Cameo — Restaurant in Memphis

Edit, 4/5/25: I was really looking forward to hanging out w some friend, but when I order a paper plane it was only Aperol and lime. I watched them make it, and I know the recipe, guys. And then the manager confirmed they had no Nonino, but when I asked why no one told me up front they told me it was my fault for not knowing when I asked for a paper plane. Huh. Absolutely Weird. What a weird thing to say. Absolutely weird. I would tell a customer I had no bourbon nor Nonino Quintesentia, so they would understand, and order something different. So weird.

If they would have told me no bourbon, no Nonino, I would have selected something else. The absolutely positive takeaway is that the person who seemed like a manager was a total butthole douche, but the bartender(s) they didn't charge me. I did want to tip, because I don't know if they're told incorrectly how to make a paper plane and it might not totally be the bartenders' fault if they're not trained correctly, but it wasn't exactly an option. The more I visit the less happy I am. Which sucks... I really want to like this bar but not only do they miss the mark, they won't let you know in advance. Just a "hey sorry we don't have Nonino Quintesentia" is super refreshing. I'll think of something I like no problem guys!. But disguising it behind 3 ounces of Aperol and 1oz of lime or lemon and I feel cheated, disgusted, weird, idk. Even though I wasn't charged ... Which actually yes helped my opinion... Like my opinion of the bartenders is higher than the manager(s???) because they covered the bill, but also they could have told me. Idk it was all just weird. Idk. I'm a bartender and I would let the customer know what ingredients I don't have, And the customer(s) are usually cool. And I would be cool. But to make an asked beverage not to IBA spec...? Idk. I keep trying to like Cameo and am keep disappointed.

Anyway, the following is an older review:

Not sure about food, didnt have any.

Great place. While I have my own "differences"(see the following), it's a really nice place and as a GM myself I understand the importance of 5 stars 😉😁. So here the observations...

Someone recommended this place to me bc they thought that they might have a lot of vermouths, but didn't, but that's not their deal, just advice of a stranger, right. They said they had 2, but came up only one, but Fojo is good. Not fantastic, but good. But also, not $14 a glass(it was...pretty exp for a glass of vermouth imo).

Also looks like they use Genepy for green chartreuse and something else for Nonino, in case you get a last word, paper plane, or other. Imo there's no substitute for Nonino, and mostly only Faccia Brutto for GC.

But seriously, cool place, and I only had a glass of sweet vermouth, and the Fojo is a very good not-too-sweet-not-too-bitter offering, though a glass of it was more than a bottle.

They had a fire alarm when I was here; looks like the vent hood fan system failed(?), Not sure.

Service was great. I'm a pretty patient patron. If you're in a BIG hurry you might be disappointed, but if you're a decent guest you'll enjoy it, and the bartenders are good and personable. They aren't slow, though it's not instantaneous. They have many guests to serve, and they don't stand around. They were great.

Anyway, I'm sure the owner(s) will see this; I enjoyed myself overall, thanks a lot, and while I'm a little picky with the GC and the AN it's a really cool place for...

Cameo is an exceptional cocktail bar. This is where you go if you enjoy classic cocktails. I have visited several bars and lounges in the Memphis area and asked the bartender for a simple daiquiri, only to be met with confusion.

Cameo’s menu is actually mainly comprised of a list of classic and new classic cocktails, all sorted by descriptors, such as “rich and flavorful” and “spirit forward.” That is very helpful for newcomers such as myself! Cameo also has interesting seasonal house cocktails like the one I have pictured. Except for their “secret” cocktail, they all have flavor profiles included in the menu, which determine how sweet or spirit forward they are.

The drinks are reasonably priced at around $10-15 depending on the drink. The food is, however, a tad overpriced. I had the rotel dip and chips. It was decent, but it costed $12. It was nice and warm. The dip did the job, but I think $6 would be a much more reasonable price. I probably won’t be trying any other food except for the fries, but that really doesn’t matter to me! Cameo is a cocktail bar and lounge first and foremost, and let me just say that they are the best in Memphis! I hope that they don’t change a thing in that regard because I have yet to go anywhere in Memphis that excels at cocktails like them.

The atmosphere is cool. It’s dark and moody, without any loud music or anything. It will only be as loud as the fellow patrons are. Both times I have visited, the patrons were all laid back, minding their own business. Not to mention that the bartenders are all awesome! This place has a phenomenal staff. I hope you are all getting paid well because you deserve it! I made sure to leave a decent tip both times.

Cameo, you are a gem! You are a genuine cocktail lounge. You make me feel much more sophisticated than I actually am. Please, keep doing what...

Cameo Cocktail Bar is one of those rare places that truly gets everything right. Tucked away in the heart of Memphis, it offers an elevated yet welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel like you’re in on a well-kept secret.

Let’s talk cocktails: absolutely top-tier. Every drink is beautifully balanced, thoughtfully crafted, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re into bold and smoky or light and refreshing, the menu has something for every palate — and the bartenders are masters at creating custom concoctions based on your preferences. You can tell they’re passionate about what they do, and it shows in every pour.

Just as impressive as the drinks is the service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. They strike the perfect balance between professional and personable — making sure you’re comfortable, informed, and taken care of without being overbearing. It’s the kind of service that makes you want to stay for “just one more” and come...