Gus's World Famous Hot and Spicy is a Memphis institution. This casual spot is known for its spicy and flavorful fried chicken and its popular side dishes such as dirty rice, fried green tomatoes and potato salad. You should be prepared for a wait regardless of what time you visit, and whether you eat in or takeout.
Meat lovers will appreciate the variety of choices in this Brazilian steak house. Waiters serve freshly-roasted beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood brought on skewers and carved right at the diner's table. There is also a large salad bar which offers side dishes, soups, salads and breads. Although you can eat all you want while dining in, you cannot take leftovers home. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner and brunch.
For over 25 years the Rum Boogie Café has offered "Down Home Cookin" and "Down Home Blues" to the downtown Memphis area. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves Cajun, Creole and Southern specialties such as gumbo, red beans and rice and fried catfish. Every night there is live music from the house band as well as visiting musicians. The café is also home to a mini-museum with musical memorabilia as well as over 150 autographed guitars from some of the top acts in the world of music.
Memphis is known for its barbecue and The Rendezvous Restaurant has been serving pork ribs, chicken and brisket since 1948. Located in an alleyway and down in the basement, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday for dinner and Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner. Large parties are welcome, though you should make reservations to ensure sufficient seating.
If you're not sure what you want to eat, the Arcade Restaurant may be the choice for you. This diner-style restaurant, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a varied menu that offers soups, salads, sandwiches pizzas and daily specials. The Arcade Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch but call ahead as they sometimes close without notice.
