Part of the reason I love going to my lake house so much is because it is the middle of nowhere and everyone in town knows one another. There is nothing I love more than sitting at the local diner (The Catfish Place) and hearing the local gossip. Well, I guess I don't need to drive 2 hours anymore because I felt the exact replica here in town - even the wood paneling and fries are an exact match! I had heard of Barksdale and it has been on my bookmark list forever. (Much thanks to Tom E this morning for suggesting that we meet there for lunch.) I don't know what I expected but I can't believe this place is on Cooper. Everyone knows each other (people from different tables were saying "hi") and the waiter knew everyone's name. And they were so friendly! I guess this is a place made up 99% of locals - I love it...And I want to be a local bad. The food is what you expect from this type of place...not good for you but really delicious. I devoured my grilled cheese in 2 minutes flat. And the fries only took about 5. I was here for lunch but the breakfast menu looked pretty amazing. I will definitely be back to try it! read more

Good food good service would have given 5 stars but place need an upgrade, plus old wall air conditioner didn't work. So sweaty while eating the meal. read more

Barksdale's - Denver omelette - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Best Brunch/Breakfast in Memphis and it's cheap.. not to mention all the staff there knows you by your first name and treat you like family!

Family owned restaurant with some amazing breakfast. It was so cheap and the coffee hit the spot. All the employees were so nice thanks for a great experience. read more

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Went here for lunch recently for their meat & 2. Ordered the meat loaf, lima beans, and turnip greens. Was disappointed in the flavor of the meatloaf, and, the greens were so undercooked I didn't eat them. We have friends that go here every Sunday for breakfast. I'll give their breakfast a shot, but, won't be back for their lunch, unless I order a sandwich. I saw a guy that had the club, it looked very good. read more

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

This place is a home away from home. It's old, comfy, and feels like grandmas house. I was there on a rainy morning for the Liberty Bowl between OSU and Mizzou. It was full but we got a great breakfast. The wait staff got the job done even when they were slammed. I highly recommend this place. You'll love immediately like I did. read more

Oh the was food was delicious the staff and our waitress was amazingly nice everything is wonderful it was truly was my pleasure to eat at this establishment read more

Barksdale's - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The service here was to be expected. Even though we were there earlier than several other tables, we received our food much later than them. We are ordered at least 20 minutes prior to their arrival also. It pays to be a regular visitor to this establishment. The food was ok. They just so happen to not have any more grits when my order arrived. Maybe they were just overwhelmed by the amount of business they were getting. read more

I stumbled upon this place searching for a good breakfast/brunch spot on Yelp. Some of my fellow yelpers' reviews persuaded me to give this place a try and also I wasn't far....coming from Massage Envy on Union. When I pulled up I was kind of hesitate, from the outside looking a bit old and ragedy, but I immediately brushed that worry away because some of the best places to eat are "hole in the wall" spots. I had to park a tad bit down, due to the limited parking. There were many cars, scooters, and bikes parked outside. From all of the bikes, I could tell that they get a bunch of business from people that live close by. There is no hostess, so you have to seat yourself. I know by the look on my face, I looked lost. I decided to take a seat at the bar, not wanting to take up a complete table since I wasn't with anybody else. I looked around feeling out a place just because of the country type vibe (I'm definitely a city girl). I was greeted by a friendly face, which made me feel 100% better. Thanks to Cristina H. picture and review I picked the pancakes and bacon. It was pretty good...food came out hot (just how I like it) . The syrup was also warm and very good. I think I like the syrup most of all lol. read more

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The Barksdale is primarily a weekend breakfast/brunch hangout near Cooper-Young, serving such standards as eggs and bacon, pancakes, and omlettes. As much as I wish I liked the Barksdale, I just can't. The service is slow and surly, the dining area absolutely filthy (it kind of makes you wonder at the state of the kitchen- try not to think about it while eating there). Air conditioning window units ensure that those sitting near the door will be freezing and slimy with condensation, while those sitting in the rear near the kitchen are burning hot. Tables are rickety and chairs are a crapshoot: should you find one that isn't actually falling apart, consider yourself blessed. The faux wood paneling, covered with the crusted grease of a thousand burnt bacon slices, stained acoustical tile ceiling, and unspeakable floor do little to distract one from the utterly mediocre fare. The Barksdale has maintained popularity for so long because, in a way, it does have a 'down-home' feel; unfortunately, that comes from its scumminess and is not alleviated by anything remotely charming. Primarily, though, Barksdale did a brisk business because it had a monopoly on the Midtown breakfast market. In recent months, however, this dubious dominance has been challenged by the opening of a number of superior breakfast hang-outs like Cafe Eclectic. Anything would be better than the Barksdale. read more

Barksdale's - The Barksdale Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

It's the best of a dying breed. The "meat and 3" along with a basic breakfast/lunch menu. Nothing fancy or anything you'd find in a more upscale "bistro". Nothing pretentious here. Just good food at a most affordable price. Friendly staff and fast service too. read more

Barksdale's - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Amazing breakfast. Feels like a old dinner back in the 80's. Highly recommend trying this place out, the outside can deter people but it's very family friendly and the wait staff is amazing, always making sure your coffee or drinks are full and ensuring that the food came out as expected. read more

My husband and I went here for breakfast today. Best breakfast we had in Memphis so far. My husband had the bacon omelette and I had eggs and bacon. Everything, including the perfectly buttered toast was delicious. Very friendly staff and people in the dining room. Bathroom was more then questionable, but after all we came there to eat and that was great! read more

Always good food and good service. When we're in Memphis we always come to Barksdale at least once for a good southern breakfast.

Barksdale's is a great little neighborhood jewel. Totally unpretentious, just good food. Don't let appearances deceive you. This was our first visit. I had pancakes (with homemade syrup) sausage, eggs and coffee for only $7.05. Excellent meal. My buddy enjoyed a Western omelet which was delicious. Friendly, prompt service in a locally owned establishment. Good food, good prices, good meal. We'll definitely be back. read more

Barksdale's - Two pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great place. Good food and everyone is really nice. Staff very attentive. I recommend if your looking for a breakfast place to go in Memphis. read more

Small, local, and tasty! We tried this place for the first time this morning and I can say with confidence we will be back. It's not a fancy place and the coffee isn't really great, but the breakfast is delicious and more than affordable. I opted for two eggs over medium with sausage, hash browns, and biscuit--yum! While my friend got the western omelette with hash browns and toast---we both cleaned our plates! The service was friendly and quick. Overall, a delicious dining experience in a relaxed, Memphis style cafe setting. read more

Barksdale's - Two eggs over medium, hash browns, sausage, and two biscuits...$5!! And yummy. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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A classic hole in the wall for breakfast in Memphis. The eggs and bacon are good. If you like shredded hash browns, they do an excellent job here. Otherwise, the food is not remarkable. Service is always excellent, and there is always parking on the side street and in the rear. Recommended. read more

We needed a quick, filling breakfast before leaving Memphis. This little gem popped up on Yelp and I'm so glad we tried it! Old-timey restaurant with friendly service and homemade meals. and super cheap! Breakfast/lunch for 4 for $28. $1 for unlimited iced tea. That's just unheard of! The menus looked really old so I don't think they've raised their prices in a really long time. Everything was delicious, hearty and we scraped our plates clean. DO NOT forget to try the biscuits! So flaky and moist. I wish I could've brought a hundred of them home with me! read more

We were looking for a hole in the wall place where we can find real good food and found it. We had breakfast there our last 2 days in town. Pancakes are awesome. Hash browns are perfect and the country ham is terrific! read more

I refuse to rate this restaurant. I just paid $9 for 3 old sausage biscuits (not worth the picture). It was a call in order. I had to stand and wait for them and they weren't even hot when I got them. I was expected to take those to my family? Nope. You can keep my $9 donation because we gave the biscuits to the dog. I certainly won't be back. read more

BARKSDALES IS THE PLACE TO EAT! As a lifelong Mostly Midtown Memphian I've dined at most of the Mom n Pop Meat and three "Soul Food" restaurants around town. I've been eating there for over 30 years! For "Good" Reason! Barksdales is a small little neighborhood "Joint" It is well loved by the locals! The wait staff will make you smile and feel right at home. They can tell you where to go (Local attractions etc...) The cooks are as cool as cucumbers and know their business! The quality of the food, Their very Reasonable prices And those home made Pies They are worth the trip jut for a slice of coconut cream pie Give them a try! You'll be glad you did! read more

Perfect location for breakfast in Memphis, family atmosphere and friendly staff - excellent food too, so expect it to be a bit crowded, but never overly noisy. Ultimate breakfast joint read more

Great breakfast, great service & cheap prices! Can't beat breakfast here. Everything I've had has been delicious & it comes out quick too! read more

Barksdale's - Greek omelet with hashbrowns - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Well...another midtown forgettable lunch. My third trip, and again I have the results of what I ate haunting me all day. I looked around at lunch seeing no one in there but old people from the neighborhood-3/4 tables. The place is dank and dirty looking. Has never been painted or cleaned on alot of surfaces. Chicken fried steak was a burger with gravy. Double green beans that tasted like vinegar and canned new potatoes? Do people actually eat canned potatoes anymore? Even my rolls were burned on the bottom. When I said I did not care for the green beans... vinegar was awful. He defended the old "Bob's recipe." Bob's not there and neither are customers in Midtown during what should be a very busy lunch rush. My advice to the restaurant- great food, environment, and service keep you busy... not the name or location or past reputation. This place was once a line out the door and very desirable place to go. Clean it up, paint it, update the food quality. Give a reason to eat there! Come on! Make BOB proud! read more

Food is really good, but the worst service ever! There was one time that we went here and it took over AN HOUR to get our food. If your not in a rush then I suppose it's alright, but if you got somewhere to be afterwards, don't come here. read more

I don't know how anyone says this is a four star place. By far the worst breakfast I ever had. I asked for eggs over medium, they barely touched the frying pan. The grits were not done and cold, the butter didn't even melt when I put the soft butter in it. Lol. This place is a joke. Must be a bunch of locals giving the reviews that just like the people. They were nice but if u want a good warm breakfast, Go somewhere else. read more

The atmosphere is like a small town cafe with very friendly service and a laid back feel. However, I grew up in a small town and I left it as soon as I could. The feel and the service of the place is great, but the food is mediocre. I had pancakes and country ham biscuit. The pancakes were very dense, chewy and lacked any kind of flavor, not the light fluffy, buttermilk vanilla flavor I expected from homemade pancakes. The country ham was fine, but again I was disappointed with the biscuits. They lacked a heft and the buttery flaky flavor that I love in a biscuit. Maybe I will go back and try the lunch, but I was not impressed with the breakfast. read more

This is a very down home restaurant. Friendly service and the food was good, not great but good. I think I know why they call grits grits; they are gritty. Over-all a decent enough place with plenty of parking. Not expensive and the coffee was good. read more

Barksdale's - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Wow, five stars from some folks? Amazing really. I wonder if they actually came inside? I like diners. On some mornings, I'd venture to say I love 'em. This place is such a dump that it's hard to get past anything else. Sticky floors, busted seats, rickety tables, grease coated panelling... the list goes on, and it's just bad. I wish the food came faster, so that I wouldn't have so much time to look around. What was that? Did I just get dripped on? *looks up* ... Stained dropped ceiling definitely dripping... on me. Wait, why is this taking so long? Eggs, bacon, toast. That's it. That's all I asked for. *tick*tock*tick*tock* I wish this coffee wasn't so bad, I'd have that at least going for me... no such luck. You know what, keep your nasty food. Here is $2 for the crap coffee *walks out* I will never return. I shudder just thinking about the fact I almost ingested food from such a place. This is not an "institution" as other reviews say... it's just a part of Memphis that's waiting to die. read more

Well I really feel badly about giving such a long standing Memphis restaurant two stars, but in this case my experience there can justify no higher rating. Yes it has been there for around 30 years, but all I can say is the food must have been amazing at some earlier point during that time, because my lunch was a huge disappointment. The food temperature was not a confidence builder, and the vegetables gave no indication of having been prepared on site from fresh, with the typical signs of a "prepared elsewhere, warmed up here" production. The lack of fresh food flavors was sad, sad, sad. Obviously some people feel differently that I do. Perhaps for these souls and thru some colossal miracle of dissonance, the breakfast is so stupendously delicious, it overwhelms the mind's capacity to recognize any of the less appetizing aspects of a visit, because I can't imagine anyone giving this place five stars. Yes the place was dirty and the seating should have been tossed out in 1983, but even that may have been overlooked if the food had been hot, fresh and prepared with skill. The service was friendly, but slow and uninspired. I was hoping to add Barksdale's to my list of places to stop in for great Southern food, made the old fashioned way. Unfortunately, that was not what I experienced. If you choose to try them, maybe you will find things to be improved. I hope so, because they NEED to be better if they wish to be a successful member of Memphis' diverse, homegrown eatery scene in the future. read more

This is the best place for Memphis breakfast. My husband I went to an a.m. boot camp and then we indulged in everything Barksdale breakfast at 12 pm. I love that they serve breakfast until 2 pm. I love that this is a neighborhood joint so you'll find local Memphian's talking about their upcoming weekend here. I love that the place keeps it's local character and charm by literally "duck-taping" the place together by it's old roots. If you are more concerned with the carpet and chairs during your dining experience than the actual food, then this place is not for you! The people and the food make this place. Be sure to enjoy the neighborhood of Cooper Young after your trip. PS: The prices are to die for. PSS: They are a family place, therefore they tend to close on holidays i.e. father's day, mother's day, fourth of july, memorial day, etc. read more

Decided to stop here for a good hot breakfast. I was not disappointed! I am not really a breakfast person but my husband is so I always look for the most savory thing on the menu. The Greek Omelette was so tasty! Husband said his pancakes were absolutely delicious. Service was great my coffee and water were always full! Loved it. read more

I've never been one of these 1/2 star people, but Barksdale's is going to break that rule for me. I'd really like to give it 2 1/2 reviews. This place is dirtier than any restaurant I've ever stepped into. The carpet on the floor is deplorable- I'm talking worn down black in all the common walking areas, so black I have no idea what color it was to begin with. Another reviewer mentioned the stickiness- I've never had carpeting be sticky, but Barksdale's achieves this and then some. The booth seats are duct taped together and the chairs at the tables are so rickety I found myself praying the one I was on would hold my pregnant booty up for the duration of my breakfast. It pains me to write all this as I so wanted to fall in love with this spot and make it our new Sunday brunch hang out. No such luck. I ordered the 2 eggs, bacon, cheesy hash browns and biscuits with a side of gravy. At $6 bucks, I'll agree and say it is quite a steal, but nothing mentioned above was even remotely memorable. The eggs were decent, the hash browns were cooked just enough to be considered cooked and extremely mushy with a tablespoon size amount of cheese added to them and the biscuits and gravy left a lot to be desired. The gravy had only a few hunks of sausage mixed in and was pretty bland. My husband ordered the fried chicken with turnip greens and mashed potatoes. The greens were the stand out of both our meals, kind of sweet, but otherwise really good. I saw peach cobbler listed in the specials and couldn't pass it up. Peach cobbler is a weakness of mine, yet this one not so much. More of a hot mess. It had a floral taste to it and I couldn't decide if it was supposed to be there or if that was a mistake. It was an odd texture and there was no crust in this cobbler, just hot fruit the consistency of jam and a couple of peach sections that were very obviously canned. On a side note- the lady next to us ordered rice pudding and when I saw it delivered I was so relieved I didn't mistakenly order that. It was the consistency of soup and looked absolutely vile. The highlight of this whole experience was our waitress. She was an absolute doll. Other than her, I can't quite put my finger on why or how this place continually does good business. We went at almost noon on a Sunday and there was a line out the door. I wish they would give the whole place a makeover. That and a new chef might make this place stellar. Other than the price point, it's nothing special. When we got to the car we both agreed we didn't see ourselves suggesting Barksdale's as a restaurant choice in the future. read more

According to Memphis Menus Online, Barksdale Restaurant has been "serving plate lunches for over 30 years". When you walk into the restaurant, you can tell exactly that. I don't know what gave it away first: the wood paneled walls, the old pictures hanging everywhere, or the giant worn-down American Flag that takes up half of one wall. This is definitely your down-home, Southern, comfy dining joint. I dined at Barksdale's one morning for breakfast recently, after walking for cancer research with some coworkers. Though it was not my decision, I have anxiously waiting to try it for the first time after I Love Memphis has recommended it. After staring at the menu, trying to determine if I give into my pancake craving or try something more exotic, I finally settle on the Greek Omelet Good Mornin' Breakfast. This omelet comes with feta cheese, gyro, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, and tomato. The Good Mornin' Breakfast portion means that it includes grits or hashbrowns and biscuits or toast. I choose the hashbrowns, smothered in cheese and onions, and biscuits. Hey, a girl has got to eat after a long walk for cancer. After a few bites into the omelet, I realize I am making those embarassing "mmmmm" noises as I eat. Yes, it was that good. The eggs were fluffy and perfect, and all the goodies inside made it all the better. The hashbrowns were also great. My friend Leigh Anne even said they were great, and she is a self-proclaimed picky hashbrown eater. My only wish is that the cheese had been melted a little longer, but the onions were caramelized and not too strong. The biscuits were light, fluffy, and perfect. It is easy to mess up a homemade biscuit, as they can easily be too mushy or too hard. These were neither. The addition of butter baked into them was great also. Overall, Barksdale Restaurant is a plus in my book. If you are looking for a good down-home, Southern cooked breakfast, this is a good place to go. read more

This place is absolutely wonderful. I brought my parents here for brunch. Everything is made from scratch and filling. The staff is very courteous with southern hospitality. Their homemade rolls are amazing. Get the apples as a side. Thus will definately be my go to spot. read more

You can find tens of thousands Barksdale clones throughout the South, with many small towns having no less than 4 of these for every 1,000 people in population -- I am making that last part up, but it seems pretty true to my experience. What makes Barksdale unique is that this small community country-fare diner is located in Mid-Town Memphis. It appears that when Mid-Town was considered to be East Memphis (the outskirts of town) some 40-50 years ago, Barksdale could have been there with the same furniture and decor. It is as if the town just grew up around it. I also don't know how much of that's true, but this place has a small-town feel in a fairly busy and popular section of Memphis. The food is what and small-town ex-pat would expect in the country dinner: a daily special meat-and-two with cornbread and a regular unchanging menu of the standards which include cheese burgers and the like. The food is good (though not memorable), expedient, as consistent as the day is long and the prices are very reasonable. This a great place to grab an unassuming lunch of comfort food. read more

Great neighborhood place with delicious breakfast and friendly community. Had the country ham and egg platter. It was huge and tasty. If you're in Memphis treat yourself! read more

I don't remember what I ordered here, so I guess it wasn't amazing or anything, but I know it was good, because I would remember if it was bad. My friend ordered some kind of pancakes and enjoyed them despite being deathly ill. Weird--I remember what she had but not what I had. I'm sure it was some kind of egg/bacon/grits combination. We didn't have to wait for a table which was nice. It's pretty standard diner breakfast food, which is just fine by me. read more

Our first visit to Baarksdale's was a Saturday at 10:45 am. (We've since been several other times, on our way to the Cooper Young Farmer's Market). I ordered the "Good Mornin' Breakfast" with bacon. My wife ordered a 1/2 order of French toast with a single biscuit and gravy, just because she could. Actually, our waiter had told her "we don't have menu rules and you can do what you want, as long as you're wearing clothes". Ha! We were all smiling at that point - he was great! I had overheard a regular ordering his biscuits "grilled" and decided to do that as well - you know, when in Rome, do as the Romans do - or something like that. Anyway, this was a great decision and I highly recommend that you do the same. Overall, the food is good, the staff are friendly, the coffee is smooth and mild. The place is usually packed, but there always seems to be one more table available - the young man bussing the tables makes sure of that, and a great job he does! If you've seen my other reviews, a 3-star rating for a breakfast menu review, which all I have done so far for Barksdale's, is good for me. If I ever have a chance to try any of there non-breakfast items, I'll update my review. It was a great little find, just between Cooper Young and Overton Square areas. read more