Restaurante Vigil, Memphis, TN

Restaurante Vigil

MAP

Restaurante Vigil is a small Mexican Restaurant on Homer Street, right at the corner of Rockwood Avenue, across from the old Leawood Baptist Church in the Highland and Macon area. I went there today randomly. I was supposed to meet some friends for lunch but they were running late and I hadn't eaten since the previous evening. I knew they opened in the last couple of years but had not been there. It's a small place with only a few tables.

I got a chicken quesadilla and it was really good. It came with rice and beans. The beans were honestly a little soupy, but they made a great "sauce" for the rice and tasted very good.

The prices were very reasonable. For the quesadilla entree and a canned Coke, the total was exactly $10.00. I'm not 100% sure but I think they take cash only.

Nobody there really speaks English, so you may have to order in Spanish, but it's definitely worth trying.

Dixie Queen, Southaven, MS

Dixie Queen, Southaven, MS

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Dixie Queen is a local chain with several locations around Memphis and two in Southaven, MS. I go there from time to time and usually get a cheeseburger, but this past Wednesday I got their chili-cheese fries based on the recommendation of a coworker, and I was really impressed. I occasionally get this at Krystal, but these were really good and I believe from now on when I want chili-cheese fries, this will be where I go. They apparently don't have a web site, so you may have to do a Google search for a location near you.

I went to the location that is near my house, which is on Stateline Road about 2 blocks east of I-55 on the north side, before you get to Tops Barbecue.

Their prices are about average for a drive though place. Normally a large cheeseburger and a drink is about $7.00. The total this was around that same amount and the item was enough for a meal. They are also one of the few places that is open 24 hours any more. They also have really good ice cream and milkshakes.

I'll be honest with you, they don't appear to have very good reviews on the internet, but I've never had a bad meal there. I will say, their burgers are kind of greasy, so if you don't like greasy burgers, this is not the burger place for you.

I've said several times that I normally don't review chain restaurants, but the ones that I have reviewed are typically local chains or there is some specific reason I reviewed than, like a few days ago when I reviewed White Castle since we don't have those in my area.

Gus's Fried Chicken, Memphis, TN

Gus's Fried Chicken

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Gus's is a chain, but it started out as a small independent restaurant in Mason, TN, a small city east of Memphis. There are currently 26 locations around the country, but a fairly significant percentage of them (6 of the total 26 locations, or almost 25%) are in or near Memphis, TN. Last Wednesday, I met a couple of friends at the location on Mendenhall Road, basically at the south corner of Mendenhall and Mount Moriah Road, a little north of Truse Parkway.

This particular location doesn't have a lot of parking, but I got lucky and got a place right up front.

I ordered a 2 piece chicken dinner with baked beans and macaroni and cheese, which is what I always get there. It comes with a breast and a leg which is plenty for a meal Their chicken is slightly spicy, and some people don't like it, but I love spicy stuff and I don't think theirs is all that spicy. Just something to be aware of if you go there.

I've been to or ordered from most of the locations in the area and they are all are really good. I definitely recommend trying them if you're in the area.

I don't remember exactly how much the bill was but it is priced about the same as other fried chicken places. It seems like the total was $11 or $12 including a drink.

Katie's Kitchen, Germantown, TN

Katie's Kitchen

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Katie's Kitchen is a small restaurant in Germantown, on Poplar Pike, just west of Forest-Hill Irene Road across the tracks from where the Equestrian Restaurant used to be. I've been there once before a couple of years ago and went there Saturday for lunch after a rehearsal that near there.

They have a small daily menu, and serve ready to cook meals and a few desserts. Saturday I got a tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread and it was really good. The prices are really reasonable. A sandwich, chips, and a drink was only a little over $7.00. I also got a pimento and cheese sandwich to go for later and it was around $5.00 including chips and it was really good also.

There is only one table for indoor dining and one table just outside the doorway for outdoor dining. They are open limited hours, so check their website for that before you head over there. I definitely recommend it.

West Coast Burrito, Horn Lake, MS

West Coast Burrito

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West Coast Burrito is a Mexican restaurant at Bullfrog Corner in Horn Lake, in the southeast corner of the shopping center that is at Highway 51 and Goodman Road. I've been there once before on the suggestion of a friend and I ordered dinner from there this past Sunday night.

I got a Cubano Sandwich and a mixed meat chimichanga, both of which were very good. I ordered it at work and at the chimichanga for "lunch" and the sandwich for "dinner." I work a 12 hour night shift and don't eat during the day (I'm usually at home asleep) so sometimes we eat twice in a night.

The chimichanga was huge and really good. I ate half of the sandwich later during the night and the remaining half for lunch the next day. I highly recommend either item. The cost was around $20.00 for both, but that including the Uber Eats fee, so it would a little cheaper if you go to the restaurant.

Casablanca, Memphis, TN

Casablanca

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Casablanca is a Mediterranean restaurant with several locations in the Memphis area. Today for lunch I went the east Memphis location on Poplar Avenue just east of Mendenhall, on the north side in front of Whole Foods.

It's a cozy atmosphere and they weren't very busy, but I was there around 3:00 or 3:30 PM, so I was well after the lunch rush.

Randomly, I'll mention that the entrance is on the east side of the building. When I pulled up, the entrance looked like an employee entrance or something. The "open" sign is above a door that is blocked off with tables, and I went to the wrong door at first even though I parked right in front of the entrance. While I was there, several other people came in and they all did exactly the same thing, so apparently the entrance actually doesn't look like the entrance to anyone else either. Not a criticism, just something I noticed.

I know nothing about Mediterranean food, so it was a new experience for me. I tried the "Super Sandwich" which is lamb, beef, and chicken in pita style bread, and it was great. It came with two types of sauce, a hot mustard, and another one I would say was similar to honey mustard. Both of the sauces were good too. I also got a salad as the side item with house dressing which was also good.

The menu listed their tea as the "best in Memphis" and I have to say, that might be correct. According to the menu it's made with ginger, sage, mint, and honey, and it was great.

The total was $17.00 before tip, including the drink and tax, so it wasn't cheap, but definitely worth it for what I got. I will definitely be back and will also try the other locations.

Local on the Square, Overton Square, Memphis, TN

Local

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Local is a gastro pub on Overton Square, at the corner of Madison and Cooper, in the building that used to be Yosemite Sam's years ago. They also have a location in downtown Memphis but I've never been to that one.  I've been to the midtown location several times and always had good food. I went there today for lunch and got a burger and a sausage plate, both of which were very good.

Prices are about average for an Overton Square restaurant. The sausage plate was around $12.00 and the burger was around $7.00 I believe. A friend of mine went with me and he owed me some money so he paid and I didn't see the final bill.

I've also had their duck sandwich which is really good, especially since I don't really like duck meat. It's worth a trip if you're in the area.

Casey Jones Buffet, Jackson, TN

Casey Jones

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Casey Jones is a buffet (as well as a small shopping plaza and train museum) similar to Cracker Barrel. It's been a Jackson staple for many years. We used to stop there and eat when I was a kid, and it had been there for some time then. It's off of Highway 45, just south of I-55.

This past Thursday I went to Nashville and I stopped there for breakfast on the way. The food is good, but a little over priced in my opinion. The total was somewhere around $16 or $17 per person, which seems to be a little high for a breakfast buffet, but, having said there, this is a pretty good selection of food.

I got some eggs, pancakes, a biscuit with gravy, fried bologna, a breakfast casserole, and polish sausage with sour kraut. It's worth trying if you're in the area. Many people say it's the best buffet around, but I personally don't agree with that, but as I said, what I got was all pretty good.

Mish Mash Time again (in no particular order)

As in the past, this is a list of places I've been recently but I already have full listings for them previously in my blog.

Belmont Grill, Memphis - club sandwich. In my opinion, one of the best in the city.

Cajun Seafood and Grill, Southaven (No web site) - Catfish and fries, pretty good

Caminos de Michoacan, Memphis - Taco and Cheese quesadilla combo, very good

Caminos again - Chicken Pachuga, grilled chicken with a slice of ham and cheese sauce, very good

Dale's, Southaven - Chicken fried steak and my friend and I split a spinach dip appetizer, very good

Fat Larry's, Bartlett - Cheeseburger (western burger I think), very good

Fitzgerald Casino Buffet, :Tunica - A variety of items and a salad, pretty good for a buffet

The Kooky Canuck, Downtown Memphis location - pork chop and it was fabulous

Kublai Khan, Southaven - A Las Vegas Roll and a Crazy Grill Roll, always good

La Playita, Memphis - Chicken quesadilla, pretty good

Neely's BBQ, Southaven location - Barbecue sandwich, very good

Salsarita's, Southaven - Chicken quesadilla, good

South of Beale - Carne Asada Nachos, pretty good

South of Beale, Memphis - Different night, club sandwich, good

South of Beale, Memphis - Yet, a different night, wood fired salmon, fantastic!

Southaven Pizza, Southaven - Small Pizza and cheeseburger, always good

Yang's Deli, Memphis - Finally tried the Chinese food. It was really good, Sweet and Sour Chicken

The Choo, Memphis, TN

The Choo

MAP

The Choo is a small family style diner on Southern Avenue at the corner of Semmes Street, in the building where the Buntyn Restaurant used to be. I don't remember where I heard about them but I saw it somewhere and went there today and I can't say enough about this place!

The food was fantastic and the price was great. I ordered baked chicken with pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread, and everything was really good. I got lemonade as a drink and it was really good too. The drink machine wasn't working so I don't know if they normally have soft drinks, but what they had today was sweet tea, lemonade, and water. The menu was written on a chalk board and had several main items, several sides, and two types of desserts, so I assume it changes a little each day.

I got two pieces of chicken, a breast and a leg, and a huge helping of beans and macaroni. They weren't busy; I was the only one in there, but I was there after lunch time and they are only open until 4 PM so I assume they mostly have a lunch crowd. I met who I assume was the owner (I forgot to ask) and he was very friendly. Prices were great. My total including a drink and tax was only $10.87.

One small note, there didn't seem to be any actual parking for the location. I parked in an alley behind the building on Old Southern Avenue, and didn't see any other parking. It didn't appear that you could park on Semmes Street as it's a two lane street. As I left, there was traffic on Semmes and I don't think there was room for street parking.

Regardless, even if you have to park and walk a block, it's definitely worth it. The food was fantastic! Give them a try.

This is the type of place I love to go to. Small independent business with great food and great service.

White Castle, Nashville, TN

White Castle

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White Castle is a large chain, which I usually don't blog about, but I'm making an exception because we don't have this chain in the Memphis/North Mississippi area.

They are similar to Krystal, but in my opinion, better. Not everyone agrees, but if you're near one, try them out.

Yesterday while I was in Nashville, I went to the location on Broadway near the corner of Broadway and 14th street.

I thought there was more than one location in Nashville, but apparently this is the only one. I've been to this restaurant several times, and several locations in Kentucky, but not in several years.

The food is good, as I said. I happen to like them better than Krystal, and the prices are about the same. One drawback to the Nashville location is, it's near downtown, Traffic is horrible if you are there during any busy time, and homeless people seem to hang out there. Apparently it's bad enough that the restaurant put in keypad accessible restroom doors inside the restaurant when they remodeled a couple of years ago. When I got there, as soon as I stepped out of my car, a guy approached me and asked me if I would buy him something to eat, which I did. I have always said that I don't give people money, but I would buy anyone a meal if they seem to actually be hungry and not drunk. There also appeared to be several other homeless people hanging out around the lot, but none of them approached me.

All that said, the food is good and I will go back when I'm in the area. Prices are similar to Krystal. I don't remember exactly how much my meal was, but I paid for three number 1 combos (mine, the homeless guy, and my friend that was with me because I owed him some money) and the total for all three was about $22.00, so a little over $7.00 each, including tax. The number one is four cheeseburgers, fries, and a drink. Now that I think about it, that might actually be a little cheaper than Krystal.

Anyway, give them a try if you're in the area. I forgot to take a picture of the food before I started eating, so this picture is of my almost finished meal.

Buon Cibo, Hernando, MS

Buon Cibo

MAP

Buon Cibo is a deli and pizzeria (I'm not sure exactly what they consider themselves) in Hernando on McInvale Road, just south of East Commerce Street. From I-55, go east on East Commerce a couple of blocks and turn south on McInvale.

I went there for the first time a couple of years ago for lunch while I was in a training class in Hernando but had not had a chance to go back until this past Wednesday. I got a club sandwich and pasta salad, and both were very good.

My friend that went with me got a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and he said it was very good also.

The prices seem about average, but I had a coupon and my lunch only cost me a little over $7.00.

I highly recommend it.

Sophie's Donuts, Cordova, TN

Sophie's Donuts

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Sophie's is a small doughnut shop in Cordova, on Houston Levee Road, just south, and across the street, from the Kroger that is at the corner of Houston Levee and Macon.

I go to church near there and stopped there this past Sunday for breakfast. I got a kolachi and chocolate doughnut and they were very good. I usually get these from Main Street Donuts in Southaven, but I wasn't hungry when I first left home so I stopped here instead.

I'm not sure about the prices. I got 2 kolachis, a doughnut, and a chocolate milk and didn't realize under later that the cashier only charged me a little over $5.00, which I'm pretty sure wasn't enough. I'm going to ask about it next time I'm out there.

Regardless, the food was good and I will definitely be back.

Broadway Pizza, Memphis, TN

Broadway Pizza

MAP

Broadway Pizza is a Memphis staple. The original location on Broad Street has been there many years, and a few years ago, they opened a location on Mendenhall, just north of Poplar Avenue, between Belmont Grill and All About Bikes.

I met a friend there tonight on the way to rehearsal. I've had their pizza a number of times, and it's always really good but tonight I wanted to try their burger plus I was a little crunched for time and figured the burger would be quicker.

I asked for ketchup, mayo, and lettuce but they put ketchup, mustard, and lettuce, which honestly is a common problem for me. I apparently don't say "mayo" clearly or something. Anyway, I decided not to send it back or scrape of the mustard and ate it the way they fixed it. It was very good and I will definitely be going back again!

The error with the mustard is no big deal. I wouldn't complain about a minor mistake; I would have just asked for some mayo if I had really wanted to. Other than that one minor issue the service was great.

The price was about average. For a burger and a drink, the total was $10.85 before tip. My friend ordered a basket of fries and I gave him a couple of buck for that since I ate about half of them.

Parking is somewhat limited. There are only maybe 10 or 12 parking places in the lot, so if you go during a busy time you may have to park somewhere else and walk.

Hyde Away Grill, Southaven, MS

Hyde Away Grill

MAP

Hyde Away Grill is a small restaurant on Stateline Road, about a block west of Airways Boulevard, on the north side of the road a little east of the Firestone.

I went there tonight for dinner and it was really good. I met the owner, who was a really nice guy and I will definitely be back, especially since it's near my house.

I got a cheeseburger and fries and my friend that went with me got buffalo wings. My friend said the wings were really good but I don't know how much they were. My cheeseburger, including a drink and tax was a little under $14.00, which seems to be an average prices for similar places. It's cheaper than Wimpy's or Five Guys. The fries were thin cut steak fries, which I really liked.

I've also been told the catfish is really good so I plan on trying that next time.

Elwood's Shack, Memphis, TN

Elwood's

MAP

Elwood's is a small, literally in a shack, restaurant that's in the north side of the Lowe's parking lot that is at Summer Avenue and Perkins Road in Memphis. I went there today for lunch.

In an effort to be openly honest, what I got today was decent, but nothing spectacular. I ordered a club sandwich and it was ok, and frankly, a little expensive. I got a sandwich, one side item, and a drink and it was almost $18.00.

The side item was blue cheese and jalapeno coleslaw, and it was really good. There was nothing wrong with the sandwich, it just wasn't great.

However, to be fair to Elwood's, I've been there a few other times and everything else I've had was great. The last time, I got a Cuban sandwich which was fantastic, and I've had their barbecue nachos which were great. I will definitely be back! Don't let this mediocre review scare you off!

There is no actual parking for Elwood's. You have to park along the curb or in the parking lot for Lowe's and the location is small, not a lot of seating, and they tend to be busy, but the food comes out quickly. Definitely give them a try!

Rio Lindo, Senatobia, MS

Rio Lindo

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Rio Lindo is a Mexican restaurant on Main Street in Senatobia, MS about a block west of Interstate 55. I had to go to Batesville this past Monday and on the way back, I stopped here for lunch. It was very good. I ordered mixed fajitas, chicken and steak, from the lunch menu. I was surprised at the portion, and it was really good.

Prices were average. I don't remember the exact total, but it was around $17 or $18 including a drink and a queso. I was the first one there that day, I went in just after they opened.

I was pleased and will be back when I'm in the area.

Margarita's, Oakland, TN

Margarita's

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Margarita's is a Mexican restaurant in Oakland on Highway 64 just east of Highway 194. I go to church not far from Oakland (that's a story for another day) and this past Sunday I had a couple of hours to kill and rode out there to eat. I was going to try El Nopal, but the parking lot was full and I wound up here instead.

I ordered Pollo Margarita and it was fantastic. It's a grilled chicken breast with shrimp and chorizo and I honestly think it was the best Mexican dish I've ever had. The prices were average. Including a small queso and a drink, and tax, the total bill was around $17.00.

I will definitely be back when I'm out that way.

Belmont Grill, Memphis, TN

Belmont Grill

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Belmont is a bar and grill located on the northwest corner of Poplar Avenue and South Mendehall Road. It's been there for years and I used to meet some friends there most every Monday night after a rehearsal in the area, but since I no longer live in Memphis, I don't make it as often. I went there tonight and ordered the club sandwich.

Belmont's club is one of the best I've had and it's one of the only places I order it. It's standard and comes with ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, mayo, and cheese. It's served with a side of chips I normally get cheese dip to go with them.

It's average price I think, about the same as most other places. All together including the sandwich, cheese dip, and a drink, it was about $13.00 before tip.

I've had many of their other items also, and everything has always been great there. They used to be open pretty late every night, but in the last few years, they have started closing at either 10:00 or 11:00 PM during the week and midnight on the weekends I think.

I definitely recommend it. I used to go there regularly until I moved a few years ago.

Proud Larry's, Oxford, MS

Proud Larry's

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Proud Larry's is a bar, restaurant, and concert venue in Oxford, MS on Lamar Boulevard, on the southeast side of the old downtown Square. I went there this past Wednesday to hear one of the Ole' Miss jazz ensembles, which I really enjoyed, and the food and atmosphere at the restaurant was very nice also.

I got the "Pollo" which is baked chicken in pasta. For some reason, it wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting a chicken breast, but I probably just misread the menu. That said though, it was very good. It seemed about average for this type of venue. Before tip, the bill was around $18.00 including a drink and tax.

There were a few people around my age, but mostly, it seemed to be college aged folks, but everyone I had an interaction with was friendly. I hope to be back for more music soon.

Parking is sometimes a little bit of a hassle, as it's downtown venue. There is some close parking, but you have to get lucky. I had to park a couple of blocks away and walk, but that's not a criticism, just simply something to be aware of.

Cafe Marie, Tunica, MS

Cafe Marie

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Cafe Marie is a small cafe in the city of Tunica on Fox Island Road, a side street behind the Delta Mini Mall, in the downtown area of the city. I've passed it many times years ago. It is off Highway 4, which is how you used to have to go to the original casinos that were in Tunica County, but had never been there until last night.

I got an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp, at the suggestion of the waitress, and it was fantastic. It was shrimp in a sweet and sour type sauce. My main course was fried catfish with a salad as a side item. The salad was huge and really good, and the catfish was also very good.

I had no idea what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. It is a cozy little setting with a few tables and a bar. The owner told me that they have a limited menu during the middle of the week. I definitely will be back to try other dishes.

It was very reasonably priced, considering everything I got. All together including a drink and tax, the total was about $25.00 before tip.

They also have an adjacent hotel and I had planned on staying the night just to get away since I am off this week, but my plans were thwarted by car problems. I plan on revisiting that idea in a few weeks.