The customer service was excellent from the staff minus the 50 minute wait for dressing after being told it would take 20 minutes. After waiting 50 minutes, the chicken breast was so dry and tough. But the dressing was good. The order of the 3 chicken wings were really good!!! Besides the fried chicken, the greens were also good. I would definitely recommend others to try those two items. But the caramel cake tasted like it was made days ago and the yams were so terrible I threw them away. read more

Memphis Soul - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

This place is awesome. The service is efficient. My order is ready upon arrival. The food is tasty and consistent on every trip.

Popped by close to closing time on our last night in Memphis. The gentlemen treated us like royalty despite being the only 2 guests in the place. Every.Single.Thing. was delectable! My catfish was perfectly seasoned and light. The greens were tasty and not overpowering. Just delicious food. But what really made our experience great was the total hospitality of the owner and co-owner. We loved getting Memphis history and chatting with them for over an hour after we finished eating. We look forward to returning on our next visit! read more

Passing through Memphis on my road trip back to Tampa. Wanted some good soul food before I left. Tried Memphis soul because it was right next to my hotel and man it did not disappoint. I got the oxtail platter with Mac and greens. It smacked! Everything was seasoned well and was fresh! Highly recommended read more

I been wanting to try this place for the last 4 weeks. I tried several times (3 times to be exact), but they were never open because of cooks not showing up. I lucked up today. I came around 2:25pm and they were OPEN. Extremely excited. I informed the cashier about my last few experience and he informed me that the times had been fluctuation in the hours. Prices are semi-pricey. For an example, one pork chop is $9.99 and sides are $3. An pork chop plate with two side and bread is $17.98. One pork on that plate. I order a fried pork chop, Mac And cheese (only to find out they were sold out) Lima beans and caramel cake (sold out as well) lemon cake. All fried food is cool to order. Food was fresh. The pork chop was good except I wouldn't consider it fried because it had no batter. It was more a grilled pork chop, Lima beans were over season with salt and the lemon cake wasn't fresh. It wasn't stale, but you can tell it wasn't freshly. The cashier seem to be cool as well because he would take the orders and go cook the orders in the back. read more

Memphis Soul - Fried Pork Chop, Lima Bean. Lemon Lemon Glazed Pound Cake - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

I've learned that asking locals for personal recommendations is often much better than trusting the tourism website or paid advertising circulars. In this case, it was my inquiry of a passing public safety officer that led us to the divine meal we had at Memphis Soul! Walking into this colorful restaurant and up to the counter to order, we had a feeling we were onto something special. The fried chicken thigh was a perfect combination of tender chicken and crispy coating. The shrimp and grits are cooked in the most mouthwatering, multidimensional sauce. When I went back up to the counter to ask if it would be possible to get a teeny bit more of the sauce, I was disappointed (but not surprised) to learn we already had all the sauce that was cooked with the order. But imagine our shock when Chef Cortez later came by our table with a fresh batch of sauce that he made just for us, apologizing that it might taste a bit different because it hadn't been cooked with the shrimp. Different, yes, but amazing nonetheless - we were thrilled to be able to add it to what remained of our dish. Buttermilk cornbread muffins were also out of this world - so much so that our daughter told the chef they were the best she'd ever had, but then he told us he had something even better, and brought an order of sweet potato cornbread muffins that made us think we had died and gone to soul food heaven. Will gladly come back for another meal here the next time we get to Memphis! read more

TRIPLE TO LEFT FIELD TO DRIVE IN A RUN! This place is bonafide soul food joint my friend. What a great find in the heart of downtown. I grabbed lunch today with my brother in law who was in town from Texas. I've never been here, but since starting a new job downtown several months ago I've heard about it and wanted to check it out. The atmosphere is nice - colorful and simple with some great soft music playing in the background. The guy at the counter is off the chain cool - exceptional service and politeness along with being very engaging (he explained the origin of the half lemonade/half tea drink called the Obama). There are a truckload of choices on the menu - everything is a la cart. Lots of meats, tons of veggies, and several specialty items like sweet potato cornbread muffins (to die for!!). I had the smothered grilled chicken which was top shelf. Smothered in a light gravy the chicken breast was cooked to perfection - tender and juicy. For sides I had the butter beans and green beans and they were delicious! Great seasoning and well prepared. I had some fried okra as well which was killer! I can't wait to go back and try some more items. This is a great restaurant! read more

The Fried pork chop was amazing. The dressing was amazing. The lima beans and cabbage were average but well seasoned. The service was quick and the staff was friendly. read more

Memphis Soul - Pork chop, lima beans, dressing, and cabbage - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My husband and I were passing through Memphis headed back to Austin, TX. We randomly noticed the 99cent Soul Food Express and decided to pop. We figured it had to be good since we were in Memphis. When we got there they had just opened. Everything was fresh an ready to be served so we basically got everything, lol. We didn't plan on getting so many sides but when they're that cheap it's hard to resist to want to try everything. I got the meatloaf and my husband got the grilled chicken, we loved both. We also got the mac and cheese, stuffing, cornbread, black eyed peas, cabbage and one or two more things I can't remember and all of it was delicious. And their Obama drink is what's up. I can tell when the place is full and filled with a bunch of regulars that it's a chill spot where people can vibe and hang out. read more

Awesome food, the peach cobbler is to die for. We just happened to be walking by this diamond in the rough and glad we stopped in. Very friendly staff. Prices are on point read more

Memphis Soul - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Walked and welcomed right away. Had fried chicken wings which were very good. Fab vibe with fab music: soul of course! read more

Absolutely amazing - if you are in Memphis, this is where you need to be! All the sides are 99 cent and taste like a loving Thanksgiving meal. Strongly recommend Mac and cheese, fried chicken, yellow rice, and sweet potato cornbread read more

We love this restaurant. Everything from the service to the food is amazing! I've never been disappointed and the owner will brighten anyone's day. I wish I still worked downtown so I could have these veggies daily. Highly recommend this deliciousness to every resident and visitor to Memphis. read more

Memphis Soul - Smoked Southern fried pork chop, Mac & cheese, mixed greens (my favorite!) - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Oh my gosh, I've been meaning to write this review for a hot minute but finally just getting around to it! I visited Memphis a month or so ago, and needed to have a super quick, like 10 minute lunch! 99cents has cafeteria style southern soul food and boy, it is tasty! I had the chicken and two sides. Honestly the chicken wasn't great, perhaps because it had already been cooked and was just in a hot pan to keep it warm. This resulted in a bit of soggy chicken, wasn't bad but in a town like Memphis it didnt really compare. On the other hand, I did eat the best boiled cabbage I've ever had in my whole life! Not sure what spices were used, but I definitely could've ate a whole pan of it! I probably wouldn't come here again when in Memphis, just due to the tons of great soul food options, but it was quick and speedy and just what I needed at the time! read more

I ordered on November 10th a complete Thanksgiving meal for 8-10 people. Total cost spent $433.90. I was told the food would ready for pickup on Wed. 11.24.21 @ 3pm. They called around 2:30pm and told me to pick up @ 6pm. It is now 7:25pm and freezing we are standing outside with several and still no food. I will no longer support this establishment neither will I NOT recommend!! read more

Please don't waste your time dealing with businesses that don't appreciate customers nor have the basic professionalism and courteousness. I placed an online order for takeout, arrived at the resturant 15 mins later and properly checked in to pick up the order. Was told to have seat and they will be right with me. After another 15 mins, decided to check in again to see if the order was ready. Now I was told the resturant didn't have the order and they were not sure how the order was placed. After the resturant searched and found the order, I was told the order was going to be started right now. That part is partially understandable, however, my question is why didn't someone tell me 15 mins ago when I checked in that the restaurant did not have my order? The response I received from a restaurant employee was, "I did tell 'him' that you placed an online order." At this point, "him" a second restaurant employee starts to explain what had already happened. Okay, so I asked my question again to the second restaurant employee and this time, the first person starts to answer. So I ask, wait, which person should I talk to? I only want to speak to one person. Now, this first person tells me I need to lower my voice. Really? If a customer can't ask a question without being told they need to lower their voice, there is a bigger issue at this restaurant. Lastly, don't address customers/people personally, address the business transaction issue, which is clear in this instance ... a customer waited roughly 30 minutes before being told that their order wasn't received, and to add insult to injury, the resturant employee makes a judgment that the customer needs to lower his voice. That is when, I just turned around and walked straight out of that restaurant. Never mind the food nor the money. Its just not worth the unprofessionalism just to order food. I will never step foot back in that business ever again, and neither should you! read more

Food is amazing. Mostly made to order! The fish was incredible, and real mashed potatoes.

Food was delicious and the staff were wonderful! It felt like we were in someone's home eating recipes that had been handed down for generations! Exactly the type of experience we were hoping for in Memphis. read more

OMG !! They need one of theses everywhere. All of there vegetables are vegan prepared... and delicious...... oh yeah and 99 cents. So you get more than your money's worth here. Except for the wings that are 6$ for 3. I couldn't fade the 2$ a wing. I chose the 99 cent leg..... and Lordt were those some obese legs. Great spot overall. read more

Neat spot with more to offer than you expect! Live Band downstairs to accompany your soul food selections. I went on a Sunday afternoon. Not sure what other days they offer the live music. I had the fried chicken yams greens & Macaroni & Cheese. Yams were a little too sweet for me, but the rest of the meal was on point. Excellent Service. I'll definitely be back! read more

Memphis Soul - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

It's a three ring circus. No manager on duty, and none of the employees seem to care about anything or understand what they're even doing... I can't imagine that the food is decent because of the degree of incompetence (we just had to walk out after standing in line forever). Just go here if you like standing up for 45 minutes waiting to order your food in the heat because they don't have an air conditioner that functions. The sign on the door brags it's locally owned... In this case it gives "locally owned" a bad name. It's called 99 cent express but it's normal downtown prices and as slow as can be. read more

After 5 hours at the Civil Rights Museum digging deep, we found ourselves walking around Memphis and hungry. This place came highly recommended by our hotel security. I was not disappointed! Service was friendly, food was amazing, and my only regret is I live on the other side of the country and will forever crave food from here! I split sides so I could try more, we had: fried chicken because it's fried chicken at a soul food establishment, rice, macaroni, collard greens, fried okra, and mashed potatoes. I would absolutely get all of these things again. Nothing disappointed. I did order cornbread but I didn't get it and I didn't even notice. I was busy enjoying everything!! Much love to 99 cent soul food and crew! Please send me chicken and fried okra!!! read more

I ate here as a lunch option for a workshop I was taking at the Civil Rights Museum, just around the corner. We came in as a swarm, but were warmly welcomed by the gentleman who I assumed was the owner. Sides are priced at 99¢ each for the most part, with some primo sides at $1.99. Meats start at $4.99 for baked chicken and go up to $8.99 or $9.99 for fish. It's build your own plate and everything is separate. This is great for people like me, who don't eat a whole bunch or only want veggies. My only complaints is that there is a lot of waste as they use styrofoam everything. read more

Came across this place while waiting for the trolley...didn't go in..had to go get car...but I came back....The greeting when you walk in the door..the smell of great food...foreigners drop off your local currency help the gentleman travel the world! read more

See all

I Wish I Could Give This Place 0 Stars. Food Took Extremely Long, Chicken Had No Flavor, Mac&Cheese Was Salty. Never Coming Back To This Place! Please Don't Waste Your Money! read more

Husband, Sister, Mom,Son and I went here for dinner after church one Sunday evening. I ordered fried catfish, macaroni and collard greens with corn bread muffins. Husband had fried chicken, yams and green beans. Mom&Sister had fried gravy smothered pork chops and rice. The appearance of the restaurant was like a hole n the wall with walk up order. Chalk board menu on wall cold be a little clearer to read but we managed. We were offered to eat in another area at the time no seats were available. The area looked more like a basement thankfully some customers were headed out after dinning. Great hot food and pleasant service. Tables would work if rearranged. read more

If no stars were possible, that is what it would be. This was like the worst food ever. 99 cents for half serving sides. Two of my sides tastes old and fermented. You get what you pay for as the saying goes. read more

I came here on my birthday for lunch with my mom. Now the flavor of the food was great. I loved it. I will return. However, the 99 cent part is not entirely true. You pay for your entree and then you pay for your vegetable side for 99 cents each or a premium side for 1.99. Let's say that this can add up fast and a normal plate lunch which consist of 1 entree, 2 sides and a bread could cost you more than $10. Outside of the pricing, the food was very yummy. read more

Happened to step into this place and I was recommended a sweet potato cornbread muffin. It was the bomb!

Even though this place has glowing reviews on Yelp, I hadn't had the chance to make it out here yet until walking past it this Sunday morning by accident. It's pretty unassuming on the inside and it's not too busy (compared to, say, the Arcade Restaurant, which had lines out the door around the same time) which makes you kinda wonder why? I had read somewhere on Yelp that this place was 'buffet-style', which it is, kinda, but it's not really, at least not like Panda Express style where they have labels for everything on a glass bar. They have a menu that has all the items listed, and you just pick and choose. So don't be like me and come in all confused about how to order - just look at the menu and pick and choose what you want like you would at McDonald's tbh. I ordered a fried chicken breast ($3.99) and fried okra ($0.99). I kinda wish there were more okra - there were only like, 10-15 pieces? I think they could have been more generous. But - the chicken! If it weren't the chicken, I would have given 99 Cent Soul Food Express a solid 2.5 - but this chicken breast is huge, and it's a BONELESS fried chicken breast! I love bone-in chicken breast too, but there's something to be said about not having to pull bones out when you're eating, and I definitely have friends that loathe bones in chicken. The chicken was so good, and was the sole reason why I'd come back and give this place another shot, because there's also so many things I haven't tried yet - their menu is really extensive. read more

Food was great but service could use some work, same worker manning the food and register and fulfilling orders...unfortunately saw multiple customers walk out because the line was getting long and he couldn't keep up. Food was everything we were looking for! Tasted Like mom's home cooked meal, awesome fried okra and Mac and cheese, fried chicken was hot and made to order, best fried pork chop ever--super tender and well seasoned read more

Now I must say I was more skeptical than intrigued about this place initially. Mainly because when you hear something like "99 cents" you immediately begin to think of what the quality of product could be. But after hearing a couple of exceptional reviews I decided that I needed to do my own research, and walking in the door was all it took. They set the tone with an extremely knowledgeable and hospitable staff (something I always look for and appreciate), and then you jump immediately into the ordering process which is cafeteria style. That's when I found out that you pick an entree, and that the sides are the actual 99 cents items. They have some delicious offerings and will definitely be a future part of my downtown lunch break rotation. read more

Great selection and very tasty - the prices of sides could add up, but the food was delicious overall. Seating is currently set up for social distancing, so it's limited inside if you're looking to eat-in. read more

See all

As I was walking by two people came and said how good the food was. We were checking the place out after going by Lorraine Hotel. I had fish that was perfectly seasoned and fried. I also tried a piece of chicken and was soo good. Mac n cheese was also a hit! The Obama tea was good. I can't remember what the husband ate but he said if this place was at home he would be there twice a week! I wish I could go today but I'm back in California. Congrats on the restaurant! You guys gave great service as well. I sure wish the mash potatoes had not run out as I was in line. read more

This IS THE best place ever. The food is fresh and taste amazing. The inside decor is great. The owner is so polite. I had a chicken leg, green beans and dressing. Yum! Hot sauce already on the table. read more

Memphis Soul - Soul Food Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

One pleased pregnant woman! I sent my husband and his cousin to the Grizzlies vs Lakers game and asked that they simply bring me back some oxtails. Luckily he called ahead and said that the guy told him that he would wait for them to get there before he closed for the day as the rain had cleared most of the clientele. When he got home with the food, it was packed with care as to not leak or touch (some pregnant women can be difficult when it comes to food), but although I was wondering why my food wasn't together it all made sense to me once my husband explained that the man just didn't want to upset me. To me, that customer service alone won me over. As for the food, it had an excellent taste and definitely satisfied my craving for oxtails with rice and beans! They were tender and seasoned just right. Thanks for giving me another go to restaurant when I travel to Memphis! read more

99¢ Soul Food Express is the best meal I have enjoyed in sometime. The greens were the perfect texture and seasoned to perfection. The fried chicken wings were superb! They were not dry at all and they were the size of a small turkey wing! Do you mouth a favor and check them out next time you are in downtown Memphis!!! read more

Finally went here for the first time yesterday. Al I got was yams, mixed greens, and mashed potatoes with gravy and two cornbread muffins. EVERYTHING WAS FIRE. Like if you want some good down home cookin this is IT! Can't wait to try more ... read more

I'm almost sure that I will find some good food while in Memphis.... but this isn't it!! And what's with the 99 cent in the establishments name?? There's only 4 or 5 menu items that's 99 cents. Now about my experience.... I had a 3 piece wing meal. About 6.99 for 3 pieces of chicken and you have to buy all the sides separately. Lol. Anywho, with my chicken I also had mashed potatoes and corn. Pretty simple. The mash was good. Corn taste over cooked. Maybe it sat on the steam table waaaay too long. The chicken tasted like it was smoked. But it was fried chicken. Weird. They had little to no AC and there was about 25-30 people crammed into this very small restaurant. Had to get my food to go because it was just so hot in there. But the staff were great!! read more

Food was excellent! We were visiting Memphis over the weekend and stumbled upon this restaurant and it was delicious. The gentleman that took our order was pleasant and gave plenty of food for our buck. I highly recommend this place for authentic soul food. read more