Four Way Restaurant | Memphis Soul Food Destination

Soul Food In A Soulful City

Four Way is around the corner from Stax Records, the music label that “invented soul” and helped integrate music in profound ways. First opened in 1946, it has long been a soul food destination popular with all demographics and strata of Memphis society. Over the years, it has grown from a little kitchen in the corner of a pool hall to a full restaurant and caterer.

What To Eat

Fried green tomatoes are a good way to begin any Four Way meal. They are crisp and hot from the fry basket. The ratio of seasoned cornmeal breading and tart tomato is ideal, even more delicious if dipped in the accompanying buttermilk dressing. When available, soul fries provide a dramatically different prelude to the meal. They’re well-seasoned French fries topped with neckbone jalapeno cheese. McDonald’s, this is not!

The turkey and cornbread dressing lunch plate is highly recommended, especially if you’re too many months away from Thanksgiving. The meat is moist and has the rich flavor of slow-roasted game bird. However, fried chicken is an equally important part of any meal. It’s sensationally good — the kind of bird that makes you want every bite of breading. We relish all that excess skin, fried to a golden crisp.

Black-eyed peas are the simplest, tasting only of salt and earthy legume. Turnip greens, tender okra, silky smothered cabbage, and rich casserole-style macaroni and cheese all are memorable. The heady, sharp greens are particularly noteworthy.

To drink, order a VIP, which is a mix of Southern sweet tea and even sweeter lemonade. On its own, it might be too sweet, but with bitter greens and peppery chicken, it is perfect.

Walk Out With Spring In Your Step

Whether you come for a taste of local flavor, a glimpse into Memphis history, or a meal that feeds your spirit as well as your body, you will leave this soul food destination very satisfied.