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    The Genre

    3.6 (49 reviews)
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    THE GENRE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - The Genre

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    1 Pc U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish - The Genre Memphis Staple
    Alexis B.

    Came here on a Saturday for a floral class taking place in the back. The class started at 4:30, and I arrived around 4:15 and waited in the parking lot. They do have their own lot, and parking was $5 for Genre customers, which was convenient. When I went inside around 4:30, it was pretty quiet--no music or activity--which was a bit surprising since the class was scheduled to start then. Shortly after, a gentleman came up front and let me know the earlier floral class was running over. I was invited to take a seat and given a menu in case I wanted to order while I waited. Ordering is done through a tablet kiosk right by the entrance. I can see how that might be a bit inconvenient if it gets busy, but it seemed to work fine during my visit. I ordered the 1-piece catfish with a side of okra. I was told it would be whole pieces, but it ended up being a large filet--which was still perfectly fine. My food came out in about 15 minutes. The catfish was a great size and fried to perfection--crispy and flavorful. It was served over a bed of okra, which unfortunately was a bit overcooked, so I didn't eat much of it. Overall, I'd rate the entrée a 7/10. I skipped ordering a drink since beverages were included with the floral class, and they actually brought me one while I waited, which I appreciated. I also noticed they offer hookah, which adds to the overall vibe. Once the music was turned on, the atmosphere really picked up and felt much more lively. I'd definitely come back to try more items on the menu and experience it during a busier time.

    Fried okra
    David W.

    May be the best restaurant in Memphis. Came here with a large group. Everyone ordered different items off the menu so I was able to taste a lot. I was not disappointed! Everything was outstanding. The food taste was incredible and the service was top notch! I highly recommend trying this place out if you have never been. Personally, I ordered the salmon and grits. First bite and the tastebuds were dancing. Another favorite was the egg rolls. Keep up the good work!

    Tiffany J.

    This was my first time visiting The Genre! I went right at opening, so we were able to seat ourselves. The server immediately came to our table and gave us water and took our drink order. I had an apple martini. They normally don't serve those, but he made it for me and asked me to taste it. If I didn't like it he would've remade it or given me another drink, but it was actually delicious! Next up was our appetizer and food order. Keep in mind we went for 901 Black Restaurant Week, so the menu was curated. I had the catfish and broccoli. The catfish was dipped in the 201 (honey hot Cajun) sauce. It was so good! Let me just say this is some of the best fried fish I have had and they were huge! I enjoyed every bite of it. The broccoli was delicious and flavorful as well. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. The ambiance was really nice as well. It's small, but packed with lots of soul. The artwork, Memphis themes throughout, and the music feels like southern comfort. The patio area outside is also nice. I love the lights and space. Keep in mind that this is directly across from 201 in the downtown area, so parking isn't free. Also they are in a shared space, so you have to walk out the back to get to the restroom. Overall, this is a nice spot to get food and drinks.

    Yolonda S.

    The food was not good. Soggy. When visiting the food truck, the food is usually hot, fresh, and decent. But when visiting the restaurant, it's not made with any care or concern for quality or customer satisfaction. The prices are too expensive for inconsistent and below average food quality and taste.

    10 Party Wings and Fries
    Joshua P.

    I met some friends here and it was okay. The service started off great but as the night went on it declined a bit. The wings were okay. The sauce was good but they could have been fried longer. I suggest just ordering a drink and not getting the 2 for 1 specials. The drinks tasted like koolaid literally. I ended up ordering shots to make it better. I did like the vibe tho and the Dj was really good. They also had karaoke the night I went and it was fun. I will visit again because now I know what to expect and not order.

    10 Party Wings (Dinner)
    Princess R.

    Really good wings! You are reminded at all times to pay for parking. Don't ignore that. Our server was on her first day. She was really nice and was honest about what she had tried. She recommended basically everything she had already tried. She was spot on with the wings. I got the hot with lemon pepper extra crispy. The fries were also good and hot. The burger was plain with just cheese although we asked for everything but onion. Not sure what that was about. The name of the burger makes you think it's going to be fully loaded. We had the exact opposite experience. We both ordered strawberry lemon drops. Our drinks were good, but I should have said no strawberry. It was too sweet. If that's what you like, you would love it. The music was good and we enjoyed the music videos playing all around. Very small spot but nice atmosphere overall.

    The Dolph Cocktail
    Zariah N.

    I've known The Genre to be a restaurant as I used to follow the LNB Twins on social media some years ago & was ecstatic to try them out for Memphis Black Restaurant Week! It's truly amazing & so inspiring to see what they've created over the years! (Thanks y'all for showing us it's possible w/ dedication and consistency!) We went for their Sunday Brunch and we are ready to go back ALREADY! First things first, PAY FOR PARKING! It's simple to download the app and make it work. It was about $5.35 for 4 hours worth! Totally worth it especially if you're gonna do some downtown exploration. Your car will be safe, it's across from 201 and there's plenty of spots available. TIP: Get there when they open, or you'll be waiting. It's WORTH the wait if you do! We arrived first & ordered the Golden 201 Wings (Hot Honey Cajun) wings and The Dolph Cocktail. WINGS: They were fried to perfection! Memphis is known for their honey gold/honey hot flavors and this restaurant didn't disappoint! They retained their heat for a GOODT 45minutes yall, no lie. The fries were seasoned very well and they portions of both the wings and rows are WELL WORTH the price. THE DOLPH Cocktail: Presentation 10/10 Flavor 10/10 It's JUICE, iykyk This cocktail was flavorful, it was definitely a blueberry lemonade type of drink! Next time we'll take 3 please!! YES, it's that good! Dolph would approve Overall, my experience @ The Genre was amazing! The DJ, CodyGrand - The Man that Can did is thang and had everyone rocking from the time they parked their car, alllll throughout their meal, til they drove off! Ambiance: 10/10 Food: 10/10 Presentation: 10/10 Timing: 10/10 Yes, the have indoor AND patio seating! GO GET YOU SOME FOOD MANE!!

    business is open 10a-2pm 6p-10pm
    Rocky H.

    Food is mediocre. Drinks are pretty decent. Forget ordering the margaritas & 2-4-1 option, it's weak. Vibes are great. Place was practically empty but music was a huge bonus. 18% to every check automatic. Drinks are non refundable , if it reaches the bar. Great space. Looks beautiful. Be prepared to spend a little more than you want. Seems to be family owned so don't be scared to ask questions, they're great at assisting. 7/10 (Karaoke) NO SUBSTITUTIONS OR CHANGES. Reviewer: Table of 4. 3 appetizers, Egg rolls, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Mozzarella Sticks. 2-4-1 Drinks, and our bill came up to just under $80.

    Breakfast Potatoes
    Andrea J.

    I had a wonderful experience at this black owned establishment. The atmosphere was great, service was exceptional, food was delicious. I absolutely recommend the catfish & grits. The drinks were pretty & tasty. It's not a huge place but that doesn't take away from anything. It's a cozy feeling. Brunch with music & hookah equals great vibes for me!

    Menu
    Kamille H.

    Food was good, service mediocre. The menu (pictured) has fish and breakfast potatoes listed so we ordered that. When fish and fries arrived, I said "were there no potatoes?" And the waitress looked me dead in the face and said, "it's the same thing" LOL! Like what a wild thing to say. If you went to McDonald's or Wendy's and they served your burger with breakfast potatoes, you'd be like, "uh??" She didn't apologize for not mentioning it or offer to substitute anything LOL. Service overall was a bit slow which is normal, but her not mentioning a menu item was unavailable was a major point deduction for me. I won't be back unless getting take out, but try for yourself. Catfish was good. Mimosa tower has 2 bottles of champagne.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent service, great vibe, and the food was on point!! The DJ was ! Definitely be back

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The food, drinks, and atmosphere are great! My favorite menu items are the catfish and chicken tenders. Highly recommended.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Food was delicious, Top tier service, and The drinks hit, Definitely returning to try the hookah!

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    4 years ago

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Genre

    Review Highlights - The Genre

    One of our group members had the fried catfish and it was great, it will be my choice on the next visit.

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    McEwen's Memphis - new signage

    McEwen's Memphis

    4.4(667 reviews)
    0.5 miDowntown
    $$

    I really like this restaurant. We just happened to be hungry while shopping and found this place…read moreand it was great! The food, atmosphere, service, easy parking and friendly staff were all 5 out of 5.

    This place was very interesting to me. The look and vibe of it was very nice. It is a more upscale…read morerestaurant which is always nice for a special evening out. The food however was honestly meh (in my opinion). I got a creole dish and to be fair my dish looked beautiful. The plating was 10/10 but the taste for me left something to be desired. After eating this dish I questioned if I even like creole sauce because it really just wasn't that good. If this is a preference issue, I honestly don't know. I also thought the charcuterie appetizer had a weird mix of items on it from club crackers, to meat and cheese, and random veggies. Not bad but just kind of a weird mix. My husband ordered the salmon and he said it was good, not the best he's had but it was good. Other friends of ours got the white fish among the many other dishes. I did have a salad with these apples on it which was incredibly yummy. I will say though my dish looked amazing some of the other dishes were not plated well. Not to nitpick but to want to be considered a more upscale restaurant which means charging guest more money than say a local Applebee's then knowing how to appropriately garnish or drizzle sauce to elevate at plate is important (see my picture of the chicken dish). All and all not my favorite restaurant but definitely not the worst!!

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    McEwen's Memphis
    McEwen's Memphis - Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!

    Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!

    McEwen's Memphis - Complimentary biscuit

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    Complimentary biscuit

    Itta Bena - Atlantic Salmon

    Itta Bena

    4.4(545 reviews)
    0.7 miDowntown
    $$$

    My sister, dad and I stopped here before a concert at the Fox Theatre, and it was the perfect start…read moreto our evening. First, the ambiance was spectacular. The vibe felt like a speakeasy turned restaurant. While larger than a traditional speakeasy, it still managed to feel cozy, intimate and inviting. Shortly after we were seated, the restaurant manager stopped by our table. My sister asked for cocktail recommendations... if you're a cocktail fan, you're in for a treat. Their signature cocktails were thoughtfully crafted and exceptionally well-balanced. We went with their spicy margaritas. As for the food, I could have easily ordered a second helping of the Cajun Abita shrimp appetizer and called it dinner. The shrimp was perfectly seasoned, and the sauce was outstanding. The accompanying beer bread was equally delicious...slightly reminiscent of cornbread but with its own unique flavor. My sister and I weren't huge fans of the She Crab Soup. It was simply too rich and creamy for our tastes. One bite was enough for us although my dad seemed to enjoy it. The Blue Window Wedge Salad is their take on a classic wedge which was spectacular. It will be hard to find another wedge salad that measures up. The sweet potato pecan casserole was good but it felt like it was missing something that we couldn't quite put our finger on what. The maple bacon Brussels sprouts were a table favorite...perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. My dad and sister both enjoyed the braised beef, which was served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. To finish, we shared the white chocolate bread pudding and it was absolutely delicious. In fact, the table next to us seemed to enjoy theirs just as much. Overall, this was a wonderful dining experience with great service, a memorable atmosphere, excellent cocktails and standout dishes. I'd happily return the next time I'm headed downtown.

    This is fine dining at its best…read more We had exemplary service from all staff members. The food was really delicious. The blue windows add an interesting glow to the entire room. Love the speakeasy entrance off the side alley steps. It's everything you would want in a dining experience. Get the she crab soup!

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    Itta Bena - Interior

    Interior

    Itta Bena - Apple cobbler

    Apple cobbler

    Itta Bena - Inside

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    Inside

    Soul Fish Cafe - Catfish, okra and cucumber salad, to go!

    Soul Fish Cafe

    4.3(591 reviews)
    3.7 miCooper-Young
    $$

    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!

    If there's one place that I can count on to be consistent when I go back home to visit family, it's…read morethis restaurant. My fish is always fresh and crispy. I'm a creature of habit so I get the same thing with fried okra. The service is always attentive and giving. The staff is usually willing to give whatever sauces & condiments that are needed to enjoy the meal. Depending on the day you go in, you may have a wait, or you may be able to get right in and have a seat. I recommend going during the lunch hour or during the week for dinner because on a weekend or Sunday afternoon, you're gonna have a wait.

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    Soul Fish Cafe - Cozy, clean and inviting

    Cozy, clean and inviting

    Soul Fish Cafe
    Soul Fish Cafe - Interior

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    Interior

    The Genre - southern - Updated September 2026

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