We have a tradition of taking a trip over the Thanksgiving holiday. This year we chose Memphis and Little Rock as our destination of choice.
Before we left home, I did my typical research for restaurant reviews. Since we were traveling over a holiday, I called ahead to inquire about the prices, reservations, etc. I called The Cupboard Restaurant and the kind woman that answered the phone confirmed that they would be open Thanksgiving Day and that they had a meat and three veggie plate for $11.51. I asked if that was the price for Thanksgiving and she said yes. I remarked that I expected it to be more since it was Thanksgiving and she said if it was good enough to charge in May then it was good enough to charge in November. I knew we had to visit.
We arrived and Memphis from Dallas and went straight to the restaurant. There was a line out the door but everyone coming out was saying it was definitely worth the wait. They also had someone come out with some warm cornbread muffins to whet our appetite and they were yummy.
The Cupboard restaurant has been a Memphis tradition for 70+ years. It has a down home diner feel where you would expect all the locals to hang out. It is a Memphis’ favorite casual home-cooking eatery. They will not accept reservations, but are always popular, so keep that in mind when planning your day.
I ordered the turkey, stuffing, cucumber and tomato salad, cranberry sauce and macaroni and cheese. I skipped dessert as we were planning on eating again later but it was all delicious and the wait staff was very friendly.
If you enjoy down-home cooking and are okay with a no-frills atmosphere then you will love the great food and great prices at The Cupboard. I would definitely try this again on my next visit to Memphis. Find out more by visiting their website, The Cupboard Restaurant
The second place we tried on our weekend stay was Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. We did have two recommendations to go there and one person said, don’t go there if you don’t want to get fat so I’m assuming it must be good.
But y’all I have a confession. I am not a fan of fried chicken. GASP!!
I know, I know…
I live in the south so it should just be like a regular staple of my diet, right? I mean in general I do like it but it’s not necessarily my favorite.
But that may have changed….I need to tell you about my recent experience at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. It was A◦M◦A◦Z◦I◦N◦G and you should run (not walk) to Memphis and get you a bite! Their hot and spicy chicken was just the right amount of heat without being overpowering. In fact, it was so good that our daughter and son-in-law went back later that night for MORE chicken and sweet tea!
Gus’s offers spicy, crispy chicken fried to order in peanut oil. Served on simple Styrofoam plates with beans, slaw and bread it’s been around since the 1950’s. It has a “hole in the wall but you know it’s going to be good” vibe about it and it did not disappoint. I ordered my meal with an extra side of mac and cheese and it was all very good. We also ordered pecan pie for dessert and they warm it up and serve it with ice cream and it really was delicious.
They do have a location in Ft. Worth that we’ll be trying soon but we definitely recommend trying it out if you are in Memphis. You can check out their website, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.
Have you visited either of these restaurants?
(((hugs))) ~lisa
Our Gray House 