Yes please open. Chocolate ice cream and tamales needed. I miss the snow ice. I miss seeing happy customers wait for ready to order food and goodies. read more

It's hard to classify the Sweden Kream. It would be wrong to call it a burger joint, because they also serve hot wings, tamales, breakfast, ice cream, shakes, and snow cones. The menu is taped to the window, and over the years, various items have been added to it on neon poster board. All of the lettering and art (including a giant mouth licking a chicken wing) are hand-painted. The place looks like it's been open since man first realized that snow cones and burgers are necessary to surviving summer in the South. Despite having a small dining room, it's not exactly a restaurant, either. You place your order at a window, then stand around and wait for the window to open and your initials to be called. It took about 20 minutes for the woman inside to yell my initials and stick a paper bag and cup through the window. I got the cheeseburger combo, which came with a juicy, greasy cheeseburger, some old-school crinkle cut fries and the best chocolate shake I've ever had. Its simplicity was amazing - there were no superfluous toppings, just plenty of creamy chocolate goodness. The Sweden Kream is located in North Memphis, on National. It looks a little sketchy, but it's not bad. It's open Monday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. When I was there around lunchtime, it was busy, but not overly crowded. As the summer goes on, though, I could see the lines for snow cones and milkshakes getting long. If you're not into waiting, you can call in your order. read more

Sweden Kream - the Sweden Kream - Burgers Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This is an incredible burger indeed. And an incredible value. I usually don't expect exceptional quality and exceptional value at the same time, but that's exactly what this was. This is worthy of five stars all day long! I grew up in Memphis and remember coming here for ice cream. Especially after the expressway took the baskin robins out. (it was closer to our home) I never once in all my life thought I could come here for lunch. The very thought of it makes me think of dairy queen. I'll pass. What finally brought me in here was a recent yelp review by Shane. I trust his opinion and thank goodness I did! He knows his stuff! I cannot provide a description of the history and atmosphere as well as the others have already done. I will say the girl inside was extremely helpful and polite and I felt that she truly appreciated the opportunity to serve me. I'm not sure if she was flying solo, but I didn't see anyone else. It was super quiet in there. I could have taken a nap. It reminded me of a small country store. It felt slow and relaxed and miles away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It was 2:00 Wednesday afternoon by the way with three other customers waiting. There are three tables, but this is mostly a carry out place. As others mentioned, it takes a crazy long time to wait on the cook, so call ahead. I came here expecting a good burger, but I wasn't expecting one as good as I got! And it was super cheap. I ordered a double with mayo, lettuce, onion, and cheese. That's how I like it. Not too messy. What I got felt like it weighed a pound. It had lots of flavor. I ate it on the road and I had no trouble getting it in my belly without making a mess. Its only 6 something for a double cheese!! Instead of the same same for a side,I decided to try a chicken tamales. It was gone in three bites, and it was delicious! They are small, but well worth the buck I was charged. I could probably eat about 7 or 8 of them. This is one of the best milkshakes I've had too. I know it was made with real ice cream because I noticed the soft serve machine was disassembled for cleaning. I had chocolate with chopped up cherries. They were just the right size to get that little crunch without being big enough to get stuck in the straw. It was a lot cheaper than a fast food shake made from soft serve out of a bag! Now, when I spend ten bucks for lunch,I expect to get full. I feel ripped off if I leave hungry, because I'm not gonna keep shelling my hard earned money at you just because you didn't feed me enough the first time. So usually if i don't eat enough its too bad, so sad for me until suppertime. Friends,I tell you it was a struggle for me to finish that burger. I did eat one tamales, but that was a lot smaller than say a portion of fries. I think a regular burger and fries would have done me in, and without a drink I may be at around $6.00. What's different here is that my ten bucks got me a burger that was truly worthy of being served in any restaurant of your choice, a real chocolate milkshake, and to top it off, a little Mexican snack! Well done Sweden Kream and thanks again Shane! 5/12/16. Grilled chicken sandwich, smoked sausage, milkshake and tax for $10.54. Outstanding value and quality. Lunch took about an hour. They are slow as Christmas. Order ahead. The food sure made up for the wait though and I was not in the least upset. You better bet I'll be back. read more

See all

Ok all you wanna be burger stands... gtfootw! The best burger I have ever had! At 55... i have eaten alot of them. Its not in a fashion district by all means but its soooo gooood. Fresh bread, tasty beef, yum pickles... the juice runs down your arm. Skip cheese, dont need it. it is a dive, u got no where to sit, could use a power wash and new sign...trust me... this is the real deal. You gotta go where locals roam! read more

See all

I've been coming to Memphis for years and finally made it here. Its a takeout window joint but one tiny walk in alcove. The counterperson does it all. I ordered a cheeseburger with everything, some delta tamales and some chili. Tamales and chili were decent but the burger was heavenly. Great fresh beefy taste although maybe next time ill skip the tomato for more structural integrity. read more

See all

My 4 out of 5 stars is solely based on the "look," cleanliness, location, and wait time. Otherwise...the food...a 5!!! I graduated from University of Memphis and left Memphis in 2000 (never heading back because I was not a huge fan of the city), and I visited Sweden Kream /Hardaway's Lip Smacking wings often after class. For 18 years, I've told people about these indescribable wings I use to get in Memphis. After years of talking, I was curious if these wings were just a golden unicorn in my mind...simply...NOPE! With hickory hot sauce running down my fingers, chin, and lips, I just wanted to drink the extra sauce in my to-go container. The wings were fried crispy and drenched in Hardaway's very own hickory sauce...freaking amazing. I'm licking my lips just thinking about them. When I was finished with my wings, the perfectly cooked crinkle French fries went right in the leftover sauce...yum. My husband got a famous cheeseburger. Not being a burger fan, I'm not an expert. My husband all-time favorite burger is In-N-Out Burger and then some joint in New Jersey, he said Sweden Kream's was up there...2nd or 3rd and definitely better than any place in Louisville (Shady Lane being his favorite in Louisville). So, ate there Tuesday on my husband's business trip and had to go back Thursday for lunch. So so so good. Oh, and they have a great chocolate cake sundae. Great food! Nice staff! Good prices. read more

Sweden Kream - Burgers Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Be prepared for a long wait! I tried this place because it was in a local article about ice cream places in Memphis. I ordered a chocolate malt and a cheeseburger. I was disappointed by the chocolate malt, it wasn't good, maybe I should have just tried the vanilla. The cheeseburger was one of the best that I have ever had though. There was only one person in front of me (who told me they waited about a hour) & I waited a ridiculous amount of time for 2 items. The person I got my order from apologized & said they had a lot of call in orders but I didn't see anyone picking up orders. read more

See all

They cook each order fresh. It is quite small most people order and wait in their vehicles. The burgers are quite flavorful. The fries need salt or purchase the seasoned fries. The ice cream cone was a large size. There is a surcharge for using a credit card. read more

This is one of those rare finds in the city and a place you will totally miss unless you know that it is there--no frills and all about the nostalgia! Sweden Kream has a variety of cold treats such as shakes, ice cream, snow cones and popsicles. However, I went for the burger--it was on some list that I saw as one of the best burgers in the city. I must say that the burgers are very good! A sweet bun and filled with the traditional condiments, it is messy, juicy and delicious. Yes there are a couple of better burgers in the city, but this is a place of nostalgia and I cannot help to wonder with this place was like when this part of town was bustling and hustling. Don't go just to compare this to other places, but go and enjoy the experience and have a great burger or ice cream treat. This is one of those places that should be experienced by everyone. read more

Maybe the hot summer days of the early 1940s (before air conditioning) helped to fuel the demand for cool treats by visitors to nearby National Cemetery. Perhaps from this crucible of a lost America, we can imagine the birth of the strangely named "Sweden Kream". This quaint little place may be one of the most unique and enduring food stops in Memphis. Set in a neighborhood that is as eclectic as the tiny eatery's menu, Sweden Kream appears to be a colorful specter from bygone days. It is reported to be older than the homes surrounding it, dating back to 1940. Perhaps this is why the current owner, Terry Hardaway, i known to produce the best "old fashioned" burgers in the city. Even so, it is difficult not to compare this place with Jerry's Sno Cones, so I will just go on record as haing a preference for Jerry's burgers, even though the Sweden Kream cheeseburger does boast some superior aspects. As to the most important element, the quality of the meat, I feel Jerry's wins with the ground beef coming from Charlie's Meat Market on Summer (best in town, IMHO). Better cheese too. But not to be found a distant second, Sweden Kream fries their unique hand "shaped" 1/3 pound patty until the edges are crispy, then butters the buns and grills them to crisp perfection in the beef fat which glistens off the griddle. The SK burger with everything on it is loaded with more than the bun can contain, even though the assembly order of condiments is well thought out and balanced. A sloppy delight which becomes moreso with every passing bite. The fries are simply an earthy treat, with a crispiness which surpasses Jerry's best effort. The Sno cone is a bit icier that Jerry's and consequently the flavors aren't as intense. I also tried the chocolate soft serve ice ceam and it seemed like it had more cocoa than Jerry's, but sadly the SK attempt at a "Supreme" fell short of the storied greatness offered by their competitor. Lastly, the prices at Sweden Kream were better than those offered by Jerry's and this could be a reason SK still does a brisk business in an area that is a bit edgier and likely has a lower income than that which surrounds Jerry's. In conclusion, if you like Jerry's, you will likely enjoy Sweden Kream...especially so if you have an appreciation for the longevity of unique urban landmarks which offer equally unique experiences for those willing to embrace the possibility. read more

I'm writing this review right after writing one for Jerry's Sno Cones...guess I'm in an ice cream state of mind. The reason I bring up Jerry's is that these two operations are very similar in concept and execution. Both are drive-ups and both serve sandwich type meals as well as ice cream and shaved ice. And both are in parts of town that not everyone is comfortable hanging out in - though Sweden Kream's location has a greater potential for nastiness than Jerry's (my opinion only). We were talking about Jerry's at work and someone mentioned that they have always enjoyed SK. So...I tried it. Yuck. My guest had a shaved ice and ice cream combo that could not be finished (got about 1/4 of the way through it). I tasted it and it was bad. I ordered an ice cream and Oreo Cookie mix and though it was okay, it was just that, okay. Had we experienced any kind of friendly or professional or prompt service I might have been tempted to give SK an extra star or two. But, as you can see by my rating, that didn't happen. Won't be going back unless someone else needs the experience. read more

Sweden Kream's burgers are truly one of a kind. I recently relocated to the DC area & when I do return back home to Memphis, SK is the first place I visit. I have never tasted a burger quiet like this. Not only are the burgers delicious, so are the wings. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My summer favorite is a wedding cake/ blue raspberry Hawaiian shaved. Expect to wait because the food is made to order. The wait is so worth it & the prices are very reasonable. read more

I haven't eaten at this place since the mid to late 80s as a child and I have to say they have the best cheeseburger around. Maybe the best one I've ever had! read more

I had a girlfriend that worked here back in high school so I ate here a lot back then. Drove by and got a burger and lord have mercy it's an awesome one. One of the best. It wasn't this good back in high school. read more

The food is awesome, but the wait is HORRIBLE!! We have called in multiple times and STILL waited an hour after arriving to get food‼ What is the point of accepting call ins if you will have people waiting - defeats the purpose! read more

A fine example of the classic "drive in" burger. They are not friends with the American Heart Association! If you feel up for a challenge, get the double. You will not be sorry! read more

This isnt fast food its good food. Fresh, burgers are juicy thick and have a good taste. The grill has def been seasoned over time. Def take the drive to this little place. Its def worth it. read more

This place is the bomb! A friend told me about it and I was in the area and decided to stop for lunch. This is in the National Cemetary, (Nutbush) area. It is a hole in the wall, old time hamburger joint with two windows to walk up to and place your order. I approached one of the windows and could not find anyone around. I ended up going inside and there are two plastic tables in there where you can dine or place your order. Someone came out, I placed my order, double cheeseburger, and sat on a bench and waited. Everything is made to order so there is a wait, about 15 minutes in this case. I could not believe how big this burger is for $5. I literally could not get my mouth over the burger. They also offer a triple! Anyway one of those out of the way cool places in the hood that only the locals know about. Check it out. read more

I must admit it had been years since I last ate at Sweden Kream but I used to eat here often. Never had anything bad. Ice cream, burgers, wings, all good. Not the best part of town. read more

Best tasting food in town, cooked on the spot so be patient. Keep doing your thang Sweden Kream.

A hole in the wall on National. Don't be fooled. Great hamburgers made to order and great milkshakes made from scratch. You won't be disappointed. read more

Not only great burgers, but super wings as well. Also try the ice cream hot fudge cake - tastes just like the one Shoney's used to make.

When ever I am in town i have to get one of those JUICY BURGERS,It remind me of the way my Grandmom use to make them . It just a TASTY MEMORY.Keep up the GOOD work ,hope to be back this Spring... read more