Sunrise Memphis is a brunch restaurant in Downtown, Memphis.
Editorially verified May 21, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: Sits north of the Convention Center where tourists rarely walk; lines run 30 minutes past 09:00.
Tip: The biscuit sammies are the dark-horse order; sit at the counter for the fastest service.
Guided tour · 3.5 hours
VIP behind the scenes access to local craft breweries, up to 12 beer samples, a fresh baked snack, and round trip transportation. Led by a Beer Guide who will educate ...
Guided tour · 1 hour
Explore "America's Most Iconic Street" on a one-hour guided walking tour. Learn about the colorful characters and stories that have made Beale Street the "Home of the Blues."
Multi-day trip · 6 days
Picture it, a journey from Nashville to Memphis to New Orleans, recording tracks in iconic studios, walking in Elvis’ footsteps and diving into the food, music and cul...
Address: 670 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
Brother Juniper's near the University of Memphis runs the city's most-cherished breakfast from a tiny picket-fenced house on Walker, a locals' room.
Why locals goUniversity-area location well off the visitor trail; lines wrap the block by 09:00 at weekends but it stays a locals' room.
TipTuesday to Sunday breakfast only. Closes 13:00 weekdays, 12:30 Saturdays. Get there by 08:30.
Cozy Corner BBQ on North Parkway in the Pinch District in Memphis serves the city's most singular plate: hickory-smoked Cornish hens, idiosyncratic.
Why locals goTourists head to Rendezvous; locals and BBQ pilgrims drive to Cozy Corner for the Cornish hen.
TipTuesday to Saturday only. The bologna sandwich is the second order.
Alcenia's in the Pinch District north of downtown Memphis runs Betty Joyce Chester-Tamayo's soul food and her famous door-greeting hug since 2002.
Why locals goTourists rarely walk this far north of Beale; B.J.'s hug is what brings everyone back.
TipCounter service, cash preferred. Closed Sundays and Mondays. B.J. greets every diner.
The Four Way on Mississippi Boulevard in South Memphis is the city's defining Black-owned soul food room since 1946, where MLK ate but most tourists never go.
Why locals goSouth Memphis sits off the visitor track; the room rewards those who make the drive.
TipLunch only Wednesday to Saturday. Save room for sweet potato pie.
Java Cabana on Young Avenue in Cooper-Young Memphis is the city's longest-running indie coffeehouse, with poetry slams, weddings on the patio and Elvis.
Why locals goCooper-Young visitors mostly hit Beauty Shop and Soul Fish; Java Cabana stays a regulars' room.
TipOpen until 22:00 most nights; check for spoken-word events on the back patio at weekends.
A&R Bar-B-Que on Elvis Presley Boulevard in South Memphis has run Black-owned hickory-smoke BBQ from a converted gas station since 1983, quiet on tourist.
Why locals goTourists on the Elvis Presley Boulevard stretch head straight to Graceland gift shops; A&R is the BBQ counter that Memphis locals quietly defer to for ribs.
TipThe smoked bologna sandwich is the under-radar order; pair it with mustard slaw on the side.
