The Overland — Restaurant in Germantown

(Part One of Three) I am posting this review after sending it via letter to the restaurant two months ago with my contact information. I never heard back, so out of a sense of festive, seasonal spite I am posting it now. Due to its length, I must do so in three parts. The final two parts are attached as images.

I am composing this letter to you regarding Overland against the better judgement of my spouse and dining partner, who accompanied me at your restaurant on October 9 at 6:45PM. We sat in the room adjacent to the outdoor patio. I want to describe below my experience with your restaurant’s food. I do not want to write about my experience regarding service, ambiance, or the beverage service; all were excellent. Because of what I have written below, I want to emphasize again that our server was excellent. He and all front-of-house staff were accommodating throughout our visit to Overland.

Before I describe my experience with Overland’s food, I must wrestle with the reality that you do not have a read on my reasonableness. Although I have never written an online (or written, until now!) review of a restaurant, I have read many. The critical ones usually begin with a pretentious historical bloviation reciting each of the halls of haute cuisine in which the writer has degusted prior to deigning to write their review.

To that end, I can say that I live in Memphis, TN with what I think are realistic dining expectations accompanying this geographic reality. These expectations do not require Eric Ripert’s seafood techniques, or that Overland’s sous staged in one of Boulud’s kitchens. We live in Memphis, after all, and after all, there exist places here we can herald. Erling is still serving an experience so good after so many years that his last name isn’t needed, while Drew Bryan’s work is of such excellent quality I cannot be embarrassed with the frequence of my visits and recommendations that others visit, too.

The contempt for food and for your guests at Overland compels me to write this admittedly mean letter. The quality of the food we were served at Overland was so poor that I believe you either hate your guests or think that they are stupid. That is a ridiculous claim, so I want to describe two and a half dishes from the perspective of a human eater who very much wants to support new fine dining restaurants in Memphis...

Tucked away on the fifth floor of the TownePlace Suites Marriott, The Overland might not catch your eye from the outside, but once you step inside, you’re transported into a unique dining experience. The restaurant, which sits next to guest rooms, surprises you with its upscale rustic cowboy theme—complete with artwork and seating that evoke the feel of a high-end Western eatery. Whether you opt for bar seating, indoor tables, or their corner patio with views of Neshoba Road, Market Row, and the GPAC in the distance, the setting feels charming and intimate.

Service is where The Overland really shines. The staff were not only friendly and smiley but also knowledgeable about the menu, providing insightful recommendations. When uncertain about an item, they made sure to get accurate answers rather than guessing, which demonstrated their dedication to detail and customer satisfaction.

For the appetizer, I enjoyed the potato and leek puree, which was hearty, well-seasoned, and fresh. While not overwhelming in flavor, it fit well with the rustic atmosphere. Moving to the main course, I opted for the 8-ounce filet, since the bison (which seemed to be the star dish) was unavailable. Cooked perfectly to medium, the filet was tender and flavorful, though the seasoning could have been more consistent. However, the dish overall was well thought out and nicely plated. Even when the patron next to me had an issue with their overcooked steak, the staff quickly rectified it, showcasing their commitment to quality.

The pricing feels fair for this type of dining experience in Memphis, and while the restaurant’s location within a TownePlace Suites may seem like an odd choice, the upcoming development around it, including its sister restaurant The Moondance across the street, gives it a promising future.

In all, The Overland offers a unique, upscale Western dining experience with attentive service and solid food, making it well...

My husband and I had the loveliest date night at The Overland in Germantown last week. From the moment we walked in, we felt right at home. The setting is this charming, upscale Western vibe, up on the fifth floor of the TownePlace Suites. You’d never expect it from the outside, but inside, it’s all warm wood, cozy nooks, and even a little patio with a fantastic view.

We started with the pimento cheese wontons, and they were divine. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and that house marmalade? Perfection. David said it reminded him of the soul rolls at Great Southern Cafe in Seaside, Florida-and that’s high praise from him! I had the North Mesa salad, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best I’ve had in the Memphis area. Fresh greens, grape tomatoes, creamy avocado, and those crispy wontons, all tossed in a cilantro honey vinaigrette that was just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

For our main courses, I went with the halibut-cooked to absolute perfection. David had the elk chop, and he couldn’t stop raving about how tender and flavorful it was, especially paired with those creamy grits and turnip greens. We finished things off with the cheesecake, and let me tell you, it was generous enough for both of us-and every bite was heavenly.

Our waitress, Sanoma, was lovely. She made us feel so welcome, and her attention to detail truly made our night feel special. The whole staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and you could tell they really cared about making sure everyone had a wonderful experience.

If you’re looking for an upscale yet approachable dinner spot in Germantown, The Overland is a must. We’re already planning our next visit-and I know you’ll love it, too....