Beale Street Food Guide

Featured in this Article:

Dyer's Burgers
Blues City Cafe
Beale Sweets Sugar Shack
King's Palace Cafe
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
A. Schwab Dry Goods Store
Central BBQ"
Old Dominick Distillery
Elwood's Shack
Ghost River Brewing Co
Itta Bena
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Arcade Restaurant
 

Located on world-famous Beale Street, Dyer's Burgers began in 1912, with the late Elmer "Doc" Dyer's secret cooking process that still continues to this day. The burgers – single, double or triple – are legendary and famous for being cooked in the same exact grease that made the burgers famous in 1912!  Dyer's also has a bountiful menu featuring many lip-smacking favorites: Hot "Blues" Hot Wings, Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, milkshakes & floats, hot apple dumplings and more. Check out what’s often considered the best burgers on Beale at Dyers.

• Parking: free street parking and paid lot parking is available near Beale Street

• Special Dishes: Dyer's is famous for it's deep-fried burgers cooked in decades-old grease

• Accessibility: Dyer's is wheelchair accessible

If you want to hear some jazz and taste some super tasty Memphis-inspired Cajun cuisine, be sure to drop into King's Palace Cafe on Beale Street. A welcoming locale offering a full menu of appetizing southern meals, King’s Palace features such dishes as their championship gumbo, alligator, shrimp and crawfish etouffee, blackened catfish, voodoo potatoes and more. The Cafe also serves Memphis-style hickory smoked BBQ ribs, New York strips, bacon wrapped filets, and salmon lightly smoked and grilled. The dining area features plenty of room but step off to the side area for a comfortable, relaxed evening of local jazz artists playing tunes throughout your visit.

• Parking: Various paid parking options are available on Beale Street.

• Special Dishes: Memphis-style BBQ ribs and Cajun dishes are very popular here. 

• Accessibility: King's Palace is wheelchair accessible.

Famous for being dry rubbed, then grilled over charcoal, ribs, brisket, and BBQ favorites from Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous express an intensely seasoned taste underscored by hints of paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper and oregano. Over the years, Rendezvous has been visited by countless locals, visitors and even presidents, rock groups and celebrities since opening in 1948. In addition to their variety of barbecued bites, be sure to try their tasty appetizer plate of smoked sausage and cheese all seasoned with the famous Rendezvous spice mixture. There’s also delightful barbecue nachos (pork or chicken) that are stacked with smoked meat, cheese and spices. Prepare to savor some of the best Memphis BBQ you’ve ever tasted.

• Parking: Rendezvous offers valet parking and is close to several downtown garages. 

• Special Dishes: the dry rub ribs are a world-renowned specialty.

• Accessibility: there is an elevator that can take visitors to the basement level. 

A true Memphis landmark and the oldest store on Beale Street, A. Schwab Dry Goods Store is a celebrated stop to make while in the Home of the Blues. Find everything from plumbing supplies to old-fashioned candy on its characteristic wood floors and tables. A trip to A. Schwab is a step back in time to classic general stores, offering a great selection of everything you need. In addition to the wide assortment of fun items, A. Schwab’s also offers a variety of delicious sweet treats from gelato in freshly made waffle cones, milkshakes, malts, phosphate sodas with homemade syrups and more. When in Memphis, this is one icon not to miss.

• Parking: located along Beale Street with paid parking and lots nearby.

• Special Dishes: A. Schwab offers unique souvenirs, old-fashioned soda fountain, shakes, and candies, and selection of eclectic goods. 

• Accessibility: this location is wheelchair accessible.

Since opening in 2002, Central BBQ has built quite a name for itself, earning many accolades including being voted the No. 1 barbecue in Memphis several times. Their downtown establishment offers not only a full range of barbecue dishes like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs but also large, meaty wings, smoked sausage, and their famous barbecue nachos. The homemade potato chips make an excellent accompaniment to any entrée. Plus, live music can be heard on the patio when the weather is nice.

• Parking: there are a number of Central BBQ locations across Memphis, some with dedicated parking and others with paid garages or lots nearby.

• Special Dishes: the puled pork nachos and Memphis dry ribs are beloved as top dishes.

• Accessibility: Central BBQ is wheelchair accessible.

Whether you're stopping in for a refreshing drink while you're exploring Memphis, or finishing up a night out in style, the bar at Old Dominick Distillery offers up carefully-crafted cocktails to suit everyone's taste in an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere. Located a short walk from Beale Street, Old Dominick offers distillery tours and curated spirits tastings where their team shares their stories, traditions, and processes. Reservations are encouraged for the tour. 

• Parking: free parking is available in their dedicated lot. 

• Special Dishes: "Original Toddy" is a very popular whiskey, stemming from a historic Memphis recipe.

• Accessibility: the distillery and the guided tour are accessible. 

Located near the corner of 4^th and Beale, the music and taps at Ghost River Brewing Company are always flowing. Partnering with local Memphis food truck legend New Wing Order, you can pair your Ghost River ales with their delicious menu items, such as the avocado tacos, hot wing nachos and smokehouse loaded fries with jalapeno ranch dipping sauce. Be sure to try their wings, known widely as some of the best in Memphis. Ghost River Brewing Co is situated at the quieter end of Beale and offers a wide selection of their own craft beer. There’s often live music being played and you can even bring your dog, as they are dog-friendly and have a great outdoor patio. A perfect combo for an amazing evening on Beale, definitely be sure to stop by Ghost River and New Wing Order.

• Parking: parking is available in nearby paid garages and lots.

• Special Dishes: Ghost River's "Dom's Red" is a barrel-aged Irish-style red ale and a popular brew.

• Accessibility: Ghost River Brewing Co. is wheelchair accessible. 

Looking for a speakeasy vibe on Beale Street? On the 3rd floor of B.B. King's, you'll find Itta Bena, a posh cocktail bar with swinging jazz and upscale Southern cuisine. Lounge in the glow of B.B. King's blue sign and savor dishes like shrimp and grits, a center cut filet mignon, Cajun pasta, stuffed herb chicken and decadent desserts.

• Parking: numerous paid lots and garages are close to Beale Street.

• Special Dishes: the Chilean Sea Bass and Jumbo Shrimp and Grits are popular dishes. 

• Accessibility: this location requires patrons to climb a set of stairs, so it is not wheelchair accessible. 

No Memphis food guide would be complete without Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Head to the Memphis staple for made-to-order, hand-battered fried chicken. The southern spicy fried chicken is served with southern sides made in-house daily like Coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese and baked beans. Save room for one of their amazing desserts like sweet potato, chess, southern pecan and chocolate chess pies. 

• Parking: various paid lots are nearby Gus's.

• Special Dishes: the "World Famous Fried Chicken" itself, particularly the 3 Piece Dark Plate or Half Chicken Plate are local favorites. 

• Accessibility: the restaurant offers accessible entry and seating. 

Step inside Memphis' oldest cafe, Arcade Restaurant, and slide into the booth Elvis Presley would frequent. Order up a coffee and settle in for a delicious meal you won't soon forget. Order Travel Channel's favorite Eggs Redneck - sausage, chicken or bacon with biscuits soaked in gravy with eggs and hash browns or Arcade Restaurant's famous French Toast with two eggs, hash browns or grits and bacon or sausage on the side. The sweet potato pancakes will satisfy any craving and the chocolate mudslide pancakes are a culinary paradise. 

• Parking: private parking lot is available, as well as street parking. 

• Special Dishes: the Breakfast Sampler, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Breakfast Pizza, and Elvis's personal favorite, the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich are all very popular dishes. 

• Accessibility: Arcade Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.