Alcenia's

The food at this hole-in-the-wall lunch spot just north of downtown is as down-home and funky as the decor—walls lined with eclectic artwork and a jukebox stocked with Memphis hits. The kitchen turns out its own versions of "meat and two," including fried chicken and pork chops served alongside sweet-potato fries, fried green tomatoes, and other vegetables. Desserts, including pecan pie and sweet potato pie, bread pudding, and pound cake, are as sinfully rich as the sweet tea Alcenia's serves up in tall glasses.

The Pinch DistrictIt's safe to say Alcenia's is the only place where can you get a plate of spectacular fried chicken, served with a hug from owner BJ and a side of love, all in the shadow of an actual pyramid. Choose from dark or white meat and a slew of sides, including spicy green beans, mac 'n' cheese, and the best cabbage you'll ever have. The chicken has a classic, crisp crust with tender, juicy meat; add a dollop of secret recipe tartar sauce and you're on your way to soul food heaven.

Alcenia’s is a much-loved soul food spot that is renowned for its classic breakfasts and Saturday brunches, which are served in bright and vibrant surroundings. Located on Main Street in Memphis, the friendly neighborhood café is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, as well as brunch on Saturday, and features comfortable seating and a warm and welcoming ambiance. The famous Saturday brunch menu boasts fried chicken, pork chops, bacon, sausage, omelets, fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles, hash browns, eggs are done in several ways, rice and grits, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy, along with fruit juice and coffee.

Owner B.J. Chester Tamayo throws around “baby” and loves to hug a neck — and it’s all charming. But she can cook, too, and folks swear by her fried chicken and her various methods of sweet potato preparation, including her sweet potato cobbler. It’s her deft touch with desserts that really makes her cooking more soul food than simply “country cooking,” as she’s not one for pig parts (she’ll cook neckbones, but says white people won’t buy them, so it’s usually for events).

This colourful soul meals restaurant might remind you extra of the household eating room than a well-liked downtown lunch vacation spot, and that’s a part of the allure. Go searching whilst you look ahead to a desk, as proprietor BJ Chester-Tamayo personally greets diners with a hug earlier than taking orders and cooking the meals herself. The menu is stuffed with mouth-watering Southern consolation meals like fried hen, catfish, yams, spaghetti (as a facet) and meatloaf.

In 1997, BJ Chester-Tomayo brought the heart of Memphis to life with the establishment of Alcenia's, a culinary gem that pays homage to her mother. Named after her beloved matriarch, Alcenia's serves up authentic southern home-cooked meals using her mother’s recipes. What sets Alcenia's apart isn't just the delicious food; it's the embrace of hospitality that greets you at the door, making Alcenia’s feel like home away from home.

This wonderful, colorful place will give you everything you need: a warm hug, a kiss on the head, and a heaping plate of comfort food made with love by the chef herself: Betty Joyce “B. J.” Chester-Tamayo. You can expect items like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, meatloaf, candied yams, spaghetti, green beans, cornbread and as many desserts as she can create. (Read more in Heart & Soul by Patricia Lockhart.)

If you can only dine at one southern dining establishment in Memphis, this is a good one to choose. Alcenia's has become famous around town and beyond for their always-fresh soul food, friendly service, and a complimentary hug from the proprietress. The fried pork chops, catfish, fried green tomatoes, and pecan pie are among the local favorites but you really can't go wrong with anything you try here.

Alcenia’s is a soul food restaurant in the Pinch District of downtown, and the owner, B.J., is just as famous for her friendly welcome as she is her comfort food. There are two things you should know before you head into Alecina’s: the food is decadent and delicious, and it’s going to be a leisurely lunch. Everything is made-to-order so come hungry and be prepared to relax!

Alcenia’s has been featured on many shows and outlets, and once you stop by this spot, there’s no question why. This local eatery serves up some classic Southern favorites and soul food for a meal that tastes like home. Check out what Guy tried back in 2011, some classics that never go out of style: Cha-Cha and pork chops.

Serving up soul food for over 25 years, Alcenia’s is synonymous with Memphis eats. Southern-style classics are homey and made to order from scratch – just like grandmas. Alcenia’s has been featured in some of the biggest publications in the country, including The Food Network and Good Morning America.

Rated one of the top restaurants in Memphis, Alcenia's could prove an enticing backdrop for your proposal. Picture a hearty soul food meal concluded with a slice of their famous apple pie, and in that sweet moment of satisfaction, reveal the ring for the perfect dessert surprise.

If you’re heading to Alcenia’s, keep in mind two things: the food is rich and delicious, and the dining experience is slow-paced and relaxing. Every dish is made to order, so come hungry and get ready to savor some of the best fried chicken with Lima beans in town.

If you’re looking for good local soul food, stop at Alcenia’s. Here the food is “handmade to order from scratch with love.” From fried chicken and salmon croquettes to waffles and fried green tomatoes, Alcenia’s is a local favorite that also caters to vegetarians.

- Rating: 4.2/5 (208 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 317 North Main St. Memphis, Tennessee - Categories: Soul Food, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch- Read more on Yelp