Chef's Straight Out the Pot — Restaurant in Memphis

Dining in any downtown in most cities in America is an adventure. From navigating parking to stumbling across hidden culinary jewels in buildings that have been standing for decades and in some cases centuries, there is something unique about the food that is "Downtown."

Straight Out The Pot by Chef Ruben is another unique culinary experience in Downtown Memphis.

The lunch and breakfast restaurant is a quaint and welcoming environment. The natural light from the glass windows aligning the facing of the corner location beam through highlighting the neatness and cleanliness of the establishment.

The menu consists of breakfast items such as French Toast, eggs, grits, and made to order breakfast sandwiches as well as smoked Prime Rib Philly steak sandwiches, burger, salads, chef specials, and even a soul food buffet that rotates daily.

There is even a made to order dinner menu which showcases the level of culinary prowess exhibited by the owner and his staff. From Hand Cut Ribeyes, Norwegian Salmon and Lamb Chops to the complimentary sides such as fresh garlic green beans, asparagus, and potatoes with butter, the level of quality with each and every item being offered is obvious and deliberate.

I chose the buffet because soul food is one thing. Soul food prepared with quality ingredients and attention to detail is an entirely different ball game.

I was not disappointed in the least. Today is Wednesday so I had Meatloaf, Candied Yams, Mac-n-Cheese, Cabbage, Cornbread, and Sweet Tea.

The meatloaf was based in an authentic red sauce which helped to highlight the perfect seasoning balance of the beef. The cabbage had a slight kick to it which unveiled itself while complimenting the natural sweetness of cabbage. The mac-n-cheese was the pefrct balance of whote sauce, cheese, and aldente noodles. The candied yams were perfectly sweet just as the tea was. The cornbread was prepared perfectly. It was made from scratch and it had a hint of sweetness, but it wasn't Jiffy. It was the real deal.

I enjoyed each item independent of one another to verify the taste. I'm a combiner when I eat. Once I did that, I was in culinary heaven.

The portions were more than enough for one person, and I probably ate too much if I'm being honest. I added the mac, and it came in an 8 oz tub which was more than I expected.

All in all the neam was $17+. I paid $20 for the tip as well. For quality food I anticipate paying at minimum $15 to $20 no matter where I go in America.

Straight Out The Pot by Chef Ruben is definitely a must try for any native Memphian or visitor who is looking for familiar food with a gourmet foundation made with only the best...

Food is ok but definitely overpriced for what you receive. I ordered a cheese burger and the burger was a frozen patty with season added to it. I ordered a combo which did not come with a drink. So $14.00 plus tax for a cheese burger and literally a hand full of fries !! The owner Chef is RUDE as heck I work in the jail and me and my co-works went and one was upset about the size portion she received and said something to the owner about it and he said “HEY, YOU GET...

Stopped in for a late breakfast and was blown away by the shrimp n' grits and sausage. Creamy, spicy, and perfect texture from the grits to the sausage casing to the buttered toast. Come by for a no frills taste of southern cooking and some...