So, I've been a patron of this landmark since the 1980-s. The current owners are kind, helpful, and great company. Also, the food that they put out on their griddle is worth the wait! They get super busy on nice weekends. Small businesses like this won't last without the customers who support them. Fortunately, they didn't permanently close, but I understand that it was a close call. I try to make it up to their location as much as I can. The best times to go there are on rainy days, when things are slow. Also, instead of going to Kroger, I'll buy as many groceries as I can from the Shelby Forest General Store. You'd be surprised how helpful that is for this mom & pop institution! read more

Service and better hours. Use to have the best hamburgers around. Frozen patties with no flavor. Still a cool place to see if you're in the Shelby Forrest area. read more

Quaint place, full of character. If you are anywhere near this area, you should stop in. The front patio is a great place to sit in the shady and enjoy the peaceful, country-like atmosphere. The philly cheesesteak is very good. The owner is an interesting and friendly guy. I've thought many times over the years of buying this place from him. Been coming here for 30 years. read more

Behold, a magic grill that makes magic burgers inside a general store! Where do I start? The Shelby Forest General Store is on the outskirts of Memphis, on the west side of Millington, right there on the edge of the park. It's a destination for celebrities and international tourists. One guy I spoke with said he drove 500 miles to get a juicy cheeseburger as he took a bite. The general store began as a dry goods store for rural neighborhood essentials in 1954. Kristin and Doug Ammons have owned it since 2002 and they make you feel like home. There's bait and tackle, taxidermy, snake skins draped above grocery shelves, soda pop, BC powder, golf frisbees, chewing gum, jams, jellies, fresh fried pies and more. Their world-famous cheeseburgers are $3.99 and sell like hotcakes. There are other comfort foods like Philly cheesesteaks, fries and ,instead of their wildly popular $15.99 Steak Night with a band, those cuts of meat are now Ziplocked in a secret marinade to cook at home during the pandemic. When you get your order to-go, it's in a brown paper bag like the old days. Or you can sit on the outdoor deck. It's a total getaway. You can make a day of it and go boat paddling at Meeman-Shelby Forest. Or do what I did and have a picnic with a table cloth and real glasses at the park. SFGS is not just a general store, it's an experience just 15 miles from downtown Memphis. #ThankYouThursday read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Chicken Philly Sandwich. - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

We had a great meal here. Nothing fancy about the food by any means, in fact quite the opposite but that's just fine! It is what it is and it's good. The owners are very nice and are genuinely hospitable. She took our orders and interacted with us with that small town feel. It's like she knew us or wanted to get to know us better. She asked where we were from, if we had been there before, what kind of things we liked. Very nice! We were the only ones in the place when we got there but it quickly got busy with three other families arriving. She called her husband over from somewhere nearby and they began tag teaming all of the guests together along with the cook. Very efficient for three people total. We sat outside under the trees and enjoyed our meals. The "seasoned fries" were not at all what I was expecting but I loved them! My burger was solid although it's a frozen factory type. My wife liked her fried bologna sandwich a lot. We will return if ever in the area again. It's absolutely worth a visit just to check it out. Oh yea... we got free fried pies for being first timers! Win!!! read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Seasoned "fries" were really tasty! - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

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Local flavor at its best. Owners are characters and good for conversation and local happenings. Support the local economy and stop by for a biscuit and cup of coffee! read more

This place is amazing! It has the charm of an old country general store... oh, it is! Kodos to the owner for keeping this place running. I could tell this is the community's base. The staff knew everyone, gave all customers equal attention and served up some stupidly delicious food. They are famous for their burgers and rightfully so. They are cooked on an old griddle that I am sure contributes to the flavor. The buns are soft and sweet. The fries are crisped perfectly and the fried pies took me back to my granny's kitchen in Sparta, TN! This place is definitely worth the drive. I love this place. read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

Y'all the food here is TO DIE FOR! Go on a morning hike at the state park and then come here for lunch. You won't regret it!! Cheeseburger, fries, and an ice cold IBC root beer after a hike is pure heaven. Plus the family that works there is just the sweetest! Don't miss it!!! read more

Shelby Forest General Store - the outside of the store - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

I love this store. The food and service were excellent. Ended up also purchasing the Huckleberry jam. It was very busy when we went but none the less an excellent experience. Shrimp Po Boy hit the spot. So many other restaurants cannot make a delicious Shrimp Po Boy. Definitely going back. read more

Food and service are always amazing!! I've been coming here since I was a child and it's never changed, always warm and welcoming !

The hubby and I saw the big sign off the 51. We were pleasantly surprised! It's very quaint with outdoor seating. I had the eggs, ham and fries. The burger my husband got looked awesome! Both were delicious! The general store supports local vendors of decor and canned goods! Along with other needed items. The staff was so nice! I didn't ask but I think they were the owners. I wish I took pictures. We will definitely be going back! This is great spot with a great hometown vibe! read more

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl. Imagine a rustic cabin in the middle of nowhere and this is what you get - complete with home cooking goodness that you only find in the south. Plus there is something about taxidermy hanging on the walls that makes me nostalgic. (I know that sounds like sarcasm, but I am being 100% earnest...I grew up with an avid hunter as a father, who liked to hang his trophies.) I followed my fellow Yelpers advice and got the cheeseburger. It was everything they said and more. Definitely glad I listened to the tip about the seasoned fries as well. And I haven't seen this much choice in sodas in a looooooooong time. You can also stock up on chips, cookies, and random items you may need while exploring Millington or Shelby Forest. And when I went to the bathroom I quickly realized it was right by the crickets home (for fishing) so I got serenaded with a little song. Sigh. Loves it. read more

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This rustic general store sits between the two main entrances to Shelby Forest park, which makes it the prime spot for picking up any last minute camping needs. The shelves are stocked with groceries, sodas, six packs and snacks, and an entire wall at the back of the store is covered in multicolored Frisbees. Handwritten signs (one in sharpie implores visitors to "ask about the $10,000 reward") and photos from trips to the forest are tacked up everywhere. A large portion of the general store is devoted to a diner-style restaurant that serves just about everything. The menu jumps from fried delicacies (mushrooms, poppers, etc.) to burgers and turkey melts, to catfish fillet plates and steaks. Even on steak night, none of the food costs more than $10. I ordered a world famous cheeseburger, which comes recommended (at least at the 2009 Grammys) by Millington native Justin Timberlake. I ate mine sitting at the counter, under the watchful eye of a veritable forest of taxidermied critters. My burger, which came wrapped in wax paper and held together with toothpicks, was huge and juicy. It was topped with cheddar cheese, a tomato slice, lettuce, ketchup, mustard and chopped red onions. While it wasn't the most amazing burger I've ever had, it was far from the worst. It was fresh, filling, and best of all, cheap - my sandwich and a drink came to $5.75. Though the 75 year-old store is only about 30 minutes away from downtown Memphis, the distance seems much further. It's open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Shelby Forest General Store - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

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Good, simple food & staff is very personable. A little out of my way, but enjoy the little things you can't find in a chain store.

World famous burgers and fried bologna sandwiches! It don't get any better than this!!! read more

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This is the best little southern gem I've ever been to!! The owners make every person feel right at home! They have the best burgers of anywhere I have ever had and their fried mushrooms are amazing!! They took great care of me and my son and daughter and I will be forever grateful!! God Bless them and their great example of southern Christian hospitality!! Thank you!! read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Just a shot of the sweet old times flair you won't find in other chain restaurants. It will always remind me of find memories!! - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

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What an absolutely awesome step back in time and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being able to run back to reality when you need to. The Shelby Forest General Store is your one-stop-shop for campers and visitors to Shelby Forest, with all the dry goods you would expect to find. If you're planning to fish in the forest, the store will take care of all your license and permit needs, and then fix you up with bait, including live bait in the form of crickets, worms, or minnows. Aside from the store and the rustic atmosphere, no trip is complete without something from the grill. Don't get in a hurry. Grab a drink from the cooler and sit down while they prepare your meal to order. The burgers are good. The shaved steak sandwiches are good. Their grilled chicken wraps are a personal favorite of mine. Pair that with fries, jalapeno poppers, or grab a bag of chips and enjoy socializing at this local watering hole. read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

After a hike in Shelby Forest, wifey and I stopped into the general store for a bite to eat at their little grill. Cute little place that dates back to the '20s. Food is good, a bit a history on the walls to look at while you wait and a convenient store inventory if you need to stock up for the drive or headed back into the park. Upon returning to Memphis proper, seems that everyone who grew up in this area has been there at least once. Gets busy when the weather is ideal for park visitors. read more

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I give four-stars for two reasons: This is an unique, special little place with a homey atmosphere you can't get anywhere else, and because the family that runs this place is so genuinely, sincerely nice, warm, and friendly. To be honest, and I'm so sorry to say this, but the burger was only ok for me. I think they should buy better patties; that would easily increase the overall product's quality 100%. read more

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It's a great old time place and had a great hamburger. The store has a grittle and a fryer in the back that serves great food. I'd really recommend trying it read more

We had so much! This building has a rustic historic feel. Rightfully so, since it was built in 1934. You can tell the owners have put there whole hearts into this business. The steak was awesome but what really makes this place special is the live band on Friday night. My family had such a good time dancing and clapping to the music while we waited for our food. My family will be back! read more

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I am ashamed to say that I've been in Memphis for over 4 years now, and have gone to the Meeman Biological Field Station and Shelby Forest countless times without ever stopping here.....until now! This adorable little place offers quite the experience. Very southern. Very cozy. Very friendly. Clearly still running because it is sustained by the community members that frequent it. It felt like being transported back in time. It is essentially a rustic cabin with taxidermy all over the walls, and random old items placed on the shelves for decoration (super old fans, ancient radios, medicine bottles, snake skin, etc..). I came here with some friends for Friday steak night, which also includes a live band. The people that work there are incredibly sweet. Most notable thing about this place is the epic number of soda options (haven't seen the original glass bottle coke in ages). I was the only vegetarian in the group, so I got grilled cheese with coleslaw and delicious fries. My 3 friends got steaks. I was pretty happy with my meal, and my friends were very satisfied with their steaks. We later learned that the steaks are soaked in a tub of butter, which explained how yummy they were. They also had some delicious fried pies (about 16 different flavors if I remember correctly). My bill ended up being nearly ~$8 but my friends ended up paying a little over $20. We all thought it was worth the experience! read more

I would probably never have ventured in here without a friend of mine who frequents this place. It's rather rustic and the snake skin hanging across the ceiling is kind of creepy. It's also the kind of place that one could become over focused on the possibility that this place is seeping with germs. Bottom line, it's a country store. Down home, in the woods kind of store that I honestly wouldn't have expected to find in Memphis. It's actually quite fantastic, because it has basic essentials you'd need for spending a day out at Shelby Forrest but it also has a wonderful little diner inside that is perfect for an after-hike snack! What was even more cooler was they let us leave to eat outside without paying, promising we'd be back to come in and pay. It's nice to see small business who are personable and trusting with their customers. Tips for a good experience: -get a burger! great tasting - go easy on onions or sauce if you typically like those light. They sauce both sides of the bun and use red onions - buyer beware! -onion rings - probably the best I've EVER had! Get some! -eat outside! It's relaxing and takes your attention away from the snake skin on the ceiling. -grab a hard to find can of soda. They have many types of canned soda. Grab one from your childhood or one you've never had. Overall, unexpected greatness. More than a snack joint, this place is an experience! read more

This is a horrible business that absolutely treats its employees like garbage. They steal tips from the young ladies that work for them, plus they violate multiple child labor laws by not allotting breaks, even in a 8 hour shift. These young ladies work in a nearly 100 year old building without proper ventilation or air conditioning, stand over a hot grill top for 4+ hours straight, then are expected to scarf their food down in less than 10 minutes while standing up. They unhealthily involve themselves in the lives' of their employees outside of work, and expect these young ladies to not be in a relationship and only dedicate themselves to this low paying job as if their retirement depends on it. The owners are extremely disliked by most locals, so they depend on those from Memphis or even out of town visitors to keep their business afloat. Don't even get me started on their health code violations either. It's time people know the truth about this business that tries to paint the picture of a community driven, old school neighborhood business. If you're looking for somewhere quality in the Shelby Forest area, then I highly suggest Shelby Forest Corner Store (inside Citgo), Rusty Tractor or Shake Rag... or make the extra trip to a REAL general store in Barretville because these people don't deserve your business. read more

...we have been back for regular meals (e.g. 'world famous' hamburgers) since we went for steak night and the reality is that their food is just NOT GOOD. In fact, their breakfasts and their sandwiches are border line gross. It is a shame, that's for sure. It's a cool place and the service is very friendly. Steak night is the the only worthwhile thing they offer. read more

Really great place to get a biscuit or anything when out riding your bike!!! I have stopped there with the Victory Fondo Riding Group; set up a SAG there for the Memphis Hightailers BCB training team and have stopped there when riding with my husband. read more

Stopped in recently for the Friday night steak night. Service was good, very friendly folks. I have to rate based on the overall experience, however. The food was just OK. Granted, a heck of a deal for $15, but the steak had no flavor and was tough. Owners were extremely nice, picking and grinning was good. Food I guess you get what you pay for. read more

This was the hi light of our trip to the Memphis area.the food was good ,steak night was the best . Dinner with a blue grass band playing in the front of The cutest little county store and restaurant.the owners are the best people ever ,they make you feel like family.i must stop and see read more

Wonderful food and music on a Friday night. The owners of this store are the nicest, kindest people you would ever want to meet. The owner, Doug, who I had just met, called to check on me after I had my surgery. Very accommodating people and caring as well. Check it out, you will not be disappointed. PeteS read more

Can't ask for anything more. Food cooked to order, food to take out, packaged foods, sweets, variety of cold drinks... Including beer! Will definitely return for a burger and beer in the future. Would love to slowly drink some coffee on the front porch! read more

Wonderful people manning an old-fashioned country store while serving good food. Kristen is a wonderful host. Breakfast is fantastic here. read more

Shelby Forest General Store - Wonderful people manning an old-fashioned country store while serving good food. Kristen is great! - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

The name says it all. A general store conveniently located near Shelby Forest. I have been to the Shelby Forest General Store twice. Both times it has been for an after run breakfast sandwich. There is a food counter in the store that offers a standard breakfast menu. I have ordered the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit both times. They make a good, reasonably priced breakfast sandwich and it is very cheesy (a good thing in my book). Once you order your food, grab a cold beverage and head outside to one of the picnic table to enjoy your food. read more

nice drive north to Shelby Forest and great lunch - cheeseburger, patty melt, fries and onion rings - at this wonderful landmark. read more

Shelby Forest General Store - enjoyed visiting with the owners - thanks for the wonderful hospitality, the Zafers Aunt Suzanne & Uncle Doug Abbott - Burgers Near Me - Millington, Tennessee

If you like to get yelled & berated at, this is your spot! My bf picked up to go food this afternoon to go eat in the park, he's always raved about this spot since he grew up out there, until now. Rude is an understatement and the burger & patty melt were ok, at best. The food was $21.40, he gave the loud asshole $22, the loud asshole didn't give him his .60 and proceeded to ring a loud obnoxious bell yelling "big tipper!!!!" Unbeknownst that my bf was headed to the waitress that took his order and got it ready for him, to give her a cash tip. But instead left there completely embarrassed. Is that how paying customers are supposed to be treated? Never again will that place have a penny from me. And I will warn everyone else to stay away as well. That jerk should be ashamed of himself. Ass. read more

Great food, great conversation, Owners are just amazing, they make you feel like family! A must stop on your way through Tennessee!

My wife and I camped at the nearby Meeman Shelby State Forest Park and we were introduced to this local jewel by a friend of ours. Very Friendly owners. Breakfast was plentiful and the Friday night steak is amazing. (You will need to do some serious exercise afterward.) On Friday night they also have a Bluegrass open jam with some very talented (and some beginners) picking and strumming right in the first aisle of the store. (By the coffee counter.) Don't miss this special place. read more

Great little place. Nice people and good food. Won't have a lot of choices for other places to eat out there but their food is good. Cheeseburger is great. read more

What a neat little place. It's tucked away by Shelby Forrest near Millington TN. My wife and I visited there while camping one weekend for "Steak Night" and we loved it. The meal was pretty good, but the atmosphere was what was impressive! The place is very rustic, and you basically step back in time when you step on the porch. The live bluegrass music added to that feeling too. They have a really nice couple that plays there every Friday - he plays banjo and she plays fiddle and guitar. Great people and they have a great sound- we loved listening to them as we ate our meal. There are a variety of nick-knacks hanging everywhere and they stock just about everything you would need from a general store. If you are ever there be sure to visit them, and if it's a Friday evening you will like it even more. read more

Great people, great atmosphere. It's a REAL part of history in this area, family owned. Break the chain " chain restaurant" habit and treat yourself to something real. read more

Grew up down the road. Went there on a daily basis . Always walked in to a hi, hello , how are you today . Owners have always been friendly and kind . Not the case anymore . As an adult I have been back on several occasions and the last time was my last. Rude is to nice of a word to describe today's owner. A shame the store I grew up loving to go sit on the bench out front , and is locally owned , i will not go back in . But I still have my memories . read more