Memphis: Icons & Newcomers of the Southern Comfort Food Scene

Savor updated takes on comfort food including buttermilk fried chicken livers, crispy quail or caramelized onion tart with a cornmeal crust at downtown’s Felicia Suzanne’s Restaurant. The Friday lunch menu featuring 25-cent martinis is a good bet, especially if you score a seat on the lovely outdoor patio.

You’ll discover the entrance to this iconic barbecue restaurant tucked into an unassuming back alley. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been a staple since its founding circa 1949. Revered for its dry-rubbed ribs cooked over charcoal, this Memphis favorite continues to entice locals and is a a must for visitors.

Located above B.B. King’s Blues Club, Itta Bena claims one of the most enviable locations in the city, especially with window seats that overlook the action on world-famous Beale Street below. Sample specialties such as duck and waffles (a twist on the traditional chicken and waffles) and spicy jambalaya pasta.

Whether you order it on a po’ boy sandwich, a taco or in a basket, be sure to try the fried catfish at local favorite Soul Fish Cafe. Crisp-fried to perfection, it tastes best when paired with hush puppies (fried cornmeal fritters). Vegetable sides include pickled green tomatoes, Cajun cabbage, green beans, collard greens and more.

If you’re craving grandmother-approved Italian comfort fare, the James Beard-nominated chefs at Catherine’s & Mary’s have you covered. This neighborhood eatery focuses on Old World Italian dishes and attentive service, from the spuntini (small, pre-meal snacks) to indulgent pasta, tender meats and sweet Italian desserts.

Old Dominick brand whiskey was founded in Memphis in 1866, but the distillery’s renovated downtown building just opened in spring 2017. Book a tour of the facility, which includes a vodka and whiskey tasting. Get in on the hometown spirit and sample the Memphis Toddy, a high-rye bourbon mixed with a blend of citrus, honey and botanicals served over cracked ice. If you get hungry, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is just across the street.

Award-winning chef Kelly English brings Louisiana favorites like slow-braised roast beef po' boys, gumbo and Gulf of Mexico oysters to The Second Line. The restaurant is conveniently located just steps away from Overton Square, a revitalized theater, live music, dining and entertainment center.

Non-stop flights into Memphis International Airport (MEM) are available from major gateways cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Pick up a rental car, or call a taxi, Lyft or Uber at the Memphis Airport.