100 Things To Eat in Memphis (2012 edition)

Ed. Note: This is the 2012 edition of “100 Things to Eat in Memphis”. Some restaurants may have changed their menu since then, so please keep that in mind. If you want to see the 2013 list, click here.

You know that “100 Things to Eat Before You Die” survey that’s been making the rounds lately? There’s now a Memphis-centric version.

The Memphis Yelp community made a list of 100 Things to Eat in Memphis, a list of the most extreme, most well-known, or “best” local dishes. That list has disappeared from the Internet, but most of it is preserved here for posterity.

I’ve added in new or different dishes to replace restaurants that have closed. I’ve noted those with an (*). I’m not saying this is exactly what I would pick for the Top 100 Things, but it’s a great list and a great way to get a feel for the variety of delicious eats available in Memphis.

How many of these have you tried?

1. Tuna sandwich from Chinese Sub Shop

2. BBQ plate from Germantown Commissary

3. Fried chicken breast from Gus’s

4. Soul Burger from Earnestine and Hazel’s

5. Peach cheesecake from Cheesecake Corner

6. Chorizo tortuga from Las Tortugas

7. Sea bass at Tsunami

8. Ribeye from Folk’s Folly

9. John Deere snow cone from Jerry’s

10. Joyce roll from Sakura

11. Dry rub ribs from Bar-B-Que Shop

12. San Diegan from Brother Juniper’s

13. Guacamole from Las Delicias

14. Homeroom Chicken and Grids from Lunchbox Eats

15. Red velvet donuts from Gibson’s

16. Greek burger from Alex’s Tavern

17. Gas station sushi

18. Uptown burger from Roxie’s Grocery

19. Muffaletta from Kwik Chek

20. Gyro from Castle

21. Key Lime Pie ice cream from La Michoacana

22. Twice-baked potato salad from One and Only BBQ

23. Cheesesteak from Yang’s

24. Shrimp and grits from Sweet Grass

25. Buffalo tenderloin from Erling Jensen



26. Barbecue pizza from Coletta’s

27. Cornish game hen from Cozy Corner

28. Grilled cabbage from Deja Vu

29. Bulgogi from Du Won Jung

30. Roast duck from New Asia

31. Rib tips from Tom’s Barbecue

32. Capote cupcake from Muddy’s Bakeshop



33. Barbecue tofu nachos from R.P. Tracks

34. Chips (aka fries) from Brass Door Tavern

35. Ravioli from Vanelli’s Deli

36. Mac’n’cheese from Mollie Fontaine Lounge

37. Voodoo Chocolate Passion Cake at King’s Palace

38. Banana pudding from Cozy Corner

39. Turkey leg from a vendor outside of a Melrose High football game

40. Spicy shrimp tacos from Maciel’s*

41. Almond croissants from Off the Square Catering

42. Crazy noodle bowl from Bhan Thai

43. Banana pudding from Germantown Commissary

44. Tiger Bleu Chips from Brookhaven Pub

45. Barbecue nachos from Central BBQ

46. Blueberry donuts from Gibson’s

47. Hot wings from Ching’s

48. Surf ‘n’ Turf from Restaurant Iris (we’ll be waiting to see if this is still available when RI reopens)*

49. Shrimp salad from Bogie’s

50. Chilean sea bass from McEwan’s

51. Wedding cake supreme snow cone from Jerry’s

52. Hummus and falafel from Casablanca

53. Nachos on Dorito’s from Sushi Jimmi*

54. French fries / sweet potato fries from Young Ave. Deli

55. Pineapple shake from Shanghai

56. Coconut cake from Beauty Shop

57. Spicy crab soup from Ryu

58. Goat taco from La Guadalupana

59. Turkey and dressing from the Four Way

60. Reuben from Trolley Stop Market

61. Thai Gumbo from Tao

62. Honey gold wings from All-Star

63. BLT from Links of Galloway

64. Pan-fried dumplings from Panda Garden

65. Hot wing rolls from Blue Monkey

66. Barbecue pizza from Pete and Sam’s

67. Mussels from Bari

68. Ribs from A&R Barbecue

69. Salsa Tayde from Las Tortugas

70. Baklava from Cafe Med

71. Pickled green tomatoes from Soul Fish

72. Vegan Memphis barbecue sandwich from Imagine Vegan Cafe

73.Tacos from Fuel Food Truck

74. Brussels sprouts from South of Beale

75. Bi Bim Bop from Kwik Check

76. Ribs from Central Barbecue

77. Grilled cheese from Say Cheese food truck*

78. Burger from Huey’s

79. Fried chicken taco from El Mero Taco*

80. Homemade chips from Pop’s Deli

81. Nachos from Interstate Barbecue

82. Steak sandwich from Jack Pirtle’s

83. Pork chop sandwich from Tom’s BBQ

84. Skewers from Stick ‘Em Food Truck*

85. Meat-stuffed pizza at Little Italy

86.Fried shrimp poboy from Fresh Gulf Shrimp food truck*

87. Breakfast sampler from Bryant’s

88. Crab eggs benedict from Sweet Grass

89. All-in-one from Las Delicias

90. Pronto Pup

91. Lobster roll from Slider Inn

92. Nuts and chocolate from Peanut Shoppe

93. Lunch buffet from Pho Hoa Binh

94. Hoppin John with corn sticks from Little Tea Shop*

95. Badass Nachos from Sweet Grass Next Door*

96. Island Club from Bardog Tavern

97. Lobster pronto pup from Rizzo’s Diner

98. Monte Cristo from Half Shell

99. High tea from Chez Philippe

100. Chili pineapple paleta from La Michoacana

Is there anything that should be added? Add them in the comments.

top photo credit: David Meany / Contiki Purchase/ Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

This post originally published on May 2, 2012