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    Imagine Vegan Cafe

    4.0 (447 reviews)
    InexpensiveVegan, Vegetarian
    Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Imagine Vegan Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Imagine Vegan Cafe

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    Gumbo... Yum!
    Ashley B.

    So this was a great place to come across. I was so hungry and have given up meat for a while. I'm happy to say that this place is a great substitute. PLEASE NOTE: Of course, it will not taste exactly like meat meals you've had. If you limit your palate to look for the "tells," you'll find it. FOOD: I had the fried chicken sandwhich. It was very simplistic, like a chic-fil-a sandwich. I added some ketchup to it, and it was really good. The bun was toasted, and you could taste the butter on the bun. I also had the gumbo, which was really good. The flavor is there, and it was so warm and filling. The perfect vegan comfort food. I took the double bacon cheeseburger to go, and I can't wait to eat it. We also got a strawberry cheese cake, cobbler, and a chess bar. Very sweet. The cobbler has a lot of flavor, but I wish that there was a little crust crunch in there somewhere. SERVICE/AMBIANCE Overall, the service was great, and the ambiance is very quaint and casual. I am so happy that they were available during this bad weather.

    Appetizer sampler
    Ty M.

    So, the place is rather dim and grimy, but the service is friendly and then there's the FOOD!! Most vegan places have a limited menu of mostly fried items. Imagine has an extensive menu. We started with the appetizer sampler. It was so delicious! The "mozzarella " sticks tasted also much like the real thing, except they are better! And the hushpuppies, yummmmm. I had a hard time choosing between the hot dog and Jamaican jerk chicken sandwich . I finally decided on the hot dog because I'm always excited for a vegan dog that doesn't taste like a smart dog microwaved in a bun. It absolutely did not disappoint and came with a ginormous serving of krinkle fries. We will happily return. One star deducted for the grime.

    Ashley F.

    Delicious and perfect for gluten-free vegans or vegetarians. Great service and excellent food. I never thought I'd eat a chick'n philly again bc of bread but I was served the softest gf hoagie - I had to double confirm... unfortunately, my snickerdoodle cake slice was extremely bitter. I couldn't get through it (maybe it was chickpea flour or vegan butter. Everything else was delicious.

    Just gross
    Gretchen M.

    Just don't. I don't know where to begin. Hundreds of flies. Dirty, sticky tables and floor. Terrible service. Food so bad we sent it back after it took 20 minutes to get, even though we were 1of 3 seated tables. Our server didn't even bother to ask why we sent the food back, she just brought the check that includes a $4.50 service charge. No manager available to talk to, no attempt to make things right. I'm amazed this place can stay in business.

    BBQ Sandwich
    Marty D.

    I have struggled to find good pork for years. Been stuck with jackfruit, which is not bad, but it doesn't taste like pork. This BBQ sandwich was so good. How good? It made me flood my basement. I was blown away. The strawberry milkshake was also very good. a lil too sweet but reminded me of the diner shakes I had as a kid. the ruben was interesting. the meat was a kind of slimey texture, but the flavors were there. the mac and cheese was bad though. I don't think they use nut cheese so it was very watery and bland. that was a little depressing, but the bbq sandwich makes up for any other misgivings

    Collards, beans, brown rice
    Mimi M.

    Great food. Great service. Great location. Great atmosphere. I ordered the rice bowl with beans and collards. It's a ton of food that's nicely seasoned, hot and homey. It really hit the spot. I'm from DC, so I really lucked out to find great vegan food in the land of meat and gravy

    Entrance
    mon k.

    Vegan with lots of gf options! It is right on 78. The menu looks amazing, soon the reaction to the food... After trying the veggie platter and the shrimp po boy....velvet cake and strawberry smoothie I can say everything is great! Highly raccomended

    Breakfast platter and veggie plate with potato salad, mac and cheese, mashed potato, and seasoned greens.
    Alexa G.

    Best vegan southern food I've ever had! Every single thing was delicious and flavorful! I highly recommend the breakfast platter and the veggie plate with potato salad, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and seasoned greens.

    Tiffany J.

    When I first went, I truly did not know what to expect. I just know that I wanted to try them out! Let me first say, I love the aesthetics of the restaurant it is so cute and family friendly. I took a few pictures of the play area. They even have drawing on the wall (look like it was done by children), so yes that made me love it even more. I must say too, when I try out a vegan spot I always think the prices are going to be through the roof, but that wasn't the case. I was shocked how reasonable the prices are. This was my first time, so I tried the sampler. I had pig in a blanket, loaded potatoes, hush puppies, buffalo chicken strips, and a regular chicken nugget. It was all so good. I could not believe that it was not meat! I can't wait to go back and try more menu items! Great place!

    Shrimp po boy and Mac + cheese

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    23 days ago

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    2 months ago

    I love the food and the customer service was great! It's my go to place for a laid back casual lunch on meatless Monday!

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    1 year ago

    Great vegan comfort food. I got the Memphis BBQ plate and it was great. Tons of options.

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    The Second Line

    The Second Line

    3.8
    (434 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    If I were to really put the time and effort into understanding and then describing my favorite…read morekinds of places to eat it would tell a story, and that story would likely end up sounding like The Second Line feels to me. I feel like this place embodies the essence of my inner peace somehow. It was born as a overflow bar for Iris from the lore I hear. To me, as I see it, this place became Chef Kelly's escape to reality as far as food, atmosphere, and service are concerned. I think this place presents his personality in his relaxed more chill version. If you have ever been to Iris, specifically, when it was next door, you would understand what I mean. When it was the tiny place it had some kind of pretentiousness to it that just turned me off. I only ate there once. It would take weeks to get a reservation before he moved it and the constant limelight had to be a lot of pressure. This place though.... I could come here three times a week no issue. In fact, I actually wish that I could eat here three days a week. Second Line is moving soon. They are going back to being next door to Iris in the newer Laurelwood location. In some ways I wonder if Chef needs that jovial comfort of a place next to Iris to keep him grounded. I do hope the charm of this is somehow transferred, but looking out the windows into Cooper the last time I was here Dec '25, just will not be a possibility in that shopping center it's headed to. That will be lost. He's a great guy! Hell of a Chef! World class employer! Tremendous philanthropist! A leader in the City of Memphis! Please go support him in the new location. Now.... All that BS and I ain't said shit about the food and why I like this place so much. If you scroll through my photos you will see almost every dish that has ever been on the menu here. Some are fantastic! All are very good! I have had nothing but great food here for many years! I have only had one bad meal here. Catfish Picante and it is long gone it seems! I wrote a long ass draft I never published (thank god), after that visit. I do believe it was my first time here and I almost didn't return. What a waste that would have been. My favorites now are Sweet Heat Oysters, Chicken Livers with pepper jelly, that lobster knuckle sandwich from waaaay back, spinach Madeline, and of course... the Red Beans and Rice. The desserts are always killer as well. I guess I'll catch you at the new place soon! Love you guys!! '25 - Finale

    Update: The location of this restaurant has changed and the new location seems like it has lost its…read moreambience. No longer does it feel eclectic and unique and there's no outdoor seating at all. The menu is the same as before and the food is good. The brunch menu is pretty limited and so is their selection of beer, so that's worth noting if either is important to you as a potential patron. The service is good overall.

    Photos
    Hot potato salad
    Hot potato salad
    Oyster po boy with onion rings
    Oyster po boy with onion rings
    Greens

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    Greens
    Beauty Shop Restaurant

    Beauty Shop Restaurant

    4.0
    (764 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    5 out of 5 every time! We've been many times (however I've still not had brunch). We love it. The…read moremushroom app is so good. Everything. Can't go wrong! And the history and environment is excellent.

    A friend was visiting (5/9) and we decided to dine in the Cooper - Young area for dinner. When we…read moregot to the area, we decided on The Beauty Shop. My friend owns a larger catering/events establishment in Georgia and was excited about the menu at the establishment. We walked in (on a whim) and asked if tables were available (clearly we saw some on the patio and inside once we entered). The greeting from the hostess was - let's just say less than inviting. . It was around 7:40p and she said "well since you don't have a reservation, the soonest I can get you in is 8p" ...no problem we will walk around until then. My initial thought, screw this reservation - if the hostess has this type of demeanor, what could we expect in terms of service? As my friend was still excited about the menu and to taste some of the pairings, we decided to wait. At 7:59 (like clockwork), the notice of our table being ready was sent. The hostess seated us and again, I wasn't optimistic of what would occur during the visit. The server that greeted us was GREAT!!! We ordered SEVERAL appetizers and drinks and all were AMAZING - (the grilled avocado with the shrimp was worth the trip alone). For dinner we ordered Peking Duck and Ribeye Steak Salads (and more drinks). Both were amazing. And while the desserts looked divine, there was absolutely no room. We were impressed with the old Beauty Shop decor - it really was a conversation piece. It's small and quaint and we had a lovely chat with the patrons alongside us. The food and service EXCELLENT! I'm glad that I didn't follow my first inclination to leave (because of the hostess and the "curt" demeanor). On a high note, I did notice the hostess being very gracious to the others that she encountered. Maybe it was my cologne - not everyone likes to smell YSL ‍.

    Photos
    Beauty Shop Restaurant
    Steak & Eggs
    Steak & Eggs
    Chilequiles with Carnitas

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    Chilequiles with Carnitas
    Swamp Bar

    Swamp Bar

    4.2
    (49 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    We came on a Saturday right at opening (5 PM) and people were already posted up at the bar--which…read moretells you everything you need to know. The bar itself is intimate with about 8 seats, so get there early if you want one. From the outside, the place looks like a literal house, but once you step inside it's a whole vibe: low lighting, great music, and nonstop food and drinks flowing. The bartenders were amazing--friendly, attentive, and clearly know what they're doing. We ordered wings, fries, Brussels sprouts, and spring rolls, plus a spicy margarita and French 75s. Every single thing hit. The food came out quick, fresh, and piping hot, and the drinks were perfectly balanced. By the time we left around 7 PM, the place was completely packed. This spot fills up fast for a reason. Can't wait to come back and work our way through more of the menu. Highly recommend--this is a must-visit.

    Swamp Bar has the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. The vibe is great, there…read moreis plenty of seating, and the inside DJ keeps the energy going. One suggestion: the front patio could really benefit from some music. Even a low-volume speaker tied into the DJ's system would help create the same experience outside without disturbing the neighborhood. The biggest challenge is parking. Street parking is risky, and several visitors have learned the hard way that tickets are easy to get. Save yourself the headache and use the parking garage across the street for about $4. It's worth it compared to a $25 parking ticket. Unfortunately, service was the weakest part of the experience. The staff appeared overworked, overwhelmed, and likely short-staffed. While that is understandable, the customer experience suffered. There was very little interaction from greeters, servers, or bartenders. Guests are instructed to wait to be seated, but there was little guidance, communication, or assistance. Long waits and a lack of acknowledgment made the visit frustrating. Food was mixed. The wings and fries were excellent--so good they disappeared before there was time to take a picture. The spring rolls, however, were under-seasoned, slightly overcooked, and only two come with an order, which felt disappointing for the price. The dipping sauces helped, but the filling could have used more flavor. The standout of the night was the Smash It cocktail. Made with Suntory Toki whiskey, basil, lemon, simple syrup, and an absinthe rinse, it was refreshing, balanced, and absolutely delicious. Easily the highlight of the visit. Would I return? Yes. But next time I'll go with adjusted expectations: eat beforehand, enjoy the atmosphere, grab a cocktail, and consider anything else a bonus. Pro Tips: Order the Smash It cocktail. The wings and fries are worth trying. Park in the garage across the street. Don't expect fast service during busy times. If you're hungry, have a snack before you arrive. Great atmosphere and cocktails, but service and parking keep it from reaching its full potential. With better staffing and a little more attention to guests, this place could easily be a 5-star experience.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Spicy margs and fries
    Spicy margs and fries
    Bar

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    Bar
    La Roche Lebanese Cuisine

    La Roche Lebanese Cuisine

    4.7
    (66 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We eat at La Roche regularly. We live in the neighborhood and stop in more than once a month. Every…read moretime, we love it. The vegan platter is delicious and a great way to try everything. My husband gets the platter with all the kinds of meat and loves it.

    It's been some time since I've had the pleasure of eating here but I had some time today for lunch…read more It was a beautiful day so I dined al fresco and enjoyed the weather. The restaurant is beautiful and relaxing inside. The staff were amazing and pleasant. I had been thinking about that wonderful spicy bread and had planned on ordering more to take home with me. I ordered the Kafta Kabob and the mint lemonade. The lemonade was so good and refreshing. My meal was good but the bread and rice was different. Instead of that delicious flavor on the inside of the bread it was split open and hard like a cracker. The spice wasn't there and the rice was also not as flavorful. I know some restaurants are having a difficult time keeping staff and maybe the cook is not as experienced, or maybe the head cook was off that day, or maybe they have to cut costs and instead of serving a full piece of bread with that lovely spice inside of it, they now have to split it in order to cut cost. I will show Grace because the rest of the food was good and I would recommend this place. I will return again and Just Maybe they will be serving that Good Bread! Let's Hope So!

    Photos
    Hot mint tea
    Hot mint tea
    La Roche Lebanese Cuisine
    La Roche Lebanese Cuisine

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    Babalu

    Babalu

    4.2
    (903 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Babalu continues to be one of my favorite spots in Memphis. Every visit reminds me why I keep…read morecoming back. Great food, creative cocktails, and a staff that goes the extra mile. The lamb sliders remain my go-to. They're consistently juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly every time. Paired with the crispy fries, it's a meal that never disappoints. This visit, I ordered a Sidecar, but the bartender didn't have every ingredient needed for the traditional recipe. Instead of saying no, they created their own twist--and it was absolutely delicious. Sometimes improvisation pays off, and this cocktail was proof. The salmon was also excellent. I ordered it prepared the original way instead of the new menu version that includes Brussels sprouts, and it was exactly what I was craving. One of the highlights of the visit was an unexpected surprise from our waiter, who brought us a sample of their avocado ice cream. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was creamy, smooth, and surprisingly delicious. It was a thoughtful gesture that added to an already great dining experience. The only disappointment? They no longer offer the flight sampler. I was genuinely sad to see it gone because it was one of my favorite ways to experience several menu items in one visit. Overall, Babalu continues to deliver excellent food, attentive service, and outstanding drinks. Even with the flight no longer available, it's still one of my top recommendations in Memphis. 5/5 Stars - Consistent quality, excellent hospitality, and a place I'll gladly keep returning to.

    I enjoyed the Galentine event. We had an amazing time on the patio. The Playlist was bomb, the…read morehosts were fabulous and the experience was a 10/10. I loved that they allowed us to also serve as mixologist if you had a ticket under your seat (which i did). The Tickets are $40+ tax and gratuity and I felt there were very reasonable. The menu for the event included Three specialty cocktails Love Potion #9: Single Barrel Corazon Reposado Tequila, peach brandy, Kim Crawford Prosecco, blood orange, strawberry, agave Spicy Peach Margarita: peach, jalapeño, tequila, TAJÍN® Chamoy rim The Hype Man: Single Barrel Corazon Reposado Tequila, Cazadores Cafe Liqueur, Rumchata served in a chocolate chip cookie shot cup. Each cocktail included a small bite which were Lamb Sliders, Carne Asada Bowls, and Avocado Ice Cream.

    Photos
    Fundraiser at Babalu
    Fundraiser at Babalu
    Lamb sliders
    Lamb sliders
    Hype Man and Old Fashioned cocktails

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    Hype Man and Old Fashioned cocktails
    McEwen's Memphis

    McEwen's Memphis

    4.4
    (663 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Service was excellent, food was fantastic. I had a cup of loaded potato soup, and I could not…read moreshovel it into my mouth fast enough. Also had the Tuna and jungle of greens, friend had the Salmon, and both were great. It is placed in a cool older building, with a nice selection at the bar.

    This place was very interesting to me. The look and vibe of it was very nice. It is a more upscale…read morerestaurant which is always nice for a special evening out. The food however was honestly meh (in my opinion). I got a creole dish and to be fair my dish looked beautiful. The plating was 10/10 but the taste for me left something to be desired. After eating this dish I questioned if I even like creole sauce because it really just wasn't that good. If this is a preference issue, I honestly don't know. I also thought the charcuterie appetizer had a weird mix of items on it from club crackers, to meat and cheese, and random veggies. Not bad but just kind of a weird mix. My husband ordered the salmon and he said it was good, not the best he's had but it was good. Other friends of ours got the white fish among the many other dishes. I did have a salad with these apples on it which was incredibly yummy. I will say though my dish looked amazing some of the other dishes were not plated well. Not to nitpick but to want to be considered a more upscale restaurant which means charging guest more money than say a local Applebee's then knowing how to appropriately garnish or drizzle sauce to elevate at plate is important (see my picture of the chicken dish). All and all not my favorite restaurant but definitely not the worst!!

    Photos
    McEwen's Memphis
    Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!
    Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!
    Complimentary biscuit

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    Complimentary biscuit

    Imagine Vegan Cafe - vegan - Updated July 2026

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