FOOD, COMMUNITY, COMFORT since 1995

Welcome to Memphis Café, a beloved local establishment located in the heart of the SOBECA district in Costa Mesa. Since 1995, we have been delighting locals with our unique take on Southern home-style cooking. Indulge in our signature dishes such as our smoky gumbo, pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken and our famous chicken and waffles. Come and enjoy a thoughtfully crafted selection of both classic and distinctive hand-crafted cocktails and a carefully curated beer and wine at this well-preserved 1950’s mod building, the former “Kings Inn”. Our friendly staff is excited to welcome you and provide you with an exceptional dining experience.

$12.95 Weekly Deals

A plated dish with mashed potatoes topped with green beans, a grilled hamburger patty, melted cheddar cheese, and garnished with chopped chives, drizzled with gravy.

Meatloaf Sunday

A smiling woman in a black sleeveless top holding a cocktail at an outdoor setting with umbrellas.

Industry Tuesday

Plate of grilled or roasted meat with a skewer of corn and a small container of sauce, garnished with chopped herbs. In the background are dishes with stews and tacos.

Hickory BBQ Wednesday

A plated beef short rib served with roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, grilled bread, and a sprig of rosemary, topped with gravy.

Pot Roast Thursday

Grub with Greg features Memphis

“Everything here was excellent! The Down Home Gumbo and Barbecue Shrimp and Green Chili Grits were my favorite and I’m totally coming back for their Bananas Foster Banana Pudding! It was out of this world!!🍞”

Black and white illustration of a building labeled 'Memphis' with a stone and brick facade and decorative trees outside.

Guest Reviews

  • "This place didn't disappoint! Delicious chicken and waffles and they had Louisiana hot sauce to boot so you know they are legit! It was my first time having fried okra and I'm now a fan. My friend got the cat fish Po'boy sandwich and let me take a bite as I've never had catfish and it was delicious as well. I'll definitely be back!"

    ★★★★★

    - Melissa B.

  • "My wife and I have been coming here for almost 20 years. It's our go-to favorite place. Cocktails are spot on and great food. Service is amazing. We're on first name basis with probably half the staff there. Super cool people, great food, unique ambiance."

    ★★★★★

    - Jeff Y

  • "Where do I start? I've wanted to visit this place for 10-15 years but never made the effort to go. I finally did it and I hate that I waited so long. I had the fried chicken meal and it was perfect. The mashed potatoes were so delicious. Okra is my favorite veggie and the way they cook it here is next level. The eggs Benedict was a dream. They allow dogs on the patio and the service is top notch. I never had to ask for anything. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back. My dogs, Bear and Bow devoured their doggie meal. I love this place."

    ★★★★★

    - Charlie R.

  • "This is by far one of the best breakfast out there. Great food and drinks. The chicken and waffle breakfast is great. I guess all selections here are great but I like that one with over easy eggs. Really good. The service is the best here. They make the breakfast even better. I recommend Memphis Cafe to anyone looking for great food and service. They are that good!!!!"

    ★★★★★

    - Dan W.

  • "Stopped by today for lunch, nice weather but chose to dine indoors. Completely forgot to snap a pic before I devoured the bbq shrimp and grits. DEE LISH OUS. Beautiful presentation (have to take my word for it sorry). Perfect serving, didn't feel overwhelmed or thought about a to go container. Nice welcoming staff from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left. Hurry on down! I doubt you could go wrong with anything off the menu."

    ★★★★★

    - Carla W.

Close-up of a hand holding a taco filled with meat, diced vegetables, cilantro, and sauce. A second taco and a lime wedge are on a tray below, with a green sauce in a small container.
A glass of orange-colored cocktail with ice, garnished with a lemon wedge and a cherry, served with a straw.
Four glasses of different types of beer on a table outdoors, with umbrellas and blue sky in the background.
A plate of loaded cheese fries topped with cheese, chopped chives, and pieces of beef steak, with a person grabbing a fry from the top.
Young woman holding a cocktail glass outdoors, smiling, with beach umbrellas in the background.
Fried chicken on a bed of chopped vegetables, topped with coleslaw, served with a side of creamy dipping sauce on a white plate.
Three people clinking glasses of white wine, red wine, and beer over a wooden table with plates of food including fried chicken, eggs, and fried snacks.
A white bowl of salad containing sliced avocado, shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, lettuce, and pieces of fried chicken on top, placed on a wooden table.
Dessert with a square slice of cake topped with powdered sugar, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, a sprig of mint, with caramel and white cream sauces on a white plate.
Person cutting into a plate of beef stew with carrots and mashed potatoes, accompanied by a glass of red wine on a wooden table.
Plate with waffles topped with syrup, fried chicken, sunny side up eggs, and mushrooms
A white plate of shrimp and meat stew garnished with lettuce or cabbage and served with a fried egg.
Two people clinking glasses of white wine over a dining table with plates of food.
Plate of grilled fish with yellow curry sauce, served with rice, mushrooms, and vegetables, garnished with sprouts.
Plate of nachos topped with shredded meat, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and green sauce. In the background, there is a salad and two glasses of dark and amber beverages on a wooden table.
A plate of fried chicken, two sunny-side-up eggs, two waffles, a small cup of gravy, and butter, with syrup in a small container, served on a white plate with a wooden table background.
A plate with a grilled pork chop topped with a cherry sauce, served with mashed potatoes and red cabbage slaw. Additional plates of food and a glass of wine on a wooden table.