Sunrise

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, Sunrise 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 Sunrise. 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

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.

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.

If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Memphis, Sunrise 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

• 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.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Sunrise open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-14:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Sunrise 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 Sunrise kid-friendly?

Yes — Sunrise 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 Sunrise serve?

It's classified under breakfast, brunch, regional — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Memphis.

Is there outdoor seating at Sunrise?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 670 Jefferson Avenue. Coordinates: 35.1439, -90.0382. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.