In case you didn’t know, Memphis loves to eat. So, whenever new restaurants come to town, the city essentially rolls out the red carpet and we’ve got some straight-up superstars in the pipeline. From spots like Oxford’s breakfast champion Big Bad Breakfast coming this summer to Sugar Grits created by the minds behind Ben-yay’s Gumbo Shop, we’re going to have food options on deck.
Take a look at what’s going to be on your plate this year!
The Backlot Sandwich Shop
Memphis has some serious sandwich game and this new shop is a welcomed addition. The set of Bluff City Law is being transformed into absolute sandwich heaven. Take a look at these pictures and tell us you don’t agree. Staged (see what we did there) in the back of the building, The Backlot will be joined by The Paramount—a full-service restaurant.
Salt | Soy
The pop-up we know and love is going brick and mortar! Nick Scott, who you’ll recognize from his restaurant Alchemy, is moving Salt | Soy into the former Lucky Cat spot on Broad Ave. With his experience with Asian cuisine, lookout for a great sushi menu and Izakaya small plates. Nick and his partner Brad McCarley are mixing Southern and Asian styles in this new spot—what’s not to love?
Hog & Hominy
In the mood for pizza? Of course you are. We’re always in the mood for a good pie, especially when it’s made by food geniuses Andy Ticer and Nick Hudman. Hog & Hominy is back this summer! The team’s revamping the dining spaces, but favorite dishes are staying the same (aside from the seasonal menu options). We’re dreaming of that honey on the Thunderbird! 40 Twice! already.
Hen House Wine Bar
While this new spot has been taking private reservations, the wine bar opens to the public soon. You’ll not only learn about the wine you’re drinking from their in-house sommelier but, with the insane aesthetics of the space, you’ll be sure to get some stellar content for your social media. Wine isn’t the only thing on the menu—cocktail and beer lovers can also grab their favorite drinks. In addition to the dining menu with items made with fresh, local ingredients, Hen House is sure to have options for all.
And in case you’re still hungry, here are some restaurants that opened in 2020.
With options like Andy + Michael’s Little Bettie in the new Wiseacre space to the Memphis Chess Club, we’re going to be eating (and drinking) good, y’all. Here a just a couple of the new kids on the block.
Dory
Alright, it’s time to treat yourself! Dory, by Amanda and David Krog, will be a modern fine-dining restaurant up on Brookhaven Circle. Here, Southern-style food meets French techniques to create something that’s sophisticated and totally delicious. The dining room is closed at the moment, but this is the perfect opportunity to have a safe, distant, and tasty date night with takeout!
Slim + Husky’s
Slim + Husky’s is keeping it fresh with their pizzas. From the names of each item to the ingredients used, this new addition to the Edge district knows what makes great food. Come for the pizza and cinnamon rolls, but trust us when we say stay for the art. Local art is the name of the game and the restaurant is full of it. There’s artwork in the dining room, on the side of the building, and even in the bathrooms. But that’s not it. The Silm + Husky’s team is opening up a gallery for local art in the future. We love a restaurant that invests in the community!
Know of some more restaurants that are opening this year or are can’t miss spots that opened in 2020? Drop a comment or tag us @wearememphis!