Reserve now:
Memphis CafeReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Los Angeles / Orange County Restaurant Reviews >
Orange County Restaurant Reviews >
Costa Mesa Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
Memphis Cafe Reviews List
Memphis Cafe
The Memphis Café's concept was just the initial spark that ignited The Memphis Group's vision of providing innovative culinary experiences and revitalizing emerging areas, while becoming a cultural mainstay in the community.
See more Memphis Cafe details
The first Memphis Café quickly earned overnight critical acclaim and a loyal following from those starved for an innovative menu and casual yet sophisticated setting in this restored 1953 mid-century classic building.
Memphis Café offers a distinctive gourmet interpretation of Southern home-style cooking, in a casual “roadhouse” setting, with the enlightened service and hospitality you would expect in fine dining establishments.
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(36)
- neighborhood gem(36)
- good for groups(17)
- vibrant bar scene(13)
- great for outdoor dining(12)
- hot spot(12)
Memphis Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Memphis has a great southern-inspired menu and a fun, casual vible. The cocktails and food are delicious. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I hadn't been to Memphis in years and I was certainly not disappointed. There were 5 of us and everyone had something different. But I think the Fried Chicken made the top of the list. Outstanding. One of us had the Soul Burger and she said it was the best burger she had ever had. We also ordered a side of greens and brussel sprouts and everyone loved those also.
We can't wait to go back and try something else of the menu.
The Ambience is horrible....maybe a bit of paint would help. But it didn't effect our appetites."
We can't wait to go back and try something else of the menu.
The Ambience is horrible....maybe a bit of paint would help. But it didn't effect our appetites."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As a first time diner, the wait staff were engaging and helpful. Pork chops, fried chicken and ribs - good down home cooking!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good happy hour
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"good happy hour with decent prices."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not what you think
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Memphis is a nice surprise, very small, slightly shabby, dark place. The food is amazing, good gourmet comfort type food. I love it. The service is great."
Dined on 4/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went there for my husbandds birthday. Our sons do not like "fancy" and my husband does not like ":expensive" so Memphis was the perfect choice. Our server was lovely and did not rush us at all while we waited for our sons and wives to arrive. She even suggested we order frrom the Happy Hour menu while we waited. We did not even know there was a Happy Hour menu.
On top of all that the food was yummy!"
On top of all that the food was yummy!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The bar was hopping. I was able to find a seat at the bar and ordered the southern style Eggs Benedict which uses corned beef instead of ham. It was great. Not the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had, the corned beef seemed to be a little dry, but good none the less. The addition of a mimosa topped it off just right and for only four dollars more than one mimosa, you could get unlimited. The service was nice and friendly, especially at the bar. Will definitely be going back."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Quality has declined
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ate at Memphis last Saturday and was disappointed that the meal was not nearly as good as in previous visits. The service was also only so-so. Upon being seated, the waitress told us she had run out of menus, but would get us some as soon as they were available. First time I've been in a restaurant that didn't have enough menus to go around. The Jambalaya lacked flavoring. The Caesar salad was unmemorable. There was no catfish on the menu, which was my go-to dish here.
There are too many good restaurants in Orange County to waste money on food that is just passable. I may try the other location to see if the chef there is better."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time visitor & looking
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time visitor & looking forward to returning. Food was good, but what really made it for me was the staff. I had booked a group of 10 people. I arrived early & checked in with the hostess. The table was ready & waiting for us. I asked about their policy on splitting the check & they explained one check, but multiple payments ok. Perfect, I know & understand their policy. When our check arrived the waitress had separate checks for everyone. KUDOS! That is customer service. I will confess to being spoilt in the Midwest where they have no issue splitting checks. I understand it is not a California thing and that is fine, but this place clearly went above & beyond. Thanks for being accommodating. Little thing = happy returning guest."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great. Interior
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great. Interior dark but patio was nice. Outside needs sprucing up."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent southern food, wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent southern food, wonderful service, in a funky bar setting."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We brought a German couple
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We brought a German couple we met in Coachella who never had American Southern food and they loved everything!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We have been coming here for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been coming here for years and this time brought friends here who loved it and can't wait to come back. always good!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have dined at Memphis at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have dined at Memphis at least 4 times in the most recent 6 month period and have had an excellent experience each time. The service is wonderful, the food is fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality and variety of offerings."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We love this place. Great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love this place. Great bar tending and all kinds of classic old school drinks we'd never tried before. Meatloaf was really great. Hated the cornbread but they assured me they are aware and working on it :)"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is our 2nd visit & did
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is our 2nd visit & did not disappoint! A really great place - we had brunch on the patio & it was really delightful......"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was quite good, at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was quite good, at a reasonable price. Server was friendly, helpful, but seemed a little busy. Tables are a bit crammed together, but those are minor quibbles. Menu has some intriguing items. Will try some when we return."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We didn't know places in Costa
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We didn't know places in Costa Mesa and were told to go there. We had 7 people and were disappointed that the place was not appealing when we walked in. It was a birthday and we needed a place that was more special. The service and food were very good though."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
With just a little more attention
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"With just a little more attention to detail, this place could be excellent. I'll try it again in a few months."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
From soup to appetizer to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From soup to appetizer to entree, everything was very good. Ordered the meatloaf as a recommendation from the waitress and it was the best meatloaf I have ever had."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Memphis Cafe is a casual southern
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Memphis Cafe is a casual southern restaurant with excellent food at an affordable price. Their happy hour is also a great deal. The barbecued duck quesadilla is on of my all-time favorite things to eat. Go here if you get the chance."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
IT HAD BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"IT HAD BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I'VE EATEN GOOD SOUTHERN FOOD. I WASN'T DISAPPOINTED"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have enjoyed all our meals at Memphis. There is no pretentious attitude here--just fresh, well-prepared food in a comfortable environment. They have a nice, carefully edited selection of draft beers as well."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yum
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Tasty food with vegetarian options."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our second visit.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our second visit. The weeknight visit had faster service and less noise. Our waitress was very attentive and provided a free dessert based her need for faster service. Our weekend visit was more crowded and the service was slow. Overall the food is very southern comfort and happy hour wine and food is outstanding. If you like a high energy atmosphere this is the place to go. Heated indoor patio is recommended when weather permits."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Memphis did not have my reservation
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Memphis did not have my reservation! Flaw in this system...."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Memphis Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was excited to bring my
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was excited to bring my husband who appreciates great food, but doesn't want "fancy" environment nor price. Our duck quesadilla and starter salad was delicious. But our cocktails were a bummer...club soda was flat so mojito tasted syrupy and watery...and the bartender "argued" that the club soda was fine...had an attitude. My husband's fried chicken was good, but not great, and the portion seemed small. But the side dish mixture with black eyed peas was delicious. My pork chop was WAY over done, but the flavoring was there. The braised red cabbage and cheddar polenta were good accompaniments. Finally, the bread pudding dessert was very average. Our waitress was friendly, but left us for too long of periods of time."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Memphis Cafe
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic