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Itta Bena at B.B. King's Reviews List
Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Located on the third floor of B.B. King's Blues Club overlooking historic Beale Street you will find Itta Bena "A unique delta experience". Whether entering from our private Second Street entrance via our valet service or walking through the secret hall from inside B.B. King's Blues Club, Itta Bena is sure to capture your senses. Modeled after the speakeasies from the 1920's, you are a true VIP as a friendly member of our staff escorts you to the third floor. The experience is further heightened when you step inside and find yourself surrounded by rich wood floors, vaulted ceilings, deep golden hued chandeliers and the faint sound of the bustling street below. Touching all the senses, we enrich your evening by offering a delta inspired menu of robust flavors and clean presentation. Itta Bena is a complete overwhelming of the senses that you must experience for yourself.
See more Itta Bena at B.B. King's details
60 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 60 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- romantic(34)
- special occasion(34)
- neighborhood gem(20)
- fit for foodies(19)
- good for groups(16)
- scenic view(15)
Itta Bena at B.B. King's Reviews List
Review 1 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was fun to go from the loud and equally fun BB King's upstairs to a lovely but lively great restaurant.
Great fun and ambiance! Our group loved the decor and the music,"
Great fun and ambiance! Our group loved the decor and the music,"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
All around fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What a fantastic find! There are no signs which make this a hidden gem amidst the noise and tourism of Beale Street. Quiet, romantic and relaxing with outstanding service and mouthwatering menu selections. The grouper I had was as good as any I'd find on the coast. Quite surprising for an inland restaurant."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Been to Itta Bena several
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been to Itta Bena several times. This time the grouper special was not very good. The rest of the meal was excellent as well as the service."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 4 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was excellent. This is our favorite downtown restaurant. Thanks"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
THE FOOD AND SERVICE WERE
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"THE FOOD AND SERVICE WERE EXCELLENT. I WAS CONCERNED THAT EXITING IN A HURRY WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE. AS AN 82 YR OLD I FOUND THE STAIRS A CHALLENGE BUT WOULD CERTAINLY EAT THERE AGAIN."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCAISSION WITH THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.
I LOVED THE AMBIANCE, THE VIEW FROM THE WINDOW AND ALSO THE STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THE WINE SELECTION. I WOULD DEFINITELY GO BACK AGAIN."
I LOVED THE AMBIANCE, THE VIEW FROM THE WINDOW AND ALSO THE STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THE WINE SELECTION. I WOULD DEFINITELY GO BACK AGAIN."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 7 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent fish dishes served
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent fish dishes served promptly by a very knowledgeable waiter who made our dining experience very enjoyable"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 8 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went to Itta Bena before a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went to Itta Bena before a play at the Orpheum. They had usually had a special menu for theatre goers before, but this time we ordered off the regular menu. Two of us had the salmon and two had the chicken, both were excellent. Attentive service. Cost was reasonable, but not cheap by any means."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 9 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Romantic, Great Menu, Fun Entrance
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The menu choices are fun (duck & waffles!), the ambiance is divine, the staff is lovely and it was a fantastic (romantic) dinner adventure. Sneaking in the back entrance alone made us feel like we'd found a secret in the city.
Our menu choices were:
appetizer: crab cakes
salad: field green salad
main: duck & waffles, filet mignon
dessert: creme brûlée, white chocolate bread pudding (heavenly!)
wine: Conundrum"
salad: field green salad
main: duck & waffles, filet mignon
dessert: creme brûlée, white chocolate bread pudding (heavenly!)
wine: Conundrum"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance and music was spectacular
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ambiance and music was spectacular at Itta Bena. Food was excellent. I was a little disappointed to find that the wine I was drinking was $13 a glass. Seemed a little high to me even though it was very good. Would definitely go for a return visit."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic
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Review 11 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent--had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent--had to make early reservations (5:15) based on available times on Open Table therefore not crowded on Saturday night on Beale Street! Party of 5 and all persons very pleased with their food choices-- steak lovers said one of best steaks they had eaten!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Ambience! Great Music!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our favorite on Beale! You can't go wrong here!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service was great,the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was great,the food was good - Michael had pasta, I had salmon. We really liked the bread. The only complaint was hearing the bass from downstairs. It interfered with the really good music upstairs, Ruby Wilson. It was pouring when we left and the valet parking guy ran across the street in the storm to get us a cab. That was greatly appreciated."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best hidden gem in Memphis
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been here twice now and I love it. It's a beautiful room, the blue tinted windows with light coming in from Beale St is like magic. Having been once before, when my fiance and I went in for date night I knew we needed to sit by the windows. It was lovely. Our server was so personable and fun. Even though it was crowded we never felt rushed and we were able to take in the whole night. Music from B.B. Kings downstairs could be heard and it was just such a great additive to the whole atmosphere and feel of blues and soul. Oh, I should add that the food is excellent. The BBQ shrimp appetizer, though small for the price, is delicious and totally worth it, we both had fish which was cooked perfectly. Red snapper is the way to go."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not what I was expecting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The atmosphere was excellent for a special occasion and the food was outstanding as I expected. However, I was disappointed that no one informed me there would be a set menu. I enjoy having the flexibility of ordering what I please. I kindly asked our server if I may order an entree off the full menu, and he replied that it "was not ready tonight". I called the restaurant 3 times, to request a wine list and ask other miscellaneous questions, and each time the set menu was failed to be mentioned. In my opinion, the staff was deceptive in their practices, including but not limited to their neglect to list the special menu on Open Table, where I booked my reservation. Note: The restaurant was not overly crowded"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service was terrible and food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was terrible and food pricing was on par with Flight. Just go to Flight instead."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic
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Review 17 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A Big Miss
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I went to dinner at Itta Bena's last Sunday night. It was not our first trip but, it had been a few years since we dined there. I was SOOOOOO disappointed. The atmosphere is always lovely. But it was all downhill from there. The shrimp in our appetizer and in my husbands main course were terribly overcooked, salad was pretty tasty, even the honey butter was awful; honey margarine maybe....Store bought rolls...UGH The servers were more concerned with watching the Grammy's than attending to us. I guess the cook was watching too! No repeat visit here!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
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Review 18 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful food, views, atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful food, views, atmosphere and service. We are glad that we found Itta Bena and will be going back for more."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I think this was the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I think this was the best dinner we have had at Itta Beana's. The food is always superior, but the lamb chops with spinach and parmesan risotto was over the top. We love this restaurant!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 20 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food - Great Location
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, as always. The "shrimp and grits" is consistently good. Valet parking makes it easy to get in and out. Great for dinner before Orpheum shows, as well. Let them know in advance that you are going to a show and they will ensure you are served and out the door in time."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food is usually great but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food is usually great but the grouper special was very fishy."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were greeted promptly,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were greeted promptly, seated and served all in a timely manner. Food was well prepared and presented."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2011
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Review 23 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Class Act With a Down Home Flare!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of our favorite venues for special occasions. The service is first rate, as is the staff and entertainment. Love it, love it!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was told that this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was told that this restaurant was an outstanding place with great ambiance. When we got there at 5:20pm I found the wait staff not prepared for receiving guests, there was no music, and the waitress seemed more preoccupied with us giving her an order than wanting us to experience the place. I couldn't believe that blues music was not playing in the restaurant -- I know that not having a "live" performer probably wouldn't work at 5:30 in the afternoon but could you at least have some piped in blues? I was so disappointed with this restaurant."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
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Review 25 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Good Night at Itta Bena
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every time we eat at Itta Bena it is a good experience. It is a great place to bring friends who are visiting from out of town. This occasion was a celebration of a friend's victory over cancer, and it was her first time. The food was really good, the service was prompt and courteous, and the ambiance was delightful."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
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Review 26 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Susan Marshall was exceptional.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Susan Marshall was exceptional. Everyone at the table kept commenting on her wonderful voice and how relaxing the music was. Food was good. Something didn't set quite right with the duck and waffles. Won't order that again. Everyone else's food was great. Valet parking was full. Had to park across the street. If there is a special event downtown, look for your own parking."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 27 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lived up to my expectations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my first time dining at Itta Bena and I was impressed. The atmosphere is so unique. It's elegant and cozy at the same time. Service was excellent and the food was amazing. It will be on my list of places to recommend and go back to eat there again."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 28 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice place. Great food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very nice place. Great food with a southern flair. Try the duck and waffles. My wife had it and it was very good. I had wild mushrooms and added shrimp. It was also very good. The wine lst was extensive enough to cover any taste. The place can get busy fast on Friday & Saturday nights so make your reservations.early.
There was a really good singer in one corer of the room singing great blues numbers and the sound system was at the perfect level.
My only strike is that the room lighting is a little too dark. We both thought so and other friends thought so as well."
There was a really good singer in one corer of the room singing great blues numbers and the sound system was at the perfect level.
My only strike is that the room lighting is a little too dark. We both thought so and other friends thought so as well."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An excellent choice for great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"An excellent choice for great food and a romantic atmosphere. Waiters very attentive and helpful. Overall a great experience. Will definitely return."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pleasantly Suprised
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you're wanting a romantic evening with great food and wonderful music, this is the spot! Vibrant & Eclectic, Itta Benna's provides a bluesy atmosphere that captures the Soul history of Memphis. One of Beale Street's best!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Itta Bena at B.B. King's
Based on the average of (30) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic