2 Best Restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee

The food at this hole-in-the-wall lunch spot just north of downtown is as down-home and funky as the decor—walls lined with eclectic artwork and a jukebox stocked with Memphis hits. The kitchen turns out its own versions of "meat and two," including fried chicken and pork chops served alongside sweet-potato fries, fried green tomatoes, and other vegetables. Desserts, including pecan pie and sweet potato pie, bread pudding, and pound cake, are as sinfully rich as the sweet tea Alcenia's serves up in tall glasses.

This Overton Square classic, located in a half-timbered house with an elegantly appointed dining room, serves delicious crepes (try the hot chocolate dessert crepe) and salads and excellent grilled chicken, salmon, and swordfish.