The counters in Memphis worth queuing for: bread, pastry, and the morning ritual.
Bakery counters in Memphis worth queuing for: levain breads, laminated pastry, regional bakes and the morning ritual.
Muddy's Bake Shop on Broad Avenue in Memphis has run scratch-baked cupcakes, layer cakes and cookies from a Broad Ave Arts District storefront for over 18 years.
Tip: Closed Sunday through Tuesday. Get there by 11:00 on Saturdays before the favourites sell out.
Worth the queue: Plain Jane vanilla cupcake
La Baguette on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis has run French baguettes, croissants and pastries from a Laurelwood storefront since 1976. A cafe sits next door.
Tip: The almond croissant is the regular order; the lunch sandwiches use the bakery's own bread.
Worth the queue: Almond croissant
Lucy J's Bakery in Crosstown Concourse in Memphis bakes scratch breads, croissants and event cakes from a small second-floor shop in the converted Sears building.
Tip: Tuesday to Saturday only; cakes are pre-order and pickup is limited. The sweet potato cake is signature.
Worth the queue: Sweet potato cake
Phillip Ashley Chocolates is a Memphis chocolatier on Madison Avenue named one of America's finest by Forbes. Custom-painted bonbons shipped nationwide from Midtown.
Tip: The studio is appointment-only for tastings; online ordering and pickup at the Madison studio.
Worth the queue: Bourbon-pecan praline truffle
Trolley Stop Market on Madison downtown Memphis runs farm-to-table breakfast, sandwiches and an in-house bakery selling pies, cinnamon rolls and cobblers.
Tip: Cash and card both fine. The patio seats face the trolley line and a small green space.
Worth the queue: Cinnamon roll
Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies on Jefferson Avenue downtown Memphis is the family bakery famous for the cookies Young Dolph was buying when he was killed in 2021.
Tip: Two Memphis locations (Jefferson Avenue and Airways). The sweet potato pie sells out fastest.
Worth the queue: Butter cookies
Frost Bake Shop on Perkins Extended in East Memphis runs the city's longest-running scratch bake shop with layer cakes, cupcakes and the signature strawberry cake.
Tip: Pre-order custom cakes a week out. Walk-in cupcakes and cookies daily.
Worth the queue: Strawberry cake
Gibson's Donuts on Mount Moriah in East Memphis has run hot doughnuts 24 hours a day since 1967, with apple fritters and the city's late-night sugar fix.
Tip: Hot fresh batches come out around 04:00 and 16:00 daily. The drive-thru runs around the clock.
Worth the queue: Apple fritter
Howard's Donuts on South 3rd Street in Memphis has run hot doughnuts around the clock since 1958 from a no-frills counter, the city's other 24-hour fix.
Tip: Cash preferred. Drive-thru window all night for late-night and shift-worker traffic.
Worth the queue: Glazed buttermilk bar
Peak food season in Memphis is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Memphis rewards trust.