Walking in Memphis, Tennessee

When you have less than 24 hours in Memphis, where do you have to hit up? That's what I had to figure out for my birthday weekend when Henok and I went on a road trip to the Blues City aka Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll aka the BBQ Capital of the World. In addition to getting some bomb barbecue, I of course had to take a stroll down Beale Street and pay my respects at Graceland. We did some delightful things like see the cats in art exhibit at the Brooks Museum and watch the sunrise over Peabody. And of course no road trip to Memphis is completed without a spontaneous birthday bash at the Grizzlies game followed by a laid back time at BB King's. 

Here's a glimpse into the two meals I had in the city:

The Bar-B-Q Shop 

Talk about lick off the bone ribs. The Bar-B-Q Shop is known for their famous and award winning Dancing Pigs sauce and dry seasonings in which their meat is tenderly prepared with. I got 1/2 and 1/2 dry rub and wet (there was also a glazed option), and I must say I preferred dipping the dry rubbed ribs in their barbecue sauce. Served with baked beans, coleslaw, and Texas toast, it was definitely 100% finger licking good. Even better in a sandwich the next day! (I didn't actually finish the entire rack myself.) 

1782 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN

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The Arcade Restaurant

The Arcade Restaurant is the oldest spot in Memphis (so old school there are ash trays in each bathroom stall) and sits on the corner of South Main Street. It used to be right near a bustling railroad station and known as the busiest intersection of the city. However, gone are the days of the railroad and Elvis being a regular and in with the small empty town feel. The 50's diner vibe however, brightens you up, as will their sweet potato pancakes. The country ham was thin cut, smoked, and salted and the pair of biscuits light and fluffy. Though it may be purely a tourist destination nowadays, the nostalgia feels nice and who doesn't want an Elvis special (a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich)? 

540 S Main Street

Memphis, TN

BEFORE

AFTER

FedEx Forum

Beale Street

Country ham breakfast, sweet potato pancakes