Hey fellow foodies! There’s a fresh spot on the block over in East Memphis, TN, not too far from the neighborhood of Belle Meade, that you’ve got to check out. This new, locally-owned joint is shaking up our food scene with its friendly vibes and mouth-watering dishes. It’s all the swagger of a high-end eatery and the cozy, welcoming feel of your favorite hometown hangout. This is the perfect place for us locals and tourists to grab a bite. You’ll love the modern decor spiced up with a dash of Southern charm. The restaurant recently introduced its inaugural brunch service last weekend after exclusively offering lunch and dinner.

As a brunch enthusiast, I wasted no time making a reservation as soon as I got wind of it. So let’s dive into this and see what makes Belle Meade Social a must-visit on the Memphis dining map!

The Vibes

Belle Meade Social has a warm, inviting foyer that sucks you in. The decor is all about those good vibes and southern hospitality, with incredible dark greens, yummy chocolate leather accents, and shiny gold touches. But they didn’t forget to add some fun pops of color to keep things lively. One thing that stands out is how much thought they put into every little detail of the place and the vibe it creates. I also got to meet Jules Jordan, one of the owners, and you can see how much care went into making this space memorable.

The Food and Menu

I kicked off my delightful solo brunch experience with a tantalizing cocktail, setting the perfect tone for a day of indulgence. The Montrose, a blissful concoction, was the ultimate choice to beat the summer heat. Picture this: a sparkling fusion of El Jimador Blanco, tangy lemon, and the rich sweetness of Demerara. It was the ideal start to a beautiful brunch.

I must confess I indulged in my next course more than I should admit. For my starter, I couldn’t resist the temptation of the Mini Beignets. These delightful treats are like little fluffy pillows dusted with a heavenly blanket of powdered sugar. The portion size is generous enough to share, but I won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself like I did. Initially, I was concerned that they might be too sweet for my liking, but I was pleasantly surprised. They struck the perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming my palate or making me feel like I was having dessert for breakfast.

The menu selection for brunch entree dishes was small but had great options. Classics like biscuits and gravy and eggs benedict are offered, and more contemporary choices like bananas foster fresh toast and brunch fried rice. I decided to try the latter. And let me say this; it was an absolute winner. This creative twist to the classic fried rice was nothing short of excellency. It was so humble in its simplicity, but the depth of flavors spoke volumes.

The brunch fried rice is a mixture of basmati rice, red peppers, onions, smokehouse bacon, sausage, egg, and scallions drizzled with sriracha and served with a choice of toast or a biscuit. My only complaint was more sriracha (I like it spicy) and a slightly larger portion size because the serving size was a little small, in my opinion. However, I would order it again because it’s just that good.

The Service

The service was just as great as the food. Everyone that I came into contact with, from the hostesses to other employees I passed while making my way to the dining room and bar, had the most amazing attitude. They were upbeat and professional, and everyone seemed to really enjoy being there.

My waitress was incredibly personable and offered some thoughtful and professional opinions about what I should order. There was a small hiccup when I originally ordered the La Vie en Rose Cocktail, and she let me know they didn’t have what they needed to make the drink and apologized, and in the same breath, offered another suggestion from management. That’s how I ended up with the Montrose, and I’m glad I did. This just means I’ll have to try the La Vie en Rose for happy hour someday.

The Pricing and Value

I found the pricing to be comparable for the area, and it met my expectations for this type of dining. The brunch cost me $36 before tip and included one appetizer, cocktail, and entree. I believe this is a great price point for a solo brunch. However, I did have an issue with the portion size of the brunch fried rice. The portion given to me was technically correct, but after finishing it, I found myself searching for the rest of it. I’m sure this is because the dish is light and not very filling. So if you’re starving, I’d get a starter salad before this entree or consider a heavier main course.

Final Thoughts

I definitely recommend it!

I had a great time on my solo brunch date. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. The service was top-tier, the food and drinks were A-1, and I got great value for the money. I’m anxious to try dinner here to see how the service, food and drink selection, and portion sizes compare to what was offered for brunch. This is definitely somewhere that I would go for a happy hour drink with friends, dinner with my family, and recommend to my clients.

If you are stopping by, the restaurant is located at 518 Perkins Extd, Memphis, TN 38117. Dinner is served Monday-Thursday, 4 pm – 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm; and Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm. Brunch is Friday through Sunday from 11-3, and happy hour is Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm.

Contact them at 901.480.7054 or visit their website at https://www.bellemeadesocial.com

Follow this link to make a reservation through Resy: https://resy.com/cities/mem/belle-meade-social?date=2023-08-21&seats=2

I’ll see you there!