On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in Memphis, TN, Ramblin' Joe's Coffee 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.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Ramblin' Joe's Coffee. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- 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
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Pro tip from the regulars: arrive before 9:30 on Saturdays or after 1 on Sundays to skip the worst of the wait.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Memphis, Ramblin' Joe's Coffee 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. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- 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 Ramblin' Joe's Coffee.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
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 Ramblin' Joe's Coffee open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Ramblin' Joe's Coffee typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Ramblin' Joe's Coffee 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 Ramblin' Joe's Coffee kid-friendly?
Yes — Ramblin' Joe's Coffee 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 Ramblin' Joe's Coffee serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Memphis.
Is there outdoor seating at Ramblin' Joe's Coffee?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 4610 Poplar Avenue. Coordinates: 35.1172, -89.9084. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.