Time for an update! Sucks to write this one, but it's where I stand on this joint! Since my last review, the owner died, the place caught fire and closed under the new owner, was then bought by another restaurateur couple and a their partner. They remodeled it, filled the kitchen with new equipment and food, slapped some paint on the walls, then let er rip! The operators here also own and operate Bain's BBQ just down the road. I've been here three times now since it reopened. It would be more, but here we go... They have daily lunch meat and threes that rotate by day of the week. I always check the website to see what's being offered before I go to places like this so I can see if they have something I want. I really dig these kind of lunches, I seek them out when I want a "solo decompress, don't talk to me lunch", so I want to like this place so much. I quit going to Bain's a year or more ago because of never knowing what they are selling. The menu is never updated on the site, or even there at all now. Every time you walk in it's a surprise! I just checked again to verify, and yep, still no menu, only online order, but 60-70% of it is "out of stock". Ugh. When they do have the menu posted, it's normally wrong. This seems to be a trend between the two places now. The first time I was here I was underwhelmed. Country Fried Steak tasted funny and I had the worst cornbread I had ever had. Not even sure how it was made that terribly. I do hope they fixed it. Second visit and this time the printed menu didn't match the website, but they had the websites menu available, strange. The website showed fried chicken livers available, but the dine in menu did not. When I asked, they said they in fact did have them and it was a mistake on the dine in menu. Huh? That time I did have the chicken livers and they were pretty good, and I also one of the best rolls that I have ever had in my life! Shockingly good!! Better than my grandmothers. Please don't smite me from the grave, Gram. Both times the sides were just fair. Same thing at Bain's, so it makes sense. Today I walk in and there is one table sat in the whole place at 12:15. I got a bad feeling from the jump as I am pretty sure the food is all done and just sitting there being held on a hot well table. If it ain't busy, it just sits. This place used to be packed every single time you walked in! I sit down and the old guy with the really cool hairdo comes and gets my drink order and gives me a menu. The livers are not on the menu again... My last visit was 8 months ago, I checked my pic. I knew what I wanted because I had peeped the site and confirmed they had Fried Chicken Livers just like last time, so it's all good, right? Guess what?!?! Still not on the dine in menu so I'm like "can I get the livers", cool guys says no livers and walked away. 8 months later, it's still not corrected. I sit there for a minute, and got pissed off and then, I looked around, thought about eating old meatloaf or fried chicken, took a sip of my water, and I got up and left without ordering. My advice, (that I understand that absolutely no one gives a shit about) is this. Stop putting so much effort into your Social Media BS and get your shit together on the menu/websites of the business's you run. It's cute and all for you to eat at other Memphis BBQ joints, I like bbq too, but let's shore up your own operations before you do so. That way we can all enjoy all of our meals together and you stay in business. I used to love both of these places, but now I fear they are just going to be memories of was once a couple of my favorites. One more try.... I'll update again if it's all good then. '26 - 19 read more

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Finally got to try Barksdale's in Midtown. Pretty good set up. Very much like a diner that serves breakfast all day and they do have lunch specials. I ordered the griddle cakes with crispy bacon. The pancakes came with honey butter and syrup. Also had a pretty decent cup of coffee. My friend ordered the club sandwich with fries. The fries were nice and hot. She said it was very good. We had a fin time dining there. There are plenty tables and chairs as well as booths. The place is decorated with a variety of sports pics, articles and Christmas decor. It is a very cozy diner. There is parking in the front and back of the restaurant. Our server Christopher was awesome! He was very nice and friendly. There was a steady flow of customers which is a good sign. I will return to try some lunch specials. Good experience! read more

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Super casual diner. Very reasonably priced. Large servings. Not fancy at all, amazing biscuits. Had breakfast here and everything was really good. Well made. Don't expect to comehere and get a capuchino. You can get plain old drip. I'd definitely come back here. read more

Barksdale's - Scrambled egg with American cheese and bacon on a biscuit. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

OMG!! Who knew that this diner would serve some of the best griddle cakes I've ever had. They were buttery, fluffy, and had crisp edges. The bacon was served perfectly, lightly crispy, but not hard. The orange juice tasted fresh squeezed and was delicious. The service was great. Our waiter made sure to check on us periodically and ensured we were having a good experience. I can't wait to go back to try the oatmeal. read more

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I was so excited to arrive back in Memphis to find Barksdale's back open. The nostalgic ambiance was kept as they recovered from the fire. The interior has been updated but it still so warm and inviting. The restaurant was bustling and breakfast did not disappoint. The coffee cups stayed full with piping hot delicious coffee. Omelets and French Toast was so yummy. The stay was friendly. read more

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This is my third time here, whenever I'm in town. A great breakfast and awesome service! read more

Barksdale's - Gravy - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Every time I come to this spot it's like coming home! The waiters are so kind and make you feel at home. Even the food tastes like grandma's cooking. I had the griddle cake with scrambled eggs and sausage and all I can say is my lord. The food had me slapping my knee it tasted so good. If you are ever in the area check this place out you will not be disappointed. This landmark just doesn't disappoint, they hit the mark every time. read more

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Great food served with Southern Hospitality. Had the Denver Omelet, Grits, a Biscuit, with an unsweetened iced tea. The Grits here are different than what I've had recently in Louisiana. Both versions are great, but the Grits here at Barksdale's were not heavy on the butter, and very easy to eat. Be sure to order biscuits - plural - because you're going to want two of them. They're served with honey butter and a jam, both are a nice touch! The place is clean. Parking is easy. What more do you need in a diner? Stop by ASAP if you're in the area. read more

Barksdale's - Interior - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The Grand Slam was outstanding. I asked for the Memphis hot chicken to be half their full heat. They brought the sauce on the side and made my eggs scrambled with cheese as requested. The service was impeccable, quick, accurate, and friendly. We loved seeing the Penny Hardaway and Elvis memorabilia on the walls. The coffee was great as well and they were quick to offer refills. 10/10 experience. Thank you Barksdale's, y'all started our Saturday off right! read more

Barksdale's - Grand Slam - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I'm a avid pancake eater so I decided to try Barksdale's. Cant say I enjoyed my pancakes sadly. They were tough and not where near fluffy. I can say customer service was good once they actually acknowledged me. read more

Loved this throw-back diner! From the brown-paneled walls to the comfortable seating and friendly service, this place is great. While the menu isn't extensive, it doesn't need to be. What's on the menu is the basic diner breakfast food that you crave! Coffee? French toast? Eggs? Sausage? . All were very good (although the sausage was overcooked and a bit dry). Will be trying the pancakes and omelettes next visit. Staff were fun and service was fast. Decorated for Halloween the first week of September? Fine by me! Check out this gem! read more

Visited this place on the first week of opening. (I did not know that at my time of visit) We were hoping for breakfast when we arrived at 11am. We had to help collect the dishes and wipe down our table prior to seating. No big deal. I'm sure they were short staff. Now, they advertised as an all day breakfast place.Unfortunately, once the waiter brought the menus he informed us that they had ran out of breakfast items. All of it!! So, we were told only lunch menu available. At this point I'm hungry and just want to eat. My guest ordered a patty melt (decent enough to eat) and I the country fried chicken steak. My food was disgustingly bland, smothered on a peppery gravy. The mash potatoes were water down. No flavor at all!! I took 3 bites and could not eat anymore!! I'll never come back! But, the pricing was decent. But still won't visit again. First impression matters to me. read more

Barksdale's - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The food was incredible! The biscuit was so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Reminds you of a small town diner with memorabilia scattered on the walls. It was a wait to sit down but the wait was worth it. read more

Everything!!!! Great service Great coffee Biscuits were the best ever!!! This will be our go to spot for breakfast when in Memphis read more

Our first trip back since they reopened with new owners. The food was great the service was friendly and the place looked and felt the same as before. I got the country ham plate came with a big ol' piece of ham 2 eggs and hash browns and a large biscuit that was nice and buttery. It still has that diner feel . Don't hesitate to give them a try. read more

Barksdale's - Country ham plate. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Visited Sunday morning 10-19-2025. Remodeled after fire and the new place looks great. Rearranged the counter seating and all new booths and tables but retained some of the old decor. Some of the former staff still there so good to see them. Eggs fluffy soft scrambled, grits lump free and peppery, bacon just right and biscuit great choice. Gravy excellent and total cost including 5.00 tip under 30.00. Still best breakfast in midtown and menu options are plentiful for other choices. read more

I don't care for the new biscuits at all. Try the. Martha white recipe, U don't need to reinvent the wheel I've been twice. Will A third visit be coming. I dunno Owner replied to one negative review that sometimes you have to evolve. Well evolve sometimes means extinction read more

Not good experience or food. Waitress was not attentive enough to our table. She paid lots of attention to the regulars who came in after us and took their order before us. Do they were eating well ahead of us. I ordered cheese and biscuit. Had to send it back as they totally missed the cheese part. Turkey bacon was the delay and when it came out it was burnt crispy. Folks, turkey bacon is precooked in packages, not raw. The kitchen wasn't paying attention. My hubby's eggs were over cooked and burnt on the underside. Were supposed to be sunny side The only thing I enjoyed eating here was the buttered toast. Seriously. Never going back. Left a 2cent tip for lack of service. read more

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Barksdale's may look like the original. But it's different. The menu is very limited. We went there for lunch. Breakfast all day is no longer an option. They have taken all salads, tuna, chicken salad and any lettuce based entree off the menu. So if you don't feel like French fries and burgers, there isn't much on the menu. We tried it, and unfortunately we will not be returning. Memphis=food desert read more

The history of our fondness for Barksdale's goes back a long way. We have been regulars at Bob's Barksdale for over 20 years. We knew each server and they called us by name and always greeted us. The food was good. The service was the best and the atmosphere was welcoming and friendly. In 2024 when they had a kitchen fire and had to close, it was like losing a good friend. When it was purchased we were elated yet concerned because we knew there would be changes. We happily were among the first to walk through the door at their soft opening. Deb and Bert greeted us with big hugs and huge smiles. The interior had only changed a bit and still felt like home. Deb waited on us and we ordered our "regular"--two eggs over medium with toast, bacon/sausage and hash browns...with coffee, of course. There was a spirit of elation and joy in the air all around. You could feel the excitement. It was very loud, which I don't ever remember it being before. But, there were also more tables filled than we usually see at the early hour that we go. We were sure that had to be the reason. There were, of course, some bumps along the way since it was the first day. We expected that. But, when our breakfast was served it came with only one piece of toast. The air went out of my balloon. Who can sop up two fried eggs with one piece of toast? We asked for a second piece understanding it was an add-on. More air went out of my balloon. Since the service was excellent (as always) and the bacon was cooked perfectly, we knew we would try again another time. Our second visit was made with a hopeful attitude. Deb was our server again and we got our greeting from Bert as well. We were off to a good start. Since she told us that they were still only giving one piece of toast, we decided to try something new. We both ordered omelettes with hash browns and one of their biscuits. Hubby ordered a western omelet that always has green peppers. I ordered the veggie omelet without green peppers. Both omelettes came without green peppers and had unmelted cheese tossed in at the last minute. Both were NOT hot. They tasted bland and looked like they were made from liquid eggs. The biscuits were more like a huge piece of cake rather than a traditional biscuit. They tasted okay, but the consistency of cake made them crumble easily and made it hard to butter. I hope they work on that a bit. As if the bland omelettes weren't bad enough, they had changed the hash browns to the patties like you get at McDonalds. Not a good choice on their part. (I understand that they have changed back to regular hash browns now!) If we had not been regulars, and wanted to give everything a chance, that second visit would have been our last--a twofer. It was very disappointing. Yet, wanting to give it a fair chance, today was our third visit. It will likely be our last for awhile...maybe ever...which makes me very sad. We had one of the new servers, Chris, who was friendly and attentive. The place was packed even at the early hour. It was sooooo loud! Poor Chris had to lean in to hear our order. We could not even talk to each other without shouting. I do wish they had put an acoustical ceiling in, Hubby ordered the pancakes and I ordered French toast with high hopes. My order came with eggs but he had to order his eggs on the side. My bacon order was also a side add-on. The French toast was greasy. The pancakes were huge and looked very fluffy, but apparently were not that great. His sausage was placed on top of the pancakes since they took up the entire plate. He did not receive his eggs until we asked about them. Both of our eggs were cold. The coffee was not as good as it used to be, but was okay with enough creamer. All was well enough, even with the cold eggs, until I went to pay and said something to the owner who was manning the cash register. I showed her where we had been overcharged for the eggs, having been charged for two side orders. I also asked that she remove the charges for the eggs since they were late and cold. While she was fixing the ticket, with an attitude, I asked why they don't give two pieces of toast with their regular breakfasts? Wow! She went off on me. She came back at me with a vengeance and an attitude! She said it was a decision they made for pricing and that I was welcome to buy the extra piece. I'm embarrassed to say that her attitude set off mine and I told her that was "just wrong" and that "it's just a piece of bread. It would be nice to have two pieces with our meal, like we used to get. You really need to consider changing that." Her response was indignantly and disrespectfully delivered, "I am NOT going to do that." Then she shouted, "You have a BLESSED day! A really nice and blessed day", and she turned away. Needless to say, I was taken aback and really pissed by her rude and unnecessary treatment. I hugged Deb on the way out because I will definitely think again before considering a return visit. read more

I reymiss what this place was at one time. So we came in today after they reopened. Staff was great but it ended there. One of the worst breakfast I've ever had. No meat in the omlett steak was chewy and pancakes were burnt. Hasbrown now are fast food style patties. Sadly I won't be coming back. I'll miss the place. read more

So glad they opened back up, it's fabulous for Breakfast, get there early , or you'll have to wait!! Everybody can't wait, to get in , the food is still scrumptious:p read more

A great diner in the heart of midtown with lots of Memphis history, full of locals and perfect for visitors. Friendly and fun staff. Good food. read more

We are long time customers of Barkdale's. The best part of the new ownership is Debbie and Bert are still there being themselves and trying their best in the face of new owners and new renditions of food. Debbie and Bert are the redeeming factor for Barksdale's. We've been back 3-4 times since the new ownership. We really like what they have done to the facility, new floors, ceiling, booths, tables, etc., but there is nothing to buffer the sound so it is quite loud, especially when the place is full of people trying to talk over everyone else. It is too loud for me. Regarding the food: 1. My old traditional two eggs, sausage, and toast now only comes with one piece of toast instead of two. The owner says it is a budget thing. (But I want two pieces of toast! I'd have to pay for the second piece!) I never get the grits or hash browns, even though that is part of the price of the menu item. But they won't provide a single piece of bread in their place? ???? 2. The coffee is not as good as it was before. 3. I ordered a Western omelette once. It was quite bland with veggie and cheese ingredients uncooked and folded within the omelette arriving unmelted. And in my case, no bell peppers, a standard for a Western omelette. 4. Today I tried the pancakes (what they call griddled cakes). They were not good. I won't have them again ever. 5. I ordered a side of scrambled eggs with the pancakes, but it did not come. Only when we told someone we did not get what we ordered did they bring them. They were cold. Maybe we'll try lunch, but breakfast seems out of the question for a good while. read more

Just awful! I had a friend in town and bragged about how wonderful this restaurant was 40 years ago. How stupid could I have been? ?!? if I could leave a negative review I would, however I must say the pancakes were absolutely wonderful. even the iced tea was so bad that it looked like lukewarm water that someone had dripped one tiny bit of tea into it. my guest even had to say how horrible the food was, which made me even more embarrassed because the food was so bad and I had bragged about it for weeks I ordered sausage patties, which were inedible and I took them home and my dog would not even eat them. They were at least two days old. Horrible. I have tried to communicate with the restaurant no answer. Just so sad compared to what it used to be. I'm still nauseated. read more

So glad it's back and better than ever! loved seeing Deb and Bert . My heart is full. Loved all the changes, and somehow it's still the same Barksdales. read more

A standard diner experience. Food was standard breakfast dishes, executed acceptably. Service was friendly but slow. Bones of the joint are quite old. Not a destination but gets job done. read more

I will start by saying that the staff was really friendly and attentive, and the coffee was really good. We even asked what kind of coffee they use. Came in on a Saturday morning and just about every take was taken. Was excited to try the food by the amount of people coming in. Got the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit. The biscuits here are the star of the show. I couldn't even taste the sausage. It was there, but no flavor. I'll be back to try lunch. read more

Super stoked that barksdales as back (RIP Bob). In a world of fancy breakfast spots and chain behemoths love that barksdales is still kinda what it always was, super straightforward, no aioli in sight. Just breakfast. My one issue is the last three times I've been here they've been out of biscuits. Biscuit just hits way harder than toast or rolls. Please make enough biscuits that I can get one please. read more

Great plate lunch! Staff was friendly and attentive. My husband said the coconut cream pie rivals the best he's had and he's fried a lot!

Affordable pricing, good coffee and biscuit. They need to work on faster expediting. We saw food dying on the window getting cold.. rib eye steak is so so.. service is friendly! read more

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So happy to see Barksdales back open. Didn't get to try breakfast. But everyone enjoyed lunch especially the Chicken fried steak. Definitely going back for breakfast read more

Great biscuits, delicious stone ground grits, coffee was very good, a definite improvement over the older version! Very good service and laid back family atmosphere. Will be back! read more

Always loved barksdale. The everybody knows your name diner on the corner. Love all the staff. Just came in for second time since reopening. One of the things I've always loved about barksdale is the continuity and the employees. I ordered pancakes and my granddaughter did as well. Neither of us liked them. Not fluffy at all. They had a very fried taste. I was so disappointed in the biscuits b/c the biscuits before were nirvana. Now just like a huge slab of cake is the best way I can describe. I've read other reviews where the new owner touted the positivity of change and the economics of doing business. I do think one of the reasons barksdale was so beloved was the lack of change. A place you can go in this world where everything is change and find comfort in getting exactly what you came for. As for economics the two pieces of toast dilemma could easily be solved by going back to normal sized biscuits. In addition to the argument of economics someone must have been running something right in the past for them to have been open so so many years. If no other changes are made I sincerely hope you will go back to the prior way of making the biscuits and pancakes. I was so looking forward to the pancakes as I don't allow myself to eat that very often. I have never in my life tasted a pancake like that. As my granddaughter said, something's just not right ab these pancakes. Talk to your long time employees they are a wealth of information concerning what people like. Listen to your long time customers a lot of whom come there at least once a week if not several days a week, the restaurants bread and butter so to speak. They are also a wealth of information. As an owner come in several times a week during the week and sit down w the regulars who are what will keep you successful and ask what their honest opinion of the changes are. Customers will come and go but the regulars who have been coming steadily for years are what keeps a business sustainable. read more

This is like the cutest little diner ever. Not because it is all glitz and glam, but because it gives you nostalgia when you first walk through the door. I really enjoyed looking around at all the artifacts and memorabilia. The staff is really friendly. Each and every person that I interacted with was gracious and kind. As soon as we walked in we were seated and received our drinks. For brunch, I had the egg, ham, and hash brown special with toast. It was really good. It tastes just like good old fashion home cooking! The slice of ham I received was way bigger than I thought it would be, that is a bonus lol. The egg whites were just how I like them juicy, still firm. The hash browns were good, I just wish my cheese was melted (that's an easy fix). The prices are fantastic. I only paid $9.45 including tax! I can't wait to go back. read more

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We were excited to get back to Barksdale where we regularly ate breakfast. Positives: -nice new booths and the layout is much better -biscuits are ridiculously good and huge - thick fluffy buttery goodness Negatives -Coffee was served in paper cups -Ordered hashbrowns and asked to add onions. Was told they were unable to do it at this time as they are still working things out in the kitchen. When the food was finally delivered (a 40 minute wait) the hashbrowns were a patty - like what McDonald's serves. -My order came out first - 2 eggs, bacon (undercooked), hash brown and I ordered wheat toast but received a biscuit. Server said he would get me an order of toast. The toast came out - 1 slice of white bread and it was burnt. We then asked about my husband's omelette. The server looked horrified. He forgot to enter it in the system even though he wrote down the order. -Husband's order finally came out. You could tell it was rushed. The peppers and onions had not been sauteed. Hubs had ordered sausage gravy to go with his biscuit. It was $2.99 extra and the very small bowl contained about 2 tablespoons of gravy. So he ordered another bowl because it wasn't enough to cover the biscuit. -Received the check. I was charged for the toast that I was to have received originally. We are hopeful that things will improve greatly once they work out all of the kinks with the reopening. However, if they remain the way they are, we will not be back. It was truly disappointing. read more

We are thrilled Barksdale has reopened. Debbie, Bert, and many of the old staff are still there. It is clean with comfy booths.

Now hell yeah this is what I'm talking about. My first meal in Memphis, direct from the airport was at Barksdale and I was charmed from the start. This place is a time portal to a mysterious realm my Bay Area native eyes had never experienced. Wood paneled, covered in old frames, matronly waitresses with wonderful accents - All just great. Now the food: Full marks! I had a giant country ham with grits and biscuits and gravy, toast, and of course eggs. All just stellar. When my coffee sat too long the waitress brought me a hot one! Wow, how considerate. Thank you ma'am, thinking of you miss you. Abandon all diets, ye who enter here read more

The only thing still good about Barksdale's is the staff leftover from the previous owner. Other than that, you'll be disappointed. Waited over an hour for a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit and hash-browns. They ran out of hash-browns which are now the oval kind that you can get at McDonald's. They paint it as being so busy they are selling out, but the truth is that someone can't stock their freezer. Speaking of things being cold, after waiting an hour I was served a less than lukewarm sausage, egg and cheese biscuit which is ridiculously over priced. After I paid, I mentioned my food being cold and I was told that it was just made fresh. So I should be happy about eating a freshly made cold biscuit after my wait? The biscuits that they bragged about at opening fell into a million little pieces as soon as I picked it up. I can honestly say that it looked good, but that's about it. I have been a big Barksdale's fan for years and I can't even believe that I'm taking the time to leave a bad review. I'm sure the excuse will be that they just reopened, but if you can't make a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit in less than an hour... maybe you should reconsider serving breakfast at all. I never complain about my food, but after today's visit I figured that I should give everyone a heads up. Pretty disappointed... read more

Been going to the old Barksdale for 20 years. Great job keeping the old look with a bit of upgrades! And for keeping the wonderful staff. Really miss the hash browns and old biscuits. Really miss that the veggie omelette used to NOT have cheese. read more