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    Memphis Chess Club

    4.0 (65 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    MEMPHIS CHESS CLUB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Pumpkin Spice Latte
    Natasha M.

    This is a very chill venue for both working alone and meeting with friends. I've even been to a holiday party here. The food and drinks are superb too and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

    Emily C.

    Nifty little coffee shop/cafe that doubles as a chess tournament site. My boyfriend and I both got lattes that we enjoyed! It's a super cozy spot that has lots of coffee and food options.

    Half muffuletta and house made chips
    Mathew S.

    Grabbed a late lunch at the Chess Club. First timer here, so a jaunt of novelty when considering between other quick Downtown options. Walking in, the interior is something I found myself pondering whether Memphis could have anything this nice/kitschy. It's expansive, it's well-worn (though not the best term for it; I mean that it's comfortable in an endearing, living roomesque kind of way), and it's relatively quiet. I heard "No I Can't Go for That" by Hall & Oates in the background...well played Chess Club, well played indeed. The food prep lady (I can't stretch this into "chef" when we're talking sandwiches and pizzas, I'll wind up complimenting the food shortly) was literally asleep on her feet at the high counter to the left of the door...it was 2:30pm, though, so who hasn't been there before. She said that the guy that worked the POS system ran to the bank...so...(I just stood there as if to say 'ma'am, as a vanguard millennial and a digital native, you make the sandwich, I'll ring it up') discretion and patience won out. She rang up the muffuletta and the house chips and got to her craft. The wait short, the food fantastic. The house chips are addictive. Thick cut, uniform, seem freshly fried (and occasionally a soft chip or two, here and there, think crispy edge with par cooked 'tatoe in the middle, every bit as good as the full cooked ones). The muffuletta wasn't a muffuletta. Olive mix was a bit thin, the bread was hoagie, there was lettuce...and damn was it good. This is a gut punch sandwich. A whole one, much like the traditional Nawlins round muffuletta, is not going to be eaten by the average, or even starving diner. I know. I tried. You're getting two meals- one to eat there, one to go. You've been warned. I'm not going to really try and pick out the parts: bread, ham, olive mix, provel, oil. Each contributed to the whole more than strike its own chord. This is a good thing, and perhaps a great thing with what Downtown Memphis has as far as lunch options go north of Madison/within walking distance of the courthouses. High recommendation. High likelihood of my trying to make 'regular' status (the last time I had that was Courthouse Deli circa 2013), lest the shame and guilt of my waistline amount to doing-something-about-it. Oh, usual blurb about 5 stars: 5s are unicorns, paradigm smashing. They exist only in dream until stumbled upon. 5s are never 4.5s that get round ups. These are your destination dining/serves a dish worthy of a last meal places. Chess Club is a 4.3. It's really good, it's unique, it's local, it's a delight without qualification. I consider this exceptionally high praise. For instance, Rendevous is a 3 star joint: good, standard, experience and ambiance being the highlights of standard culinary fair. So there's that for context.

    Acai Breakfast Bowl
    Shandelle B.

    We came in on a rainy Sunday morning for brunch. To start off, I wouldn't suggest having brunch here and I think that has impacted my experience here. It's more of a coffee and snacks place. Not a full meal and definitely not a brunch like what we were thinking. If you're looking for a cozy spot to have a cup of coffee and do some studying this would be a great morning spot. It also seems like they would be a great casual hang for weeknights since they do have snacks and candy and lots of games, not just chess available. I'd like to come back for a date night but I think I'm out for brunch.

    Jenny B.

    If you're looking for a nice ambiance to get some work done, check out the Memphis Chess Club. I think people do actually come here to play chess, there's an upstairs as well but there's a lot of room for people to do work or catch up for brunch. There's a number of books and board games as well.

    Club sandwich & fries
    Rod E.

    Vibe always cool I usually go pizza, this time though I went club sandwich and let me tell you something.... The pizza won't be seeing me again

    Cold Brew
    Trey G.

    We were paying customers. We didn't just come in and "grab a water". Also it needed no "set up" it was card. This rule should only apply to non-paying customers. No one wants to buy $20 worth of coffee and then be told it'll be an extra $5 if you want to play cards that you brought from home.

    Maya B.

    Cool place to stop by if you're in downtown Memphis! Extensive coffee and food choices!

    Greco Pizza
    Emery B.

    Loved this place! Stopped here for a quick bite and do some work. Pizza was delicious and the chia latte was amazing. Great place to go hangout with friends or work alone. Staff were super nice and welcoming!

    The outside of Memphis Chess Club. Less than 100 feet from the Napoleon Hotel.

    Visiting Memphis for the National Veterans Golden Age Game (NVGAG). As I was looking for a coffee shop I ran into the"Memphis Chess Club". Not only do they have an awesome Chess Club environment. But they also have a great coffee shop with some really good pastries and food. I had a great welcoming by Andre who's a local customer. He saw me outside taking pictures and asked me if I play chess. He then brought me inside and very courteously gave me a tour of the Memphis Chess Club. I had a Cortado Coffee that Neiman prepared, not only did it taste good but it was beautifully made.

    Tiffany J.

    I enjoyed my experience here. Memphis Chess Club is definitely a spot to visit whether it's to dine, work, and/or play chess! It's super spacious and clean; definitely welcoming and provides a chill environment. While there, I ordered Spinach Salad. It was packed with strawberries, candied nuts, craisins, avocado, feta, purple onion, spinach. Comes with one cup of dressing. I had the house made vinegarette. Everything was fresh and delicious! Cool Spot!

    Inside

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    5 months ago

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    Michael S.

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    6 months ago

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    Michael S.

    We're really glad you had a great time!

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    21 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Michael S.

    Hey we're glad you enjoyed the party, and everything else!

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    1 year ago

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    Michael S.

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    2 years ago

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    Michael S.

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    Michael S.

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    1 year ago

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    Michael S.

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    8 months ago

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    Michael S.

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    2 months ago

    This is a hidden gem in Downtown Memphis. Great food and coffee drinks in a super relaxed and friendly environment.

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    Michael S.

    Thanks that really means a lot to us!

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    11 months ago

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    Michael S.

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Love the Memphis Chess Club! Great drinks, amazing pizza, and the best trivia in Memphis on Thursday nights!!

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    Michael S.

    Glad you enjoy it, thanks!

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    7 months ago

    This is an ideal third space! Great drinks, good pizza, more games than just chess and very comfortable.

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    Michael S.

    Thanks Nate, we're glad you liked the Sazerac!

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    1 year ago

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    Michael S.

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    2 years ago

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    Michael S.

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    1 year ago

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    Michael S.

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    1 year ago

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    Michael S.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Michael S.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great staff, great coffee and the chess theme is unique! They talked with me about my options and gave me great suggestions!

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    Michael S.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Michael S.

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    3 years ago

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    Michael S.

    We're glad you enjoyed it!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    They make a decent cappuccino. But... they add a tad too much milk for my liking. Scale it back and it would've been perfect.

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    Michael S.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Michael S.

    Thanks for the recommendation! We recommend you come visit again!!

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    5 years ago

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    Hustle & Dough

    Hustle & Dough

    4.6
    (148 reviews)
    0.8 mi
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    A smooth and flavorful cortado and tasty, filling hamburger started my late breakfast day in…read moreMemphis. The atmosphere and decor of this coffee shop are both inviting and antique bringing feelings of the historic times and souls once living in the area. The "team"working here were both professional, kind and friendly. When eating in your entree is hand delivered with a smile in a timely manner. I even got a brief visit from the supervisor/possible owner asking if I needed anything and how everything was going. When I replied with a positive experience he said he will pass on the word to the team. I liked that he gave credit to everyone/team. I will definitely return when in town for business and recommend to my colleagues.

    Started off a raspberry mocha latte. Balanced coffee drink. Inreally like when I can still taste…read morethe espresso with the syrup and oat milk. Had pizza and fries for dinner as we hung out last night with friends to catch up during the holiday. The pizza was quite tasty. I enjoyed the sourdough bread that was topped with cheese, white sauce and mushrooms. The pizza dough reminded me of focaccia. Very pillowy and seasoned well. The bottom was crunchy and tasty. The fries were good but the kitchen was out of aioli. Still the fries were hot and the salsa added a different flavor. Service was excellent at the coffee bar. Shoutout to Caleb and his nice, courteous and helpful demeanor. The server at the bar was so nice too. I forgot his name but he was super friendly. My pizza was 1/2 off since it was 4-6 which is the scheduled happy hour. The cool vibes of the hotel lobby are ultra inviting with chairs, sofas, community table and side tables. I really like the aesthetics of the Arrive Hotel. Hope to stay in one of the rooms for a stay cation in the Mtown! I know I will be back for coffee and other foods at Hustle and Dough!

    Photos
    Beautiful Bar
    Beautiful Bar
    Tamago Egg Sando - milk bread, kewpie mayo, dashi-seasoned omelette, fermented chili paste.
    Tamago Egg Sando - milk bread, kewpie mayo, dashi-seasoned omelette, fermented chili paste.
    Lavender coconut latte

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    Lavender coconut latte
    Sunrise Memphis

    Sunrise Memphis

    4.6
    (1.1k reviews)
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    You know when there's an arrow the entire length of the building saying line starts here, you're…read moreabout to have some good grub! A step inside at the same time the counter guy hollered back to let the cooks know a graduation was about to begin so "expect to be busy soon" confirmed that fact! You order at the counter and are given a number for your table and your food is delivered with a smile and some casual southern hospitality banter. This place is quirky with its decor but on point with the food. Get the bacon! Always get the bacon! I'm still dreaming about it! Be warned! We were told during busy times, the line stretches around the building for a steady 8hrs at a time! May the timing of your visit ever be in your favor!

    Wow! What a breakfast Sunrise Memphis served up! Our friends who are local to the area brought us…read moreto this cute and quirky counter order brunch spot and we were thoroughly impressed. The house made biscuits are a must have! Or try one of their biscuit sandwiches. My husband had the Dirty South biscuit sandwich which came with a perfectly fried green tomato and pimento cheese. I had The Best Omelette, which was indeed one of the best omelettes I've had. The salsa verde added a flavorful kick. You could easily tell that everything was made fresh and in house because the flavors were so on point. We are looking forward to our next visit not only to see our friends but to eat here!

    Photos
    Sitting area
    Sitting area
    The Kitchen Sink
    The Kitchen Sink
    French toast with turkey bacon

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    French toast with turkey bacon

    Memphis Chess Club - coffee - Updated June 2026

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