Memphis: BBQ Nachos and 9 other Flavors We Enjoyed

Tasty, mouthwatering, culturally rich foods have held special spots in relationships since the 1900s, and experienced lovers wouldn’t deny the impact that food has had on their ability to maintain a fun, vibrant, and healthy relationship.

With a list of restaurants that will allow you to wine, dine, and enjoy cultural cravings, Memphis is the perfect spot to start your weekend restaurant adventures. There’s so much to see and do, so arrive in Memphis on Thursday afternoon and depart on a Monday evening in order to take advantage of a good blend of restaurants that will show you a taste of love that you’ve been missing.

Ready, set, romance! Here are 10 bites of Memphis that will make your heart full.

Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous Restaurant

Walking through an alley on a beautiful evening might not be a smart move (even if you’re coupled up with your sweetheart), unless you’re going to Rendezvous.

Rendezvous is a dry rib specialty restaurant located in a jazzy basement in downtown Memphis. Word around town is that you can’t go to Memphis without getting a taste of the famous hand-cooked ribs based with a light vinegar seasoning sauce that gives it just the right kick.

What captivated my taste buds even more were the Chicken Barbecue Nachos, your traditional nachos catered with a punch of flavor that keeps you going back for more. As you can imagine, it’s a popular restaurant among tourists, so going on a Thursday evening gave us a chance to avoid a long line.

The Arcade Restaurant

If you grab breakfast at the Arcade Restaurant in downtown Memphis, you and your mate can vaunt about sitting in the seats of a restaurant that has been recognized as “Memphis’s Oldest Café”. You’ll be enjoying food history in Memphis together!

A Memphis staple since 1919, The Arcade Restaurant delivers your breakfast cravings all day and gives you a menu of other appetizing food options to choose from. My curiosity led me to the Sweet Potato Pancakes, listed on the menu as a “Food Network favorite”. Let’s just say this: If you’re experiencing morning hunger, the pancakes and other food offerings that are included will fill you up.

The Kitchen American Bistro at Shelby Farms

The Kitchen made its Memphis debut in 2016, so couples will get a chance to receive a taste of a contemporary dining experience while being surrounded by nature’s beautiful trails in Shelby Farms Park. The eco-friendly setting combined with the alluring ambiance makes this a great brunch option, and a great environment to have high-spirited couple conversations that allow you to reveal your vision for your life.

And the conversation gets even better after diving into the Gulf Shrimp Salad, an appetizing menu item served with two pieces of bread and green lettuce.

Felicia Suzanne’s

If I could snap my fingers and return to Memphis right now, I would run to Felicia Suzanne’s and order the Deviled Eggs appetizer. The Deviled Eggs were filled with house-smoked salmon that just made me fall in love with life all over again.

J added the Chicken Crepes to his top 10 appetizers listing, so try both and you decide which is better! The food chemistry was definitely present, but the romantic vibe from the dim lights and couple seating options just makes you want to stare in your partners’ eyes, hold hands, and appreciate everything life has brought your way. Last but not the least, we enjoyed the Quail Entree.

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

Millennial couples can conclude their Friday night festivities in Memphis with lovely blues ballads & fresh baked peach cobbler (with caramel and cinnamon!) at B.B. Kings. This will definitely spice up your relationship!

Located on the corner of the historic Beale street, you’ll have a chance to listen to live blues, classic soul, and rock and roll that will make you forget every worry that was previously on your mind. Choose the elevated seating by the window for an additional level of romantic charm (wink, wink) and let the experience take you and your partner away to passionate paradise.

DeJaVu Restaurant

You’ll find a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Memphis when you dine at DeJaVu.

Warning: The food options, artifacts on the wall, and sophisticated blend of upbeat jazz with soulful sounds may spark you and your mate to plan a trip to New Orleans next!

Featured as a restaurant of choice during Memphis Black Restaurant Week, DeJaVu appeals to crowds with its creole soul food and vegetarian options. I couldn’t resist ordering the shrimp and grits, Cajun Jambalaya and Creole Gumbo; I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need tons of water to beat the spice.

Side Street Grill

It’s like you’re in the comfort of your home with your mate, but you’re surrounded by an array of music, a spacious family-sized patio, endless mimosas, and Memphis millennials when you head to Side Street Grill.

So, while I was enjoying a healthy Side Street Grilled Salmon Salad and mimosa, I also had a chance to enjoy inspiring words from Tammy Sawyer, TedX speaker and influential Millennial leader in Memphis. Her words of advice were these: “Believe in yourself and have as little fear as possible. Don’t be afraid. It’s not always about achieving the final goal, but being able to make an impact on your journey.”

Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill

As soon as you walk into Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill, you’ll be greeted with hanging sharks, exotic fish swimming in the water, and wooden furniture, providing you with the ultimate nature driven-experience while staying indoors! Having the chance to experience this beautiful aquatic setting on a Monday morning just brought J and I closer.

We ordered Buttermilk Pancakes, an omelet served with skillet potatoes and toast, and the Breakfast Panini served with skillet potatoes. Needless to say, our stomachs were stuffed and we were grateful that this restaurant was surrounded by tons of retail shops, attractions, and an ocean-themed bowling alley perfect for burning calories.

The Office@Uptown

Couples can do great things when they come together; they can even create a welcoming environment that caters to the business-minded professional who is seeking a comfortable workspace and great food options.

That’s what unfolded when Valerie Peavy and her husband transformed a building renovation project into an office service center and café, The Office@Uptown was born.

And it’s listed as a featured restaurant during Memphis Black Restaurant Week! This is a great place for Millennial couples to engage in lunch meetings with other professionals, try meatless meals such as the Veggie Pizza, and witness what can happen when you find a mate who shares a vision of success.

The Lookout at The Pyramid

If you really want to take your relationship to the next level (literally, 300 feet above the ground on the tallest free-standing elevator in the United States), surprise your mate with dinner at The Lookout.

You’ll share rich flavors of their food while overlooking the Mississippi River. The BBQ Jumbo Shrimp and Pan Seared Duck Breast appetizers won a spot in my heart–it was just so tasty that it was almost hard to split–along with the perfectly blended Duck Blind Sunrise cocktail (Did somebody say beach party? Ayyyy!).

And then the entrées, Pan Seared Salmon & Filet Mignon, made their grand appearance on our table, making it hard to not embrace the present moment with dreamy eyes.

What are your favorite restaurants in Memphis? Let us know below!

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