I hesitated between 2 and 3 stars because 3 stars meant "A-OK." But really, it's just okay. Then I gave it 3 stars because some of the other reviews were just plain mean and I felt bad. This place is basically a Waffle House with a more limited menu. My main complaint is that the food took a while to come out, and when I got it, I wanted to request the rest. The portions were small. I mean, I know that two eggs is two eggs, but geez...use smaller plates, maybe? I think maybe the cook made 8 eggs or something and tried to split them up into equal portions and I got shafted. The food was good and served hot, but I ate it ALL in record time, because it was seriously like a kid's meal portion. However, my friend got a waffle that was huge. I noticed other people getting waffles, as well, so that must be the draw. Come in and get your big waffle and a little food. The service was really good, but they could stand to be a little more attentive to cleanliness detail. If you're wiping my table when I come in, I don't want to have to sit there holding by elbows up until it dries. Ew. And, for heavens sakes, don't go here if you have to be around people when you leave. You'll smell like you just came from cooking bacon and eggs. Anyway, 3 stars is fair.
(3)
Leon K.
Okay kids...it doesn't look pretty on the outside or inside. But the food is gorgeous, inside and outside. I was looking for a quick breakfast place before heading to St. Jude's where I volunteer so in cruising Poplar Ave. I came across a place saying it was open 24 hours and everything on the menu was available 24 hours. I'm usually wary about that since I'm picky about properly cooked eggs and a not too hot grill which tends to burn them. Not here. The lady at the counter was very friendly and attentive. She's obviously been here a long time. There was no bantering back and forth about "dropping" a hash brown and "pulling a bacon," or whatever. And no nonsensical back and forth between servers and cooks who are usually more concerned about what's going on outside than doing their work inside. The cook knew what she was doing and was kind enough to bring over my breakfast hot rather than wait for my server who was busy with others. The plate was perfect. Eggs cooked right, crispy bacon, hot hash browns et.al . Guys, this place is a hidden Memphis gem and I will always return here when I'm near.
(4)
Diana P.
I can't believe all the holier-than-thou, high-and-mighty, snobby, whiny, punk-ass bad reviews on here. I love CK's! The wait staff is always low-key yet friendly, the Paul Bunyan breakfast is delicious and super cheap--three eggs, bacon, hash browns (having the magical combination of crisp on the outside and soft on the inside), toast and juice, all for about $5! I no longer live in Memphis, but whenever I go back I try to get to CK's at least once. The jukebox is AMAZING, full of soul and R&B classics. Al Green, anyone? How about some Bobby Womack? The dude on here who said it was so quiet it creeped him out: PLAY THE DAMN JUKEBOX NEXT TIME. One of my favorite memories is of the cook singing along to one of the songs I played: Never, Never Gonna Give You Up by Barry White. I love that it's open 24 hours, and I like that the people that go there in the middle of the night are usually either down on their luck, drunk, have insomnia or a broken heart, or are merely resigned to their fate, like me. Welcome to the real world, people. If you don't have soul, don't go to CK's.
(4)
Alan K.
CK's. Yeah... NO. Stopped there because I had to leave the house before breakfast on my way downtown, and I was hungry. I didn't want to go to Perkins or IHOP, so when I saw CK's I pulled in. Well, it took the hunger pangs out of my stomach, much like eating roots or the bark off a tree will help you survive if stranded in a forest. Unfortunately, though I was no longer hungry the meal left me with gas and a lingering feeling in my mouth like I had choked down a handful of greasy dirt. I have never eaten at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen, but I imagine the fare would be similar to CK's. AVOID.
(1)
Gavin K.
Only three words of advice... just don't do it! Okay, so that was 4 words... but don't, okay?
(1)
Tom E.
My bartender (like how I use that in a possessive form?) is a native Memphian and he has helped me find lots of unique places throughout the city. One night a few weeks ago, my buddy and I were starving and we just weren't up to eating at Waffle House again. It was damn near 330AM, so Evan told us about a place he used to eat at called CK's. We figured wtf, why not. This location is a few minutes from The Cove, and it is indeed a 24 hour establishment. We parked on the side (parking lot kind of interesting), and walked our happy asses in. Here is the crazy thing about it- there were 7 people in the whole place, and the place was DEAD silent. I mean, it was awkward as hell! We didn't GAF though, we came hungry, ready to eat! So check this out. Our waitress came up to us, and mumbled a few words, we spouted our order off and before my buddy was even done ordering, she walked away. She was on something (I would like to say something along the lines of heroin), as she went to go disappear for a while. I had ordered what Evan used to order (how cute Tom)- a patty melt, and a Paul Bunyan breakfast (bacon toast hash browns eggs, and juice). Thankfully the cook came to bring us our food, she was much more friendly and coherent- and took the rest of the order my friend wanted. The food itself was pretty solid- not something I could eat on a daily basis but it was good. I noticed I never got my juice- bleh. I went to get up to use the restroom and I tell you what- that place had some charm- I wish they offered bleach baths before exiting- I will just leave it at that! After that, this guy came up and sat at the table next to us. He had a hoodie on and a bright white watch. The server went up to him and incoherently, he ordered "I want coffee, with lots of lots of sugar. And pancakes with lots and lots of butter. Make sure I get lots of butter." And then it dawned on me- that MUST have been her dealer! We couldn't help but laugh- this place was too damn depressing. We decided we needed to get the hell out of here stat, before someone tried to drug us and store us in the back to use to tomorrow's patty melts. We went to the counter (which FYI, they have a debit machine, but they charge and its weird, so use cash). The server came out of hiding then asked us what we ordered. Did you not remember taking our order? So the cook had to help her. All in all, this place is a total wreck- really depressing. I was almost scared to converse the place was that quiet (literally the only other noise in the place was the sound of the food cooking). The food was alright, but the atmosphere and the server, whoa. I feel really sorry for the cook, she is the reason I gave the place 2 stars instead of 1.
(2)
Ashley B.
This place is good.No matter which place you go to.I had a double cheeseburger w/hashbrown.Pretty good to soak up some alcoholThey don't take credit cards.They only take debit cards with your pin number.I had to find some cash after reading this on such small sign!!!!
(3)
Mike G.
Many of nights I don't get out of work until 4 am or so. CK's is always a nice wind down spot. By the time I show up most of the drunk crowd has left and the morning Fed Ex crowd has stumbled in. The waitresses always take good care of me and I love it. I ordered a glass of milk once and they were out. So the waitress saw the disapointment in my eyes and went to the grocery store and got me milk. Now that's service! True, the food isn't that great but at 4-5am it's the best bet around. And they do have a great jukebox.
(3)
Erica B.
Ugh. Blech. Ick. Wait. Do I have a venereal disease from touching the menu at CK's? This place is vile. CK's seriously needs to shut down for a week (or ten), gut this place and give it a thorough cleaning. I can't even really comment on the food. I was on the verge of vomit from the second I sat down. In fact, I felt electricity in my veins urging my legs to get up from the table and leave immediately. THAT'S how uncomfortably grody this place is. I had a waffle and a cup of coffee. The coffee tasted like hot, brown water and the waffle like an Eggo with freezer burn. The waitress? I half expected her to have a hook for a hand. For some reason, I found myself wanting to shout out to the patrons "Hey! Large Marge sent me". But I thought better of it. Gavin is right- just don't. Although I fell in love with Robin's review (seriously great review- the only reason I couldn't give the place only one star) I just couldn't ever fall in love with CK's.
(2)
D K.
I'm sure other CK's may be better, but when I was looking for a quick breakfast one late morning in mid-June 2012, it was not to be found at CK's on Poplar Avenue. We sat 10 minutes before being acknowledged in an empty restaurant, and waited for an omelet for 15 minutes, and for two eggs (over medium) for 20. Seriously? Then a (regular?) patron parked directly behind us, making it tough to get out. The whole experience started feeling a little worrisome, but he came and moved the car. We high-tailed it out of there, avoiding multiple potholes in the lot...
(1)
Tracy S.
It's a greasy spoon. A greasy, greasy spoon. But the coffee was fresh and the corned beef and hash and eggs breakfast was yummy. And I so loved how the surly waitress said "Mm-hmm" instead of "You're welcome" that I probably said "Thank you" one too many times. A good spot for a quick morning bite.
(3)
Kerry C.
Coffee: The coffee was a little oily and bitter, but it was so cold out that I didn't really care. I don't think I'd drink it by choice, but it's decent. Biscuit: CK's didn't have any biscuits, so they'll receive an average score of five points. Bacon: The bacon was crispy and flavorful, but it was pretty greasy and salty. It definitely gave me that weird awareness of exactly what I was eating. Scrambled Eggs: Everything at CK's was sort of decidedly average. The eggs were fluffy, but not too fluffy, but nothing truly special. I hate giving straight up fives all the time, but this meal just seems to warrant them. Pancake: CK's didn't have pancakes, so they'll be averaged out at 5 points. Grits: These were by far the least watery of the grits I've tried. I added salt and pepper, but the grits tasted like they had been pre-buttered. Service: I was in and out of CKs in half an hour. Seriously. The waitresses were very efficient and quick. They weren't crazy friendly, but they did what they needed to do politely. Atmosphere: CK's has a jukebox in it. I didn't notice it when I came in, but every few minutes, the silence would be broken by an obscure soul song. I think the guy in the booth next to mine was playing them, because he serenaded the waitresses. CK's is open 24 hours, and the smell of pre-restaurant smoking ban smoke seems to linger in everything. Price: The price was crazy reasonable, about $8 total for a huge plate of food.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Late Night Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Psonya H.
I hesitated between 2 and 3 stars because 3 stars meant "A-OK." But really, it's just okay. Then I gave it 3 stars because some of the other reviews were just plain mean and I felt bad. This place is basically a Waffle House with a more limited menu. My main complaint is that the food took a while to come out, and when I got it, I wanted to request the rest. The portions were small. I mean, I know that two eggs is two eggs, but geez...use smaller plates, maybe? I think maybe the cook made 8 eggs or something and tried to split them up into equal portions and I got shafted. The food was good and served hot, but I ate it ALL in record time, because it was seriously like a kid's meal portion. However, my friend got a waffle that was huge. I noticed other people getting waffles, as well, so that must be the draw. Come in and get your big waffle and a little food. The service was really good, but they could stand to be a little more attentive to cleanliness detail. If you're wiping my table when I come in, I don't want to have to sit there holding by elbows up until it dries. Ew. And, for heavens sakes, don't go here if you have to be around people when you leave. You'll smell like you just came from cooking bacon and eggs. Anyway, 3 stars is fair.
(3)Leon K.
Okay kids...it doesn't look pretty on the outside or inside. But the food is gorgeous, inside and outside. I was looking for a quick breakfast place before heading to St. Jude's where I volunteer so in cruising Poplar Ave. I came across a place saying it was open 24 hours and everything on the menu was available 24 hours. I'm usually wary about that since I'm picky about properly cooked eggs and a not too hot grill which tends to burn them. Not here. The lady at the counter was very friendly and attentive. She's obviously been here a long time. There was no bantering back and forth about "dropping" a hash brown and "pulling a bacon," or whatever. And no nonsensical back and forth between servers and cooks who are usually more concerned about what's going on outside than doing their work inside. The cook knew what she was doing and was kind enough to bring over my breakfast hot rather than wait for my server who was busy with others. The plate was perfect. Eggs cooked right, crispy bacon, hot hash browns et.al . Guys, this place is a hidden Memphis gem and I will always return here when I'm near.
(4)Diana P.
I can't believe all the holier-than-thou, high-and-mighty, snobby, whiny, punk-ass bad reviews on here. I love CK's! The wait staff is always low-key yet friendly, the Paul Bunyan breakfast is delicious and super cheap--three eggs, bacon, hash browns (having the magical combination of crisp on the outside and soft on the inside), toast and juice, all for about $5! I no longer live in Memphis, but whenever I go back I try to get to CK's at least once. The jukebox is AMAZING, full of soul and R&B classics. Al Green, anyone? How about some Bobby Womack? The dude on here who said it was so quiet it creeped him out: PLAY THE DAMN JUKEBOX NEXT TIME. One of my favorite memories is of the cook singing along to one of the songs I played: Never, Never Gonna Give You Up by Barry White. I love that it's open 24 hours, and I like that the people that go there in the middle of the night are usually either down on their luck, drunk, have insomnia or a broken heart, or are merely resigned to their fate, like me. Welcome to the real world, people. If you don't have soul, don't go to CK's.
(4)Alan K.
CK's. Yeah... NO. Stopped there because I had to leave the house before breakfast on my way downtown, and I was hungry. I didn't want to go to Perkins or IHOP, so when I saw CK's I pulled in. Well, it took the hunger pangs out of my stomach, much like eating roots or the bark off a tree will help you survive if stranded in a forest. Unfortunately, though I was no longer hungry the meal left me with gas and a lingering feeling in my mouth like I had choked down a handful of greasy dirt. I have never eaten at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen, but I imagine the fare would be similar to CK's. AVOID.
(1)Gavin K.
Only three words of advice... just don't do it! Okay, so that was 4 words... but don't, okay?
(1)Tom E.
My bartender (like how I use that in a possessive form?) is a native Memphian and he has helped me find lots of unique places throughout the city. One night a few weeks ago, my buddy and I were starving and we just weren't up to eating at Waffle House again. It was damn near 330AM, so Evan told us about a place he used to eat at called CK's. We figured wtf, why not. This location is a few minutes from The Cove, and it is indeed a 24 hour establishment. We parked on the side (parking lot kind of interesting), and walked our happy asses in. Here is the crazy thing about it- there were 7 people in the whole place, and the place was DEAD silent. I mean, it was awkward as hell! We didn't GAF though, we came hungry, ready to eat! So check this out. Our waitress came up to us, and mumbled a few words, we spouted our order off and before my buddy was even done ordering, she walked away. She was on something (I would like to say something along the lines of heroin), as she went to go disappear for a while. I had ordered what Evan used to order (how cute Tom)- a patty melt, and a Paul Bunyan breakfast (bacon toast hash browns eggs, and juice). Thankfully the cook came to bring us our food, she was much more friendly and coherent- and took the rest of the order my friend wanted. The food itself was pretty solid- not something I could eat on a daily basis but it was good. I noticed I never got my juice- bleh. I went to get up to use the restroom and I tell you what- that place had some charm- I wish they offered bleach baths before exiting- I will just leave it at that! After that, this guy came up and sat at the table next to us. He had a hoodie on and a bright white watch. The server went up to him and incoherently, he ordered "I want coffee, with lots of lots of sugar. And pancakes with lots and lots of butter. Make sure I get lots of butter." And then it dawned on me- that MUST have been her dealer! We couldn't help but laugh- this place was too damn depressing. We decided we needed to get the hell out of here stat, before someone tried to drug us and store us in the back to use to tomorrow's patty melts. We went to the counter (which FYI, they have a debit machine, but they charge and its weird, so use cash). The server came out of hiding then asked us what we ordered. Did you not remember taking our order? So the cook had to help her. All in all, this place is a total wreck- really depressing. I was almost scared to converse the place was that quiet (literally the only other noise in the place was the sound of the food cooking). The food was alright, but the atmosphere and the server, whoa. I feel really sorry for the cook, she is the reason I gave the place 2 stars instead of 1.
(2)Ashley B.
This place is good.No matter which place you go to.I had a double cheeseburger w/hashbrown.Pretty good to soak up some alcoholThey don't take credit cards.They only take debit cards with your pin number.I had to find some cash after reading this on such small sign!!!!
(3)Mike G.
Many of nights I don't get out of work until 4 am or so. CK's is always a nice wind down spot. By the time I show up most of the drunk crowd has left and the morning Fed Ex crowd has stumbled in. The waitresses always take good care of me and I love it. I ordered a glass of milk once and they were out. So the waitress saw the disapointment in my eyes and went to the grocery store and got me milk. Now that's service! True, the food isn't that great but at 4-5am it's the best bet around. And they do have a great jukebox.
(3)Erica B.
Ugh. Blech. Ick. Wait. Do I have a venereal disease from touching the menu at CK's? This place is vile. CK's seriously needs to shut down for a week (or ten), gut this place and give it a thorough cleaning. I can't even really comment on the food. I was on the verge of vomit from the second I sat down. In fact, I felt electricity in my veins urging my legs to get up from the table and leave immediately. THAT'S how uncomfortably grody this place is. I had a waffle and a cup of coffee. The coffee tasted like hot, brown water and the waffle like an Eggo with freezer burn. The waitress? I half expected her to have a hook for a hand. For some reason, I found myself wanting to shout out to the patrons "Hey! Large Marge sent me". But I thought better of it. Gavin is right- just don't. Although I fell in love with Robin's review (seriously great review- the only reason I couldn't give the place only one star) I just couldn't ever fall in love with CK's.
(2)D K.
I'm sure other CK's may be better, but when I was looking for a quick breakfast one late morning in mid-June 2012, it was not to be found at CK's on Poplar Avenue. We sat 10 minutes before being acknowledged in an empty restaurant, and waited for an omelet for 15 minutes, and for two eggs (over medium) for 20. Seriously? Then a (regular?) patron parked directly behind us, making it tough to get out. The whole experience started feeling a little worrisome, but he came and moved the car. We high-tailed it out of there, avoiding multiple potholes in the lot...
(1)Tracy S.
It's a greasy spoon. A greasy, greasy spoon. But the coffee was fresh and the corned beef and hash and eggs breakfast was yummy. And I so loved how the surly waitress said "Mm-hmm" instead of "You're welcome" that I probably said "Thank you" one too many times. A good spot for a quick morning bite.
(3)Kerry C.
Coffee: The coffee was a little oily and bitter, but it was so cold out that I didn't really care. I don't think I'd drink it by choice, but it's decent. Biscuit: CK's didn't have any biscuits, so they'll receive an average score of five points. Bacon: The bacon was crispy and flavorful, but it was pretty greasy and salty. It definitely gave me that weird awareness of exactly what I was eating. Scrambled Eggs: Everything at CK's was sort of decidedly average. The eggs were fluffy, but not too fluffy, but nothing truly special. I hate giving straight up fives all the time, but this meal just seems to warrant them. Pancake: CK's didn't have pancakes, so they'll be averaged out at 5 points. Grits: These were by far the least watery of the grits I've tried. I added salt and pepper, but the grits tasted like they had been pre-buttered. Service: I was in and out of CKs in half an hour. Seriously. The waitresses were very efficient and quick. They weren't crazy friendly, but they did what they needed to do politely. Atmosphere: CK's has a jukebox in it. I didn't notice it when I came in, but every few minutes, the silence would be broken by an obscure soul song. I think the guy in the booth next to mine was playing them, because he serenaded the waitresses. CK's is open 24 hours, and the smell of pre-restaurant smoking ban smoke seems to linger in everything. Price: The price was crazy reasonable, about $8 total for a huge plate of food.
(2)