There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.
Set in Memphis, TN, The Cottage 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 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.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at The Cottage. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
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 hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Memphis, The Cottage 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. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- 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.
- 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.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does The Cottage open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does The Cottage 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 The Cottage kid-friendly?
Yes — The Cottage 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 The Cottage serve?
It's classified under pizza, barbecue, steak, southern, breakfast, lunch — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Memphis.
Is there outdoor seating at The Cottage?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 4085 Summer Avenue. Coordinates: 35.1484, -89.9241. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.