Food nasty, Poor service…read more It ain't worth your time coming. I will not be coming back

After driving to the location on Elvis Presley (now Don Don's), then over to S. Parkway, I finally…read moreended up at the right location!!! And it was definitely worth the hunt. I had the baked turkey wing, cabbage and sweet potatoes. The turkey was well seasoned and the meat was very tender. The cabbage was cooked a little too much for me but it was still good and the sweet potatoes were perfect. They cook to order so the food was piping hot when it was served. Something new for me is the way they serve their cornbread... THEY'RE PANCAKES! What a novel idea :~) Everything was great. If you're looking for some good soul food, go check out Ellen's at her new location on S. Bellevue Boulevard!

The place is nice. The service is welcoming, but the food would be a choice if you didn't feel…read morelike cooking. I had the three piece dark chicken with the sweet potatoes casserole and mash potatoes with gravy. The mashed potatoes had quite a few lumps and everything kind of gave a powdery taste (gravy, casserole, and mashed potatoes). When I say powdery... I'm saying that it just wasn't giving "homemade". It's not intolerable but it's not what you look for when you go to a soulfood restaurant. I also wasn't a fan of the wait. We have some made to order items so it was understood about the 20 minute wait, but we didn't get our food until almost an hour after paying. The extra time waiting seemed to be due to fried green tomatoes not being made in tandem with the fried chicken. As a result, everything was luke warm by the time we got the food. It's truly sad because the flavor is definitely there. The texture, the powdery residual taste and the wait time leaves me at this place being a one time experience at the least and a, "if I had to" at the most.

The staff was very kind and welcoming. The food was so much better that I expected and it resolved…read moremy rather bad day. I ordered the catfish with a side of mac and cheese and green beans. The catfish is made to order, was perfectly crispy and well seasoned. Definitely top 3 catfish meals for me in the area. The mac and cheese was some of the best I have had. It was creamy and savory, it wasn't too fatty and had a firm texture. It was definitely the highlight of the meal. The green beans had a bit of a mushy texture but I really enjoyed regular green beans. The meal comes with a side or cornbread which was filling , fluffy and sweet. Fantastic soul food for me. The banana pudding was also delicious. You can also actually taste banana not just sugar. The people working there were honestly so kind and chill. They knew what to recommend and added to the dining experience. My only criticisms come with how some of the food is prepared for example the green been texture being on the mushy side is likely due to it being presented similarly to a buffet. I was also unable to have a whisky due to the bar being closed however it was 2pm on a weekday. Overall great experience

The most delicious meal I've had in Memphis. I recommend studying the menu before you come because…read moreyou'll be asked to order as you enter. You'll pay there and then be offered a table and your food will be brought to you. Your check includes a 15% service charge of course you can tip additionally with cash later if you wish. I've never heard of eating neckbones so of course that's what I ordered. The pork neckbones had been well braised and were super delicious. Truly an ultimate pork experience. You definitely have to pick them up and chew all over. But there's lots of meat. Some of it you can get to with a fork, and some of it can be broken apart for easier access to the meat, but it is not an elegant meal! I found the vinegar at the table really enhanced the flavor. My sides were black-eyed peas and turnip greens, and the greens were spectacular. The corn muffin was very good. The sweet tea was very sweet, but not nearly as sweet as the peach cobbler. The cobbler was delicious with lots of nutmeg, but people really have a sweet tooth in Memphis. I ate on a Sunday and got there just before noon to get in ahead of the after-church crowd and my timing was perfect. The dining room filled up while I was eating.

Went here at the recommendation of two Lyft drivers…read more Easy walk 0.6 miles from Stax Music, safe. Courtney (see photo)greeted us and took our orders. He chatted with us as we waited at our table for our orders. He served our orders and bused our plates too. He does everything and is very personable providing welcoming hospitality. And he's only worked there for a mere 5 weeks. I asked him who the owner is and he directed me to Jerry and Patrice Thompson, two of the nicest folks you'll ever meet. Jerry has a big welcoming personality and a great sense of humor. Fried catfish fillets were excellent! Crust was just right and the fillets were moist. I ate everything in my plate. Peach cobbler was warmed up, we opted to not have it w ice cream, and it is the best in Memphis! Such a long and storied history for this restaurant. We are so glad we came here and will return next time we are in Memphis. My only regret is we were too full to eat fried chicken too.

There is no way this should be okay. In what world would you pay for this as a finished product?…read moreWould you eat this?

This is not the place - do not even make the trip yall. Mop water fragrance as soon as you hit…read morethe door - ran out of supplies and chicken

Service was good.. I just recommend going when food is fresh. Our cornbread was like a 'brick' …read more The other food was acceptable however I am sure it was even better fresh not sitting on the table for hours.

On a temp job I found myself out in the barren wasteland that I'm affectionately calling 'the…read morewarehouse district' of Memphis. Ok, so perhaps I exaggerate a tiny bit but working in a building that did not have a microwave required searching for lunch a few days out of the week in that area. I soon realized there where no options other than a few fast food joints. Well, that's what I thought ... until I saw Gary's. From my little box filled office I overheard a few fellows from the warehouse discussing Gary's for lunch. When I had passed the mentioned 'Gary's' on my way into work i had dismissed it as a convenience store 'slash' truck stop? Boy was I wrong. True, Gary's is a convenience store; however it also wears a slew of other interesting unexpected hats as well. It's a brown stone looking building on Getwell road. The parking lot and how you get into the parking lot makes one wish for a four-wheel drive. Don't miss the first turn in as you come from Shelby drive ... it's the only one that will perhaps leave the under-carriage of your car intact. When you walk into Gary's the first convenience store impression does not go away. It is packed ... Seriously packed ... to the gills with stuff. As you walk to your left you notice isles of various things ... Regular grocery items... an isle for Items sold on Bulk.... A small section for produce and Dairy. There is a large cooler/ frozen section for meat... Some non typical. You will find ribs, chicken, decent looking steaks, pork chops, and etc. you will also find pigs feet and other interesting options. There is a deli section in the back with meats and cheeses by the pound. You can also get them to whip ya up a sandwich packed with all ya favorite things. Also along the back of the establishment is a 'hot bar' behind which a few friendly ladies diligently tend; dishing out large helpings of various meat and veggie options for a substantial plate lunch. I hear they do the same for breakfast as well. There is several different meat options fried or baked chicken, meatloaf sometimes, smothered steak, pork chops, fried or baked fish, and etc. The vegetable options are just as numerous and varied. Fried okra, string beans, pinto brand, butter beans, greens, fried okra (have I said that already?), mashed potatoes (real potatoes not powdered like most 'lines' put out in other places), fried okra (not the pre-battered frozen kind you buy but the real battered themselves and fried that afternoon)... Can you tell I have a thing for fried okra, and etc. There is also a dessert or two ... I tried the peach cobbler one visit - pretty tasty. Ive had a plate lunch twice, and though it's not the highest quality food; its like old home cooking (even a little vinegar in the string beans - like granddad used to make). It's pretty darned good. The portions are huge - I can never Finnish everything .... You could quite easily split with someone. The fried catfish fillets are definitely not great ... But passable. There is also a grill in the back ... I haven't really checked out this menu (if there is one) but I have been in line and had folks order hamburgers from the grill and their orders where called back to a fellow working 'said' grill. I read a few previous reviews about the unfriendly service they have received at Gary's. I'm really baffled at this ... I've been in the store several times throughout the past two weeks and everyone is always so very nice and helpful. Everyone -from the ladies behind the serving lines to the fellows on the isles and the folks behind the check-out counter - always smiles, greets, and even chats with me amicably ... No matter how busy they are. There is also a cooler holding store made salads and bowls of store cut fruit. I've had strawberries and watermelon From This cooler a few times - always good. The truth of the matter is that I don't think I have even seen half of the options at Gary's, much less sampled them. There is no telling what else is down those cramped isles. There is one thing that Gary's does not have ... A place to sit. Whatever treasures or culinary delights you may find within must be taken to go. To liken the area to a desert may be an exaggeration; to liken Gary's Market to an oasis in the middle of that desert is not. If Gary's was located in any other part of Memphis this could quite possible be a legidamate three star review ... However, it is not. Gary (if indeed that is the owner's name) chose his location well. Amidst a sparse grouping of crappy fast food establishments and convenience store gas stations ... Gary's is truly a gem 'in the rough' or is that 'amidst the rough'... actually I think they both fit.

We came to the Rockin Chair for a family reunion. The catfish was incredible, the fried chicken,…read morethe greens, the spaghetti, all were delicious. The service was friendly and welcoming. The ambiance is like a nightclub for grown folks. Highly recommend for all the different things that go on here!

I was with a party of 12-16 people on Valentine's Day, a Saturday during the lunch hour! And it was…read morea good experience. The place was not crowded at all so that worked in our favor. The service was timely and smooth. The vibe was ok it felt like we were opening the place so no music or background noise but TV were on. They have a beautiful facility with a upstairs private section in all white. The downstairs is all black. There is a setup of beverage of twa, lemonade and water that is automatic at $2.50 called VIP. I ordered pork chops with 2 sides, spaghetti, northern beans and cornbread for 19.99. The portion size was good. The spaghetti was sweet. Beans were salty but good. But the star of the dish was just that, the star! Them pork chops were perfect. Pot roast was good and turkey necks were huge! Overall a great spot for good food. Most dishes were $17-19 with 2 sides, overall meal $24! Not bad at all and closed in parking lot.

I just can't begin to explain how "Marvin's" is my Soul Food spot . The turkey wings are…read more"EVERYTHING ". They are only available on certain days.

If you love soul food, you'll love this restaurant! If you like chitterlings, this is your spot…read more The biggest drawback is the hours, they open early and close early, so you've gotta get there. The place is small and there's been a crowd each time I've gone, so make sure you have a little time and patience. Friendly atmosphere. If you're looking for a variety of tasty soul food options, I definitely recommend!

I can not believe I have not reviewed Soul Fish as of yet. I am a huge fan…read more Let me preface this review by saying ... My grandfather owned two successful catfish restaurants. As a child I grew up on fried fish filets and hush puppies until my grandfather had to retire and sell his restaurant due to his Health. He still cooks up a mess of catfish for us about two or three times a year when we visit. Yum! My standards for good catfish are extremely high. Good fried catfish is not greasy, light cornmeal batter, tender flaky inside, and slightly crispy on the outside. Sounds simple enough but the truth of the matter is... Good fried catfish takes skill. After an epic searched for any decent catfish in Memphis and surrounding areas that took a few years ... My family and I decided to give up. And when I heard about Soul Fish it took some considerable convincing to get them to go. We where, none of us, disappointed! Soul Fish is without a doubt the best Catfish in Memphis. It is perfectly fried... Hushpuppies are tasty, coleslaw edible if not always yummy, fried pickles crisp and tart, pickle green tomatoes so yummy I could swim in them, and vegetables always cooked and seasons well (special recognition to the cabbage, broccoli, and black eyed peas). The service is always friendly, fast, efficient, and correct. The blackened catfish is pretty tasty too ... Sometimes they get a little heavy handed on the seasoning. Deserts are pretty great as well. My sister loves the Mississippi mud chocolate thingy they have (I'm not a chocolate fan). I've introduced many people (about 40 or so) to Soul Fish - locals and visitors alike - and no one ... And I mean not a single one of them where disappointed. So why four stars instead of five? True... the catfish is the best in Memphis - however it is not the best I've ever had. And Sometimes a filet or two at Soul Fish fall short of perfection... However ... I'm a regular and a fan of Soul Fish Cafe. If you have spent hours and disappointed meals trying to find good catfish in Memphis ... Look no further ... This is the place for you. I promise you will not Be disappointed!

Still on the amazing food stops from our December 2025 Smoky Mountains trip, our final Tennessee…read moremeal had to be memorable--and Soul Fish Cafe delivered. Memphis is a slight detour on our way back to Texas, but there was no way we were settling for fast food along the highway. We wanted good seafood--fresh, satisfying, and worth the stop. So glad we chose this spot. From the outside, it's simple and unassuming. Inside, it feels like a slightly bougie fish cafe--clean, cozy, and well-kept, with subtle holiday decor and that warm Southern hospitality greeting you at the door. Our server, Denise, was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The one-page menu keeps it simple, and she walked us through it along with the daily special. We ordered the gumbo, salmon burger, and a grilled salmon plate--everything tasted fresh and cooked to order. A perfect seafood meal in Tennessee. We left full, happy, and already planning what to try next time. Definitely a spot worth revisiting.