Celebrating 30 Years of Soul, Memphis Café has been a beloved fixture in Costa Mesa’s SOBECA district since 1995. Housed in a restored mid-century modern building that once served as the King’s Inn Tavern, the café blends retro charm with a laid-back, welcoming vibe—complete with an expansive outdoor patio.
Known for its soulful take on Southern home-style cooking, Memphis Café serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner with a full bar. Fan favorites include our famous chicken and waffles, Southern eggs Benedict, meatloaf stack, soul burger, and crab cakes.
Food · Community · Comfort.
This cafe serves a variety of comfort food dishes amid midcentury digs with a hip vibe.
Paige Thompson
Memphian here trying out a cafe called Memphis. I ordered the chicken and waffles. The chicken was so juicy. The gravy was tasty. I don’t like waffles, but these waffles were soft and tasted delicious. My cheesy eggs were so hot; however, I still ate them at that temperature because it was so good!!!!
… moreLanette Tonsul
I have found a treasure in Costa Mesa, CA. This place is off the chain. The food was incredible. The service was amazing! The atmosphere was perfect. A HUGE shoutout to Honey. She was our server and her customer service was top notch. She recommended some fantastic dishes and we ordered based on what she told us and we WERE NOT disappointed. Thank you, Honey, for being knowledgeable enough of the menu to be able to recommend those dishes for us. She recommended the deviled eggs: excellent. Best I’ve ever had. She also recommended the potato cakes: totally amazing!! And we also ordered the red chilaquiles with pork belly and OMG: next level. If you’re in Costa Mesa, do yourself a favor and eat at Memphis. Wish we had a Memphis in TX! ❤️
… moreRae C
Went here for my birthday with my partner and had a great time. I grew up in the south so believe me when I say the fried chicken is good it is good. Waffles were perfect and my partner was super happy with his burger as well. Our server was kind and answered questions we had about the food no problem. Definitely would come again to try the catfish!
… moreT. O.
First visit here after co worker mentioned he knew a good place for ” Southern Food “, as someone who grew up in the South I had to give it a shot.
Food was all really great. The gumbo was flavorful, the Fried catfish was seasoned perfectly, the Hoppin John’s and greens were spot on, the desert was extremely good too. Savanna the bartender was great too, attentive, engaging, friendly and actually spoke to ppl not just the regulars. Definitely will dine here again, nice vibe, clean, inviting and low key great food.
… moreJacqueline Jonovic
I have been coming here for 20 years! The food is so amazing. I’m a huge fan of the meatloaf, and gumbo and the green chili grits are soooo good. I’m also glad they have breakfast now, and it’s just as good as their lunch and dinner. The service is always good, but I got some of the best service I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time from Kenia. Ask for her as your server, you won’t be disappointed. She is polite, efficient and attentive without overdoing it. As a former server I recognize good service.
… moreMary N
Food is delicious. Best catfish I’ve had in a long time. Right amount of spice, fried to perfection. Burger delicious, thick bacon along with gumbo fries. However, service was non-existent. I was given the bill while still eating. We didn’t enjoy the ambiance this time, unlike last time we were here, the service and food were impeccable.
… moreLauren B
Can’t wait to come back here!! I’m looking forward to trying their gumbo, catfish, and meatloaf to start. Came here on a Sunday unplanned, last minute choice before 12pm it was busy. The inside is small and quaint and not much space, ended up sitting out side in the uncovered section. Which was not taken up or full yet. By the time the food came the rest of the benches had been assigned customers. So not sure if they take reservations but I’d call ahead if you want to sit inside or make sure you have enough space if you come with a group of people for brunch.
Loved the food here. Didn’t expect much when I came here, I’ve tried southern food at other places in California and had been disappointed half the time but this time I was not!
I got the fried chicken and it was delicious! Loved the collard greens and the mashed potatoes as well. The chicken was on the bone, didn’t even realize till later but was juicy and crispy and well seasoned. Ended up eating the whole meal.
Also ordered the pulled pork sandwich and loaded potato pancakes which were really tasty and filling. Had to stop myself from finish them before my food came to me.
… moreDylan Dacey
Shoutout Nancy for the great service
From out of town went there cause it was close by. The music was a vibe service was really good and the breakfast food was amazing sad we don’t have something like this on the East Coast
… moreEboni Vasquez
Stopped by Memphis Cafe for breakfast and was pleasantly surprised! The food exceeded expectations—fresh ingredients, well-prepared, and full of flavor. Service was friendly and efficient, making the experience even better. The lively atmosphere added to the charm, creating a great start to the day. Definitely planning to return!
… moreSarah Duarte
Only got one picture of the food because it was so good! After our appetizer (amazing deviled eggs!) we jumped into breakfast. The portions were reasonably priced. We sat on the patio with our dog and it was a pleasant experience. The staff was welcoming and friendly from calling to check the patio was dog friendly to checking out.
… more