Your Updated Guide to the Edge District
This is your guide to the best places to eat, drink, and play in the Edge District — a still-growing Memphis neighborhood on the move! Image: JEM / Facebook
Once the home of a thriving Wonder Bread factory, bustling industrial spaces, and some of the city’s first car dealerships, the Edge District spent many years on the fringe, full of unrecognized potential. Over the past several years, though, the Edge has come into its own as an up-and-coming neighborhood with plenty of opportunities for growth. Home to some of the city’s coolest places to eat, drink, and play, the Edge District is a great spot to spend an afternoon!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
JEM: Elevated fine dining meets comfort and approachability at JEM. While the modern American menu is globally inspired and prepared by a world-class chef, the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and decidedly unpretentious.
Sunrise Memphis: This eatery is a great choice for breakfast or lunch. It offers biscuit sandwiches, omelets, and bowls.
Flyway Brewing: Arkansas-based Flyway Brewing Co. welcomes you to Monroe Avenue’s former Edge Alley and High Cotton Brewery Co. space. The brewpub serves up High Cotton’s delicious beers, including High Cotton Mexican Lager and Scottish Ale.
Memphis Made Brewing Co.: Overlooking The Ravine, Memphis Made offers a fabulous selection of locally crafted brews — some permanently on tap, plus seasonal rotations.
Evelyn & Olive: For a burst of flavor, Edge District mainstay Evelyn & Olive offers a menu of Jamaican and Southern cuisine. The restaurant is closed for in-house dining, but you can order for delivery.
Sabor Caribe: If you’re craving international food, you can’t go wrong with Sabor Caribe’s eclectic array of Venezuelan and Caribbean dishes.
Slim & Husky’s: In the mood for pizza? Slim & Husky’s brings delicious pies and cinnamon rolls to the area, along with an outstanding selection of local beers.
C-Lou Patton’s House: Stop by for a wide selection of savory pies, including a must-try quiche.
Arnold’s BBQ and Grill: It’s not Memphis without a little barbecue! Folks craving some ’cue can find Memphis-style ribs and pulled pork sandwiches at Arnold’s.
Rock’n Dough Pizza: Enjoy artisan pizzas, grinders, pasta dishes, burgers, and more at Rock’n Dough. Pair your meal with one of its outstanding house-brewed beers.
Los Comales Mexican Restaurant: For a mouthwatering taste of authentic Mexican food, Los Comales has you covered. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with chimichangas, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, tostadas, salads, flautas, and so much more on the menu. Don’t miss out on a top-shelf margarita!
French Truck Coffee: Get your small-batch, fresh-roasted coffee here! New Orleans-based French Truck serves delicious lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, pastries, and more.
WHERE TO SHOP
Rootstock Wine Merchants: If you are looking for a unique wine, look no further than Rootstock. This delightful wine shop offers a perfectly curated selection of small-production bottles that you just won’t find anywhere else! Not sure what to look for? The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and loves to help customers explore new options.
Ugly Art Co.: Discover one-of-a-kind items from independent creators — from mixed media and digital art to paintings and sculpture.
Lavish. A LUXE Boutique: Need a fresh look for a special occasion? How about just to jazz up an ordinary day? This charming boutique has the latest trends in luxurious women’s fashion and accessories.
MORE TO EXPLORE
The Ravine: One of the district’s gems, The Ravine is an urban park built on a former rail spur just below street level. Think outdoor living room with picnic tables, twinkle lights, and artistic murals — perfect for hanging out, listening to music, enjoying a beverage, and hosting or attending an event.
Sun Studio: This historic icon has been part of the fabric of the Edge District since 1950. Opened by legendary music producer Sam Phillips, “The Birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll” has seen a roster of the greats come through the doors: Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and the list goes on. Visitors can tour Sun Studio any day of the week.
Craft Axe Throwing — Memphis: Feeling adventurous? Formerly confined to lumberjack competitions, axe throwing has grown in popularity nationwide, including in the Edge District. Craft Axe Throwing offers competitive and casual play with 14 throwing lanes in a fun, safe environment.
Edge Motor Museum: Don’t miss out on Memphis’ only auto museum! In the exhibit “American Speed,” the museum highlights the rise and fall of the American sports car, featuring cars from post-war through 1974. “If you are in the neighborhood visiting Sun Studio, we showcase the cars from the same eras that they highlight music,” says Executive Director Richard Vining. “We even have a Rocket 88 on display, which is the name of the first-ever rock ‘n’ roll song recorded right here in the Edge at Sun Studio.”
AutoZone Park: No visit to the Edge would be complete without the most quintessential American pastime. Technically downtown (but close enough for us!), AutoZone Park is home to Memphis Redbirds baseball and 901 FC.
LEO Events: Residents and visitors to the area can put on a spectacular event with LEO Events, an award-winning, certified woman-owned business.
Wonder Cowork Create: This cozy coworking space fosters a community of freelancers and small businesses.
Premiere Palace Ballroom: This multifaceted space is perfect for hosting corporate meetings, wedding receptions, and other events.
Edge Triangle Dog Park: If you have a fur baby ready for some fun, try the Edge Triangle Dog Park. It’s the perfect place for playing fetch, climbing obstacles, and getting plenty of exercise.
Sheet Cake Gallery: Sheet Cake is a contemporary art gallery and consulting practice focusing on artists based in and connected to the regional South. The gallery celebrates women, queer artists, and artists of color with an open invitation to share in a welcoming and artful experience.
HOTWORX – Edge District: Offers 15-minute HIIT sessions and 30-minute Isometric workouts in patented infrared saunas, including Hot Pilates, Hot Yoga, and Hot Cycle – plus a Functional Exercise Zone (FX Zone) with strength-training equipment and weights.
SANA Yoga: Find your glow and fuel your soul with various classes at SANA.
COMING SOON
Hard Times Deli: This upscale sandwich shop is sure to tickle your tastebuds!
Happy exploring!
**********
To explore more Memphis neighborhoods, click HERE!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.