Fried chicken and sides at a Black-owned soul food restaurant in Memphis
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Best Soul Food & BBQ in Memphis: 8 Black-Owned Restaurants (2026)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Looking for the best soul food in Memphis? These 8 Black-owned restaurants cover everything from fried chicken, catfish and turkey and dressing to rib tips, barbecue spaghetti and Sunday brunch. You'll find them in Soulsville, downtown, North Memphis, Midtown and Whitehaven. Our top picks are The Four Way, Alcenia's and Cozy Corner BBQ.

Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.

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Black-owned soul food restaurants in Memphis

8 places
  • Soul food Top pick

    Soulsville

    1.The Four Way

    Must tryFried catfish, turkey and dressing, and peach cobbler

    Soul food restaurant open since 1946, with ties to the Civil Rights era, now run by Patrice Bates Thompson. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm,...

    998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food Top pick

    The Pinch / Downtown

    2.Alcenia's

    Must tryFried chicken with hot-water cornbread

    BJ Chester-Tamayo opened this restaurant in 1997, using her mother's recipes, and is known for greeting guests with a hug. Lunch runs Tuesday to Friday, with...

    317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

    View details Directions
  • Soul food Top pick

    North Memphis (North Parkway)

    3.Cozy Corner BBQ

    Must tryRib tips and the pulled pork sandwich

    Nationally known barbecue spot co-founded by Desiree Robinson and featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and Saveur. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm.

    735 N Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Whitehaven area

    4.The Original Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken

    Must trySweet Spicy Love chicken

    Louis Martin has been frying chicken here since 2001 from a family recipe; the restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The drive-thru stays open...

    1725 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Lamar Avenue (near Orange Mound)

    5.Payne's Bar-B-Que

    Must tryChopped pork sandwich with mustard slaw

    Family barbecue joint opened in 1972 and run by Ron Payne and Candice Payne-Parker, with matriarch Flora Payne still involved. The mustard-based slaw is a family...

    1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food

    Midtown (near Overton Square)

    6.The Bar-B-Q Shop

    Must tryBarbecue spaghetti and dry-rub ribs

    Pit barbecue restaurant in business since 1987 that claims to have originated barbecue spaghetti. Its house sauces and dry seasoning are sold by mail.

    1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Chickasaw Oaks (Poplar Ave)

    7.Mahogany Memphis

    Must tryCajun fried chicken, or shrimp and grits

    Upscale Southern restaurant with Creole touches, cocktails named after celebrities and Sunday brunch. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

    Mahogany River Terrace, 280 Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Beale Street / Downtown

    8.SugaShack

    Must tryDaily soul food specials

    Soul food restaurant described as the only Black-owned restaurant on Beale Street. It took part in Memphis Black Restaurant Week in 2024 and 2025.

    392 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

    View details Directions
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FAQ

What is the best soul food restaurant in Memphis?

The Four Way in Soulsville is a Memphis landmark for soul food. Alcenia's downtown is famous for Southern plates and hospitality, and Cozy Corner BBQ is the classic for barbecue.

Which Memphis neighborhoods have the most spots on this list?

Downtown, Soulsville, North Memphis, Midtown and Whitehaven each have places on this list.

How was this list made?

We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the list regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.

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Sources

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