Mardi Gras is next week, which means it’s time to celebrate the best way we know how: with delicious food! Although Memphis is full of soul and barbecue, the city also offers some mean gumbo. Order it to-go or opt to dine in; either way, cheers to a warm belly and festive times.
Where to Get Your Gumbo Fix in Memphis
Bayou Bar & Grill
2094 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 278-8626
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Known for its tasty Cajun menu, there’s no doubt you’ll find authentic gumbo at Bayou Bar & Grill. Order the seafood gumbo, or if you want something a little outside-the-box, opt for the duck and sausage gumbo. SB TIP: Order the sampler of soups to try a little bit of everything!
B.B. King’s Blues Club
143 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 524-5464
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to music and live entertainment, B.B. King’s Blues Club also has a solid menu. One of the standout items, in particular, is the Gumbo Yaya. Topped with fluffy rice pilaf and green onions, this dish — available by the cup or bowl — is sure to leave you full and warm.
Blues City Cafe
138 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 526-3637
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
If you prefer something spicier, try Blues City Cafe‘s seafood gumbo. Loaded with veggies, shrimp, crawfish and catfish, the menu says “you’ll either like or love it!” Let’s go ahead and say you’re absolutely going to love it. SB TIP: They also offer gumbo cheese fries. YUM!
Coastal Fish Company
415 Great View Dr. E., Memphis, TN 38134 • (901) 266-9000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Full of shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage and okra, you can get a tasty bowl of seafood gumbo at Coastal Fish Company. What’s even better? Eating a bowl as you watch the sunset over Shelby Farms on the heated patio. Pair the gumbo with a chopped or wedged salad and a glass of white wine for the perfect meal.
East End Grill
7547 Highway 64, Memphis, TN 38133 • (901) 937-1392
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Tuesday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7956 Winchester Rd., Memphis, TN 38125 • (901) 432-4256
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
East End Grill can easily be identified as one of those neighborhood bars that has sports on the big screen and comfort food on the menu — the perfect place when you need it most. What you may not know, however, is that their seafood gumbo is unreal. Trust us, you’ll want two bowls. SB TIP: Order the stuffed potato to complement your gumbo.
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Flying Fish
105 S. 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 522-8228
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Right off Beale Street, you’ll find Flying Fish, a longtime — and legendary — Memphis staple. Known for its delicious seafood and fried catfish, sometimes the soups and sides get overlooked. That being said, next time you’re out with friends and want a quick bite to eat, you must get a bowl of the seafood gumbo. Then when you’re ready to head out, order a margarita or beer (they’re half-off for takeout).
The Half Shell
688 S. Mendenhall Rd., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 682-3966
7825 Winchester Rd. Ste. 122, Memphis, TN 38125 • (901) 737-6755
Hours for both locations: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Based on its name, we bet you can guess the type of gumbo The Half Shell offers. That’s right … all the seafood your heart desires. Its famous seafood gumbo is made with rich, brown butter roux, homemade seafood stock and fresh veggies. To make it stand out, they also add grilled Cajun sausage, Gulf shrimp, crawfish tails, and then top it off with rice. Yum!
Mahogany Memphis
3092 Poplar Ave. Ste. 11, Memphis, TN 38111 • (901) 623-7977
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In Chickasaw Oaks Village, you’ll find Mahogany Memphis, a Southern cuisine bistro with serious culinary flair. As pictured below, its gumbo and crab bisque is mighty tasty with a side salad or another appetizer of your choice. SB TIP: If you want to pair your soup with a salad, the Memphis Salad is oh-so-good.
Mortimer’s
590 N. Perkins Rd., Memphis, TN 38122 • (901) 761-9321
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For our East Memphis folks, Mortimer’s is a staple of Perkins Road. It may look like just a tiny hole-in-the-wall spot, but it’s got some mighty food that keeps people coming back. The Louisiana-style seafood gumbo is just one of those things. Filled with smoked oysters, clams, shrimp and sausage, you’ll immediately see why it’s a fan favorite!
Owen Brennan’s
6150 Poplar Ave. Ste. 150, Memphis, TN 38119 • (901) 761-0990
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Not only does Owen Brennan’s have an amazing Sunday brunch, but its gumbo is top-notch as well. Full of spice and deliciousness, you’ll want multiple bowls of their Creole soup. SB TIP: The Rockefeller oysters pair well with a warm, tasty bowl of gumbo!
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Rum Boogie Cafe
182 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 528-0150
Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Two words: Gator gumbo. Rum Boogie Cafe offers just that — filled with celery, bell peppers, onions, sausage, chicken, crab meat, gator, catfish and shrimp. It’s a recipe of pure tastiness. SB TIP: They also offer a red beans and rice and gator gumbo combination meal.
The Second Line
2144 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 590-2829
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chef Kelly English is a native of New Orleans, so there’s no doubt he knows how to whip up some good Cajun food at The Second Line. One of his specialties includes chicken and andouille gumbo. While you’re there, go ahead and also order some pimento cheese fries — and thank us later.
Enjoy your gumbo, and laissez les bons temps rouler!
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