I think we're going to try Einstein's for Saturday night. It seems to have a pretty diverse selection so that everyone can find something they're happy with. We're going to call and make reservations. Thanks for your help.

Do you agree that everyone should be able to find something if we all head to downtown Decatur Friday night?

Thanks for the help! For Friday night, is there enough within walking distance in downtown Decatur to just let all the kids roam a bit and find dinner?

How is Einstein's?

No higher than $15-20 for an entree, and if we could keep it to $15 or below that would be fantastic. I guess we need pretty standard fare since we'll have picky teens with us, who may not be willing to go too far outside their comfort zones.

We'll be in town for a school trip and are looking for a place for dinner Saturday night. We're staying downtown but are happy to go anywhere convenient to MARTA. Our group will likely consist of 4 adults and approximately 12-14 teens. We need something reasonably priced. I'm hoping you all can help, because I really, really don't want to get stuck eating at a chain restaurant or somewhere with sub par food.

Also, if you have recs for lunch on Friday-Sunday downtown near the Hyatt Regency, that would be lovely as well.

Thanks!
-Megan

My friend, who lives in the Oakland area, recently had a baby. I'm on the East Coast, and once her husband goes back to work and mother leaves, I thought it would be nice to have some food delivered. It doesn't have to be strictly vegan, but I'd like it to be healthy.

Thanks for the help!

I live in Memphis, and I like Las Tortugas. Even though it's in a strip mall out in a suburb, the owner makes everything as authentic as possible. He has fresh produce delivered daily.

Thank you both! There's a chance my husband is getting transferred there so I'm trying to figure out the food scene.

Are there any chefs in the area that focus on local and seasonal ingredients? Any other suggestions in general for outstanding food?

Definitely go to Encore. It's right around the corner from your hotel. I'd also try Gus's Fried Chicken, the Arcade for breakfast, and Earnestine & Hazel's for a soul burger (and the atmosphere).

My BBQ rec's are BBQ Shop, Interstate BBQ on Third St., and Rendezvous (last one simply for the atmosphere).

I haven't been to Restaurant Iris yet, but I have heard spectacular things from every single person I know that's been there. If you can go, definitely do.

Beauty Shop would be an excellent choice as well plus it puts you in an area with a lot of fun things going on.

I would say The Voodoo Room for late night food (downstairs from Orleans on Front), but you're from New Orleans so scratch that, even though it is yummy.

What's available? Authentic Mexican? Ethiopian? Thai? Vietnamese? I want to hear about it all.

Thanks,

Megan

These have been really enjoyable posts to read. It's nice seeing some New Orleans folks on here.

My pics for Memphis...I agree with Encore, Majestic Grille, The Arcade, Cozy Corner, and Gus's for Downtown. I also think the drive to Interstate BBQ on Third is worth it. My favorite BBQ is at the BBQ Shop in midtown on Madison.

Depending on when you arrive, Memphis is about to get it's first "gastropub". It's called South of Beale and is located on South Main. Supposed to open early July.

I also enjoy Automatic Slim's new menu, at least what I've had of it. My husband and I recently tried Safari Tapas on South Main. Everything we had was great.

For both drinks and really good food, go to The Cove. It's on Broad. There' s a pizza place too. It won't be too much of a walk. If you want wings, there's a really good place at Summer and Parkway. It's right beside the Exxon.

For Mexican, I love El Gallo Giro near Lamar and Getwell. A soul burger from Earnestine & Hazel's always makes me happy as well.

Ooh, and I love Soul Fish and Bayou.

I love Bayou's wings! Are they coated in Parmesan? They sort of taste like it.

I think you mean "Hephzibah"! :)

Planning my trip is keeping me hungry round the clock...the train cannot get to Memphis early enough on Friday morning!

Something like this would be perfect! Thank you.

The title says it all. My husband and I will be in town Memorial Day weekend. We're doing a two parter lunch on Saturday. Early at Bayona to try their lunch special and a late one at Cochon. Since we're stuffing ourselves for lunch, dinner will probably be late. I need budget suggestions in or near the Quarter. It would be a big plus if the dinner place had excellent drinks as well.

Thank you!

Megan

Glad you're going to Cochon. It's spectacular.

I would suggest Parkway Bakery for po'boys.

You made some exceptional choices! I'm with you on Luke. I wasn't overly impressed. Cochon and Parkway (while obviously very different) were my two favorites from my last trip.

Haha! I didn't even realize what I wrote. Yes, I believe I would classify Cochon as hog heaven. :-)

I loved Cochon! If you like pork, you'll be in heaven.

Any suggestions for what to get at Coops?

I'm probably going to sound like an idiot, but can I have some advice on Port of Call. Last time, I was there, it was late and packed and I'd had a few too many drinks. I was confused about how to go about getting a burger. Is there a list to get on to be seated? Can you get them to go?

All of my answers are for the Memphis area.

For BBQ, Interstate BBQ is on South Third near I-55. You'd go North from I-55 on South Third and it'll be on your left. Not a fantastic part of town, but you can probably park in the front. Exceptional BBQ.

For casual/mom and pop type diners, try Alcenia's on North Main in Downtown Memphis. It is located at 317 N. Main, Memphis, TN. Also, try the Arcade on the other side of Downtown at G.E. Patterson and South Main. (http://www.arcaderestaurant.com/). You can then go down a few doors for a cold beer at Calhoun's. They serve beer only but the regulars are great, and you won't meet a nicer staff.

None of these places are far from the Interstate.

Have fun!

My picks for best BBQ:
BBQ Shop on Madison in Midtown-exceptional service and bbq, can't go wrong
Interstate BBQ on South 3rd Street-I love the ribs
Three Little Pigs on Quince-not always mentioned in BBQ posts, but I'm really partial to it, excellent BBQ.

I would avoid Corky's at all costs. I don't care for their BBQ. While many don't count the Rendezvous as some of Memphis' best BBQ, the atmosphere is so much fun. It's still great BBQ and perfect for a bachelor party.

My recommendation for a more upscale place that's still suitable for a bachelor party would be The Majestic Grille. It's right on South Main in the middle of Downtown. The food is superb, and based on the people I know that frequent that place, a slightly rowdy crowd will be no problem. Itta Bena on the 3rd floor of BB King's is also an option. It's both a bar and restaurant but with a really cool atmosphere and upscale food.

I'd also recommend hitting Gus's Fried Chicken on Front Street and Earnestine and Hazel's at G.E. Patterson and South Main. E&H's Soul Burger is great plus it's just one of those can't miss places in Memphis.

I second Chings Wings on Getwell. I think those wings are delicious. D'bo's is decent. I've had good and bad depending on the location.

I've heard great things about Best Wings of Memphis. It's at 2390 Summer. I plan to give those a try soon.

A great link...

http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2008/de...

I've had the one at Pearl's and it was decent. I haven't been to Orleans on Front yet. What do you think of it?