the Four Way is the name and Soul Food is their game! This is the place of you're on search of some good ole Memphis Southern Style cookin! From a Memphian to you! The fried chicken, mac n cheese and greens are delish ;) read more

See all

After two weeks of craving fried chicken, I caved in and ended up at Four Way. My boyfriend and I decided that Sunday would be the perfect day to try out this restaurant. We got there a little early in anticipation of the church crowd. By time we were done with our meal (around 1:30), we were glad we had come early because the restaurant was filling up. My boyfriend and enjoyed the fried chicken, green beans, potato salad, and black eye peas. Everything is made in house and everything we ordered was delicious. The green beans were prepared with onions, which added a nice flavor. The potato salad had eggs and pickles in it, with smaller chunks of potatoes. The chicken, oh the chicken. The skin had a perfect church and the meat was moist and flavorful. What I enjoyed most about this restaurant was the ambiance. It's not located in a trendy restaurant district, instead it's tucked away in neighborhood. Nearby you'll find Stax studio's and Elmwood Cemetery (perfect for after lunch drives). It's more than obvious that this restaurant has been part of the neighborhood for a long time. The walls are covered with pictures and news clipping about neighborhood events. In addition, the wait staff and at one point the owner, spent a large amount of time running around greeting everyone and hugging regular customers. Everyone was incredibly friendly. If your looking for a true soul food experience, come here. They have the food, the character, and the manners down to an art. read more

There's no reason this place shouldn't have 5 stars. Exceptional food and service. Perfectly fried catfish, perfectly buttery yams, perfectly sweet tea. If you're anywhere near Memphis and you've ended up on this page debating, GO HERE. After paying your bill, the sweet lady behind the counter will promptly instruct you to return to Yelp and vote - she wants it to have a 5 star rating as badly as I do, and it certainly deserves it. read more

I have been planning to come here for at least 2 years before finally making it. What I had been told is that this is a great "soul food" place. But on this front I was disappointed, because the food here is what you will find at any really good meat-and-three (or two) southern country kitchen. Being from the South, I have eaten this stuff my entire life. However Southern Soul Food is a culturally created anomaly due (in part) to what food was affordable or available to the black community in the South at least a couple generations ago. If BBQ ribs had not become mainstream, we would be identifying them as part of the Soul Food menu, because that is where they originated. As far as this being a very good "southern county cooking" or "southern home cooking" establishment, I will agree that the Four Way ranks high in its class. They did a fine number on their greens and have a well prepared country fried steak. I do think their success may have gone to their head because lunch with tea ran around $11/ea which would never fly in any rural country kitchen restaurant. However their success and good food ensures that people will be coming for years. As a "Soul Food" establishment I would rank this place at no more than 3 stars; however I do not believe they asked to carry the soul food mantle, and therefore I am classifying them as a Southern Country Kitchen (meat-and-two) where despite the cost and the fact that the waitress abandoned us in the final 20 minutes of our lunch I am giving it 4 stars and hope it continues to flourish. read more

This place is to Soul Food what Taco Bell is to Mexican food. From the Jiffy mix cornbread to the sub-Kraft mac 'n cheese to the unseasoned greens, bland yams, underwhelming cabbage and yawn-worthy fried fish and chicken, I can't understand ANY of the hype about this place. I've had far better soul food in Louisiana gas stations. The history was interesting at least, and the staff were all really friendly. read more

This place was delicious. We went on a peaceful Sunday afternoon after visiting the Stax Museum. It was filled with people, some still in their church attire. The menu was full of things that my grandmother would make when I was a kid, and my European companion was as impressed with the staff's southern accents as they were impressed with hers. Everyone was incredibly nice and made us feel at home immediately. We had neckbones, fried okra, turnip greens, cornbread, and chicken... all of which were wonderful. There was Louisiana hot sauce on the table and the tea was delicious. I understand why the place is popular with NFL players and other celebrities that are framed on the wall. This place is authentic and delicious; truly a southern dining experience. Highly recommended. read more

Four Way Grill is a soul food restaurant in the Soulsville area of Memphis. OMG! I just recently ate here, and I cannot believe that it took me this long to eat here. Their turkey and dressing is to die for. I wish I could have some now. Their peach cobbler is also delicious. This is hands down one of the best soul food restaurants in Memphis. I can't believe that it took me more than 30 years (most of my life) to try this place for my first time. This is THE place to go when you need some soul food, especially if its for dressing! read more

This restaurant was incredible! My friends living in Memphis took me here, and I was told many civil rights activists, including Dr. King himself, were patrons of the restaurant. Upon our arrival, the place was empty and I was concerned, that feeling quickly fled. The waiter was unbelievably nice, he didn't even charge my friend who did not really like her hot dog (she's picky and wouldn't eat anything else). The menu is very limited, but everything on it is done right. This approach is what makes great restaurants! I got the Chicken Fry with YAMS, Greens, and Macaroni and Cheese. It was good old fashioned southern comfort food, and It was done really well. The cook even came out and talked to us and told us to feel free to walk around and look at all the historical photos! I loved this place, and everyone went out of their way to make sure we had an exceptional time, and we did. Look for the Madea plate, presented to them for being one of Tyler Perry's favorite restaurants, and you'll know you are in the right place. LOL read more

When I read the first few reviews and almost all were 5 stars, I took a look back at where they come from. No one from the deep South. That says a lot. This place was "fine" but certainly not great. My sweet tea didn't taste like it was brewed. That's a BIG no no! And as another reviewer said, the mac and cheese was NOT baked and looked like it was a Kraft boxed product. I even asked before I ordered it because that's a tell-tell sign that the place isn't TRUE Soul Food -- or what we called "supper" growing up in Alabama and Georgia-- the waitress promised it was baked, but it wasn't. And, I think they use Velveeta instead of real cheddar cheese. The fried chicken was good and so was the turkey and dressing. The corn bread was cold and hard. My son and I had been traveling through the southwestern part of the US and really missed home cooking. Stopping in Memphis, this place was highly recommended (by someone from Oregon and NYC). We were disappointed, but didn't hate it. It was better than nothing, but nowhere near as good as it could have been. To the reviewer who mentioned MRS. WILKES' BOARDING HOUSE in Savannah: Now THAT was some of the best southern home cookin' I've had outside of my mama's house!! SOOO sad to hear it's closed. read more

Just seen the google commercial about your restaurant and it made me cry. This restaurant is now on my bucket list. Thank you for being such a genuine mom and pop restaurant... last of a dying breed. God bless. read more

Walking into the Four Way is like approaching the pearly gates of Soul Food heaven. The 65 year-old restaurant in the Soulsville neighborhood serves classic meat-and-three lunches. Their rotating line-up of meats and veggies changes daily, but a few things (like fried chicken) are constants. Also, they have turkey and dressing every day. And it's really good turkey and dressing. It's the food equivalent of a hug. The staff is super friendly (the owner came over to check on us during lunch), and the food is very reasonably priced (about $20 for two people). They're open daily Tuesday through Sunday. read more

This place was recommended to us by a local and gave us automatic street cred later on in the week when mentioned to another local. Though its a bit hard to get to by public transportation- this place is the authentic of all authentic. Service is warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful making recommendations. Order the VIP and let your waiter know you'd like peach cobbler ahead of time (it runs out quick) GET THE BAKED CHICKEN- man, i have never had anything so wonderfully succulent and tender in my life. Coupled with pickled beets (you can't go wrong) and dressing, my meal was exemplary. My friend ordered the fried chicken which was a bit dry :\ but her greens and cabbage were perfection. read more

EXCELLENT experience! Great food and customer service! Fried chicken and mac n cheese = 5 STARS!! read more

Let me start by saying the food was Good BUT the service was TERRIBLE. We arrived at 2pm the hostess took our name then forgot about us so 1hr later we were seated then waited another 30min for food, during this time no one came to check on us. 2hrs later we were leaving... Again, I will say the food was good but not worth the wait or lack of service (and no they were not that busy). read more

I met my husband in Memphis for the weekend a couple weeks ago. On Sunday we went in search of a New England girls favorite, country fried steak. The Four Way did not disappoint, on any level. We got to the Four Way and there was a wait, as church had just gotten out. No problem, everyone was so friendly. The line moved quickly and we got seated, our waitress, Dominique was so friendly. The country fried steak was delicious, my husband loved his too. When we go back to Memphis, the Four Way will definitely be on the list of places to revisit. A true representative of southern hospitality. read more

It's great food. The workers here work really hard and it shows in their food.. They are fast. And i understand with the covid not being able to eat indoors but it's never going to stop me from going there and ordering the best. Thank you so much for your good food and smiles. read more

Great soul food. Everyone is super friendly, service is great, the interior is comforting and homey like the food. If you're going to Stax or Graceland or if you aren't you should stop by. They close early, plan accordingly. I know Memphis does dry rub bbq, but Four Way does a respectable wet baked rib with delicious sweet/smokey sauce. The ribs give up a lot of marrow too, if you're into that. Get: Cobbler, yams, greens, a VIP, fried tomatoes, more yams. If you've never had chitterlings before, these ones aren't where to start. No onion, not fried, purely funky chitlins. read more

Delicious soul food, excellent service, and chock full of history. A must try spot in Memphis!

Visited here with my sister and was in Thanksgiving in July heaven. I had the dressing and turkey with black eyed peas, mac n cheese and cornbread. I also ordered a peach cobbler to go. The cobbler was amazing and I don't give the compliment out lightly since my mom (in my opinion) makes the best cobbler in the world. Whenever I go back to Memphis, this HAS to be my first stop! read more

Four Way Restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

What a wonderful meal. Just don't miss the Sweet Potato Pie. Southern cooking for real. Late lunch after going to Stax Museum. Really crowded. A large ladies group caused the service to be slow, however, the wait was well worth the great meal. Really good chicken fried steak, black eyed peas, dressing and turnip greens AND Sweet Potato Pie... read more

This is not the place for soul food or service. They have the worse liver and onions I have ever had. The salmon croquettes were mealy and dry. Didn't taste salmon at all. The food was luke warm and the waitress came to our table twice to bring drinks and to drop off the food. Never asked how our meal was or if anything was needed. We had to ask another server instead. This place is a lot of hype and I would not recommend. The food is terrible. Not sure how they have been in business this long. Appears to be a tourist trap. Please avoid. read more

Oh my goodness this food was DELICIOUS. When we entered we were greeted by the cutest little host. We were seated at a table that had antique legs (I'm into antiques). Our server/waiter was there in point every 10 mins or so (very attentive). Okay the food, we both ordered the fried fish (catfish) with cornbread dressing, mac and cheese and the english peas....PHENOMENAL is all I can say. Take a look at the picture fish so big it was hanging of the plate . Wanted to try the desert but was too full. Thanks Fourway. Will tell family and friends. read more

Four Way Restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

I had the neck bones with corn and yams with a VIP to drink. The food was very good with the service lacking a little. It took a while to get our check after we finished eating. read more

Four Way Restaurant - neck bones, yams, corn, cornbread muffin - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I frequent this place but lately i've been receiving lackluster service. I stopped by today for catfish. When the food finally arrived, the fish was hot and fresh while the cornbread was cold. I asked the waitress to warm the bread. When it came back it was burned hard in the center. I had to get another waiter to get me some warm cornbread. He apologized and brought two fresh pieces to the table. The original waitress never came back to refill the tea or to bring the check to the table. The service here is really gone down. I will not be going back. read more

Found this place on Yelp and we were on our way to Stax, so we gave it a go for lunch. Between myself and my mom we had the chicken fried steak, fried chicken, slaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, smothered cabbage, and yams. Everything was very good! Big disappointment at the end of the meal when the cornbread tasted like cardboard! The service was very good and friendly! read more

Four Way Restaurant - Dark fried chicken with mac and cheese and potato salad. Chicken fried steak with smothered cabbage and yams. - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis does soul food in a myriad of ways. One of the most popular (and most affordable) is the standard meat and three. There are few places in town that do it better than Four Way Restaurant in the Soulsville neighborhood in South Memphis. This was a popular lunch spot for Civil Rights leaders in the 1960s. First, select your protein. Popular options include friend chicken, salmon croquet, baked fish, country fried steak, fried catfish, pot roast and liver and onions. My personal favorite is the turkey and dressing. It even comes with a dollop of cranberry sauce - just like Thanksgiving. After you've picked your meat, choose a couple of vegetable side items like boiled okra, green tomatoes (pickled or fried), buttered corn, broccoli and cheese, turnip greens, pinto beans, English peas, mashed potatoes and gravy and macaroni and cheese. And yes, mashed potatoes and macaroni are both considered vegetables. This is the South after all. Then decide if you want a roll or corn muffin, and you're all done. For those who want simpler decisions, you can avoid all the choices by going for a burger, hot dog or catfish sandwich. Finish off your meal with a slice of strawberry cake or some peach cobbler. Any dessert can be served a la mode, as they should be. read more

Visiting from Houston, Texas where soul food is a staple. This is definitely not a soulfood restaurant! Seated immediately and you must pay immediately upon ordering and prior to seating. The restaurant appeared a little busy but the wait time for the limited number of guest already seated inside was ridiculous. Over an hour wait for food after the order was placed and paid for. Only two drink options-tea and lemonade. No caffeine beverages at all. The lemonade was mediocre and was brought to the table hot. Had to request ice cups. Fish was fresh, but the pork chops were tough, fried chicken bland and sides were lacking taste. No one finished their food. The menu is relatively small for a Sunday Soulfood restaurant. Wouldn't visit again. Do not buy the peach cobbler absolutely horrible! Chocolate cake was good though. read more

Can't get enough of Four Way! I was in Memphis for the Beale Street Music Festival, as I am every year. I stopped in this place because it had been suggested to me by someone before arriving. So I went the day before I departed. We drove from Germantown to Soulsville just for their food. We got to Four Way and the location wasn't everything, but who cares? I'm not eating outside anyway. I went in and the entire staff was exemplary. There was a younger guy who worked at the host stand who was very helpful in helping me to understand their menu, and the older woman (who I assume owns the restaurant) was so welcoming and delighted to have my business. I decided to do to-go because they were closing and I didn't want to hold them up. I ordered Turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, and greens. All very good! The turkey and dressing was cooked to perfection...turkey has a tendency to get dry and almost gummy if over cooked. Not here at Four Way! These folks know what they're doing. True soul food! I plan on returning when I get back to Memphis. read more

Let me start off by saying that you cannot judge a book by its cover! This place was so overwhelmingly excellent! I got more than a 5 star customer service and a home-like feel all at the same time. The neighborhood isn't necessarily the best from the outside and the building does have its old town look but the inside is clean and I love that it showcases the older side of Memphis before it got industrialized by new buildings. The servers and the host was very friendly and warm welcoming as soon as my guest and I walked through the door. We were immediately seated even when there was a wait for a lot of the Sunday after church crowd. The server immediately greeted us and asked what we wanted to drink. I had the sweet tea and it taste just like that southern sweet tea that I love considering that I am from Mississippi. The lemonade is also great and homemade which also has that southern artificial taste that many restaurants don't have. The food was soooooo good. It is hard to find authentic soul food that hasn't been "American" made with spices and flavor that takes the soul out of traditional dishes. I had the yams, turkey and dressing, greens, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy and, a piece of hot water cornbread that comes with your dish. Yes, it was a lot but so worth it. Th e menu is affordable and their peach cobbler is great too which is also homemade too. Yes the mac and cheese taste as though it's out the box and the mashed potatoes but who cares. It was good and everything else was homemade. The chicken was good that my friend had and the fish sandwich my other friend had was great as well. No complaints on anything. Plus even while we were eating other servers, cooks, and even the owner would come by and check on us and greet us. They would engage in conversation and made us feel at home. Anyone that something negative to say about this place is because they are being a jerk! I am a hard person to please and they received my vote for a good business. I will be going again and again. I hate it took so long for me to find this place. read more

Went to this place on Fathers Day, I simply did not feel like a customer, I felt like family...from beginning to end nothing but good service and great conversation from the workers.At this place the heart is really in the food..... read more

See all

Went today with my dad. We both got the fried catfish. He liked it. I was really disappointed. It seemed like typical food service food - it seemed pre-prepared. I expected hand battered catfish...maybe it was but don't think so. The mac and cheese seemed like it was straight Kraft mac and cheese. The turnip greens were ok but no bacon or ham in them. For desert I had lemon meringue pie, and it was the best part of the meal. Very good. Dad had chocolate cake. It looked very moist, and he like it. The sweet tea was sweat and strong - I thought it was good. The server was pleasant but no tea refills (we didn't ask), and he didn't clear the plates when we ordered desert or bring us clean forks. Maybe I'm getting picky but seems like those are basic service items. The place was clean and people polite but food was not the real deal in my opinion. read more

Very good soul food restaurant. Fried catfish was hot, crispy and tasty. Mac and cheese and candied yams were good. Service was adequate. Great meal after a visit to the legendary Stax Museum. read more

Four Way Restaurant - Fried catfish w/Mac and cheese and candied yams. - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

In the work of a Memphian. The food is Fye! I enjoy a veggie plate with Fried Green Tomates, Yams, greens, Mac and Cheese with Cornbread! I LOVED it! You can always tell if a soul food restaurant is good if you enjoy a meatless meal! read more

I would def come back as I want to try to the Chittlins.. the baked chicken although served not hot (a lil cold warm) it was still very good meat falling off the bone. On other things i ordered yams good ; greens OK; corn bread good; mac n cheese OK it was real creamy i prefer cheddar cheese didnt seem like real cheese def not a reorder for me but over all good.. read more

Four Way Restaurant - Lunch (baked chicken) - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Love,Love,Love the 4 way grill!!! Every time I'm in Memphis we stop by to eat here, as it's my Mother's old stomping grounds. Wednesdays are the day to go add it's pork chop day!!!! Come on V.I.P tea!!!! read more

Four Way Restaurant - Fried Green tomatoes - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My girlfriend and I just ate here and really enjoyed it. It's a bit off the beaten path but it's nice to check out an authentic Soul Food restaurant that's been around since 1946 and that is connected to the Civil Rights movement. If you want all the bells and whistles (and price tag) to go with it then stick to the more touristy places. If you want some dang good Soul food with friendly waiters and an owner that reminds you of a wise old aunt with amaze-balls food then check this place out! My girlfriend had the neckbone which was full of flavor with smothered cabbage and yams. I had the fried chicken which was made fresh with Mac N Cheese and some delicious Okra which I had never had before. *Pairs nicely with a visit to the Civil Rights Museum. read more

Wow! Salmon croquettes , mashed potatoes and black eye peas, all done old school and all the bomb! This is *real * Southern cooking done right. I love this place! read more

Four Way Restaurant - Okay so I couldn't control myself long enough to take a picture before I started eating it. - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great soutern comfort food. All good. Okra and corn and baked fish. Yum! Peach cobbler delic!

This food is beyondddd amazing! Came in and got some great service from the staff! The food was so good I cannot stop thinking about it lol will definitely be going back read more

OMG ! The only thing better than good was the service. If you want to feel like 'family' is taking care of you - try The Four-Way!!! You won't be disappointed. read more