The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
Six to try: Where to eat in Whitehaven
Whitehaven is known as the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland. What many may not know is that this Memphis neighborhood is also home to some of the best eats in the Bluff City.
From Italian fare to a new twist on soul food classics to authentic African cuisine, there is an option for every taste.
Some of these small, independently owned restaurants have been around for decades while others are new to the dining scene. The common denominator is that they all are putting this part of town on the culinary map.
Here are five spots to try for a meal — and one extra for when you want a sweet treat.
Trap Fusion
Trap Fusion (4637 Boeingshire Drive, 901-207-5565) is known for its fromscratch, healthier versions of soul food. Influences of Cajun and Caribbean fare are evident in many of the items at this Whitehaven restaurant that opened in 2019.
While there are a few core items available every day, the menu changes often. Menus are posted daily on social media.
“Trap Fusion is built off daily specials,” said Jason Gardner, who owns the restaurant with Monique Williams and Markeith Mccoy. “We want people to eat with us every day. So when they come back, they can have something different to eat every time.”
Dishes like Jerk Chicken Pasta, Fish & Grits and Stuffed Turkey Sandwich have customers returning often.
Trap Fusion has also made a name for itself in the vegan market. Like everything at the restaurant, even the vegan dishes — like burgers and vegan “chicken” sandwiches — are made from scratch.
Valle’s Italian Rebel
Even though the sign out front says Valle's, most people know this Whitehaven restaurant as the “Italian Rebel.” The restaurant (1636 Winchester Road, 901-345-5164) opened back in 1977.
For 43 years, owner Louie Valle has been at the helm of this lunch-only eatery. Valle makes everything from scratch — including breads, sauces and Italian sausage.
Stop by for one of the thick crust, rectangular pizzas and a side of toasted ravioli. Pizzas can be ordered by the whole or by the slice. Pastas like Rotel Chicken Spaghetti come with buttery garlic bread. If you're in the mood for a sandwich, get the muffuletta. Instead of olives, Valle uses a homemade Italian bell pepper sauce.
Bala’s Bistro
At his restaurant, Bala's Bistro (2160
E. Raines Road, 901-509-3024), chef Bala Tounkara serves the West African cuisine of his homeland. The 26-seat restaurant in a small Whitehaven strip center opened in spring 2019.
Authentic African dishes like Seafood Okra Stew, Peppered Curry Goat (a braised bone-in goat smothered with spicy peppered curry sauce) and Lamb
Saka Saka (a braised lamb dish with spinach and a spicy onion relish) are a few of the offerings.
In addition to African recipes, Bala's Bistro also serves an assortment of American favorites, such as burgers, wings and quesadillas.
Several vegan options are available as well.
Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant
Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant (4381 Elvis Presley Blvd., 901-332-4199) may just be the most popular eatery in town for Elvis fans. Located down the street from Graceland, Marlowe’s has been serving Memphians and Elvis fans since 1974. In fact, Elvis even ate here.
Ribs, brisket and an Elvis-inspired burger are some of the eats you can enjoy at this vintage eatery. Save room for the Crispy Crème Banana Foster Sundae. It’s Marlowe’s version of his famous sandwich served as a dessert.
And, if staying at a hotel in the area, Marlowe’s fleet of Elvis-inspired pink limousines will shuttle you from your hotel right to the restaurant and drive you back when you finish.
Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
Deep Fried Sweet Spicy Love. With a name like that, you know the chicken has to be good.
Lou Martin, the “Uncle Lou” behind Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken (3633 Millbranch Road, 901-332-2367), started selling his now world-famous spicy fried chicken back in 1992 at the Liberty Bowl, where he has been a vendor ever since. In 2001, he decided to open shop at his current location on Millbranch Road.
His chicken — available in mild or hot — is crispy, spicy and sweet all at the same time.
Don’t be surprised if this jovial proprietor insists you order a honey butter biscuit with your chicken. Take his advice. Just like his fried chicken, these buttery biscuits are worth every carb and calorie!
Suga Mama Snoballs
Marci Clark started her New Orleansstyle snoball business in 2016. Originally run from a food truck, she opened a brick-and-mortar location of Suga Mama Snoballs (1717 East Holmes Road, 901-474-8711) in Whitehaven in January.
Suga Mama Snoballs is known for its Southern-inspired signature flavors. The most famous snoball is the Banana Pudding flavor. A banana-flavored snoball is stuffed with banana pudding ice
cream and garnished with cookies and whipped cream just like a classic banana pudding. One-of-a-kind snoballs come topped with cheesecake or strawberry shortcakes.
For a more traditional sno cone experience, try flavors like Swamp Thing (pineapple, strawberry, blueberry) or Bob Marley (mango, green apple, red
raspberry). All snoballs are also available with ice cream added.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal.
She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.