You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Memphis, TN, Blue Plate Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Blue Plate Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Memphis, Blue Plate Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Blue Plate Cafe.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Blue Plate Cafe open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Blue Plate Cafe typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Blue Plate Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Memphis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Blue Plate Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Blue Plate Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Blue Plate Cafe serve?
It's classified under breakfast — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Memphis.
Is there outdoor seating at Blue Plate Cafe?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at Memphis, TN. Coordinates: 35.1455, -90.0521. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.