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Memphis Cafe

Address
2920 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA 92626
Phone
(714) 432-7685
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Average Rating
4
Total Reviews
(133)
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  5. 5 Stars
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Business Hours

Status: Open

Sunday
10:30am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm
Monday
11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Tuesday
11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Wednesday
11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday
11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-10:30pm
Friday
11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday
10:30am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-11:00pm

Additional Info

Payment Methods

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover

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What the community has to say about Memphis Cafe

Information about this business (6)

Official website for memphis cafe, memphis at the santora and memphis catering and events. Visit here to find out more about the memphis group.catering044670attr:catering service195251attr:bar195500attr:meatloafbrunchcafe & restaurantrestaurant soul foodrestaurantshappy hourrestaurant

Food. Community. Culture. Since 1995.

From OpenTable:

Memphis Cafe is a Costa Mesa neighborhood mainstay in the heart of the SOBECA district. Soon after opening in 1995, Memphis Cafe received a "5 star" review from LA Times food critic, Irene Virbilla, and has continued to earn critical acclaim and a loyal following ever since. Classically trained chef and co-founder Diego Velasco has created a distinctive gourmet interpretation...

Reviews of this business (158) view all

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Overall review sentiment

Score
72%

Top 3 sentiment words

food
Count
4
Score
100%
time
Count
3
Score
100%
place
Count
2
Score
100%

Overall review sentiment

Score
72%

Rating distribution

5 stars
47
4 stars
47
3 stars
21
2 stars
6
1 star
4
No rating
35
See more reputation details

YellowBot member reviews (1) view all

Reviewed Business
Memphis Cafe
Reviewer Name
Miles Heggi
Review Date
July 22, 2010
Average Rating
4

Memphis in Costa Mesa

Memphis Café is a small, stylish establishment nestled in Costa Mesa near South Coast Plaza and its painfully-cool smaller sibling, The Lab. The building has a unique, angular look that seems somehow modern and retro at the same time, but its minimalist aesthetic doesn’t continue with the interior. A cozy bar and mute lighting greet diners inside, and this isn’t a big place either; there was no dull roar of conversation from table after table of patrons. That isn’t to say Memphis Café isn’t popular. There were plenty of people there, but it’s clear that this restaurant is going for a more intimate, personal atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where people lean toward each other and softly converse over drinks and good food.
Speaking of good food, let’s get to that. The food at Memphis Café surprised the hell out of me. I have to confess I was expecting semi-vegetarian, overpriced, pretentious, hipster-targeted c@!p. What I got was one of the best burgers I’ve had in a very long time. It had an incredible bun. It was soft, warm, crusty sourdough, but not dense or chewy at all. The patty was thick, juicy, flavorful and perfectly cooked. I’m not sure how they do their burgers, but it seems like when they mix the ground beef together they might put a little cheese or something in it to give that extra bit of juiciness. I’ve really never had another burger like it.
The fries deserve special mention. I ordered the Soul Burger and it covers about half of a large plate. It’s a big burger. The other half of that plate was covered by heaps of these hot, fresh, still-oily julienne potatoes. They feel less substantial than fries, almost like you’re eating warmed chips rather than big, starchy French fries. What that means is that you will sit there happily putting handfuls into your mouth until you eat the whole plate. They really are that good.
Memphis Café completely converted me. I went in a skeptic, and I came out bewitched by the burger and obsessed with the fries. I really will be going back there soon.

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Editorial reviews from the web (2)

Memphis Cafe Restaurant Review

This tiny bastion of Southern-style cooking is located next to The Lab, an alternative mall. There’s something quite odd about the décor, so don’t be surprised by the mood lighting, the rather beat-up tables and chairs, and the ramshackle outdoor patio tucked in the back. The hipster set that shops next door is typically drawn to Memphis Café’s mix of Southern treats, which could include...

Zesty gumbo and appetizers deserve praise at this down-home eatery.

Average Rating
60

In Short
The small tavern is elegant despite its divey exterior. Inside, a bartender mixes up stiff drinks for regulars while couples cozy up to warm heaters on the candlelit patio....

Other reviews from the web (157) view all

Average Rating
100

Great fried catfish and hush Puppies. Short ri s were killer too.

Average Rating
100

Absolutely LOVE this place! The food is great no matter what time of day, good size portions and the cost is extremely reasonable. So good, I came back for seconds!

Average Rating
100

Great food, atmosphere and music. 20 years of excellence.

Average Rating
100

Loved it! Good food, great vibes. Atmosphere was cool, music was hot.

Average Rating
100

It was the best fried chicken greens and mashed potatoes I've had from a restaurant. The restaurant is kind of on the small side but it's very cute and intimate. I sat inside with my date but there is a nice outside balcony setting. I would def recommend trying this place if your out in the area. I will be back soon!

Business description (8) view all

serving up soul. since 1995

The Memphis Cafe’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.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...

Memphis Cafe is a Costa Mesa neighborhood mainstay in the heart of the SOBECA district. Soon after opening in 1995, Memphis Cafe received a "5 star" review from LA Times food critic, Irene Virbilla, and has continued to earn critical acclaim and a loyal following ever since. Classically trained chef and co-founder Diego Velasco has created a distinctive gourmet interpretation of Southern...

Memphis Soul Cafe & Bar is a Southern/Soul, Steak, and Seafood restaurant where most Menuism users came for a family meal, paid between $25 and $50, and tipped more than 18%.

This duo of "Southern charmers" in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana doles out "comfort food galore" amid "funky", "midcentury" digs; though doubters are "underwhelmed with price-to-portion" ratios, "strong drinks" and a "hip" vibe keep the faithful coming back – especially for a weekend brunch that's "worth missing church for."

Tips about this business (4)

Where to Sit: Patio dining is romantic but chairs are very uncomfortable. For date night, opt for a cozy corner banquette.

What to Drink: Wine starts at $6 a glass and glass selections are limited. Opt for the bevy of full bar options instead.

Where to Sit

Patio dining is romantic but chairs are very uncomfortable. For date night, opt for a cozy corner banquette.

What to Drink

Wine starts at $6 a glass and glass selections are limited. Opt for the bevy of full bar options instead.

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