Best brunch Memphis

7 Best Brunches in Memphis

We all know that Memphis is the capital of BBQ, but could it be the capital of brunch too? From chowing down on Brisket Benedict to waterfront fine dining, Memphis has brunch for every budget and taste. But with so many to choose from, you’ll want to be sure you’re starting your weekend right at one of the best. To help you along, we’ve rounded up seven of the best brunches in Memphis. 

7 of the Best Brunches in Memphis

1.The Liquor Store 

Six years ago, two entrepreneurs transformed an abandoned liquor store into a diner. The result? One of the hottest brunch spots in town. Best known for serving up nostalgic and Latino-inspired fare, The Liquor Store offers brunch all day, every day. Expect pancakes drenched in syrup, breakfast tacos and classics like ‘Steak ‘n’ Eggs’. In keeping with its former function, it serves up a stellar selection of cocktails too, including one of the best mimosas in town.

Best brunch Memphis
(Photo: Liquor Store)

2. Char Restaurant 

This local steakhouse serves up refined Southern-inspired brunches every weekend. You’ll find three different types of Eggs Benedict on the menu, as well as Memphis staples like custard-friend French toast and chicken biscuit. But we love it for the live music. Head there on a Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm or Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and enjoy live jazz while you tuck into your eggs.

Best brunches Memphis
(Photo: Char Restaurant)

3. Paulette’s 

Paulette’s is a bit of a Memphis institution, having served hearty fare with French flair for over 40 years. The restaurant is now located in Harbortown, overlooking the Wolf River. There’s a tantalizing selection of dishes on the menu, but those in the know go for the signature baked popovers with strawberry butter. Other popular brunch stalwarts include Southern Eggs Benedict and Brioche French Toast, thick slices of homemade brioche dripping with Vermont Maple Syrup. Paulette’s is only open for brunch from 11 am-1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Best Brunch Memphis
(Photo: Paulette’s)

4. The Beauty Shop 

Once upon a time, The Beauty Shop was a beauty salon, well-known as Priscilla Presleys curl-and-dye go to. Today it’s a colourful, camp restaurant offering brilliant brunches. The menu features everything from beignets to biscuit sandwiches, as well as 14 different types of eggs. Interiors nod to its former glory, with barber canisters shooting out straws and high hairdryer chairs. Try and get one of the glass-roofed window seats perfectly placed for people watching away the scorching Tennessee sun.

Best brunches Memphis
(Photo: The Beauty Shop)

5. Rizzo’s Diner 

Boasting an exciting yet unpretentious brunch menu, Rizzo’s downtown dinner is recognised as one of the best brunches in Memphis by locals. Crowd pleasers include the Blackened Catfish Eggs Benedict and the Banderas Memphis, a carnivore’s fantasy of pork belly chicharrones, andouille sausage, and steak tips with a sunny side egg. Don’t miss the $3 mimosas.

There are a few bistro seats on the patio outside but most of the action takes place indoors.

6. Stone Soup Cafe 

Stone Soup Cafe is named after the classic children’s book. It tells the story of a hungry out-of-towner who is refused a meal and decides to boil water to make ‘stone soup’ for the community. Each villager contributes one ingredient to create a delicious stew for everyone to enjoy. This community ethos is the bedrock of the cafe, which champions the local Cooper-Young community. The homey interiors feature wall panels from local artists, as well as a market selling local products. Expect real soul food and don’t miss the breakfast burritos.

Best Brunches Memphis
(Photo: Stone Soup Cafe)

7. Automatic Slims 

This downtown dive is a celeb favourite with visitors like Francis Ford Coppola and Tom Cruise, so you’ll be in good company. It’s a meat-centric brunch menu, with crowd favourites including the BBQ Brisket Benedict, Three Little Pigs Omelette and the Patty Melt. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to try the Cinamon Roll Waffle. Add a mimosa or bloody Mary for $3 too. Along with the brunches, Automatic Slim’s also boasts the most extensive martini menu in the city, so make sure you come back later.

Best brunches Memphis
(Photo: Automatic Slim’s)
Allie D'Almo

Allie is a passionate traveller with a hearty interest in great food and stories. She likes to travel slowly, particularly to underrated and underloved places. She’s lived in Italy and is now based in London, where she spends most of her time either plotting her next trip or writing about her last one.

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