- Attraction: The Beauty Shop Restaurant
- Location: 966 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.thebeautyshoprestaurant.com/
Chef Karen Carrier made waves when she returned from New York City determined to bring something different to Memphis.
Opening in 2002, this quirky restaurant transformed a former 1940s beauty salon where Priscilla Presley once had her iconic beehive styled into one of the most talked-about dining destinations in Cooper-Young.
It earned recognition in Gourmet’s Top 100 Restaurants that same year and has been delighting diners ever since. Inside, you’ll find vintage Belvedere hair dryers that still work, glass brick booths, and original terrazzo floors—all creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts campy and chic.
The menu reads like a culinary passport, featuring bold American dishes with international twists that showcase Carrier’s artistic background and adventurous palate.
Brunch Worth Planning Your Weekend Around
The Bad Boy Bloody Mary: This brunch staple has become legendary among Memphis locals and visitors. Served generously and perfectly balanced with just the right kick, it pairs wonderfully with a Big Boy Mimosa made with fresh-squeezed juice and bubbly for the ultimate brunch beverage experience.
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Keep Exploring →The Beneduck: This signature dish features spiced, sugared crispy duck topped with jalapeño jam that creates an explosion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors all at once. It offers something far beyond traditional eggs Benedict and has become one of the restaurant’s most ordered brunch items.
International Breakfast Plates: The brunch menu ventures well beyond typical Southern fare with options like the Mexican Breakfast featuring black beans, sunny-side eggs, cotija cheese, avocado, and tomatillo salsa.
You’ll also find Island French Toast with mangos, strawberries, coconut, and maple butter that transports you to the tropics with every bite.
Chicken and Waffles: A Southern classic executed with pecan-studded waffles that provide the perfect sweet-and-savory combination. The sesame pecan chicken adds a unique twist with its nutty coating and crispy exterior.
Steak and Eggs Reimagined: This plate elevates the classic diner version with za’atar grilled onions, ponzu brown butter, and Yukon sweet potato and apple hash. The combination brings earthy, sweet, and savory notes together in unexpected ways.
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Discover MoreCheese Grits That Command Respect: These aren’t just good grits—they’re the kind that make you understand why Memphis takes this dish so seriously. Creamy, perfectly seasoned, and generous enough to be a meal on their own when topped with a fried egg.
Biscuits with Strawberry Jam: The buttermilk biscuits arrive warm and fluffy, begging to be smeared with sweet strawberry preserves that complement the buttery richness.
Lunch and Dinner Highlights
Daily Specials: The restaurant rotates grilled cheese, crepe, ravioli, and soup specials that keep lunch exciting and affordable. These daily offerings often feature seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere.
Past specials have included ricotta ravioli in tomato cream sauce with spinach and green onions, and grilled cheese loaded with gooey Mexican cheese and pulled pork on sourdough.
Watermelon and Wings: This unexpected pairing has become a signature item that perfectly represents the restaurant’s playful approach to cuisine, combining refreshing fruit with savory fried chicken.
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Keep Exploring →Crispy Duck: The Jamaican-style sugar and spice crispy duck delivers layers of sweetness balanced with warm spices and a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that gives way to tender meat.
Grilled Romaine Salad: The grilled romaine gets charred perfectly, creating a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh toppings and vibrant dressings that make vegetables genuinely exciting.
Lucky Pot Ramen: This standout dish features ribeye in a saffron turmeric kaffir lime lemongrass broth that’s aromatic, complex, and deeply satisfying.
Balsamic Maple Pork Carnitas: Sweet balsamic and maple notes complement the savory pork, creating a dish that hits multiple flavor notes in perfect harmony.
Lamb Chops: Cooked precisely with a beautiful sear on the outside while remaining juicy within, often served with seasonal sides like corn.
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Discover MoreWhole Trout: The herb-crusted trout demonstrates the kitchen’s ability to handle seafood with finesse, offering a lighter option with bright, fresh flavors.
BBQ Shrimp and Grits: A Southern classic that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with those justifiably famous cheese grits.
Tuna Pizzette: This creative appetizer showcases fresh tuna with inventive toppings that make it a must-try starter.
Atmosphere and Décor
Prime Hair Dryer Seating: The original Belvedere hair dryers aren’t just for show—they actually work!
Sitting under one of these vintage beauties makes for the most coveted seats in the house and provides endless photo opportunities. You can even pull them down over your head for the full retro salon experience.
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Keep Exploring →Glass Brick Booths: These intimate booths offer cozy seating for groups of four to six, creating semi-private dining spaces that feel special and fun while maintaining the open, social atmosphere.
Retro-Meets-Modern Design: The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between kitschy and sophisticated.
Original mint green wash basins serve as sinks behind the handcrafted tiger maple bar, while hand-blown art-glass lights and glamorous copper and silver-leaf walls add contemporary elegance. The original terrazzo flooring grounds the space in authentic vintage charm.
Jetsons-Era Facade: The exterior features authentic Vitrolite from the original 1950s beauty shop, immediately telegraphing that this isn’t your average restaurant before you even step inside.
Outdoor Greenhouse Seating: These charming outdoor structures offer al fresco dining in enclosed spaces that feel both airy and intimate, perfect for Memphis’s pleasant weather months.
Cooper-Young Neighborhood Vibe: Located in one of Memphis’s hippest entertainment districts, the surrounding area is walkable and packed with other interesting shops, galleries, and eateries to explore before or after your meal.
The neighborhood has a relaxed, artsy feel that complements the restaurant perfectly.
Moderate Noise Level: The space maintains a lively but comfortable sound level—you can hear conversation at your table while still feeling the energy of a bustling restaurant.
Other Considerations
Pricing That Won’t Break the Bank: Lunch dishes typically range from $10-20, making it surprisingly affordable for such creative cuisine.
Brunch items like pancakes and waffles hover around $11, while egg dishes range from $13-17. Cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys run about $9 and come in generous pours.
Dinner pricing falls into the moderate category—not cheap, but reasonable considering the quality, creativity, and portion sizes of the dishes. Most guests feel satisfied with the value they receive.
Parking Logistics: Street parking is free in the area, though it can require a bit of patience during peak times. You’ll likely find a spot within a block or two of the restaurant. The walkable neighborhood makes the short stroll pleasant.
Reservation Strategy: Weekend brunch is extremely popular—make a reservation if you want to avoid waiting, especially on Sundays. The restaurant also takes reservations for dinner service, which is smart for larger groups or special occasions. Walk-ins are accepted but may face waits during prime dining hours.
Family-Friendly with Adult Appeal: The fun, campy atmosphere works well for families looking for something beyond typical kid-friendly chains, while the creative cocktails and sophisticated menu keep it interesting for date nights, birthday celebrations, and girls’ brunches.
The quirky décor captures children’s imagination while adults appreciate the culinary creativity.
Changing Seasonal Menus: The dinner menu rotates frequently to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients, so there’s always something new to try even if you become a regular. This keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting on repeat visits.
Multiple Meal Services: Open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11am-2pm, Saturday brunch from 11am-2pm, Sunday brunch from 10am-3pm, and dinner service throughout the week until 9pm or 10pm depending on the day. This gives you plenty of opportunities to visit.
Lunch is Underrated: While the lunch menu doesn’t get as much attention as the famous brunch service, it offers excellent value with generous portions and equally creative dishes. The daily specials make it worth visiting multiple times to try different offerings.
Dog-Friendly Patio: The outdoor seating area welcomes four-legged friends, making it a great spot for dog owners who want to include their pups in the dining experience.
20% Gratuity Note: The restaurant includes an automatic 20% gratuity on checks, so be aware this will be added to your bill regardless of party size.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant
📍 966 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
