The 9 Best Brunch Joints in Memphis

Kaylee Giacomini

Like most places in the American lowcountry, Memphis is known for decadent brunches. Some of the city’s most classic brunch joints have been open for over a century while others rose to the occasion in the last decade. Try out a famous Memphis breakfast with Southern staples and global flare while you’re in town.

Automatic Slim's, Owen Brennan's, The Arcade Restaurant, Tug's Casual Grill, Brother Juniper's, Paulette's Restaurant, BABALU® - Overton Square, The Beauty Shop, SOB Downtown

  • Automatic Slim's in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Automatic Slims is a well loved joint right across the street from the famous Peabody Hotel. They have an eclectic vibe with small touches such as rubber ducks floating in martinis to pay homage to the Peabody Ducks and certain dishes dedicated to Rock & Roll icon and Memphis local Elvis Presley. They have a tropical flare and expansive menu, but come ready for a bite of sweet and enjoy their pancakes or waffles while here.

  • Owen Brennan's in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Owen Brennan’s is a few miles outside of Memphis, but it’s worth the drive and was even voted the best brunch in Memphis by Memphis Magazine a few years back. The establishment is inspired by Cajun and Creole dishes found in New Orleans and Bayou states. Try a variety of options at their Sunday brunch buffet such as the fried green tomato eggs benedict, bread pudding, and crawfish etouffee. Be sure to wash it down with one of their famous Bloody Mary’s.

  • The Arcade Restaurant in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      The Arcade is Memphis’ oldest restaurant, and in the century that they’ve been open they perfected the art of breakfast. In the establishment’s long lifespan, it became infamously beloved by Elvis Presley and other local celebrities. The restaurant serves nostalgia with all of their American Diner fare. Try out a spiked milkshake and their sweet potato pancakes. Ask for the Elvis Booth.

  • Tug's Casual Grill in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Tug’s is perched directly on the picturesque Mississippi river, making it a great place for brunch with a view. The unpretentious restaurant is best known for fried chicken and waffles, pancakes, and a large variety of eggs benedict. As the name states, the setting itself is casual and welcoming. Come as you are and enjoy the establishment’s impressive brunch menu.

  • Brother Juniper's in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Brother Juniper’s is one of Memphis’ most beloved brunch options serving up casual Southern fare in a laid back setting. Their cinnamon roll pancake is one of the best options on the menu if you have a sweet tooth, but they also serve phenomenal omelets that can’t be overlooked. Come hungry and try them both! Brother Juniper’s also serves up Southern hospitality with their friendly staff and inviting dining room.

  • Paulette's Restaurant in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Paulette’s is a unique, upscale brunch joint offering French and Hungarian dishes with a Southern twist. Broaden your horizons and try out a dish that you wouldn’t usually find at a typical brunch joint. Paulette’s is another establishment overlooking the Mississippi, so grab a table by the water and be sure to order the popovers with strawberry jam to start your brunch experience.

  • BABALU® - Overton Square in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      Babalu is a Southern-Latin fusion joint with a flavorful menu and boozy brunch offerings. There is no other establishment in the city where you can enjoy an inventive taco such as the crispy avocado option with an irish cream cocktail (trust me, it’s a great pairing!). Not a fan or creamy liquor? They have a DIY mimosa bar cart that they’ll wheel over to your table. Their crab cake benedict is also phenomenal if you’re looking for a classic brunch dish.

  • The Beauty Shop in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      The Beauty Shop is a quirky eatery that plays on being a historic beauty shop. Tables are perched below old fashioned hair dryers and mirrors still line the walls, but shampoo and conditioner was replaced by french toast and mimosas decades ago. Try one of their adventurous offerings on a rotating brunch menu.

  • SOB Downtown in Memphis, United States

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    • kaylee

      South of Beale is Memphis’ first gastropub. Southern favorites and global flare can be found in this upscale eatery all day long, but their brunch menu is outstanding. Start the morning off right with a classic mimosa before diving into their dining options. Try chicken and waffle sliders with maker's mark glaze or huevos rancheros served alongside a Bloody Mary.