One of the best meals I have had in a while. Friendly staff and great chef. My dish was scallops on salmon on shrimp on pasta with spinach and cheese. It was enough for two. Cocktails were great. My wife's broccoli, salmon and clementine salad was also excellent. We will be back.
(5)
Jeremy W.
This was hands-down the one of the biggest disappointments in "fine Memphis dining" I've had in a very long time. I don't frequent the scene often so when I do get out-and-about I have high expectations of which Cafe Society failed miserably on all. Where do I begin? It's tough I admit but here goes (everything in the nutshell version I assure you): I called well in advance and placed a reservation for two and made it very clear it was to be a "romantic" dinner for two. And I even gave a few specific examples to the reservation taker of no-go seating scenarios for me. Simple enough. Or so I thought -- okay so it's Valentine's eve and love is in the air, well everywhere BUT Cafe Society that is. We arrived, in coats and gloves, and were welcomed with "How's it going GUYS?" -- Seriously? I expect this casual chatter from Buffalo Wild Wings (which I love) but not from a place like this... I expect "sir" "ma'am" or if they wanna go French like they claim "monsieur", etc... certainly not GUYS. Okay, so we are seated and there are apparently no coat racks for coats. Wha? Again, I wouldn't EVER expect this from Applebee's but seriously, it's a $125/dinner restaurant that claims to be among the best in Memphis. Not so my friends... So we drape our coats over our chairs and make do. But guess what? They've seated us by the door, the front door where all of the customers come in and wait & chat, and where the cold air makes it's way into the restaurant the most. Is this their idea of "romantic date" seating? So after I "try" to make the best of the front-row, cold, non-romantic seating where the servers and the horrible owner continue to talk about guests that haven't shown I decide I can't take it anymore. I ask to be re-seated - annoying to those in the server profession I know - but again it's not O'Charley's it's $125+ Cafe Society and it's Feb 13. This is when it was obvious to me that this hole in the wall, wanna be upscale establishment, had no idea about customer service. Here's the answer to my "can I be re-seated?" question: "Sorry sir, we are all booked up, mostly regulars who want specific seats?" There's nothing I can do." The restaurant was EMPTY and when we left at 7 there were plenty plenty plenty of seats open -- I looked! I then mentioned specifically my requested for a location a little more private and she reiterated how important her "regulars" were and how "nothing" could be done. Brilliant right? So I sat back down and tried to make the most of it despite the constant business/server/owner chatter going on in the room, the guest passer-byers every 2 minutes, and the waitress that seemed to enjoy butting into every conversation we had. At least in my experience with pro-restaurants, the server at least waits until you finish a sentence before barging in with questions about water/food/etc... Not so here folks :( So then the icing on the stale, disappointing, dry cake: I was not allowed to use my Cafe Society gift card that I'd been saving for this specific occasion for over 4 months. The short story is this: I mistakenly placed my credit card in the holder and the server rang it up, I then realized what had been done, and then requested that transaction be cancelled and they set up a new transaction. Believe it or not I've done this before at "regular" chainy restaurant and it's never been a problem, never! Well because of a LivingSocial discount I'd used they said it couldn't be done. Simply put: they refused to find a solution. I told them that I wasn't in the habit of frequenting high-end (haha - they wish) establishments like this and that I really couldn't afford to pay for this meal without a gift card - and the owner himself, whom I'd asked for, just said to me that he couldn't do anything. Furthermore, he never gave me his full attention, never -- his eyes were on his regulars and just about anyone else he could find. He failed to solve my problem and definitely failed to show me he cared enough about my experience to give me a full 60 seconds of his time. Owners like this don't deserve your business - don't give it to them!! I, and the affluent patrons who gave me the gift card to begin with, will never frequent this establishment again. Memphis French dining, a joke.
(1)
Sonnet B.
One of the entire family's favorite places. The Family loves the patio! The restaurant menu is amazing. (I can eat an entire plate of just the vegetables that go with the corvina...). It is kind of a special occasion place, if you're eating in the restaurant. However, the bar menu is why The Husband and I go entirely too often. You have beautiful pommes frites and burgers, oysters, all the good stuff just on a higher level. But one of midtown's hidden gems is the chef's choice pizza. Throw caution to the wind and just go wherever the kitchen takes you...!
(5)
Terry B.
What can you say about great food and service. The chef makes some of the greatest variety of tastes, from a Kobe Hot Dog with smothered onions and real bacon as well as super French fries to seafood or meat offers. A great martini bar as well. The bar food including their pizza is top shelf. Love this place!
(5)
Jolynna M.
Known by locals as simply Cafe "S", this darling little midtown bistro is a neighborhood treasure. The chef, Cullen Kent, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, which is apparent as you sample the various dishes with international and French emphasis. There are several items on the menu that I love and highly recommend, the first being the French Onion Soup that Noelle P. already mentioned. It's packed with flavor and piping hot - a real treat on a cold day, or any day for that matter. For starters, another favorite of mine on the menu is the Oysters Maurice - topped with shrimp and a cheese "gratinee". Or if you're brave and adventurous, try the Frog Legs. Tastes like chicken. :) For entrees, I have a hard time deciding which is better - the Sea Scallops, pan seared with shrimp, sausage and roasted corn, or the Filet of Lamb with a spinach and goat cheese tart. It's divine. Really. But then so is Cafe S. Put it on your "to do" list. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Beth S.
We rediscovered this long-time favorite several months ago on the way to a party in the nearby neighborhood. We stopped in for a quick drink, fell in love with the bar and resolved to come back for dinner with friends. The bar is cozy and comfortable with wide-screen TVs and extremely friendly service. We've been twice in the past few months and both times have enjoyed our meal very much. I love the sea bass, my husband loves the steaks and most recently, the scallop special, over a shrimp risotto was rich, creamy and delicious. The two desserts ordered at our table, creme brulee and brandy alexander were yummy. Great place for a quiet dinner.
(4)
Meta L.
Disappointing meal. Entered mistakenly through the bar and smelled the smoke all evening. Very few customers. Slow service especially getting desserts out. Problem with fruit flies ...big problem which they acknowledged but nothing comped as an apology. Not sure we will return. Too bad. Taste of food was fine.
(2)
Ingrid M.
I have been here before for lunch and had a wonderful lunch, the portion sizes was just right. We went for dinner and it was not that good. I order the pork chop, it was 2 inches thick and it was very fatty and it was very undercooked. The pork chop was served in a bowl which made it very difficult to cut. It was served over beans that were in some type of bbq sauce. I did not enjoy this meal at all. The home made salad dressings are wonderful. It's a good place, just don'[t order the very large, very fatty, very undercooked pork chop.
(4)
Candice C.
The scallops are great!! Quiet, romantic atmosphere and good service. A bit pricey but worth it. All the food we had was delicious but heavy so don't expect a lot of light options. The sea bass was awesome as well.
Tasty food, nice atmosphere - I'd definitely go back.
(4)
N. P.
This is a great modern-looking restaurant with Belgian and French flair. It's a nice place to go for lunch. The ingredients always taste fresh and the service is great. I usually like to get the french onion soup. It's great and salty, I do my thing and add a lot of pepper. The pan-seared salmon is excellent. Some of the best salmon that I've had anywhere. A lot of the items come with pomme frites (fries) and they're nice and crisp. When many other places are closed, Cafe Society is open on Sundays for dinner, which is nice.
(4)
don S.
Cafe Society is a real gem of a bistro which indeed is underrated. It had been a while since we visited CS but we have eaten there three times in the last three weeks and have enjoyed three lovely meals. The appetizers are off the charts-bacon wrapped shrimp with cream sauce, oysters Maurice, eggplant roulade, and bibb lettuce salad with scrumptious blue cheese salad are all very good. The Scallops Raita is reminiscent of a cioppino and is chock full of shrimp, scallops, salmon, and mussels with a wonderful sauce. Both veal dishes that we had were done to perfection and the sauces were superb. The servings are certainly ample and the service we have experienced has been excellent.
(4)
Tracy W.
We went to Cafe Society on Saturday...to be fair we go here fairly regularly. Of course there is a reason for that, the wait staff are always friendly and attentive and the food never disappoints. Normally I get the french onion soup (delicious), but they had a rustic tomato basil soup de jour...so clearly I had to try that (equally as good). The bibb salad is also standard fare for me....love it. For my entree I went witha new york strip cooked to perfection at medium rare...oh and did I mention my steak was stuffed with some kind of a wonderful feta cheese stuffing...oh...my...goodness...yummy. My wife had some kind of a salmon dish that she loved but more importantly the salmon came with golden beets...to be clear yes I said beets. My wife is not one to eat ANY vegatables much less beets...but she ate every last one. If after all that food you can manage to squeeze in a dessert (we did) I love the profiterole...ice cream and pastry...whats not to love? We also met the chef for the first time Saturday and while I always enjoyed his cooking now I can also say he's a great guy...super nice. I hope I am not sharing a secret event, but he mentioned to us that at 5PM on the last Sunday of each month they do a breakfast for dinner event. So I know what I am eating this coming Sunday night...BREAKFAST! :-)
(5)
Molly P.
I visited an oldie but goodie last night to celebrate. As I walked in, I saw a table set for two with some beautiful flowers on the table. Within 30 seconds of being seated, I had water and was asked the name of my guest joining me, so she could be escorted to me. My guest actually entered through the bar area, and the bartender remembered me and escorted her to me. All of this to say, the attention to service is impeccable. The food, as always, was flavorful and well prepared. I ventured away from my perennial favorite of bacon wrapped shrimp in horseradish cream sauce to try the fricassee of escargot with chorizo. It was delicious! My friend couldn't decide between the salmon or the lamb shank. The waitress suggested the salmon. When Michel found out what my friend was drinking, he changed the order to the lamb shank. She wasn't disappointed. I went traditional with the steak frites which provided an enormous NY strip, cooked to a perfect medium rare. We shared a creme brulee for dessert, which never disappoints. All in all, a great place for a celebration, a dinner meeting or a romantic dinner.
(5)
Ken T.
This is a great little place to eat in Memphis. It is quiet, clean, intimate, and the food is outstanding. If you're looking for a place to connect with people and wanting conversation rather than having to scream over the crowd, this is your restaurant. The service is excellent. They are attentive and polite. The food here is always outstanding. Last night I had filet mignon and steamed veggies. Perfect. Warm fresh bread is always served before the meals with real butter. Finally, the manager is usually around so everything in this place is in tip-top shape. Try them out. Well worth the visit.
(5)
Rob B.
The last Sunday of the month they do breakfast for dinner. It is awesome! I do a breakfast bowl of grits, biscuits n gravy, bacon and 2 eggs over easy, sooooo good! :-)
(5)
Joelle P.
I was so impressed with this place that I literally asked if they did rehearsal dinners...don't tell the guy I just started seeing that...I mean, it could be for a friend...yeah, that's it...a friend... With Cooper-Young and Overton Square being slammed these days (and impossible to find a parking spot), this place is the perfect new place to go in midtown. Parking is right in front (plenty of spots), the bar is huge (and separate from the restaurant), and the atmosphere is formal yet not snooty...the perfect combo! I insist you get the escargot as an appetizer and the bon bon for dessert. Both were out of this world! I had the filet as my entree...and it was good, but I kinda wish I had branched out and ordered one of the specials. (I get filet mignon medium rare everywhere I go.) Their champagne split was great and reasonably priced at $10 - love that you get a glass and a half in those things. This was a girls' night but it is also the perfect place for a special date...or a rehearsal dinner ;)
(5)
Saree M.
Great place for Evergreeners to drive or walk and have a great meal and/or amazing drink. The smoking indoors can be ignored because of the great service and excellent drinks.
My first time dining at this restaurant was yesterday evening with a girls dinner club (we rotate trying new places around Memphis every couple of months). I think most everyone covered the major details, but here is a quick recap of my experience. Why I would go back: The main dish i had was really excellent. It was a fish special with capers over polenta and it was pleanty of food. The flavors were wonderful. The restaurant location is convienient (in the midtown area) and parking was not an issue. It is street parking but you didn't have to pay or wait to park and the area is not crowded. The staff was friendly and they accepted a reservation for us which is a bonus in my book since some places don't take reservations. What needs improvement: The waitress we had really needs to be mentioned because this could really keep me from coming back. She was very very slow, although she didn't have a lot of tables that I could see and after dinner two odd things happened: We ordered dessert to go. She packaged it up, which also included ice cream (in a to go box- strange) and then she proceeded to take about 25 minutes to give us the check AFTER she gave us a to go box full of ice cream. I am not sure what the hold up was but she seemed to be confused about splitting a check 4 ways. She really did not get the hint that we were ready to go (after sitting there already for almost 3 hours). In addition we had to ask her several times for water, the check, the check, and the check. Finally one of us had to get up and go over to the waitress at another table to tell her we really were ready to go in order to get our check because she was standing there with our cards in her hand talking to the table for so long (this was after several attempts to even get our check). The food took a very long time to arrive. The staff came out and apologized and also gave us sorbet to cleanse our pallet which was a nice gesture. The to-go dessert I ordered was chocolate bread pudding, and as I mentioned they put ice cream on top. It sat at the table about 30 minutes and 10 minutes on the way home. When I finally dug in it was absolutely awful: dry, cold, and I had to throw it in the trash. We were informed there was a VA meeting so they had turned the music off, but the restaurant in our section was empty and it was eerily quiet. They never turned the music back on and honestly it was somewhat of an atmosphere buzz kill as I felt like we had to talk so quietly since our entire conversation could be heard by everyone. It may be a while before I go back. I might try out the bar that is connected first. It looked classy and upscale and like a good atmosphere. It was actually pretty busy for a Thursday night compared to the restaurant which seemed somewhat vacant.
(3)
Joy C.
Sooooooo in love! Scored a Living Social deal, 50 dollars off!! No wayyy, Yess way!!! Took the hubby here for pre Fathers Day dinner. Service was a little slow but we got over it. Great waiter, very professional. I ordered the Corvina Basq with potatoes. Soooo good!!!! Sooo good. He had the Salmon, which he loved! Casual fine dining at its best. Great experience, will most definitely be back!
Really enjoyed my first visit to Cafe Society. I dined at the bar because I was dressed a bit casual and this seemed to be a good call. The bar side is causal, while the dining room area appears much fancier and a perfect choice for business dinner or date night. The service was outstanding. We were checked in on several times and I always felt as though the servers were nearby in case we needed something. The art in being a good server though is doing this without making the customer feel as though you are sitting on top of them - which the staff at Cafe Society nailed! I ordered the side caesar salad and the mussels. The salad was fresh, however it has a bit too much anchovy on it for me so the last few pieces of lettuce I left on the plate. If you're not very favorable to anchovy then I'd order it without it. Also, the salads here typically come with dressing on it, so if you're a conservative dressing eater - order it on the side. The mussels were outstanding!!! Perfectly cooked and the tomatoes and carrots served among them were equally delicious! Loved the variety of food they had, the $5 martinis/house wine, the causal nature of the bar (watcher america's got talent!), and the quality service. My one complaint....smoking in the bar. I'm not sure about the dining area though. No matter where I go, smoking is always a downside for me. Everything else was on point though - look forward to visiting again!
(4)
Carol D.
The saving grace of this restaurant was the entree and one of the specials of the day. The soup was nothing to brag about. The house blue cheese dressing was tasteless. The entree was excellent. We had the filet stuffed with Gorgonzola cooked to perfection. It is hard to get a rare steak "right". This was perfect. I would go back but skip the soups and salads.
(4)
Mary H.
One of my favorite places to have a romantic dinner. And tonight did not disappoint. This is one of the most romantic places in Memphis , casual and laid back. We had a wonderful goat cheese appetizer with caramelized cherries and a delicious ribeye steak with goat cheese sweet potato puree. As always Michel Leny was a most charming host. Love this Memphis constant and consistently wonderful bistro. Cudos to Cullen Kent, chef/owner who personally came by each and every table to say hello and check on everyone. Those personal touches are rare these days but mean so much! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
A L.
What a bitter disappointment for supposed fine dining in Memphis. Needless to say my friend who recommended this place got a poke in the eye with a sharp stick when I saw him after dinner. The place should have a notice on the door "No one over 65 will be admitted." This is an OLD and stuffy restaurant where the food was mediocre at best. The night we went for dinner there was a party being hosted there, which obviously hit the maximum occupancy as we made our way through the kitchen prep area to get to our reserved table. The wait time for the food was unacceptable. The bread was cold and lifeless. The steak was overcooked. The scallops were reasonable. Couldn't even chew the steak. Very disappointed. Wanted a special meal for a special occasion and I will remember it for all the wrong reasons.
I will start with over server Jenny (I think), she was excellent. I had been looking forward to going since I had not been here in years. The food was good but I would not say excellent. Don't quite think they are sure what the want to be, high end romantic or smoky bar. Will try again but not any time soon.
(3)
Terence R.
A great place to eat! The food is excellent, and the wait staff very friendly. It is surprising to me that every time I come in to eat there is not a line around the corner waiting to come in (albeit we do eat late). We have come for dinner and also go in just for dessert if the mood strikes us. The chef will come to the table and talk with the patrons and make recommendations and you can sometimes see him looking in to see if all is well. That shows me that he is also interested in what happens in the front of the house, and I find that comforting. My only suggestion is to turn the heat up a couple degrees in the winter as if borders on chilly at times.
(4)
Curtis B.
Finally made it here last night, and this place is immediately going to the top of my list. So it was a Wednesday and we had an early reservation. I think because it is the first week of school the place was very very quiet. And we were early. Often that means the servers are just getting in, the bread isn't ready, and they just don't have it together yet. Not so here. We were immediately greeted and seated at probably be the best table in the house. Now I know next to nothing about French food, and I was worried that we wouldn't be treated well because I knew I would have a lot of questions. Not the case. Our waitress walked us through all of our questions without the slightest bit of pretension. I had the special, a tuna piccata. I'd never hear of tuna prepared that way and thought it would be interesting to try. It was ridiculously good! Light, well seasoned, beautifully plated. My wife had the seafood bowl thing and it was even better. Sometimes with "broth" is in a menu item it comes out bland and boring, but her broth was loaded with tomatoes and carrots and all sorts of delicious things. There were two enormous scallops..I'm talking freak show sized. It was perfect. We decided to spring for dessert because everything had been so good. I think we were wondering if they could keep it up. She had the bread pudding, which was amazing. Perfectly little crunch on the outside, soft on the inside. I had the bon bon. This is now my new favorite dessert. It was about a tennis ball sized thing. Covered in chocolate with berries. The texture was perfect. More of a mousse than a truffle. Not too heavy, not too light. We were both in the mood for a red and inquired about an appropriately delicate pinot and the waitress immediately steered us away from that and on to a very moderately priced French white. None of us knew the grape but she immediately rushed off to get us some to taste. It paired perfectly, as did my port with my bon bon. Some general notes: I realize we got a lot of attention because it was nearly empty, but I got the sense from everyone working there that they truly took pride in their jobs. The table next to us, a very very young couple...barely drinking age, got impeccable service as well. Their waiter spent a good deal of time discussing the menu items they were considering. When the gentleman asked for a substitution his waiter gladly accommodated him. Everything I saw while I was there told me that this is the service you would get every time. The owner came over twice just to chat in his oh so charming French accent. I felt like we were in Ratatouille. Yes, anything sounds cool in French, but he was genuinely kind. This was a night where the whole staff might have been buried in their smart phones in the back, but instead the were all bustling about doting on their customers. It is easy to tell when the staff is trying to kiss your ass and get the ticket up and when the genuinely want you to have a great meal, and they genuinely cared here. A note about portions: there are no wimpy plates here. The entrees come with a side salad, and they bring a FULL basket of bread right off the bat. I'm not one to complain about portion sizes...for a meal like this the point is to be able to sample each course rather than shove your face full until you pop. The portions were not oversized by any means, but they were not tiny little pretend food either. I would say this is a great place for fine dining or French cuisine amateurs. They also have a lovely cafe menu that comes with wine pairings if you choose. In summary: I can't think of a single thing to say bad about our experience. We'll be back. Soon.
(5)
Jack B.
Been dining here for years and driving from East Memphis to get there, most recently on a rainy Friday evening. Place had a nice crowd and several small private parties. Greeted warmly and seated promptly in a quiet corner, server was friendly and knowledgeable of the dishes and the wine list. Food was very good from appetizer to dessert. Chef/owner came over to visit and inquire about our satisfaction. We received what we expected from a restaurant top notch dining experience.
(5)
David G.
The food was EXCELLENT! The wine list was awesome. The service was just okay. The server couldn't remember the specials and was slow bringing each course but she was very friendly and accommodated us as best she could. Will go back
(4)
Veronica X.
Walked in expecting this to be neighborhood hangout instead of a dining destination due to its location, we were a little taken back by the prices: all entrees are between $25 and $30. On our first visit, hubby ordered the special House Smoked Pork Chop with a cup of French onion soup, which came to $32. The soup was very good. He was blown away by the smoky, juicy pork chop, and still raved about it after a couple year. It was very substantial and more than necessary to make an enjoyable meal. I ordered the mussels appetizer as my entree. It was good but not the best I've ever had (not the freshest, I suspect). The table bread was cold and borderline stale. You can get better French bread from Kroger. On a second visit, we were both disappointed: the Roasted Sea Bass was overcooked, the potato puree underneath was boring, the overabundance of fatty pancetta was more of a distraction than a complement. The lamb chops were alright to me but he said he had better lamp chops at home and elsewhere. The complimentary bread was an improvement from our first visit. Portion sizes are larger than what you would expect from a white-linen restaurant. I personally would like to see a smaller portion size with a slightly lower price, which makes a more proper dining experience in my humble opinion, and may draw more people in. Plus, diners may be more inclined to order desserts after a delightful but not stuffy meal.
(3)
John P.
Stopped in the other night for dinner. I had a roasted rib eye steak, smothered with caramelized onions and mushrooms. I've eaten at many steak houses in my time and this steak was the best I've ever had. It's not a regular menu item, it was the evening special but, ask for it.
We went for Valentine's Day. Not the fanciest spot, but a nice quaint little place. They had a problem in the restaurant with smoke when I was there, like something burned in the kitchen and it was super smoky. I couldn't breathe, actually...had to step out for a bit to get some fresh air. Eventually we asked about the smok and they turned on the big fan overhead...and then, everyone was cold. I had the scallop entree and it was yummy. My husband had the chicken and he liked it. How's it rate on value? Average. Definitely not the cheapest place - we had a Groupon so it was worth it. But it was good and I would probably go back again.
Yes it is not cheap, but the owner is from Belgium and speaks French and therefore I am in love. The oyster appetizer is amazing.
(5)
Jennifer B.
I really do like Cafe Society. My mom and I went on our own girls' night together. We had a lovely time - the service is great, the food is delicious, and the place is charming.
(4)
Shannon L.
Cafe Society is an underrated French restaurant in Memphis. It seems pretty bare every time I pass by it, and nobody really ever talks about it. I cannot determine why this is either. I have always had nothing but great experiences there, and this past time was no different. Scott and I decided on a nice dinner out to Cafe Society not too long ago. Though I have been several times, this was my first full meal here. I have only gone in the past for either an appetizer or dessert only. Cafe Society has a wonderful quiet, romantic atmosphere, the kind that reminds you of a cafe actually in France. The black table cloths and dark walls are balanced out by dim lights on every table. The place was a good mix of couples and businessmen. Our server, who was fantastic and over-cheerful the whole experience, presented us with a wine menu and bread basket almost immediately. Cafe Society has a great wine list. We chose to split a bottle of white wine. The bread was pretty average. It was warm french bread, but there was not much special about it. I ate a coupe of pieces. For an appetizer, we ordered Oysters Maurice, "Topped with shrimp and cheese gratinee." Our server recommended them, so we decided to go for it. They were great! They had the richness that all French food had. They were bursting with flavor, and the french bread to eat with them created a perfect texture contrast. For entrees, we both ordered the specials that day. Scott got a steak with pommes frites. It was a perfectly cooked, nice cut of steak. The fries were shoestring and crunchy, with a unique but perfect blend of seasonings on them. I had a salmon filet, which was topped with scallops, shrimp, and vegetable medley. It was served on a rice pilaf. I do not even know how to describe how amazing this entree was. I ate the whole entree with my eyes closed, so I could concentrate on the flavor. I was full about halfway through it, but I devoured every last bite. The flavor combinations were perfect. The dish was rich, but not too rich. There is nothing the chef could do to make this taste any better. I am very pleased with Cafe Society and hope it does well. The service was excellent, and the food was as well. It's a bit pricey for your average night out, but it is perfect for a celebration.
(4)
John S.
Many years ago, Cafe Society was my favorite restaurant in Memphis. Friends and I spent many happy birthdays, celebrations and random dinners at this cute midtown establishment. Unfortunately, with a few changes of the head chef, the menu changed and our favorite staples were removed from the menu. Although I appreciate new and innovative items, the items removed from the menu were classics (sauteed veal tenderloin, encrusted salmon), just thrown aside in an effort to remake the menu. Recently my friends and I gave Cafe Society another chance and went for a birthday celebration. Although I had been told that some of the old favorites had made there way back on the menu, I was sadly mistaken. After a cocktail in the smoky bar, we headed to the table to be met by an apathetic waiter who, at 8pm on a Saturday night, was a complete loss for the evening specials. Giving us a "few moments" to decide he returned about 10 minutes later to finally take our order. We ordered the pate appetizer, a round of salads and 4 different entrees. Twenty minutes later I had to ask the waiter if our pate or salad would be arriving anytime soon. The response was "it will be here in a minute." Sadly the pate was bland and dry. The salads were crisp and the steaks (a 20 oz rib-eye special) was quite tasty. Overall the food was ok, the service lacked any sparkle and the thrill of cafe society is long lost.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Andy S.
Café Society was my group of friend's choice for our fancy food Monday for the month of March. None of us had ever visited the restaurant before. For our appetizers, I chose the Fricasee of Escargot with wild mushrooms and chorizo. It was delicious. I haven't had escargot since I was in France several years ago, and Café Society's version did not disappoint. One friend ordered the Goat Cheese Croquettes with balsamic macerated cherries; spicy radish. I love goat cheese, so this was perfect. My other friend ordered Crab & Shrimp Gallette with arugula, picked onion & caper aioli. It reminded us of a delicious crab cake. Our meals came with a salad, and I enjoyed mine with the best dressing ever... blue cheese. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of what I ordered. It was veal stuffed with goat cheese, topped with a thick red wine reduction, and sitting on a bed of potatoes. It was delicious, but not my favorite of the evening. One friend ordered another special, which was seared scallops on a tomato and garlic lasagna. This was my second favorite of the evening. My absolute favorite was what Jefferic ordered, which was Pan Seared Black Grouper En Croute with leeks, turnips, rock shrimp & crab. It also had pieces of brie in it. We were all stuffed after the meal, so we skipped dessert. I definitely want to go again and try the filet with blue cheese potato gratin. They had a groupon not too long ago. Regretfully, I didn't buy it.
(4)M A.
Only one visit. Restaurant only. Appetizer with undercooked bacon and blistering temperature. Ironic?! Arugula salad over dressed and with the arugula passed its prime youth...soup of the day ok, but pay 7-8 bucks for a swallow...scallops half of them undercooked and covered in half a ton of capers...lamb chops really poor quality, fatty which didn't go well with medium rare temp...only highlight was the creme brûlée which was excellent. Not going back...just did not enjoy food and spend 120 without wine. Your experience may be better, but the spotty nature of the food quality is not an attractive feature.
(1)Jeff M.
One of the best meals I have had in a while. Friendly staff and great chef. My dish was scallops on salmon on shrimp on pasta with spinach and cheese. It was enough for two. Cocktails were great. My wife's broccoli, salmon and clementine salad was also excellent. We will be back.
(5)Jeremy W.
This was hands-down the one of the biggest disappointments in "fine Memphis dining" I've had in a very long time. I don't frequent the scene often so when I do get out-and-about I have high expectations of which Cafe Society failed miserably on all. Where do I begin? It's tough I admit but here goes (everything in the nutshell version I assure you): I called well in advance and placed a reservation for two and made it very clear it was to be a "romantic" dinner for two. And I even gave a few specific examples to the reservation taker of no-go seating scenarios for me. Simple enough. Or so I thought -- okay so it's Valentine's eve and love is in the air, well everywhere BUT Cafe Society that is. We arrived, in coats and gloves, and were welcomed with "How's it going GUYS?" -- Seriously? I expect this casual chatter from Buffalo Wild Wings (which I love) but not from a place like this... I expect "sir" "ma'am" or if they wanna go French like they claim "monsieur", etc... certainly not GUYS. Okay, so we are seated and there are apparently no coat racks for coats. Wha? Again, I wouldn't EVER expect this from Applebee's but seriously, it's a $125/dinner restaurant that claims to be among the best in Memphis. Not so my friends... So we drape our coats over our chairs and make do. But guess what? They've seated us by the door, the front door where all of the customers come in and wait & chat, and where the cold air makes it's way into the restaurant the most. Is this their idea of "romantic date" seating? So after I "try" to make the best of the front-row, cold, non-romantic seating where the servers and the horrible owner continue to talk about guests that haven't shown I decide I can't take it anymore. I ask to be re-seated - annoying to those in the server profession I know - but again it's not O'Charley's it's $125+ Cafe Society and it's Feb 13. This is when it was obvious to me that this hole in the wall, wanna be upscale establishment, had no idea about customer service. Here's the answer to my "can I be re-seated?" question: "Sorry sir, we are all booked up, mostly regulars who want specific seats?" There's nothing I can do." The restaurant was EMPTY and when we left at 7 there were plenty plenty plenty of seats open -- I looked! I then mentioned specifically my requested for a location a little more private and she reiterated how important her "regulars" were and how "nothing" could be done. Brilliant right? So I sat back down and tried to make the most of it despite the constant business/server/owner chatter going on in the room, the guest passer-byers every 2 minutes, and the waitress that seemed to enjoy butting into every conversation we had. At least in my experience with pro-restaurants, the server at least waits until you finish a sentence before barging in with questions about water/food/etc... Not so here folks :( So then the icing on the stale, disappointing, dry cake: I was not allowed to use my Cafe Society gift card that I'd been saving for this specific occasion for over 4 months. The short story is this: I mistakenly placed my credit card in the holder and the server rang it up, I then realized what had been done, and then requested that transaction be cancelled and they set up a new transaction. Believe it or not I've done this before at "regular" chainy restaurant and it's never been a problem, never! Well because of a LivingSocial discount I'd used they said it couldn't be done. Simply put: they refused to find a solution. I told them that I wasn't in the habit of frequenting high-end (haha - they wish) establishments like this and that I really couldn't afford to pay for this meal without a gift card - and the owner himself, whom I'd asked for, just said to me that he couldn't do anything. Furthermore, he never gave me his full attention, never -- his eyes were on his regulars and just about anyone else he could find. He failed to solve my problem and definitely failed to show me he cared enough about my experience to give me a full 60 seconds of his time. Owners like this don't deserve your business - don't give it to them!! I, and the affluent patrons who gave me the gift card to begin with, will never frequent this establishment again. Memphis French dining, a joke.
(1)Sonnet B.
One of the entire family's favorite places. The Family loves the patio! The restaurant menu is amazing. (I can eat an entire plate of just the vegetables that go with the corvina...). It is kind of a special occasion place, if you're eating in the restaurant. However, the bar menu is why The Husband and I go entirely too often. You have beautiful pommes frites and burgers, oysters, all the good stuff just on a higher level. But one of midtown's hidden gems is the chef's choice pizza. Throw caution to the wind and just go wherever the kitchen takes you...!
(5)Terry B.
What can you say about great food and service. The chef makes some of the greatest variety of tastes, from a Kobe Hot Dog with smothered onions and real bacon as well as super French fries to seafood or meat offers. A great martini bar as well. The bar food including their pizza is top shelf. Love this place!
(5)Jolynna M.
Known by locals as simply Cafe "S", this darling little midtown bistro is a neighborhood treasure. The chef, Cullen Kent, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, which is apparent as you sample the various dishes with international and French emphasis. There are several items on the menu that I love and highly recommend, the first being the French Onion Soup that Noelle P. already mentioned. It's packed with flavor and piping hot - a real treat on a cold day, or any day for that matter. For starters, another favorite of mine on the menu is the Oysters Maurice - topped with shrimp and a cheese "gratinee". Or if you're brave and adventurous, try the Frog Legs. Tastes like chicken. :) For entrees, I have a hard time deciding which is better - the Sea Scallops, pan seared with shrimp, sausage and roasted corn, or the Filet of Lamb with a spinach and goat cheese tart. It's divine. Really. But then so is Cafe S. Put it on your "to do" list. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Beth S.
We rediscovered this long-time favorite several months ago on the way to a party in the nearby neighborhood. We stopped in for a quick drink, fell in love with the bar and resolved to come back for dinner with friends. The bar is cozy and comfortable with wide-screen TVs and extremely friendly service. We've been twice in the past few months and both times have enjoyed our meal very much. I love the sea bass, my husband loves the steaks and most recently, the scallop special, over a shrimp risotto was rich, creamy and delicious. The two desserts ordered at our table, creme brulee and brandy alexander were yummy. Great place for a quiet dinner.
(4)Meta L.
Disappointing meal. Entered mistakenly through the bar and smelled the smoke all evening. Very few customers. Slow service especially getting desserts out. Problem with fruit flies ...big problem which they acknowledged but nothing comped as an apology. Not sure we will return. Too bad. Taste of food was fine.
(2)Ingrid M.
I have been here before for lunch and had a wonderful lunch, the portion sizes was just right. We went for dinner and it was not that good. I order the pork chop, it was 2 inches thick and it was very fatty and it was very undercooked. The pork chop was served in a bowl which made it very difficult to cut. It was served over beans that were in some type of bbq sauce. I did not enjoy this meal at all. The home made salad dressings are wonderful. It's a good place, just don'[t order the very large, very fatty, very undercooked pork chop.
(4)Candice C.
The scallops are great!! Quiet, romantic atmosphere and good service. A bit pricey but worth it. All the food we had was delicious but heavy so don't expect a lot of light options. The sea bass was awesome as well.
(4)Barrett R.
Nice decor...yes. Tasty food...NO! Pommes frites were almost burnt. Oysters Maurice were pitiful. The veal was like rubber...served with grapes and tarragon...Veal Veronique. Terrible. The waitress took soooooo long to ask for the entrée order, they were out of the specials we wanted. The sea bass was lost in the oily mash with huge chunks of pancetta. The fish could have been catfish and no one would have known. The menu and food seem to target an older, less foodie-like audience. Perhaps if your taste buds were shot, you might enjoy it. Did I mention that the average entrée is $28? Pass this one.
(2)Cara N.
Tasty food, nice atmosphere - I'd definitely go back.
(4)N. P.
This is a great modern-looking restaurant with Belgian and French flair. It's a nice place to go for lunch. The ingredients always taste fresh and the service is great. I usually like to get the french onion soup. It's great and salty, I do my thing and add a lot of pepper. The pan-seared salmon is excellent. Some of the best salmon that I've had anywhere. A lot of the items come with pomme frites (fries) and they're nice and crisp. When many other places are closed, Cafe Society is open on Sundays for dinner, which is nice.
(4)don S.
Cafe Society is a real gem of a bistro which indeed is underrated. It had been a while since we visited CS but we have eaten there three times in the last three weeks and have enjoyed three lovely meals. The appetizers are off the charts-bacon wrapped shrimp with cream sauce, oysters Maurice, eggplant roulade, and bibb lettuce salad with scrumptious blue cheese salad are all very good. The Scallops Raita is reminiscent of a cioppino and is chock full of shrimp, scallops, salmon, and mussels with a wonderful sauce. Both veal dishes that we had were done to perfection and the sauces were superb. The servings are certainly ample and the service we have experienced has been excellent.
(4)Tracy W.
We went to Cafe Society on Saturday...to be fair we go here fairly regularly. Of course there is a reason for that, the wait staff are always friendly and attentive and the food never disappoints. Normally I get the french onion soup (delicious), but they had a rustic tomato basil soup de jour...so clearly I had to try that (equally as good). The bibb salad is also standard fare for me....love it. For my entree I went witha new york strip cooked to perfection at medium rare...oh and did I mention my steak was stuffed with some kind of a wonderful feta cheese stuffing...oh...my...goodness...yummy. My wife had some kind of a salmon dish that she loved but more importantly the salmon came with golden beets...to be clear yes I said beets. My wife is not one to eat ANY vegatables much less beets...but she ate every last one. If after all that food you can manage to squeeze in a dessert (we did) I love the profiterole...ice cream and pastry...whats not to love? We also met the chef for the first time Saturday and while I always enjoyed his cooking now I can also say he's a great guy...super nice. I hope I am not sharing a secret event, but he mentioned to us that at 5PM on the last Sunday of each month they do a breakfast for dinner event. So I know what I am eating this coming Sunday night...BREAKFAST! :-)
(5)Molly P.
I visited an oldie but goodie last night to celebrate. As I walked in, I saw a table set for two with some beautiful flowers on the table. Within 30 seconds of being seated, I had water and was asked the name of my guest joining me, so she could be escorted to me. My guest actually entered through the bar area, and the bartender remembered me and escorted her to me. All of this to say, the attention to service is impeccable. The food, as always, was flavorful and well prepared. I ventured away from my perennial favorite of bacon wrapped shrimp in horseradish cream sauce to try the fricassee of escargot with chorizo. It was delicious! My friend couldn't decide between the salmon or the lamb shank. The waitress suggested the salmon. When Michel found out what my friend was drinking, he changed the order to the lamb shank. She wasn't disappointed. I went traditional with the steak frites which provided an enormous NY strip, cooked to a perfect medium rare. We shared a creme brulee for dessert, which never disappoints. All in all, a great place for a celebration, a dinner meeting or a romantic dinner.
(5)Ken T.
This is a great little place to eat in Memphis. It is quiet, clean, intimate, and the food is outstanding. If you're looking for a place to connect with people and wanting conversation rather than having to scream over the crowd, this is your restaurant. The service is excellent. They are attentive and polite. The food here is always outstanding. Last night I had filet mignon and steamed veggies. Perfect. Warm fresh bread is always served before the meals with real butter. Finally, the manager is usually around so everything in this place is in tip-top shape. Try them out. Well worth the visit.
(5)Rob B.
The last Sunday of the month they do breakfast for dinner. It is awesome! I do a breakfast bowl of grits, biscuits n gravy, bacon and 2 eggs over easy, sooooo good! :-)
(5)Joelle P.
I was so impressed with this place that I literally asked if they did rehearsal dinners...don't tell the guy I just started seeing that...I mean, it could be for a friend...yeah, that's it...a friend... With Cooper-Young and Overton Square being slammed these days (and impossible to find a parking spot), this place is the perfect new place to go in midtown. Parking is right in front (plenty of spots), the bar is huge (and separate from the restaurant), and the atmosphere is formal yet not snooty...the perfect combo! I insist you get the escargot as an appetizer and the bon bon for dessert. Both were out of this world! I had the filet as my entree...and it was good, but I kinda wish I had branched out and ordered one of the specials. (I get filet mignon medium rare everywhere I go.) Their champagne split was great and reasonably priced at $10 - love that you get a glass and a half in those things. This was a girls' night but it is also the perfect place for a special date...or a rehearsal dinner ;)
(5)Saree M.
Great place for Evergreeners to drive or walk and have a great meal and/or amazing drink. The smoking indoors can be ignored because of the great service and excellent drinks.
(4)Jennifer P.
I use to be a regular at this restaurant over 20 years ago. I was back in Memphis visiting last week and had to take my husband to Café Society so he could taste what I had raved about. Boy, we were not disappointed. I know it is under different ownership, but it still felt the same. I had a Caesar Salad and the Seafood Bisque (My all time favorite). YUM! My husband had the rib eye steak that was the special the evening we were there (5/7/15). He is still talking about it. He says it is the best steak he has ever had. I had several bites of it, and it was heaven. The Brandy Alexander tasted just like I remembered it. I saved up for it (soup and salad for dinner instead of an entre) and I wish I could of had two. Incredible! Lovely atmosphere, and delicious food. We will detour through Memphis just to eat here again.
(5)Ashley P.
My first time dining at this restaurant was yesterday evening with a girls dinner club (we rotate trying new places around Memphis every couple of months). I think most everyone covered the major details, but here is a quick recap of my experience. Why I would go back: The main dish i had was really excellent. It was a fish special with capers over polenta and it was pleanty of food. The flavors were wonderful. The restaurant location is convienient (in the midtown area) and parking was not an issue. It is street parking but you didn't have to pay or wait to park and the area is not crowded. The staff was friendly and they accepted a reservation for us which is a bonus in my book since some places don't take reservations. What needs improvement: The waitress we had really needs to be mentioned because this could really keep me from coming back. She was very very slow, although she didn't have a lot of tables that I could see and after dinner two odd things happened: We ordered dessert to go. She packaged it up, which also included ice cream (in a to go box- strange) and then she proceeded to take about 25 minutes to give us the check AFTER she gave us a to go box full of ice cream. I am not sure what the hold up was but she seemed to be confused about splitting a check 4 ways. She really did not get the hint that we were ready to go (after sitting there already for almost 3 hours). In addition we had to ask her several times for water, the check, the check, and the check. Finally one of us had to get up and go over to the waitress at another table to tell her we really were ready to go in order to get our check because she was standing there with our cards in her hand talking to the table for so long (this was after several attempts to even get our check). The food took a very long time to arrive. The staff came out and apologized and also gave us sorbet to cleanse our pallet which was a nice gesture. The to-go dessert I ordered was chocolate bread pudding, and as I mentioned they put ice cream on top. It sat at the table about 30 minutes and 10 minutes on the way home. When I finally dug in it was absolutely awful: dry, cold, and I had to throw it in the trash. We were informed there was a VA meeting so they had turned the music off, but the restaurant in our section was empty and it was eerily quiet. They never turned the music back on and honestly it was somewhat of an atmosphere buzz kill as I felt like we had to talk so quietly since our entire conversation could be heard by everyone. It may be a while before I go back. I might try out the bar that is connected first. It looked classy and upscale and like a good atmosphere. It was actually pretty busy for a Thursday night compared to the restaurant which seemed somewhat vacant.
(3)Joy C.
Sooooooo in love! Scored a Living Social deal, 50 dollars off!! No wayyy, Yess way!!! Took the hubby here for pre Fathers Day dinner. Service was a little slow but we got over it. Great waiter, very professional. I ordered the Corvina Basq with potatoes. Soooo good!!!! Sooo good. He had the Salmon, which he loved! Casual fine dining at its best. Great experience, will most definitely be back!
(5)Scott T.
Okay. I would like to be as kind as possible for this review as a note Café Society has a good reputation in Memphis but my experience was quite different I went there for my wife's birthday and I told them that it was her birthday and we were greeted by the waitress saying happy birthday and there were some stars sprinkled on top of our butcher paper tablecloth. Rhythm told we were going to be getting some hot bread well that hot bread was not even warm it was cold. The chef owner came out and patted me on my back and said how's it going and I said well your bread is cold and your waitress said it was hot and he began to say well but and an excuse was going to happen. I stopped in midsentence and I said we're not interested in the bread I just wanted to let you know that the bread was not hot and we were told the bread was supposed to be hot so you might tell your server that the bread is not hot he walked away without apologizing or coming back to make sure the situation had been rectified. I ordered the fish of the day which were three see scallops with a very small crabcake with goat cheese polenta. My wife had the grouper en croûte. From my culinary experience on crew to means the grouper would be cooked inside the Shell however this representation was a piece of grouper they been seared and placed on top of a puff pastry which is not en croûte. I thought the food was okay and really it was just okay. Service was okay and that's really what it was just okay. The prices were extremely high for the expectation that I had of this place. When I go back, the answer is no. They used cheap China and cheap silverware. While the staff was friendly the food the quality the representation with matched chairs and other obvious defects were clear to me to be part of the whole overall experience which gives me the belief that they take things a little too lately. It's just not my cuppa tea for Memphis. There are plenty better restaurants that serve top-notch food for a lower price.
(3)Christina N.
Really enjoyed my first visit to Cafe Society. I dined at the bar because I was dressed a bit casual and this seemed to be a good call. The bar side is causal, while the dining room area appears much fancier and a perfect choice for business dinner or date night. The service was outstanding. We were checked in on several times and I always felt as though the servers were nearby in case we needed something. The art in being a good server though is doing this without making the customer feel as though you are sitting on top of them - which the staff at Cafe Society nailed! I ordered the side caesar salad and the mussels. The salad was fresh, however it has a bit too much anchovy on it for me so the last few pieces of lettuce I left on the plate. If you're not very favorable to anchovy then I'd order it without it. Also, the salads here typically come with dressing on it, so if you're a conservative dressing eater - order it on the side. The mussels were outstanding!!! Perfectly cooked and the tomatoes and carrots served among them were equally delicious! Loved the variety of food they had, the $5 martinis/house wine, the causal nature of the bar (watcher america's got talent!), and the quality service. My one complaint....smoking in the bar. I'm not sure about the dining area though. No matter where I go, smoking is always a downside for me. Everything else was on point though - look forward to visiting again!
(4)Carol D.
The saving grace of this restaurant was the entree and one of the specials of the day. The soup was nothing to brag about. The house blue cheese dressing was tasteless. The entree was excellent. We had the filet stuffed with Gorgonzola cooked to perfection. It is hard to get a rare steak "right". This was perfect. I would go back but skip the soups and salads.
(4)Mary H.
One of my favorite places to have a romantic dinner. And tonight did not disappoint. This is one of the most romantic places in Memphis , casual and laid back. We had a wonderful goat cheese appetizer with caramelized cherries and a delicious ribeye steak with goat cheese sweet potato puree. As always Michel Leny was a most charming host. Love this Memphis constant and consistently wonderful bistro. Cudos to Cullen Kent, chef/owner who personally came by each and every table to say hello and check on everyone. Those personal touches are rare these days but mean so much! I can't wait to go back.
(5)A L.
What a bitter disappointment for supposed fine dining in Memphis. Needless to say my friend who recommended this place got a poke in the eye with a sharp stick when I saw him after dinner. The place should have a notice on the door "No one over 65 will be admitted." This is an OLD and stuffy restaurant where the food was mediocre at best. The night we went for dinner there was a party being hosted there, which obviously hit the maximum occupancy as we made our way through the kitchen prep area to get to our reserved table. The wait time for the food was unacceptable. The bread was cold and lifeless. The steak was overcooked. The scallops were reasonable. Couldn't even chew the steak. Very disappointed. Wanted a special meal for a special occasion and I will remember it for all the wrong reasons.
(1)Ron K.
I was visiting my daughter in Memphis she said this place had a good reputation. We were seated @ 7:30, served cold bread, salads fairly quickly after we ordered....then it ALL slowed down. FINALLY...the entrées @ 9:34 pm. No special requests & two of the four of us ordered the special for the evening. The food was good, but NOT worth a 2 hour wait.
(2)John C.
I will start with over server Jenny (I think), she was excellent. I had been looking forward to going since I had not been here in years. The food was good but I would not say excellent. Don't quite think they are sure what the want to be, high end romantic or smoky bar. Will try again but not any time soon.
(3)Terence R.
A great place to eat! The food is excellent, and the wait staff very friendly. It is surprising to me that every time I come in to eat there is not a line around the corner waiting to come in (albeit we do eat late). We have come for dinner and also go in just for dessert if the mood strikes us. The chef will come to the table and talk with the patrons and make recommendations and you can sometimes see him looking in to see if all is well. That shows me that he is also interested in what happens in the front of the house, and I find that comforting. My only suggestion is to turn the heat up a couple degrees in the winter as if borders on chilly at times.
(4)Curtis B.
Finally made it here last night, and this place is immediately going to the top of my list. So it was a Wednesday and we had an early reservation. I think because it is the first week of school the place was very very quiet. And we were early. Often that means the servers are just getting in, the bread isn't ready, and they just don't have it together yet. Not so here. We were immediately greeted and seated at probably be the best table in the house. Now I know next to nothing about French food, and I was worried that we wouldn't be treated well because I knew I would have a lot of questions. Not the case. Our waitress walked us through all of our questions without the slightest bit of pretension. I had the special, a tuna piccata. I'd never hear of tuna prepared that way and thought it would be interesting to try. It was ridiculously good! Light, well seasoned, beautifully plated. My wife had the seafood bowl thing and it was even better. Sometimes with "broth" is in a menu item it comes out bland and boring, but her broth was loaded with tomatoes and carrots and all sorts of delicious things. There were two enormous scallops..I'm talking freak show sized. It was perfect. We decided to spring for dessert because everything had been so good. I think we were wondering if they could keep it up. She had the bread pudding, which was amazing. Perfectly little crunch on the outside, soft on the inside. I had the bon bon. This is now my new favorite dessert. It was about a tennis ball sized thing. Covered in chocolate with berries. The texture was perfect. More of a mousse than a truffle. Not too heavy, not too light. We were both in the mood for a red and inquired about an appropriately delicate pinot and the waitress immediately steered us away from that and on to a very moderately priced French white. None of us knew the grape but she immediately rushed off to get us some to taste. It paired perfectly, as did my port with my bon bon. Some general notes: I realize we got a lot of attention because it was nearly empty, but I got the sense from everyone working there that they truly took pride in their jobs. The table next to us, a very very young couple...barely drinking age, got impeccable service as well. Their waiter spent a good deal of time discussing the menu items they were considering. When the gentleman asked for a substitution his waiter gladly accommodated him. Everything I saw while I was there told me that this is the service you would get every time. The owner came over twice just to chat in his oh so charming French accent. I felt like we were in Ratatouille. Yes, anything sounds cool in French, but he was genuinely kind. This was a night where the whole staff might have been buried in their smart phones in the back, but instead the were all bustling about doting on their customers. It is easy to tell when the staff is trying to kiss your ass and get the ticket up and when the genuinely want you to have a great meal, and they genuinely cared here. A note about portions: there are no wimpy plates here. The entrees come with a side salad, and they bring a FULL basket of bread right off the bat. I'm not one to complain about portion sizes...for a meal like this the point is to be able to sample each course rather than shove your face full until you pop. The portions were not oversized by any means, but they were not tiny little pretend food either. I would say this is a great place for fine dining or French cuisine amateurs. They also have a lovely cafe menu that comes with wine pairings if you choose. In summary: I can't think of a single thing to say bad about our experience. We'll be back. Soon.
(5)Jack B.
Been dining here for years and driving from East Memphis to get there, most recently on a rainy Friday evening. Place had a nice crowd and several small private parties. Greeted warmly and seated promptly in a quiet corner, server was friendly and knowledgeable of the dishes and the wine list. Food was very good from appetizer to dessert. Chef/owner came over to visit and inquire about our satisfaction. We received what we expected from a restaurant top notch dining experience.
(5)David G.
The food was EXCELLENT! The wine list was awesome. The service was just okay. The server couldn't remember the specials and was slow bringing each course but she was very friendly and accommodated us as best she could. Will go back
(4)Veronica X.
Walked in expecting this to be neighborhood hangout instead of a dining destination due to its location, we were a little taken back by the prices: all entrees are between $25 and $30. On our first visit, hubby ordered the special House Smoked Pork Chop with a cup of French onion soup, which came to $32. The soup was very good. He was blown away by the smoky, juicy pork chop, and still raved about it after a couple year. It was very substantial and more than necessary to make an enjoyable meal. I ordered the mussels appetizer as my entree. It was good but not the best I've ever had (not the freshest, I suspect). The table bread was cold and borderline stale. You can get better French bread from Kroger. On a second visit, we were both disappointed: the Roasted Sea Bass was overcooked, the potato puree underneath was boring, the overabundance of fatty pancetta was more of a distraction than a complement. The lamb chops were alright to me but he said he had better lamp chops at home and elsewhere. The complimentary bread was an improvement from our first visit. Portion sizes are larger than what you would expect from a white-linen restaurant. I personally would like to see a smaller portion size with a slightly lower price, which makes a more proper dining experience in my humble opinion, and may draw more people in. Plus, diners may be more inclined to order desserts after a delightful but not stuffy meal.
(3)John P.
Stopped in the other night for dinner. I had a roasted rib eye steak, smothered with caramelized onions and mushrooms. I've eaten at many steak houses in my time and this steak was the best I've ever had. It's not a regular menu item, it was the evening special but, ask for it.
(5)Amita H.
We moved from LA to Memphis not too long ago and had been craving French food so we decided to give cafe society a shot. We were pleasantly surprised with the menu options and the wine list. We ordered escargot, which was pretty good. The entree my husband and I ordered very both excellent. For dessert we ordered cream brûlée which was average, have eaten better. Overall, I would definitely come back and highly recommend this place. Pros: good food, ambiance, nice wine list Cons: little expensive for Memphis and smoking in bar area.
(4)Jen M.
We went for Valentine's Day. Not the fanciest spot, but a nice quaint little place. They had a problem in the restaurant with smoke when I was there, like something burned in the kitchen and it was super smoky. I couldn't breathe, actually...had to step out for a bit to get some fresh air. Eventually we asked about the smok and they turned on the big fan overhead...and then, everyone was cold. I had the scallop entree and it was yummy. My husband had the chicken and he liked it. How's it rate on value? Average. Definitely not the cheapest place - we had a Groupon so it was worth it. But it was good and I would probably go back again.
(4)Rob B.
This is a place I have been trying to experience for several months based on the chef's pedigree, and finally was able to enjoy yesterday evening. I took my eldest daughter here for her 9th birthday; it didn't hurt that I had a $50 voucher from Living Social and love French cuisine, so you could say I went mostly for me under the guise of a special dinner with my daughter. I reserved the table through Open Table and made a request that they do something a little special for her. I didn't expect anything since I didn't follow up with a phone call, but was please to see that they had decorated the table in confetti and gave her special attention and acknowledgement from the Owner/chef to the wait staff throughout the evening. As mentioned in an earlier review, the menu prices are marginally expensive, though not too over the top if you come prepared knowing this; I think if the prices had been lower, they would be considered "less than expected" (which can be a nice surprise!) and so in that regard I didn't consider it off-putting. The food: the Sea Bass was well prepared, but I concur with Veronica's review that there was maybe too much pancetta; mine wasn't overly fatty, but the flavor is much stronger than the fish and thus could be used with more restraint. The potato purée, while good, had an over abundance of butter. My daughter had a filet mignon, which was charred black on one side (maybe someone forgot to flip it), but otherwise was cooked per our order. The pommes frites, which is not what not what normally comes with the steak (maybe that's the issue) were sitting in the juices of the steak and thus soggy. My wife had the pan seared scallop special with spinach, pasta and a cream sauce was rich but balanced. For desert, we had the sorbet which was very good (reminded me a little of the sorbeto in Italy), and crime brûlée. The crime brûlée had a great light custard, though I believe they used too much sugar on the glaze as it was thick, hard to break, and instead of accenting the custard, took away from that delightful and light flavor. In summary: this is a place I want to love, maybe in great part due to the friendliness of the Owner and waitress, but there were some issues with the food that kept it from being REALLY good. I also felt the decor was "tired" and as such the atmosphere needs something....anything.....though there was very nice artwork in the dining room. On an upside, we shared all 3 dishes (steak, scallops and fish) with my 5-year old and she raved about it all night! If you want brutal honesty, ask a 5 year old girl! I'm giving the food 4 out 5 stars because I think that even the flaws were not so bad as to say it wasn't good and has the potential for something great. The dining experience gets 3 out of 5, because while both friendly and helpful, the waitress would leave for long spans of time leaving us unattended; to me, the experience is equally as important as the food quality. It can either elevate or ruin your feelings about a restaurant.
(4)Amanda G.
Yes it is not cheap, but the owner is from Belgium and speaks French and therefore I am in love. The oyster appetizer is amazing.
(5)Jennifer B.
I really do like Cafe Society. My mom and I went on our own girls' night together. We had a lovely time - the service is great, the food is delicious, and the place is charming.
(4)Shannon L.
Cafe Society is an underrated French restaurant in Memphis. It seems pretty bare every time I pass by it, and nobody really ever talks about it. I cannot determine why this is either. I have always had nothing but great experiences there, and this past time was no different. Scott and I decided on a nice dinner out to Cafe Society not too long ago. Though I have been several times, this was my first full meal here. I have only gone in the past for either an appetizer or dessert only. Cafe Society has a wonderful quiet, romantic atmosphere, the kind that reminds you of a cafe actually in France. The black table cloths and dark walls are balanced out by dim lights on every table. The place was a good mix of couples and businessmen. Our server, who was fantastic and over-cheerful the whole experience, presented us with a wine menu and bread basket almost immediately. Cafe Society has a great wine list. We chose to split a bottle of white wine. The bread was pretty average. It was warm french bread, but there was not much special about it. I ate a coupe of pieces. For an appetizer, we ordered Oysters Maurice, "Topped with shrimp and cheese gratinee." Our server recommended them, so we decided to go for it. They were great! They had the richness that all French food had. They were bursting with flavor, and the french bread to eat with them created a perfect texture contrast. For entrees, we both ordered the specials that day. Scott got a steak with pommes frites. It was a perfectly cooked, nice cut of steak. The fries were shoestring and crunchy, with a unique but perfect blend of seasonings on them. I had a salmon filet, which was topped with scallops, shrimp, and vegetable medley. It was served on a rice pilaf. I do not even know how to describe how amazing this entree was. I ate the whole entree with my eyes closed, so I could concentrate on the flavor. I was full about halfway through it, but I devoured every last bite. The flavor combinations were perfect. The dish was rich, but not too rich. There is nothing the chef could do to make this taste any better. I am very pleased with Cafe Society and hope it does well. The service was excellent, and the food was as well. It's a bit pricey for your average night out, but it is perfect for a celebration.
(4)John S.
Many years ago, Cafe Society was my favorite restaurant in Memphis. Friends and I spent many happy birthdays, celebrations and random dinners at this cute midtown establishment. Unfortunately, with a few changes of the head chef, the menu changed and our favorite staples were removed from the menu. Although I appreciate new and innovative items, the items removed from the menu were classics (sauteed veal tenderloin, encrusted salmon), just thrown aside in an effort to remake the menu. Recently my friends and I gave Cafe Society another chance and went for a birthday celebration. Although I had been told that some of the old favorites had made there way back on the menu, I was sadly mistaken. After a cocktail in the smoky bar, we headed to the table to be met by an apathetic waiter who, at 8pm on a Saturday night, was a complete loss for the evening specials. Giving us a "few moments" to decide he returned about 10 minutes later to finally take our order. We ordered the pate appetizer, a round of salads and 4 different entrees. Twenty minutes later I had to ask the waiter if our pate or salad would be arriving anytime soon. The response was "it will be here in a minute." Sadly the pate was bland and dry. The salads were crisp and the steaks (a 20 oz rib-eye special) was quite tasty. Overall the food was ok, the service lacked any sparkle and the thrill of cafe society is long lost.
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