The Four Way is a soul food restaurant in South Memphis, Memphis.
Editorially verified June 27, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: South Memphis sits off the visitor track; the room rewards those who make the drive.
Tip: Lunch only Wednesday to Saturday. Save room for sweet potato pie.
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: 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126
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.
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.
Mosa Asian Bistro on White Station Road in East Memphis runs a Chinese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese menu favoured by Memphis chefs on their nights off.
Why locals goSits in a strip mall with no signage to speak of; chefs send their friends here for pho.
TipClosed Mondays. The spicy Korean noodles are the standout; the room fills with regulars after 18:00.
The Cove on Broad Avenue in Memphis is a pirate-themed oyster bar with a wood pirate-ship bar and live music in the back, a Broad Avenue Arts District.
Why locals goOff the Beale Street drag and tucked next to art galleries; the locals' weekend bar.
TipOyster happy hour 17:00. Live music most weekends in the back room.
Sunrise Memphis on Jefferson Avenue downtown is a quick-service breakfast diner with Southern plates and a full bar, the locals' weekday morning room.
Why locals goSits north of the Convention Center where tourists rarely walk; lines run 30 minutes past 09:00.
TipThe biscuit sammies are the dark-horse order; sit at the counter for the fastest service.
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.
