Southeast Memphis is a neighborhood overflowing with flavor, culture, and hidden culinary gems. While it may not boast the tourist crowds of Beale Street or Midtown, this corner of Memphis is where you’ll find authentic soul food, inventive international eats, and some of the city’s best-kept secrets. If you’re hungry to explore the diverse food scene in Southeast Memphis, grab your appetite and let’s dig in!
The Heart of Soul Food: Classics & Comfort on Perkins and Winchester
Southeast Memphis shines when it comes to soul food. Two major arteries, Perkins Road and Winchester Road, are home to a number of locally cherished spots.
- The Four Way (998 Mississippi Blvd, not far from the eastern edge) is a legend, serving generations since 1946. While you’ll need to drive a bit west, it’s worth every mile for fried chicken, turnip greens, and a slice of sweet potato pie – all served with a side of Memphis hospitality.
- Mot & Ed’s (1354 Madison Ave, quick hop up north) cooks up classic southern plates—smothered pork chops, catfish, and those can’t-miss candied yams. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable (most entrees $10-$15), and locals will tell you no one leaves hungry.
- Southern Hands Homestyle Cooking (4310 S. Mendenhall Rd) specializes in daily meat-and-three plates—fried pork chops, black-eyed peas, and creamy mac-and-cheese. The cornbread alone is worth the trip.
For breakfast or brunch, don’t skip the bustling Sunrise Memphis East (5719 Quince Rd), with fluffy biscuits, casseroles, and locally-roasted coffee.
Global Eats: International Flavor Bursting from Getwell Road
Southeast Memphis has quietly become an international food haven—especially around Getwell Road and American Way, where flavor-packed, family-owned restaurants represent the city’s diversity.
- Mamak India Restaurant (1698 Getwell Rd) is a fan favorite for rich curries, fresh naan, and tandoori specialties. The buffet (under $15) is the best way to sample bold flavors from across India.
- Jalapeña’s Mexican Grill (6959 Winchester Rd) is always hopping, serving street tacos, loaded nachos, and made-to-order margaritas. Their mole enchiladas are a sleeper hit!
- Pho Binh (1615 S. Mendenhall Rd) is where you’ll find fragrant pho, crunchy spring rolls, and Vietnamese iced coffee—perfect for a quick lunch that tastes like a global getaway.
Craving sushi or hibachi? Sakura Japanese Restaurant (4970 Competitive Edge Dr) is an under-the-radar favorite for rolls and sizzling plates, with lunch specials starting at $9.
Sweet Surprises: Bakeries, Treat Shops, and Dessert Cafes
Don’t leave Southeast Memphis without sampling something sweet. Local bakeries and dessert shops are abundant!
- Kay Bakery (667 Avon Rd) is a neighborhood institution, known for airy challah, gooey cinnamon rolls, and especially their sweet, flaky rugelach.
- Gimme Some Sugar (6545 Winchester Rd) offers custom cakes and cupcakes that pop up at nearly every birthday or celebration in the area. Their red velvet cupcakes disappear in minutes!
- Tops Bar-B-Q (1286 Getwell Rd) not only serves up mouthwatering BBQ (don’t miss the chopped pork), but also homemade banana pudding that’s a must after any meal.
For a quick grab-and-go treat, check out La Michoacana (6649 Winchester Rd), where you can cool down with creamy paletas (Mexican popsicles) in inventive fruit and chocolate flavors.
Food Trucks and Quick Eats: Big Flavor on the Move
If you’re exploring Southeast Memphis on a weekday, don’t ignore the food trucks popping up along American Way, Perkins, and Winchester Road.
- Stickem Food Truck roams the area, grilling up kebabs, wings, and Greek-inspired street food with a Memphis twist. Their lamb gyro is legendary and the loaded fries are a fan favorite.
- Taqueria La Guadalupana (3079 S. Perkins Rd, usually parked at the corner store) dishes out legit tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Best enjoyed with a cold Jarritos soda on the hood of your car.
You’ll find everything from BBQ to soul food to fusion bites slinging from trucks at lunchtime—each one ready to surprise your taste buds.
Hidden Gems: Locals Only
The real charm of Southeast Memphis is in its lesser-known haunts—unassuming spots tucked away in strip malls or corners.
- Elwood’s Shack (4523 Summer Ave, just off the neighborhood edge) is legendary for its BBQ nachos, smoked salmon sandwich, and daily specials. The relaxed, no-frills atmosphere is full of character, and portions are hearty.
- El Sabor Latino (3542 Summer Ave) serves hearty Salvadoran pupusas, tamales, and sweet plantains in a tiny, no-frills setting. Cheap and delicious.
- Leonard’s Pit Barbecue (5465 Fox Plaza Dr) is a can’t-miss for true Memphis ‘cue—slow-cooked ribs, smoky pulled pork, and their signature BBQ spaghetti.
For an old-school diner experience, hit up Bryant’s Breakfast (3965 Summer Ave), where the biscuits are legendary and locals have been gathering for decades.
Food Traditions and Events
The Southeast Memphis food scene is about more than what’s on your plate—it’s about tradition, community, and celebration.
- Regular fish fries, especially on Fridays, bring neighborhoods together; look for hand-lettered signs along Perkins and American Way.
- Don’t miss the annual Soulsville USA Festival, where food vendors serve up everything from hot wings to peach cobbler and BBQ.
- Local churches and community centers often host pop-up food stands with home-cooked favorites—watch for weekend fundraisers.
Plan Your Southeast Memphis Food Crawl
Whether you’re living in Southeast Memphis, visiting, or simply passing through, this neighborhood’s food scene is an adventure waiting to happen. The price ranges are diverse—$2 tacos and $30 steakhouse dinners alike, all served with warm Southern smiles.
So next time you’re hunger-struck in Memphis, skip the tourist traps. Southeast Memphis is where real locals eat—let your appetite lead you down Perkins, Winchester, Getwell, and American Way. You never know what delicious secret is just around the corner.