A go-to for everything from special occasion celebrations to lazy, laid-back mornings with friends, weekend brunch is nothing short of an institution. So naturally, when it comes to brunch, the Memphis restaurant scene absolutely delivers, offering up weekend menus that run the gamut from Cajun fare to hearty Irish classics. Here’s where to find the best brunch in Memphis!
The Arcade Restaurant
Neighborhood: South Main
More info:Â arcaderestaurant.com
Eat breakfast all day long at The Arcade! Known as Memphis’ oldest cafe, you’ll take in totally retro vibes while enjoying a delicious meal. The 1920s architecture may transport you to the past, but the sweet potato pancakes or the French toast will keep you very much in the moment.
Automatic Slim’s
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â automaticslimsmemphis.com
Well known for its extensive martini menu, Automatic Slim’s has also made a name for itself when it comes to brunch. With menu items like red velvet pancakes and waffles with Oreo and cinnamon roll flavorings, this is the place to soothe your sweet tooth. Oh, and they also have a 100-ounce mimosa bong. Whoa!
Babalu
Neighborhoods: Overton Square & East Memphis
More info:Â eatbabalu.com
Even though Babalu is known for tasty tapas and tacos, their brunch menu is pretty rockin’, too. Try out the chicken and waffles, crab cake Benedict, or the steak and eggs. Can’t go without brunch beverages? They’ve got those, too! Make your own mimosa to your heart’s content with their table-side cart.
Bayou Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: Overton Square
More info:Â bayoubarmemphis.com
Bayou Bar & Grill, known for its Cajun specialties, also whips up a great brunch —including three French Quarter beignets for $3. If you’re into traditional breakfast items, they offer things like the Bayou Breakfast, French toast, and Eggs Benedict. But if you want a walk on the wild side, you can start your meal with Alligator Nachos.  You also can’t pass up the $3 mimosas, Bloody Marys, and screwdrivers, or their $6 Macmosa and Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary.
The Beauty Shop
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info:Â thebeautyshoprestaurant.com
Take a step back to the ’50s in this beauty parlor-styled restaurant. Their eclectic environment puts The Beauty Shop at the top of our list for unique dining. Treat your tastebuds to food inspired from around the globe, or grab the traditional eggs Benedict.
Bishop
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â bishopmemphis.com
Bishop is located inside the Central Station Hotel downtown. Not only is the atmosphere beautiful, but the menu offers up plenty of comforting brunch fare. We recommend trying some of their creative brunch cocktails, like Spritz at the Ritz or The Morning Harvest.
Brother Juniper’s
Neighborhood: University
More info:Â brotherjunipers.com
As soon as you enter the doors of Brother Juniper’s, mouth-watering aromas welcome you in. Their friendly staff treats everyone like family, which creates a sense of community and makes this a great place for gatherings. Their specialty omelets are a popular treat, as are their cinnamon roll pancakes.
Celtic Crossing
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info:Â celticcrossingirishpub.com
Not only is Celtic Crossing the soccer central of Memphis, but it’s also one of the only spots in town where you can grab an authentic Irish bite. Serving up classics like potato hash and fish ‘n chips, brunch at Celtic Crossing feels like a bit of a vacation. Oh, and don’t forget to grab your $4.75 Bloody Marys!
City Silo Table + Pantry
Neighborhoods: Germantown & East Memphis
More info: thecitysilo.com
City Silo has made a name for itself among Memphis locals. Healthy, farm-fresh food is served Monday through Saturday, with all-day breakfast offerings. Brunch options include açaà bowls, vegan barbecue sandwiches, and sweet potato wedges. Customers also enjoy their wellness lattes and kombucha on tap!
Elwood’s Shack
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info:Â elwoodsshack.com
Elwood’s Shack is a bit of a Memphis hidden gem. The cozy atmosphere and unbelievably tasty food have many Memphians returning time and time again. On Saturday and Sunday, Elwood’s serves up dishes such as French toast, eggs Benedict, BBQ Benedict (for some Memphis flavor), and pimento cheese biscuits.
The Majestic Grille
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â majesticgrille.com
Steak and eggs, smoked salmon hash, and a breakfast burger are a few of the many items you can get at The Majestic Grille. Located Downtown, this is the perfect spot for an anniversary, for hosting out-of-town guests, or if you’re just looking for an upscale feel.
Paulette’s Restaurant
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More info:Â paulettes.net
For more than 40 years Paulette’s has been a part of the Memphis community. Light salads, soups, and crêpes line the special brunch menu. For a heartier meal, you can order jumbo lump crab cakes or ham Palacsinta, a Hungarian specialty. Views overlooking the mighty Mississippi serve as an added perk to the dining experience. SB TIP: Be sure to order their famous popovers with strawberry butter … they are only served during brunch!
The Peabody’s Capriccio Grill
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â peabodymemphis.com
For an iconic Memphis brunch, there is no place quite like the Capriccio Grill inside the famous Peabody Hotel. Classic breakfast dishes, salads, Belgian waffles, and plenty of applewood smoked bacon make this restaurant a tried-and-true spot for locals. SB TIP: Before eating brunch, enjoy watching the famous Peabody Ducks walk at 11 a.m.
Railgarten
Neighborhood: Midtown
Memphis:Â railgarten.com
Grab some scrumptious bites off of Railgarten’s brunch menu, then skip off to the volleyball court or the tiki bar for your Sunday Funday. Don’t forget to grab a frozé when the temps are warm!
Second Line
Neighborhood: Midtown
More info:Â secondlinememphis.com
New Orleans native Kelly English set out to establish a restaurant authentic to his Louisiana roots. As both the owner and head chef, English serves up delicious po’ boys and meals to the Memphis community. During brunch, you can order off the everyday menu or enjoy a few of Second Line’s special brunch deals!
South of Beale
Neighborhood: South Main
More info:Â southofbeale.com
Serving traditional brunch with an innovative flair, South of Beale upgrades classic bacon and eggs in favor of delicious meals like huevos rancheros — a combination of bacon, scrambled eggs, onions, avocado spread, and white cheddar. (Be sure to check out their cocktail list. It has our mouths watering!)
Staks Pancake Kitchen
Neighborhoods: Germantown, Southaven, East Memphis & Collierville
More info:Â stakspancakes.com
Whether you want to make your own omelet, celebrate an occasion with birthday pancakes (which come with a candle, by the way), or share breakfast egg rolls, Staks has a variety of fun menu options!
Tug’s
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More info:Â tugsmemphis.com
Enjoy a relaxing brunch in the picturesque Harbor Town Square at Tug’s Casual Grill. Their brunch menu includes popular dishes from their regular breakfast and lunch menus. We highly recommend ordering their famous pancakes for a sweet weekend treat – you deserve it! Tug’s special children’s menu makes it perfect for family outings.
Happy brunching, Memphis!
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