Midtown Memphis has a wealth of one-of-a-kind businesses. It’s a major factor in what makes Midtown great. Midtowners all have their personal favorites, but here is my unofficial and very short guide to some of my Midtown favorites. (Clicking the links will take you to detailed contact information and Yelp! reviews).
Services
I have been getting my hair cut at Gadd’s Barber Shop 1629 Union Ave for the last 25 years or so. It’s a real old fashioned and you kind of expect to see Floyd the Barber step out of the back room anytime. Lisa can make anybody’s hair look good. I have never come across a more honest and friendly auto repair place than Barton’s Car Care 1553 Overton Park Ave. My dentist Scott A Edwards, DDS, 266 S Cleveland St has a great staff, and a convenient location.
Food
If you only get a chance to eat at one place in Memphis that typifies the best of Memphis Bar-B-Que, make it Payne’s Bar-B-Que 1762 Lamar Ave. It ‘s my vote (and the vote of many, many others) for the best Bar-B-Que sandwich in Memphis (ore the entire world). Arepa and Salsa 662 Madison Ave, is a fairly new restaurant specializing in Venezuelan food. The Naked Apepa appetizer will get you hooked. Even though there are other branches of this popular restaurant in the area, Huey’s 1927 Madison Ave is the mother ship and a Midtown institution. My choice for beer and burgers. There are a number of places around town that offer southern cooking, but the Cupboard Restaurant 1400 Union Ave has a long running tradition. and you can’t eat just one piece of that perfect cornbread. Ribs anyone? Don’t waste your time and money at the famous place Downtown. Stay in Midtown and go to The BBQ Shop 1782 Madison Ave, for the best ribs in Memphis. Camy’s 3 S Barksdale St, makes some incredibly creative pizzas, and delivers them too. Fino’s Italian Deli & Catering 1853 Madison Ave, is a great Italian deli and grocery. A popular lunch spot for sandwiches or the daily pasta specials.
Shopping and Other(lands)
I have to admit I do a lot of my shopping online these days, but if you are looking for unique gifts, cards, cosmetics, herbs, and more, visit Maggie’s Pharm 13 Florence St. One of Midtown’s most eclectic and hip shops. Don’t miss Otherlands Coffee Bar & Exotic Gifts 641 S Cooper St, a Midtown tradition that was around long before most of the current hipster hangouts. If you want to feel the pulse of Midtown, go have coffee at Otherlands; visit the gift shop, and check out the live music schedule. And if it’s spirits you need look for the famous “sputnik” neon at Poplar and Belvedere and check out Joe’s Wines and Liquor 1681 Poplar.
And that’s just the short list. I could go on, and I will in future posts. Midtown has so much to offer. If you are new to the area ask the locals where they eat, shop and play. Feel free to add your suggestions and favorites.
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