Brunch is an important institution in the American South, especially on a Sunday, when the pace of life slows down, and friends and family gather for a lazy late-morning get-together. Memphis has many good spots for brunch across the downtown, Cooper-Young, and East Memphis areas;. here is our guide to 10 unmissable brunch options.
Once upon a time, Automatic Slim was a Beale Street bluesman. The restaurant that takes his name has been a Memphis favourite for 20 years,. One of the most popular spots in the whole of Memphis, Automatic Slim’s serves up brunch on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. On the brunch menu are dishes including blackened eggs Benedict with salmon, crab cakes Benedict, and the Three Little Pigs omelet that comes with sausage, ham, and bacon.
The Blind Bear promotes itself as a 1920s-era speakeasy-themed bar, and there is a distinctly boozy feel to the ‘Hung Over Like a Bear’ brunch menu served on Saturday and Sunday. For those seeking to clear their head with something strong there are some excellent cocktails and a great brunch menu.
Capriccio Grill is part of the famous Peabody Hotel, and offers visitors the most sophisticated, refined brunch experience in Memphis. It is the ideal spot if you are visiting Memphis for a weekend, or for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. The Peabody dates back to 1869 and is famous for the ducks that live on the roof and come down each day to frolic in the lobby fountain.
Pearl’s Oyster House on South Main Street is just a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River. Brunch is served on Sunday, with a menu that features classic Southern seafood. You can opt for oyster dishes aplenty or go straight to the failsafe classics.
Alcenia’s is named after the mother of the chef and owner, who offers a hearty welcome to all her patrons. This brunch venue is filled with brightly coloured tablecloths and walls, and you will find patrons playing chess and games, as well as sampling the excellent cuisine on offer. Dedication and hard work go into all of the food at Alcenia’s.
Boscos Squared in Midtown Memphis is perfect for those who like a Sunday morning beer with their brunch, whilst sitting out on the veranda al fresco style. There is also live music on a Sunday morning to keep patrons entertained. Boscos makes its own beers and has over the years won countless awards for its food and drinks.
Half Shell opened back in 1973 and has since become a Memphis institution. The Half Shell features an open kitchen where you can watch your food being expertly prepared, an oyster bar, and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays, with a menu that is, of course, heavy on the seafood.
Owen Brennan’s is all about big Cajun and Creole flavours, and bringing the spirit and cuisine of New Orleans to Memphis. The restaurant is celebrated locally for the quality of its cuisine and has won countless awards. For Sunday brunch there are various stations at which you can grab some excellent food – from entrée, cooked-to-order, dessert, and seafood stations, to bread and salad.
Based in downtown Memphis, South of Beale is ideally located for a Sunday brunch before a lazy day wandering around the nearby Robinson Gallery, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum on Beale Street. The first gastropub to open its doors in Memphis, South of Beale offers excellent food and drink in the late morning.
The Trolley Shop Market is a venue for brunch, as well as a centre for local Memphis cuisine, and a hub for artisan producers. You can enjoy an excellent brunch before perusing the market for produce from mid-Southern farmer. All of the produce on offer is fresh and organic and brings the best quality ingredients to the city.
