- Attraction: Kwik Chek
- Location: 2013 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Industry: Deli
- Website: kwikchekmemphis2.24cafes.com
What started as a check-cashing convenience store back in 1988 has transformed into one of Memphis’ most beloved culinary destinations.
Kwik Chek might look unassuming from the outside, but step through those doors and prepare for something completely unexpected.
This Midtown gem serves up an absolutely wild fusion of Mediterranean classics, authentic Korean dishes, and loaded deli sandwiches—all from what still looks like a corner store with a few tables scattered around.
The journey from convenience mart to cult favorite restaurant happened gradually, with current manager Sue Reyna taking over in 1991 and slowly building a menu that defies all categorization. You can order a muffuletta right next to bibimbap, grab a gyro alongside kimchi fried rice, or settle in with a perfectly stacked hoagie and a cold beer from the cooler.
The magic happens at the deli counter in the back, where orders are made fresh while you browse the aisles for your preferred beverage. This quirky dining experience earned Kwik Chek a coveted spot on Memphis’ famous 901 Bucket List, and once you taste the food, you’ll understand exactly why locals have kept this spot thriving for over three decades.
Related
More in Tennessee
This Knoxville Drive-In With Curb Service Is A Delicious Throwback To A Simpler Time
Keep Exploring →Korean Favorites That’ll Blow Your Mind
The Legendary Bi Bim Bop: This is the dish that made Kwik Chek famous across Memphis. You’ll receive a sizzling hot stone bowl filled with perfectly seasoned rice, vibrant vegetables including carrots, bean sprouts, spinach, Korean radish, zucchini, and cucumber, all topped with a sunny-side-up egg and your choice of beef, chicken, or tofu.
The real magic happens when you mix everything together with the spicy gochujang sauce—the egg continues cooking from the heat of the bowl, creating this incredible creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together. The sauce packs serious heat, so if you’re spice-sensitive, request it on the side to control the burn.
Fried Mandus: These Korean dumplings are handmade and absolutely gorgeous, with delicate pleats that demonstrate real craftsmanship. The filling surprises with tofu that tastes remarkably rich and satisfying, paired with a spicy soy sauce and fresh green onions for dipping. They’re crispy on the outside, tender within, and disappear fast.
Kimchi Fried Rice: This dish brings authentic Korean flavors with a fiery kick. The kimchi adds tangy, fermented notes while the rice gets a beautiful char and texture. It’s filling enough to share, though you might not want to.
Kimchi Burrito: Yes, you read that right. This inventive creation wraps all those bold Korean flavors into a handheld format. Fair warning—it’ll set your mouth on fire, but the flavor combination is so ridiculously good that you won’t care about the heat.
More in Tennessee
You Have To Try The Campfire-Flavored Ice Cream From This Unique Smyrna Shop
Discover MoreSandwich Game Is Unreal
The Memphis: This signature hoagie earned its name for good reason. You’ll get ham, salami, and provolone layered with mayo, mustard, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, aromatic spices, oil, and vinegar on a perfectly toasted roll.
Despite being slightly smaller than a footlong, this sandwich is incredibly satisfying and comes wrapped in deli paper like a gift you can’t wait to unwrap. The ingredients taste noticeably fresher than what you’d find at chain sandwich shops.
The Ninja: A longtime favorite among regulars, this sandwich has developed an almost cult-like following. The combination of ingredients creates something special that keeps people coming back year after year.
Veggie Muffuletta: This circular behemoth measures a full 10 inches across and comes loaded with vegetables and that distinctive muffuletta olive salad. It’s substantial enough to split into two meals, which is why they smartly sell half portions. The flavors are bold and satisfying even without meat.
The Zeus: Another standout that showcases Mediterranean influences with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings that make every bite memorable.
Related
More in Tennessee
Step Inside The Historic Clarksville Warehouse Hiding 130 Vendors Of Vintage Items
Keep Exploring →Mediterranean Classics Done Right
Gyros: The gyro meat here gets cooked to absolute perfection—crispy on the edges yet incredibly juicy inside.
You’ll receive long, thin strips of seasoned lamb and beef wrapped in soft pita with cool cucumber sauce, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and onions. The contrast between the warm, seasoned meat and the cold, creamy sauce is textbook gyro excellence.
Shish Kebob: Tender, flavorful meat arrives on skewers with beautiful char marks and aromatic seasoning that fills the air around your table.
Pita and Hummus Plate: Simple but satisfying, with seasoned pita chips perfect for scooping up smooth, creamy hummus. It’s a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Dolmadas and Greek Meatballs: Available from the grab-and-go cooler, these Mediterranean appetizers make great additions to any meal or work as light snacks on their own.
More in Tennessee
Head Inside The 1840s Blacksmith Shop That’s Now An Incredible Jackson Restaurant
Discover MoreSweet Endings
Homemade Baklava: This dessert receives constant praise for good reason. The layers are flaky and buttery, the honey syrup soaks through perfectly, and the nuts add just the right amount of crunch. Knowing it’s made in-house makes each bite even better.
Deviled Eggs: Also found in the cooler, these creamy, well-seasoned eggs make an unexpectedly delightful side or snack.
New York Style Cheesecake: Rich, dense, and satisfying for those who prefer classic American desserts.
The Whole Vibe Is Refreshingly Weird
Convenience Store Setting: You’re literally eating in what still functions partially as a mini-mart. The beverage coolers line the walls, chips and snacks occupy the shelves, and you’ll grab your own drinks just like you would at any corner store. It’s no fancy palace, but that’s precisely the charm.
Mid-Century Linoleum Aesthetic: The decor embraces a retro, night-owl diner feel with simple linoleum floors and basic seating. Everything feels pleasantly worn-in and comfortable rather than trying too hard to be trendy.
Related
More in Tennessee
This Tiny Gatlinburg Kiosk Serves Caramelized Belgian Waffles That Smell Like Heaven
Keep Exploring →Self-Service Everything: This isn’t a traditional restaurant experience. After ordering at the back counter, you find your own seat, grab your own beverages from the coolers, and pick up napkins yourself. When your food arrives at the table, you settle in and enjoy. After finishing, you head to the register and simply tell them what you ate and drank. It feels oddly intimate and trust-based.
Outdoor Seating Available: When Memphis weather cooperates, you can take your meal outside and enjoy the Midtown atmosphere.
What Else You Should Know
Pricing That Makes Sense: Meals here are incredibly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Sandwiches typically run between six and ten dollars, while Korean entrees range from roughly eleven to fourteen dollars.
Considering how filling everything is and the fresh, homemade quality, the value is outstanding. You’re getting legitimate restaurant-quality food at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
Parking Can Be Tricky: The tiny lot fills up quickly, and other customers don’t always park considerately. However, street parking along Madison Avenue is usually available on both sides, making access fairly easy despite the small dedicated lot.
Perfect Midtown Location: Kwik Chek sits right in the heart of Midtown Memphis, across from Blue Monkey and in the same building as Crazy Noodle.
You’re close to the Memphis Zoo, Overton Square, Brooks Museum, and major hospitals like LeBonheur and St. Jude. Madison Avenue provides easy access downtown toward the River, FedEx Forum, the Orpheum, Beale Street, and the Peabody.
Call Ahead to Save Time: If you know what you want, phone in your order on the way. The food is made fresh to order, so calling ahead can cut down wait times during busy lunch rushes.
Hours to Remember: They close at 9 p.m. sharp on weekdays and Saturdays, but Sunday closes at 7 p.m. Stop taking orders around 8:45 p.m. for takeout only, so plan accordingly.
Vegan and Vegetarian Heaven: The menu offers extensive plant-based options across all three cuisine types, making it a fantastic spot for groups with different dietary preferences.
Beer and Wine Available: Grab a cold beer from the cooler to pair with your meal, adding to that casual, relaxed vibe.
Best for Adventurous Eaters: If you enjoy trying unexpected food combinations and don’t need Instagram-worthy decor, this place will absolutely thrill you. Come with an open mind and an empty stomach.
Kwik Chek
📍 2013 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
