Top 10 Black-Owned Restaurants in Memphis: Music City Soul Food 2025/2026

Step into Memphis, Tennessee — a city where music history, soulful flavors, and Black entrepreneurship blend into an unforgettable cultural experience. In 2025/2026, Memphis continues to shine as a beacon for lovers of soul food, BBQ, and vibrant Black-owned eateries that bring the city's rich heritage to the table. This guide highlights the top 10 Black-owned restaurants that serve up authentic Memphis flavor while celebrating the city’s deep roots in music culture and community pride.

Whether you're a longtime visitor or a first-timer planning your Memphis journey, discover where to eat, what to explore, and how to fully immerse yourself in the soulful spirit of the city.

Trending Now: Memphis’ 2025/2026 Food Scene Shines with Black-Owned Gems

The Memphis culinary landscape in 2025/2026 highlights a surge of innovation and tradition among Black-owned restaurants. This growth is fueled by a renewed focus on community empowerment through food, cultural storytelling, and economic upliftment. The annual Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW), returning March 16-22, 2026, is a pivotal moment, spotlighting special menus and deals that invite locals and tourists alike to support these vital establishments[2][7].

Newer hotspots like Feast and Graze, known for its artful charcuterie, and longstanding favorites like Jim & Samella’s House, famous for its soulful, home-style recipes, are at the forefront. Memphis’ BBQ scene thrives with Black-owned gems such as Ballhoggerz and Crutchfield’s BBQ, offering authentic smoked meats that rival any in the South[1][3].

Must-See Landmarks Rooted in Black Culture and Memphis Music

While indulging in Memphis’ culinary delights, don’t miss these iconic landmarks that celebrate the city’s Black heritage and musical legacy:

• Stax Museum of American Soul Music: A must-visit for music lovers, this museum honors the legendary artists who shaped soul music’s sound, many of whom influenced the city’s culinary culture through music and storytelling.

• Beale Street Historic District: The legendary street pulses with live music venues, clubs, and eateries — many Black-owned — that blend food and entertainment in true Memphis style.

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel: A profound cultural site offering historical insight into the civil rights movement, enriching your understanding of the city’s Black community and its resilience.

• Memphis Music Hall of Fame: Celebrate artists who defined Memphis’ music scene, from blues to hip hop, offering context to the city’s soul food culture.

These landmarks enhance any culinary tour by connecting you to the city’s deep artistic and cultural roots.

Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife: Top 10 Black-Owned Restaurants in Memphis 2025/2026

1. Jim & Samella’s House
   Authentic soul food legend serving recipes passed down through generations. Highlights include pig’s feet, country fried chicken with red-eye gravy, and fried corn with cracklins. Front porch seating offers a homey vibe[1].

2. Ballhoggerz BBQ
   A go-to for Memphis-style BBQ with tender ribs, smoked brisket, and savory sides. Known for bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere[1][3].

3. Feast and Graze
   Elevated charcuterie and cheese boards perfect for picnics or casual gatherings. Artistic presentations of meats, cheeses, berries, and figs create a feast for the eyes and palate[1].

4. Phoenix Southern Grill
   Famous for juicy burgers and Southern comfort dishes, blending traditional and contemporary flavors.

5. Sister Soul Seasoning
   Beyond a restaurant, this brand offers seasonings that bring Memphis soul food flavor into your home kitchen, often featured at local eateries[5].

6. Crutchfield’s BBQ
   Family-owned and deeply rooted in Memphis BBQ tradition, offering slow-smoked meats with classic sides.

7. Don Don’s Hot Wings
   A favorite for wings lovers, offering a variety of heat levels and sauces, perfect for a night out or casual meal[3].

8. Daisy’s Restaurant
   A beloved neighborhood spot known for hearty soul food and a welcoming community vibe.

9. Edna’s Diner
   Newly spotlighted in 2025, this classic diner run by the daughters of the late Edna Winston serves up comfort food with a legacy of love[7].

10. Bluff City Crab
    Bringing coastal flavors to Memphis with a Black-owned twist on seafood classics.

These restaurants not only serve food but also act as cultural hubs where music, history, and community converge.

Outdoor Activities: Savor Memphis’ Flavor Under the Open Sky

• Shelby Farms Park: One of the largest urban parks in America, perfect for picnics featuring takeout from Feast and Graze or other Black-owned eateries.

• Beale Street Music Festival: Returning in 2026 with live performances and food vendors, many Black-owned, celebrating Memphis’ musical and culinary culture.

• Mississippi River Park: Enjoy scenic views with access to nearby Black-owned food trucks and pop-ups offering soul food and BBQ.

• Memphis Zoo: Family-friendly with food options nearby, great for combining outdoor fun and culinary exploration.

Community Spaces: Black-Owned Cultural and Social Hubs

• The Hatch Show Print: Historic print shop supporting Black artists, often partnering with local eateries for events.

• The National Civil Rights Museum Plaza: Hosts community gatherings, food festivals, and cultural celebrations spotlighting Black-owned businesses.

• Memphis Black Business Network (MBBN): Connects visitors with Black entrepreneurs across dining, retail, and entertainment sectors, including several featured restaurants.

• Art House Cafe: A Black-owned coffee shop and community space offering live music nights and soul food brunches.

These venues foster connection and cultural exchange, enriching your Memphis visit beyond the plate.

What’s New for 2026: Food, Culture & Innovation

• Expanded Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW): Scheduled for March 16-22, 2026, with more participating restaurants and exclusive menus focusing on soul food, BBQ, and fusion cuisine[2][7].

• New Openings: Anticipate several Black-owned eateries opening in downtown and South Memphis, including innovative food trucks and pop-ups blending traditional soul food with global influences.

• Culinary Collaborations: Increased partnerships between Black chefs and musicians, creating immersive dining experiences that celebrate Memphis’ music culture through sound and flavor.

• Sustainability Initiatives: More Black-owned restaurants adopting eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a trend toward sustainable soul food.

Practical Tips for Visiting Memphis 2025/2026

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) for pleasant weather and Memphis Black Restaurant Week; Fall offers cooler temps and outdoor music festivals.

• Getting Around: Rent a car or use ride-share apps to explore neighborhoods like South Memphis, Downtown, and Whitehaven where many Black-owned restaurants are located. Some areas are walkable, especially around Beale Street.

• Budgeting:

  • Affordable Eats: Many soul food spots offer hearty meals under $15.
  • Mid-Range Dining: Expect to pay $20-$40 at sit-down restaurants like Jim & Samella’s or Ballhoggerz.
  • Special Experiences: Charcuterie plates from Feast and Graze or seafood at Bluff City Crab may range $30+.

• Reservations: Make reservations especially during Memphis Black Restaurant Week and weekends. Some places like Edna’s Diner operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Cultural Etiquette: Respect the community and venues by supporting local businesses directly, engaging with staff about food stories, and participating in cultural events when possible.

• Stay Connected: Follow the Memphis Black Restaurant Week official social channels for up-to-date events, menus, and special offers.

Memphis in 2025/2026 offers a vibrant, soulful journey through its Black-owned restaurants, music culture, and community spaces. This guide invites you to savor authentic soul food and BBQ while connecting deeply with the city’s heritage — a true celebration of Music City’s heart and soul.