You’ll need to add the Four Way Restaurant to your list of places to eat at. Founded in 1946 by Irene and Clint Cleaves, the Four Way (originally named the Four Way Grill) began its journey to creating a lasting legacy for southerners. Known for “feeding the souls” of the Memphis community, the restaurant was one of just a few places in the city that became a home for leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s as well as become a place where both Black and white customers sat together regularly.

SoulsvilleThe Four Way soul food restaurant is famous for at least two things: first, it was a popular meeting spot for civil rights activists from the 1940s to the 1960s, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Second, The Four Way is famous for its straightforward Southern home cooking menu. Though best known for the daily turkey and best-dressing-ever meal, the fried chicken is another staple.

I very much enjoyed looking at the e-mail containing so many of the famous Memphis eating establishments thru the years. There were many that I frequented during my life in Memphis from 1953 until 1988. I graduated from Southside High school, located at the corner of Richmond and Orleans streets in South Memphis in 1957. There are three cafe's that are not on your list, and I apologize, but I do not have pictures of either of them to send. The cafe's I am thinking of are The Four-Way Grill, located near the corner of Mississippi Blvd. and Walker Street's. Also Payne's Bar-B-Que, just south of Tucker St. on Lamar Ave. & The Bar-B-Que Shop on Madison Ave. just east of Belevedere (just up the street from 'Huey's. It 's my understanding that this caf� was originally on south parkway east, and was know as "Brady & Lil's." Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to share this information, I will treasure it as I recall the good food, and the good times back in the Good Ol' Days". - Jack Hill, 1-30-2015

A post shared by The Four Way Restaurant (@thefourway) on Dec 20, 2018 at 11:40am PST. If all that walking around Memphis has made you hungry, then you’ve come to the perfect place to not only satisfy your hunger but also your appetite for more black history. This popular soul food diner located at 998 Mississippi Boulevard has been serving up southern treats like fried chicken, turnip greens, and fried tomatoes, but the real main course served up within its walls is its historic role in the civil rights movement; the humble diner acted as an important meeting place for civil rights leaders planning protests and activities in Memphis.

For Dean, who is the special projects coordinator, the two most important things to remember in business are to find your support system and be as generous as you can — with your employees, guests and community. “Particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen many organizations that we’ve given to over the years turn around and give us overwhelming support in our time of need. Great community relationships mean everything in this industry, so get to know who you can learn from and grow with, and invest in those relationships consistently.

The Four Way (998 Mississippi; 901-507-1519) is the iconic soul food restaurant of Memphis. Opened in 1946, it's where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ate when he was in town and a place where organizers met during the civil rights movement. After original owners Irene and Clint Cleaves died, Willie Bates purchased the place on the courthouse steps — he grew up in the neighborhood and wanted to preserve it.

The Four Way is one of the most historic restaurants in Memphis – Photo courtesy of Brian Cicioni. Even if hearty Southern cooking isn’t your thing, you owe it to yourself to try this landmark Memphis restaurant. Four Way Soul Food has been serving South Memphis for over 70 years and is the last surviving business in the area from the original Negro Motorist Green Book.

That means it’s been a part of the restaurant scene and the local community in Memphis for nearly 80 years. And really when I think of “soul food” that comes to mind is something classic and experienced cooked in a classic southern style tradition. And I am not sure you can find many restaurants that have nearly the same kind of experience.

To be honest, it was never a dream of mine to do this; however, in the five years that I’ve been doing it, I’ve learned to embrace it, and I actually enjoy it. It was something my father started for our family and for his neighborhood. He wanted to be a beacon of light in that community and to leave a legacy for me and for my two children.

The Four Way is an old Memphis establishment that dates back to 1946. It was a popular meeting place for civil rights activists during the 50s & 60s. Even though the neighborhood isn’t what it use to be, the food served here has stood the test of time and was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” (Soul Paradise episode).

A South Memphis institution since 1946, Four Way Restaurant feeds locals, tourists, and the occasional president with soul-food classics. Expect tender fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and sides like silky turnip greens or candied yams. The atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, with walls showcasing decades of community photos.

Visitors also say The Four Way is a must-stop, as it's the city's oldest soul food restaurant. Evelyn & Olive also offers delectable Jamaican and Southern cuisine alongside live music. Barbecue aficionados will not want to miss the city's annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which takes place every year in May.

The Four Way: The Four Way has been visited by many different types of celebrities over the years, including Drake, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Elvis. Expect mouthwatering soul food from the Four Way, and be sure to come with an empty stomach!

If iconic soul food is what you’re after, then The Four Way is the way to go. Located in Soulsville, and open since 1946, The Four Way is steeped in Memphis and civil rights history. The restaurant served food to people of all races and classes throughout the civil rights era, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Four Way has been dishing up scrumptious soul food to locals and visitors since 1946. Famous for being one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s favourite spots to grab a bite to eat where he would often dine with other Civil Rights leaders. Now, it’s still a firm favourite for good vibes and great eats.

Having been open more than 70 years, the Four Way Restaurant knows a thing or two about soul. Back in the day, Black and white diners would eat together at the restaurant, despite segregation. Civil rights leaders, famous musicians, and iconic Black figures would eat there when visiting Memphis.

I sought it out because of its legendary status as an historic restaurant. But once we arrived, the touchpoints were overwhelming. Formerly known as The Four Way Grill, it is an unbelievably important place for American food and the struggle for Civil Rights, almost overwhelmingly so.

Four Way Restaurant has been serving up Southern Soul Food staples since 1946. As one of the first restaurants where Black and white folks could eat together, the restaurant holds so much of Memphis' history. Notable diners include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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.

The Four Way Restaurant is one of Memphis' little gems that shouldn't be missed. This tiny restaurant has been serving up soul food for decades and for good reason--their food is delicious. It was also a meeting place for civil rights leaders in the 1960s.

The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant in Memphis is like stepping into a warm embrace from the past. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a cozy, nostalgic vibe that makes you feel right at home. For Thanksgiving, this spot is the place to be.

How about a restaurant with great tasting meals, and a little sense of history?. Head to the Four Way on 998 Mississippi Blvd. This restaurant is a cozy setting with comfort food, best among them being fried catfish served with collard greens.

Located in Soulsville since 1946, The Four Way is Memphis’s oldest soul food restaurant. Choose your meats, your vegetables and a dessert and stay awhile. Open every day except Monday, The Four Way is a must for residents and tourists alike.

If you are looking for classic Memphis cuisine crafted to perfection, then The Four Way has you covered with its iconic soul food. This Memphis restaurant has been open since 1946, with a rich history to share.

Don’t miss the chance to savor some delicious fried chicken and collard greens at the Four Way Restaurant, a historic eatery that has been serving up Southern classics since 1946.

As well as many fine dining restaurants you’ll come across plenty of family friendly joints too such as the Majestic Grille and Four Way Restaurant.