Your Updated Guide to South Main: A Hot Spot with Rich History
This iconic Memphis neighborhood blends rich history with modern culinary offerings and one-of-a-kind experiences. Here's your updated guide to South Main! Image: Facebook / SOB South Main
Updated June 2026 by Ariel Taranski
Once a thriving railroad hub, South Main helped power Memphis’ early growth, with Central Station fueling hotels, restaurants, and warehouses across the neighborhood. But as rail travel declined in the 1950s and ’60s — and following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 — the area fell into decline. A resurgence began in the 1990s after the opening of the National Civil Rights Museum, sparking a new era of revitalization. Today, South Main is once again buzzing with dining, culture, and character.
Table of Contents
WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast
- The Arcade: Sitting at the corner of Main Street and G.E. Patterson, The Arcade serves filling breakfasts that include bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hash browns.
- Hustle & Dough: Another great breakfast spot, Hustle & Dough serves some of the best fresh-baked pastries and a Memphis-style Bourbon mocha.
- Sage: A wonderful brunch spot for upscale classics like crab cake Benedict and French toast, as well as Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles.
Lunch & Dinner
- South of Beale: A gastropub that serves complimentary popcorn, amazing sandwiches, and scrumptious bread pudding.
- McEwen’s: Here, you’ll find sophisticated Southern cuisine with a creative European influence in a laid-back atmosphere. Standouts include the buttermilk fried oysters and BBQ duck confit enchiladas!
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: This spot is your go-to for all of your favorite fixings, like baked beans, mac and cheese, and, of course, fried chicken.
- Central BBQ: This Memphis favorite is worth the hype, offering barbecue ribs, sandwiches, nachos, and homemade potato chips.
- Felicia Suzanne’s: A local staple offering elevated dishes in a unique atmosphere, with a mix of French bistro and Southern vibes. We recommend adding a side of fried green tomatoes!
- Renee’s Sandwich Shop: Great for a hearty lunch or light dinner, you can enjoy a selection of hot and cold sandwiches.
- South Main Sushi: This restaurant gives you a full sushi experience, with nigiri, hibachi, and sushi rolls — all made with the freshest ingredients.
- Good Fortune Company: A must if you’re searching for dumplings and ramen made from scratch. (And they’ve even been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.)
- Sage: Standout dishes include fried fish bites, blackened catfish, beignets, and wings.
- KUYA: As one of Memphis’ newer spots, KUYA offers fusion dishes like jollyburger lumpia, kare-kare salad, and even ube matcha.
- Catherine and Mary’s: Located inside the Chisca Hotel, Catherine and Mary’s is a blend of Tuscan- and Sicilian-inspired fare, with both traditional and new tastes like fresh-made pasta and antipasti plates.
Something Sweet
- Primas Bakery: A perfect spot for grabbing a macaron or donut.
- The Cheesecake Corner: Enjoy slices of cheesecake in classic flavors and unique pairings.
- Makeda’s: A batch of their iconic homemade butter cookies is a must.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK
- Ritual Coffee: Here, you’ll find classic brews and espresso martinis for a little caffeine kick.
- Eight & Sand: If you’re stopping by Central Station Hotel, this bar and lounge has a dedicated music room to unwind.
- The Lobbyist: A Michelin-selected bar and restaurant inside The Chisca — perfect for cocktails and dinner.
- Old Dominick Distillery: Pop in here for a drink at the bar, where you can try the 2025 Best Tennessee Whiskey.
- Ghost River Brewing Co: A pet-friendly taproom with plenty of beer options.
- The Green Beetle: As the oldest tavern in Memphis, The Green Beetle hosts Burger Tuesdays, Draft Mondays with $1 wings, and Happy Hour all week long.
- Max’s Sports Bar: Snag a beer and watch your favorite sports in the company of other fans.
- Earnestine and Hazel’s: As South Main’s legendary juke joint, this is a great place to sip some brew, listen to music, and grab a “Soul Burger.”
- Bar Hustle: Inside ARRIVE Hotel (in the morning, the space operates as Hustle & Dough), this spot offers a collection of signature and locally inspired cocktails, mocktails, and spirits.
WHERE TO SHOP
- South Main Book Juggler: Owned by Jean Williams Andrus, this bookstore is across the street from Central Station.
- Feelin’ Memphis: This store offers an array of goods — from candles to coasters — all putting Memphis at the forefront and featuring local artists.
- Stock & Belle: A lifestyle retail boutique that sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and an array of fun and unusual trinkets.
- Walking Pants Curiosities: A gift and general store perfect for finding “little happys” for friends and family.
- River City Records: For all things music, check out River City Records for a mix of new releases and classic vinyl.
- Sue Layman Designs: This shop is home to one-of-a-kind paintings by local artist Sue Layman Lightman.
- Silk N Honey: A go-to spot for permanent jewelry.
- The Broom Closet: The perfect spot to find metaphysical items like incense and oils.
- Memphis Farmers’ Market: The ultimate local grocery shopping experience, showcasing vendors and local goods.
MORE TO DO
- The National Civil Rights Museum: Located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel, this is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum features an extensive history of African American life from slavery to the present day.
- Blues Hall of Fame Museum: Across the street, this quaint museum features an in-depth history of music, interactive exhibits, blues memorabilia, and even a neat little reading nook.
- For more history and learning, check out the Jack Robinson Gallery and the Center for Southern Folklore.
- Malco’s Powerhouse: For a fun film-related experience, check out Malco’s, where you can watch movies in reclining chairs while snacks are delivered to your seat.
- Orpheum Theatre: A local theater that hosts everything from orchestras to comedy shows.
- Memphis River Parks: The perfect spot for soaking up some rays and picnicking by the water.
- Club Rumba: Take free salsa classes here to brush up on your dancing skills.
- Trolley Night: Held on the last Friday of each month, when shops are open late, and many restaurants offer specials.
Whether looking for a quiet stroll through the city or an exciting night on the town, South Main blends history with modern culinary dining and one-of-a-kind experiences.
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