Great servers and food. Environment is wonderful. Total experience i bring friends visiting

First of all, I like the food here and I want it to succeed! Having said that, the recent visits were disappointing. The place feels tired, and not clean. Lately the coffee is always very sour, not sure if it was due to the beans or the descaler. Ordered a cafe latte and it was different from previous times. A bit of foam was added to the top of sour coffee to pass off as a cafe latte??? Of course it's going to separate and curdle. Why? read more

Memphis Cafe - Coffee with a bit or curdy foam on top to pass off as cafe latte - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The food is consistently great. We dine here often. Staff provides great customer service. Plus, they allow dogs in the patio, so we take our small pup! We enjoy the fried catfish, meatloaf and fried chicken. read more

I've been here a few times. Once just recently. Here are my thoughts. The food was decent. I got their special, Crabcake Eggs Benedict. It was good, not great. The Hollandaise sauce was fine. It was chipotle flavored and the waitress was sweet enough to let me try it before I ordered. I don't like things too spicy, but this was fine. It came in toast, not a English muffin, and it had potato wedges underneath. Those weren't my favorite. I would have skipped the wedges. My friend ordered chicken chilaquiles. I like that they have a chicken option. The chilaquiles were too spicy for me, but he loved them. We both ordered lemonade. He ordered blueberry, I ordered strawberry mint. Both were delicious. Not refills on the handcrafted lemonade. OK, I get that. My lemonade was delicious, but I liked his blueberry a bit better. They have other flavors too. Our waitress was so nice. I couldn't hear her name, but she was amazing! They have indoor and 2 outdoor areas to sit. We decided outdoors. That was a mistake, but one we made. There were just too many flys. Again this was our fault based on our own choices. The day was too beautiful to not enjoy it. The flys that came with it were not beautiful. read more

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So glad this place is still around. Been coming here for over 30 years. Mostly for dinner but more recently for breakfast. Great soul food options and love the atmosphere. Not cheap but not exorbitant either. read more

The food was delicious. The service isnt so personal but they are extremely busy usually so they are go go go. When they have a chance to stop, theyre very nice for conversation. The inside is tight and louder if youre okay with that, otherwise they have a great outside area with picnic tables and its covered read more

Great food, great cocktails and great service every time. Memphis has kept their high quality, good portion sizes and friendly service without raising prices. This is appreciated and will keep me coming back! read more

Let's start with the service everyone that spoke to us ( the host and the server) were super nice. The host wished be a happy birthday and everything. The restaurant is very small inside only able to fit a few guest and very small table tight so we sat outside. Outside was a bit better but it was kind of loud from the fans. Now man for the food. What can I say. This is not and I REPEAT NOOOOOT MEMPHIS FOOD. I understand at one point 50 years ago they may have had some kind of Memphis soul cooking, but baby this was not that. I am from the east coast and the southern this was a horrible attempt at making southern style food. First the gumbo. The rue was definitely not a rue but a gravy. It had no authentic gumbo taste, it did have the chicken and sausages it lacked in true gumbo flavor. Also the shrimp were bad. I mean horrible. The shrimp literally turned into mush in your mouth. I even showed the waitress how nasty that was that the shrimp just turned into to mush when you picked it up. The black eyes and rice was definitely nothing like it should be. First thing first. It was just a bowl of rice with a few black eyes mixed in with some veggies and a spicy sauce. Smh! That is not how you make black eye peas. And the shrimp and grit was the worse. True shrimp and grits have a spicy Cajun gravy on top. This had tomato sauce. Like it was a sweet tomato sauce the only thing I can describe it as is tomato basil soup. Never in my 35 years of living have I ever seen anyone make it like this and no Memphis doesn't make it like this... this was definitely made by someone that had no real clue what soul or southern style food is. My husband got chicken and waffles. The waffles came out ice cold like they had been sitting out for a long time. The best part of the meal was the chicken. He was tender, seasoned well and juicy. Thank god my husband got the gravy on the side because it tasted like flour. No flavor whatsoever so ever in the gravy. I ended up having to just order two pancakes because that food was not good at all. I know I would never come back read more

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Great patio. Excellent service. Super pleased with the entire experience here. Put food was good, came out quick.

We came here yesterday and let me tell you the food was amazing! I really enjoyed that they had an indoor, outdoor covered area and a fully outdoor area. The service was very attentive and very fast. This cafe is definitely child friendly! This place has been one of my favorite places so far in California! read more

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Great dinner on date night with my husband. Memphis serves breakfast all day he enjoyed his favorite biscuits & waffles while I savored their halibut special. This little place may be casual but it has a great vibe with amazing original entrees made in their kitchen! And they change their fish specials monthly! We liked their desserts too (Chocolate Bananas Foster breads pudding and a peach-blackberry cobbler). Our server, Lori, gave us great feedback and advice about our choices, and answered all our questions. And she was right about everything. Definitely returning in the future. read more

First off moved my server. She was a middle aged woman and was so lonely to talk to. I went here with a friend after a long day of work. We started with a glass of white wine and split the special of the day (pot roast), the buffalo chicken salad, and wrapped it all up with the banana bread pudding. The pot roast was just okay. The potatoes and carrots--were cooked to perfection, and the beef was super tender and fell apart easily, but it was lacking in flavor. The buffalo chicken salad, though? Loved it. Their fried chicken is spot on, crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. 10/10. And then... the banana bread pudding. Holy moly. I'll be back just for that. Perfectly baked, rich but not too heavy, easily in my top three bread puddings of all time. If you're a bread pudding fan, don't sleep on this one. It's a nice, welcoming spot, and I'm honestly kicking myself for driving past it for so many years without stopping in. Better late than never! read more

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The "psycho" chicken sandwich was amazing and the sweet potatoe fries were delicious! Service was great and the restaurant is small with a full bar. They do have outdoor seating for the fresh air. read more

I have always enjoyed Memphis Café. It's the first time I've been back in a while because I moved away, but the fried chicken had was delicious. The bartender knows how to make a good bloody Mary. I'll definitely go back soon. read more

One of the best kept secrets in Costa Mesa. Try the Down Home Gumbo and the Crab Cakes as well as the Bacon wrapped Shrimp. Such a yummy menu. read more

Service was excellent and food was delicious. We had the Brussel sprout appetizer and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. So filling and very well cooked. I got the fried catfish, and everything on there was great. The only thing I didn't like was the batter on the fried catfish. I think it had like a grainy texture and taste and maybe needed some salt. They got the crispy crunch perfect though. Mocha coffee was okay and cup wasn't filled all the way because of the whipped cream but server was awesome and she refilled my cup and gave me more mocha sauce and cream. I loved the jazz/blues I think music they were playing. We had made reservations through YELP and by the time we arrived, we were ready to be seated. Inside was small but able to fit maybe like 8 groups of 4 people. There was bar top seating too. Definitely would come back again to try their meatloaf and I forgot what else they were known for that the server mentioned. Overall, great southern food! The pictures might not be good looking but honestly I enjoyed it a lot! read more

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Always recommend it to anyone. The food is always delicious!!! The chicken and waffles is my fave read more

Love, love the pancakes here! Light and fluffy with a hint of crispy on the edges. The sausage pairs well with it. And I love anything potato at Memphis. Just a yummy breakfast all around. The service is always great. You are seated in a timely manner and treated with kindness. The ambiance is relaxing and the morning music always puts me in a good mood. Such great atmosphere for the start of your day. read more

Memphis Cafe - Breakfast - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I was pleasantly surprised with this place!!! We had a large party of 9 and she quickly accepted us and sat us down in a reasonable timeframe. It was a little dark where they sat us (I hate dark places to eat but it won't take away from my review of this location). I LOVED the gumbo-seriously get the gumbo... the chicken sandwich was delicious! My po-boy was HUGE (a little salty but I understand blackened tends to be salty). My children even rated the kids meal (chicken tenders) a 5 star! Will come back for the gumbo without question read more

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Been going to Memphis for years, the food is outstanding, drinks are made very well, but their service has recently left a bad taste in my mouth. Took my family and new bride here to celebrate our wedding, and although we'd made a reservation for our entire party of 16 guests and requested to be sat outside in the "picnic table" area, we were sat on the patio. Anticipating that we'd make a bit more noise than your standard dining guests due to all of our excitement around the wedding, we wanted to be in an area that would be more accommodating. -This wasn't possible because they were understaffed, despite knowing about our our group size and what the occasion was, months in advance. But the real slap in the face came in the form of them essentially kicking us out after paying nearly $1k in bill and tip. As you can imagine this came as a total shock and offended not only me, but the rest of my guests. As much as it pains me to miss out on Memphis's awesome food, I will no longer be a customer due to the way they treated us. Dine at your own risk. read more

Always awesome...food, service and vibe! Always consistent! Great menu. Something for everyone.

Great service great food can't go wrong eating. If you like collard greens these are the best!

Food is great however I came in today, and received an attitude from the waitress for not checking In with the front desk. Honest mistake however I ended up leaving because I felt disrespected and I don't want someone who doesn't like the job they have handling my food. Bad experience at a usually good place. read more

Memphis Cafe - Me n my dog are bummed, we wanted to eat breakfast here but got a rude waitress - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Cute little spot here in Costa Mesa. Great food and great service! Had the Cobra chicken sandwich and it was perfect. Hand battered chicken to perfection! read more

Memphis Cafe - The "Cobra" Chicken Sandwich - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Today me and a friend went here for dinner as neither of us had been here in several years. We arrived at 7 and were seated right away, super friendly staff let us know about the specials. We choose to sit on the indoor patio and it was super comfortable space and nice and cool on an almost summer night. The fried chicken has always been my goto order and it never disappoints. So we knew we wanted that, we also ordered the halibut special and crab cakes for a starter. We also both got a cocktail. I asked for something fruity with Tito's and whatever the bartender came up with was absolutely delicious. My friend got a Moscow mule and also thought it was really good Off to a great start! The crab cakes were good, and the Cole slaw they came with was also very tasty. My friend is Maryland born and raised and felt they could have had a tad more crab and less bread. The fried chicken and halibut came out and the fried chicken was exactly as I remembered, amazing, juicy, flavorful, seasoned. The halibut unfortunately was not. It was dry and overcooked, and underwhelming in the flavor department. The Risotto side however was absolutely amazing. The staff noticed we weren't eating the halibut and offered another protein choice. She recommended the pork chop. We agreed to try that. The pork chop came out and was cooked perfectly - yet had zero seasoning or flavor. It was so sad! I really wanted to like it. Staff was gracious and took off both the halibut and pork chop. We were grateful for her attentiveness and it was a great service experience. read more

Memphis Cafe - Bartender creation - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Popped in here for breakfast on a Sunday morning and was pleasantly surprised. The parking lot is small, but there is plenty of street parking available if it's full. We chose a seat on the patio and the waitress was very attentive and helpful. Ordered a POG mimosa and a strawberry mint lemonade and both were absolutely delightful. The Southern Eggs Benedict were phenomenal and the stuffed French toast with berries was like the perfect breakfast dessert. Will definitely be returning. read more

Great go to for a rib sticking meal (or lighter fare depending on the day). Classic southern fare with some twists. Really enjoy the atmosphere - picnic tables out back are great for casual business lunches and the staff is attentive and wonderful. read more

Came here on a Sunday morning with my family, friends, and our dog, and it was great. There was plenty of seating outside, the food was delicious (chicken and waffles is a must), and the servers were friendly and accommodating. The Pog Mimosa was very tasty if you are looking for something more unique than a regular mimosa. Overall, great brunch spot. read more

Fast service, hot food, smelled delicious as soon as you walked in, feels welcoming and cozy like sitting in your families living room. read more

Memphis Cafe - Barbecued Shrimp & Green Chili Grits - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Find the parking spot, it's worth the struggle. You'll be welcomed by the kind staff and in food coma by the end. What to order well when in Memphis anything fried. The fried chicken sandwich was DELISH. And the fried shrimp southern taco was surprisingly lite. If food coma hadn't hit, I would totally have had some dessert. Next time! read more

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This place is a hidden Gem! Old school type, simply delicious food & amazing service! I go there often now & does not mater if I sit on the bar to get perfectly made drinks or at a table to order the best Chicken & Waffles I have eaten in California! The service I get from Selah who remembers my how I like my food every time or Honey who is always checking on me or Karina that knows exactly what I like to drink every time. Just truly impressed by this crew & very satisfied with my dining experience every time. read more

Memphis Cafe - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Great food, superior service, loved the atmosphere... love the Memphis...highly recommended, can't wait to go back.

I like bringing out-of-towners to this homage to southern cuisine. Nice casual atmosphere, in-door and out-door seating, friendly staff, and excellent food. It is an older roadside restaurant that has aged very well. read more

The best service! The best food and drinks! I love the atmosphere here and the outdoor seating is the place to be.

I stopped by for breakfast. They had a nice outdoor back patio to enjoy my morning. Great service that was attentive. I had the Memphis 2 egg breakfast. It was delicious. I also added a side of French toast. Prices are comparable. read more

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Memphis Cafe is true gem. I went with my daughter for the first time and the food was delicious with so many good options, the music was great and the overall vibes were warm and welcoming. The best part was the customer service from beginning to end. Karina was our waitress and she was amazing. She recommended great ways to swap out items with no issue and no additional cost. We had the fish and grits which was the best I've had, even better than New Orleans, hush puppies were amazing. Make sure you get the homemade spread, which is undeniably yummy. Highly recommended. Can't wait to go back. read more

My dog and I had a great experience here! Yay Karina set us up with a fabulous burger and fries and even set me up so I could enjoy my burger with the bbq on the side which was perfect! It's a great place! Yay read more

Memphis Cafe - Menu - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Decided to come here last Sunday 7/6/2025 for brunch with friends. Memphis has been one of my favorite brunch spots in Costa Mesa. I usually come here with my friends every couple of months. Our usual order is the chicken/waffle and eggs. However I like to change it up by ordering their breakfast burrito or biscuit and gravy plate. The food and service is always excellent and the prices are fair. So my friends decided to stick with the chicken/waffle and eggs this time around and I thought about doing the breakfast burrito with chorizo. But I noticed on the board of specials that they were offering chorizo benedict or crab benedict. I went with the chorizo benedict and coffee. The food came out great and I believe the chorizo benedict was the best benedict I ever had. Next visit I'll try one of their brunch cocktails. Definitely will return and recommend. read more

Memphis Cafe - Chorizo Benedict - Southern Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This is my new favorite breakfast place It's very unassuming when you drive up but when you get inside and taste the food your taste buds will thank you. I always order their famous Shrimp and green cilantro and Serrano infused grits with bbq shrimp poached egg and fried okra on top and I enjoy it with a Bloody Mary or sometimes I will get an Espresso Martini. Anyone who hasn't eaten here must try it. I guarantee you'll thank me. Just do it read more

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What a cute breakfast spot! Ok you 100% have to get the chicken and waffles! I'm telling you it's SO YUM! I recommend sharing if you're not very hungry. The workers are so nice and sweet. 100% coming back here. Also, the Lab Anti-Mall is so fun to walk around once you finish your breakfast. This place did not disappoint. read more

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