Where to Go For the Best Brunch in Memphis
Memphis has more than barbecue, y’all. The food scene is really booming. Brunch is now a preferred meal for eating out. I mean who doesn’t enjoy a good brunch? At brunch you don’t feel guilty for drinking in the day AND you can choose either a sweet or a savory dish as a main course. What’s not to love? Here are some of our favorite places to go for the best brunch in Memphis!
Table of Contents
Where to go for the Best Brunch in Memphis!
The Liquor Store
Let’s start with the name of this little diner. This building was originally an old liquor store. It had such a great sign that the owners decided not to change the name! The old liquor store has been transformed into a fun and funky diner called, of course, The Liquor Store. It is located in the arts district on Broad Avenue and serves breakfast foods all day.
We had the biscuit beignets and the sweet potato hash…and mimosas. They also serve burgers and a few other “lunch” items for those who might not want breakfast at noon.
Location:
2655 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN. 38112
Paulettes
Paulettes is a long standing Memphis institution. They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 2:00 and are located in an acclaimed luxury boutique hotel called The River Inn. Paulettes is fancy enough to feel special but it is also comfortable and never stuffy. They are famous for their popovers and strawberry butter. I recommend trying the brioche French toast!
Location:
51 Harbor Town Square Memphis, TN 38103
Bryant’s Breakfast
Bryant’s Breakfast started serving the people of Memphis back in 1968. They closed in November of 2020 due to the poor health of the owner. Bryant’s reopened under new ownership in April, 2021. The new owners have done their best to keep everything the same. Not only have they not changed the menu but they have hired back almost all of the employees!
At Bryant’s you can get a good old fashioned breakfast with great biscuits and everything made from scratch. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00AM to 2:00PM.
Please note that this is a cash only establishment.
Location:
965 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
The Beauty Shop
Like The Liquor Store, The Beauty Shop is named after what this establishment used to be. This was a beauty and is reported to be where Priscilla Presley came to get her hair done. The restaurant is simply darling. It conjures up the feeling of a beauty shop from the 50’s and there is even seating under the old style hair dryers. It definitely has the ambiance going for it but the food is great as well!
The Beauty Shop is located in the Cooper-Young district and brunch is offered Saturday from 11-2 and Sunday from 10-3. The menus are different on Saturday and Sunday, but both are extremely varied and interesting. This is not an old fashioned brunch. You can choose from Beneduck – like an eggs Benedict with duck – to avocado za’atar toast.
Location:
966 Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104
Majestic Grill
The Majestic Grill is one of our favorite spots in Memphis. We’ve eaten lunch or dinner here on several occasions but this was our first time to come for brunch. We were impressed! First of all the Majestic is in an old building with high ceilings, cozy booths and touches of dark wood. It seems both old and modern and gives you a sense of comfort from the moment you walk in.
Then the brunch was delicious! This may sound like a weird brunch choice but their Ceasar salad is amazing. I would also recommend the filet mignon benedict.
Location:
145 S Main St Memphis, TN 38103
Arcade Restaurant
Looking for something truly retro? The Arcade is the oldest cafe in Memphis! It opened its doors in 1919, the building that it is in now was built in 1925 and it was remodeled into a hip place in the 1950’s. You will feel like you are walking onto the set of the show Happy Days when you walk in.
I loved the look of The Arcade. Best of all they serve a great southern breakfast all day and they have a full bar as well as an extensive coffee menu!
Location:
540 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Sweet Grass
Sweet Grass is a neighborhood bistro in the delightful Cooper-Young area. Brunch is only offered on Sundays. The cuisine is low-country style and they use mostly local and always fresh ingredients. Because their ingredients are seasonal the menu changes from time to time so you will want to check it out before you go! We had the breakfast burrito and it was excellent!
Location:
937 Cooper St Memphis, TN 38104
Babalu
I’ve mentioned on the blog before how much we like Babalu so you know I was happy to learn that they serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 – 3! I adore their house made guacamole so of course I had avocado toast with poached eggs. Perfection. Best of all is the brunch cocktail menu. I highly recommend the Irish coffee or the Bellini.
Location:
6450 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119
Sunrise Memphis
Have I saved the best for last? Many people consider Sunrise Memphis to be the best brunch in town! This is a fun, quirky, and casual place where you order at the counter, are given a number to take your table and then your food is delivered when ready. The lines can be long but they usually move quickly.
Sunrise Memphis serves their biscuit-centric breakfast all day. You can choose from a variety of biscuit sandwiches, as well as other plates and bowls. If you like pimento cheese try the dirty south biscuit with bacon! We have a similar recipe here. I also highly recommend trying the bloody Mary at Sunrise Memphis!
Location:
670 Jefferson Ave,
Memphis, TN, 38105
Hope you enjoy a wonderful brunch in Memphis! Let us know what you think!
We have also written about things to do on Beale Street in the day time.
Have fun and thanks for stopping by!