Memphis has no shortage of great spots to eat, drink and explore, but where do the people who know the city best actually go? We asked local tastemakers to share their favorite places—from classic institutions to hidden gems. Whether it's cocktails at Bari, a Sunday feast at Peggy's, or an afternoon at the Brooks, these are the go-to picks from those who know Memphis inside and out.
Missy Steffens - M. Steffens Interiors
Where is your go-to spot(s) to take out-of-town guests? What do you order?
Memphis has so much depth and soul. I would take my guests downtown to the Peabody to have a cocktail and see the ducks arrive. Then, whip up to the rooftop to show them the view of downtown and the river. We would head back East via Brooks Museum to see Greely Myatt's installation and David Lusk Gallery to view all the latest. Then, dinner would be at Acre to order family style, as there is too much goodness for individual orders. The Smoked Creamy Farro and their Cassoulet are a must.
Where was your most recent favorite meal or cocktail?
My favorite place to have a cocktail is Bari Ristorante on Cooper with the best mixologist in town, Hunter! As someone who always orders the same cocktail, Bari is one of the few places where I will switch up my order. He understands how to balance flavors; their charcuterie and cheese selection is top-notch.
Kate Gassaway - Solutions Medical Center
Where is the best cup of coffee in Memphis? What makes it so good?
Honestly, I choose to drink my coffee at home! I use Purity Coffee (you can get it at Solutions!) because it's rich in antioxidants, which support my overall well-being and help combat oxidative stress. I also appreciate that it's rigorously tested to be free of mold and toxins, ensuring I'm drinking coffee of the highest purity. Its low sugar content fits seamlessly into my efforts to maintain a balanced and mindful diet. Brewing it at home allows me to enjoy its exceptional quality and flavor while saving money and avoiding unnecessary additives often found in store-bought or café drinks.
Where was the last place you listened to great live music in Memphis?
The last place I enjoyed great live music in the Memphis area was at Nashoba in Collierville. The atmosphere was fantastic, with talented performers creating a lively vibe. On top of that, they have amazing food, which made the experience even better—great tunes paired with delicious eats!
Kelly English - Restaurant Iris, The Second Line, Iris, etc., Fino's Italian Delicatessen & Grocery
Where do you take out-of-town visitors to eat, and what do you order?
So many spots… Pop's Tamales (spicy tamales), Las Tortugas (whatever Jonathan says to order) and Dim Sum King (everything).
Where is the best cup of coffee in Memphis? What makes it so good?
Otherlands-- because that is the epicenter of Midtown to me-- explains everything about that neighborhood.
Susan Stephenson, Co-Chair and President
Where is your go-to spot(s) to take out-of-town guests? What do you order? What do you do?
We always take out-of-town guests for a quick tour of downtown. No trip to Memphis is complete without taking a moment to stand on our Bluffs and marvel at the majesty of the Mississippi River. It's the reason we are all here, and it gives a great perspective on the history of this amazing place. We then tour our incredible, award-winning National Civil Rights Museum. No guest will ever entirely leave the impact of that experience behind. Finally, we stop for drinks and reflection in the Peabody Hotel lobby. The march of the ducks is one-of-a-kind and a perfect reflection of our city's cool, quirky, big Southern personality. And the people-watching is pretty awesome, too!
What is your grandkids' favorite Saturday afternoon activity?
We are now the proud grandparents of thirteen (that's right, 13!) children ages eight and under, so we know a bit about kid activities. Consensus can be a challenge with our crowd, but everyone loves an afternoon trip to the Memphis Zoo! Our Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, and there is always something new or special for everyone to enjoy. The live chats with knowledgeable staff members are entertaining and educational, feeding the giraffes is always a hit, and the sea lion show is a "can't-miss" event. Bonus points: the kids come home happy but exhausted—which is great news for their parents and grandparents!
Kristen Keegan, Good Egg Jewelry
Where is your go-to spot(s) to take out-of-town guests?
We host out-of-town guests for Mempho events every year, and hands down, their favorite spot is Peggy's Heavenly Home Cooking! It is a beautiful taste of Memphis soul food. Sunday lunch is the best time to see lots of folks in their Sunday best. Sometimes, if you're lucky, a table might start singing! It's such a joyful place, and the food can't be beat.
Where do you go if you're searching for a new-to-you home décor treasure?
Estatesales.com is my go-to for finding local estate sales featuring unique treasures at great prices.
Where was your most recent favorite meal?
I love the corner tables at the bar of Acre for a great meal and cocktail/wine selection. It's such a cozy spot with excellent service.
Melissa Kandel - Orthosouth
Where do you pick up food if you're crunched for time before hosting friends for a casual dinner? What do you get?
Gus's Fried Chicken - large snack with macaroni and cheese, green beans and slaw.
Where was your most recent favorite meal or cocktail?
The Overland in Germantown @ Thornwood.
Rachel Gray - Rachel Gray Interior Design & Consulting
Where is your go-to spot to take out-of-town guests?
I love to take friends, out-of-town guests and clients to old-school classics that remain under the radar for most people in Memphis. One spot is Coletta's Italian Restaurant on South Parkway (doing business there since 1923 and where you can find Elvis' favorite BBQ pizza). To start the meal, I order toasted ravioli with extra marinara sauce, followed by their classic Italian salad with house-made vinaigrette. Next, I ask for Coletta's spaghetti with extra meat sauce and a side of Italian spinach. Typically, I end the meal with gusto by ordering one of their sublime cannolis, where the marriage of amaretto and pistachio is cemented and celebrated in my mouth. In addition, Coletta's bar/lounge experience is a throwback to another era where aged, red Naugahyde upholstered furniture and netted red candles reign supreme - a fantastic, discreet date night locale!
Where was your most recent favorite meal or cocktail?
In my kitchen at my renovated firehouse downtown with dear neighbors, Perry and John, in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The menu included vegetarian hot/sour soup sans bamboo shoots, homemade won tons stuffed with pork & shrimp served piping hot, drowned in my own chile oil, and steamed black bass with loads of ginger and scallions—all ingredients purchased at Viet Hoa on N.Cleveland.