southern Hands View Map Address 6025 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38115, USA Get directions Phone +1 901-367-8989 Web Visit website Southern Hands doesn't look like a lot of the other places on this list--it's fairly new and housed in a very sanitized looking building. While it may be missing the character of some other down-home restaurants, it is not lacking in flavor. In fact, many locals proclaim the turnip greens here to be the best in town. Try the caramel cake and banana pudding too. Yum! Best Restaurants in Memphis Updated by Holly Whitfield September 2016 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email