It's been a while since we ate at Molly's, so I was looking forward to our meal as we joined 4 friends last Sunday. Overall, we had a very pleasurable dining experience. The chips and salsa were standard, but I wanted to try Kelly's bean dip. Do yourself a favor, get some, it tastes great and is well worth the $4 price tag. Couldn't decide on dinner - finally settled on the steak / chicken fajitas. Service was a little spotty, our waitress disappeared for a while. Eventually, the food arrived. I have to say, at first glance, I was not impressed with the fajitas, not that many slices of beef or chicken, not that many onions / peppers. BUT, once it made it's way to my mouth, my opinion definitely changed. The best flavored fajitas I've had in Memphis, without a doubt. Also, don't forget about their side order of beans - best in town. They actually have texture to them, can you believe it, not smushed up into Never Never Land, but you can actually tell they are in fact beans. My wife had the Chimichanga & said it was very good. She also ordered the guacamole and said it was delicious. Thanks Molly's.
(4)
Christan H.
I love this Memphis staple. I've never had a bad meal from this place. I usually go with the Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. They're delicious. The parking kind of sucks but it's worth it. Definitely my favorite Tex/Mex place to go around here.
(5)
Simon H.
I've been to many Mexican restaurants around the city but after visiting Molly this past Thursday I think I found my new favorite Mexican place. I got the Carne Asada Especial a la Casita and it was really good! The service was good and the place was very cozy. My next visit will definitely for the Quesadillas!
(4)
Holly K.
I love Molly's! The food is on point. It's not the Mexican fare you get at most places, which is a pleasant change of pace. Lunch prices are amazing! I always get the mushroom, spinach, and black bean enchiladas, they never disappoint! I also can't resist a half and half margarita...or two...when I'm there. I've also never had bad service there!
(5)
Joelle P.
I've been here several times and have never written a review...mostly because it's just...meh. It is on Madison, which I like, but the service is always hit or miss. And my food is always just OK. I know this review is extremely nondescript but I can't help but blame it on this place. I don't have strong feelings for it one way or the other. If someone suggests it, I'm down, but I never really think of it otherwise. I'm just...neutral.
(3)
Tracy W.
I had not been here in a long time (like several years) due some issues my wife had with the food. That being said I had a very nice meal yesterday. Lots of food, food was tasty and great service! What more could you ask for?
Definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant in Memphis!! If they had a patio I'd never go anywhere else! THE best margs (half and half all the way) and black bean taco salad! The chips are perfect and made in house, and the salsas nice and chunky. Super vegetarian friendly :) Their Cinco de Mayo is packed but if you get in its super cheap! $3 margs!
(5)
Rob B.
The best menu items are not the Mexican dishes. They have one of the best cheeseburgers in midtown and the Texas chicken sandwich is awesome! Sadly they no longer offer chicken wings, they were amazing!! Great margaritas and atmosphere, it's a staple in midtown!.
(4)
Mandi W.
The service was great.. Couldn't have asked for a better waiter.. Food was good and I didn't have to wait long at all. Would definitely go again!
(4)
Sarah B.
Love this place. The food is delicious, especially the beans/ bean dip. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Get the half & half margarita (1/2 frozen/ 1/2 on the rocks) and don't bother with the "fancy" margaritas.
(5)
Blake B.
It's OK. Typical midtown hangout. The margaritas are the saving grace. The chips and salsa are good... I'd go with friends, but it's not an intentional destination.
(3)
Carol M.
I can't believe I have waited 24 years to come here. This place has been a Mexican restaurant staple in midtown Memphis for many years and has a pretty cool vibe. However, I would not necessarily consider this true "Mexican" fare but rather leaning more into the tex-mex realm. I had the spinach quesadillas and cheese dip, which I must say were really good. No real complaints on the food. The service was okay, not great. I could definitely see where the parking could become a troublesome at times since it is a small space and it is shared by the Blue Monkey patrons as well. Tip about parking: Turner Dairy has a lot on the East side of the restaurant and allows folks to park there.
(3)
Becky E.
The service was horrible! I've never seen so many employees walking around like idiots.
(1)
Danny H.
I have always loved eating at this place a lot of times I have been out of town and wish they had one there.
(5)
Justin L.
Molly's is not bad for midtown, however it did not live up to the hype. The reviews about the service is spot on.
(3)
Patrick T.
Molly's a fantastic Mexi place located right next to Ardent Studio's where we were cutting a record this week! I enjoyed the endless chips and salsa, and my veggie fajitas were incredible! Some of the best I have ever had, it came out piping hot and ready to enjoy! Loved the mushrooms, and beans, they were cooked to perfection! I also choose a frozen Margarita which hit the spot! Our waitress ruled and I vowed we would be back! And wouldn't you know it 3 days later after finishing up the tracking for the record we were back to celebrate this time with Half FROZEN, Half Regular Margarita's which was a tip our recording engineer gave us and boy was it a good one! I got a little tipsy after 2 of them but heck we were celebrating with friends so it was all worth it! All in all great food, awesome service, and great drinks what more could you ask for!
(5)
Allison S.
Fantastic!!!!! I've been here a few times & i loved it... I ordered a chicken quesadilla & it was the best quesadilla i ever had plus it was huge... The salsa was very good & i don't even like salsa but it's an amazing place... Oan if you love drinks happy hour here is wonderful...
(5)
Christina N.
Molly's to me is a 3.5. I ended up here randomly last week...some things I loved and others I didn't. Here are the highlights: 3 Star Qualities: Decent mexican joint that is clean and average service. Chips and salsa left a lot to be desired. They tasted store bought - which was probably good in limiting my consumption! It's kind of crowded in this place, so if you don't like being close to others it might not be a good place to visit. 4 Star Qualities: Happy Hour!!! Who else has happy hour until 8pm on a weekend night? They also apparently have a sunday happy hour! I ordered the half and half margarita - it is a must try!! Perfect mixture. I also enjoyed that the waitress gave it to me straight when I tried to order one on the rocks - letting me know I'd get more bang for my buck with the half and half! I ordered a quesadilla - which is something I never get - however with a combo like shrimp, mushrooms and spinach I couldn't resist! So glad I tried it because it was so flavorful! Ingrediants tasted fresh and it wasn't excessively oily or cheesy. It's a cheap little casual joint. Sometimes that's exactly what you need. :)
(4)
Shu J.
Molly la Casita is a fun, party place to go with friends. The chips & salsa are great -- quite spicy! Margaritas are delicious and *very* strong -- woo wee! Quesadillas are always top notch -- I dig the cheese + spinach + shrimp quesadilla. The chille relleno however was not a good looking dish; it came out in a very mushy, almost soupy plate of cheese and refried beans. It is also a little strange when the server lady sits down at your table to take your order -- haha. But overall, a nice experience, and somewhere I enjoy taking family and friends.
(3)
J C.
Hey, it's Mexican food! Thing is, it's good. Beans are more whole and not soupy. A great difference from the norm. The white cheese dip was better than most places. I have been three times now. Ask for Kimberly...
(4)
Cristina H.
Ummmmm really hard to review it's almost like a big dive for a mexican spot. Like I believe the owners are hoarders and they just decorated as they went. But as far as the food goes it's the normal Mexican stuff. I do like the Queso with Chorizo Sausage and flour tortillas though and you have to get the half & half margaritas!!! They have a happy hour til 8pm even on SATURDAYS so for that they go from a 2 to a 3 star lol. Service is okay but don't expect much great service especially with a party of 6 bc they get their tips regardless lol.... Go for a drink and some cheese dip and call it a day!
(3)
Chelsea L.
Throughly enjoyed our lunch here. Got my go-to enchiladas and didn't regret it, My companion (a local) recommended I get the beans and she wasn't blowing smoke. They're tasty and a great side, or veggie option. It reminds me a lot of a place I used to frequent in college. Big, and casual, good food at a reasonable price. I'd be surprised if the place isn't swamped on the weekends.
(4)
Brenda D.
This is in response to Ali H who had a bad experience with Brian and a take out order. Maybe Brian was having an off day or maybe the customer was rude? I just know when my beloved husband died unexpectedly my daughter who had flown in from PA called to tell Molly's folks that he had passed away, she said that Brian started crying on the phone. He also came to the funeral at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Brian is not Catholic. He looked so handsome in his suit and tie. The other people at Molly's: Christene, Jared, Dana, James are like family to me. Jamie ( owner) and Kelly (mgr) are as well My husband and I loved Molly's. There is actually a photo of him hanging in the downstairs eating area. The Chicken wings are awesome. Try them. Along with Shrimp Amanda. Margaritas are incomparable. Food is good. People are great!!
(4)
Leah Beth B.
The key to happiness? Half and half margaritas from Molly's. Half and half margaritas are the perfect blend of on the rocks and frozen deliciousness. They're also the perfect blend of, "Holy smokes, I've only had half of this drink and I'm already slurring my words!" They also have a half and half swirl margarita that's mango and strawberry mix combined. My friend Jonathan, who introduced me to the magical half and half, lovingly calls it the "strango." Molly's has the best wings, too. Weird for a Mexican joint, I know. But trust me and try them out. If you're wanting more traditional Mexican, opt for the chimichanga or the shrimp with mushrooms and sour cream sauce. My service is always great here. Quick and attentive!
(4)
Florence B.
Parking was a bit hard to find the first time I went. It's around back, which is also where the door to get in is. This place was great, they had a lot of options, and they've always been very prompt with service when I've been in there. I love the decor, theres a lot to look at and catch my attention while I'm waiting for my food. The staff are all very friendly. As a picky eater, I'm often intimidated by trying new restaurants, especially ethnic food, but there are actually quite a few things here that I love. I only gave it 4 stars, because overall, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food. When my company wants mexican food though, this is where I'm most comfortable.
(4)
Daniel C.
I honestly don't know how adding mole to the beans make it "famous" Salsa is too watered down. Easy to fix. But with this many years since they've been opened, it's either inconsistency, waiter forgot to stir, or they did it on purpose. I may come back for burgers...
(1)
Honest B.
This restaurant is a Memphis staple, and the consistency of quality and efficiency of the staff are two important reasons why. We eat here at lease twice a month, and we always experience great service (the servers almost always stop by our table to say "hi"), and the food is always fresh and tasty. It's Tex-Mex, of course, and thus, has lots of flavor. We hope it stays around for 25 more years!
(4)
Candace B.
This was my first time eating here I had honestly not heard good things. This place had its good points and bad. First the good service was great the server made a lot of recommendations and most were good. Also, the beef tamales were very good I would eat them again. The bad did not have one but the group I was with said the margaritas were bad very sour, to me the salsa was just so so have had A lot better. Finally the place could be cleaner it is an old building but could definitely use a face lift.
(2)
Terry H.
I've lived in Memphis for over 30 years, and Molly's is my place for Mex. I respect entirely the opinions of those who say it's not "authentic Mexican" (and for that reason I refrained from giving a 5-star rating, settling for a 4 in deference to the more opinionated food critics) -- but having eaten at most of the recommended alternatives, I guess I'm just not that impressed by "authentic" Mex. For instance, quesadillas -- at Molly's they're a treat. The cheese flavor blends very naturally with the tortilla and other ingredients - at the authentic places, by contrast, quesadillas taste like a Mexican version of my mother's grilled cheese sandwiches. Another thing I don't like about "authentic" local Mex is that everything's so runny (not just the beans) - Molly's food by contrast manages to hold together on your fork. So let's say Molly's is an adapted cuisine -- one legitimate way to do Mex (or TexMex if you prefer) -- just like I'm sure my stateside Chinese and Japanese and French and German dining experiences reflect an adaptation of original recipes to the flavor preferences and ingredient availability of representative anglo-America. It all works. BTW - regarding the service - those folks are warm, friendly, efficient, and one of the main reasons I keep going back (the other two being the food and margaritas --- top-shelf rules).
(4)
Amanda C.
I had heard quite a wide range of opinions about Molly's before trying it and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the atmosphere at Molly's. I walked in and noticed colored lights, music and people talking. We had a bit of a wait and opted to sit at the bar for a bit, where of course, I ordered a margarita. The margaritas were great and the bar was pretty packed. After we sat down, I feasted on chips and salsa (delicious by the way) and ordered a taco salad. It wasn't a run of the mill taco salad you get at the chain restaurants and again, I was pleasantly surprised. The salad had big hunks of meat, lettuce, delicious black beans and a slew of other toppings. It was great. Sadly, due to my margarita and salsa intake, I couldn't finish it all. My only complaint was that the tables were really close together and there were too many tables at that. Food and service was great though! I will definitely be going back!
(3)
Hannah G.
We are pretty frequent customers of Molly's. The food tastes great, is consistent, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)
Mary T.
I wanted to love Molly's but I just didn't. The food was not impressive. I ordered chicken fajitas and mine came out after everyone else at my table... and it was almost cold. It was just barely hot and the waitress offered to send it back to the kitchen because it looked so sad. She said she wouldn't mind bossing them around but I wondered why she wouldn't do it before bringing my food? What a shame. The food itself was edible but nothing to write home about. I liked the beans, skipped the rice, and enjoyed the fajitas well enough even if they weren't sizzling. I heard the wings were better so maybe I should have stuck to ordering non Mexican food at this particular Mexican restaurant. Positives: the staff was really nice, treated kids with us very well, and the margaritas are in fact delicious. I had an awesome strawberry margarita which I would recommend. I'd go back again but it wouldn't be for the food. Update. After returning again and trying new items I've learned the best things on the menu are not the Mexican food. It's actually the appetizers, including the hot wings and shrimp. Give those a try if you do go!
(2)
Jermaine S.
good place, great food
(4)
Stephanie C.
I've been a fan of Molly's about as long as I've been a fan of midtown Memphis, and this is quite some time. Molly's is my go-to place for margaritas. I love 'em half and half - half frozen, half rocks. I wouldn't call the food authentic Mexican, but I do call it good. It's Mexican meets bar-food - they have some of the best wings I've ever tasted. Fish tacos - declicous. Bacon wrapped shrimp - yum. I love the servers at Molly's - most of them have been there forever. It's my neighborhood "cheers".
(4)
Paul C.
I was invited here for a birthday dinner in the middle of the week; sure, why not! Atmosphere: Molly's decor is sort of your typical Mexican restaurant, but with a full bar (I think) and some flat screens scattered throughout. Atmosphere is acceptable for a dinner date, but it's nothing fancy of course. Food: The chips are your standard chips at a Mexican restaurant. The chips were thin and crispy, although the basket of chips we got were not warm. Not bad, but I really could be spoiled with Las Delicias's amazing chips. The Honey Bunny and I split the steak fajitas for one. This was more than enough food for the both of us, although we did eat plenty of chips. The steak was a higher quality steak than most Mexican restaurants, so that's a plus, but within the dish it was only steak and onions. The flavor was decent, but there was just something missing to the overall flavor and taste. The side dish of refried beans and rice was on the smaller side though, but there was plenty of tortillas (something that most Mexican restaurants seem to never give out freely). Service: Our server was really nice and attentive, so I definitely give an A for the great service we received. Overall, the restaurant has great service, but very, very, slightly below average food. I'd give the food 2.8 stars if I could, but the service definitely bumps it up to A-ok. If you're looking for great Mexican food, I'd look elsewhere, but if you're invited here, I wouldn't avoid it either.
(3)
A Kate H.
This review is based on a take out order, we did not eat in because of prior reviews of the greasy smell and poor service. Absolutely terrible! You will waste your money and be disappointed. We had the "Fajita Burrito Dinner" and Chicken Tacos Al Carbon and by Fajita Burrito Dinner, I mean 2 slices of chicken equaling about 2oz of chicken (I weighed it at home) and this was in a 12 inch burrito. We only noticed how little chicken because we took the tortillas off the meals at home since they were never warmed up and actually tasted packaged. Very disappointing, not to mention about 1 ounce of vegetables! I have eaten Mexican in the major cities of VA, CA, NC and since just moving here to TN this was absolutely the WORST I have ever had. I called to address the lack of quality as I drove 30 mins round trip and the Manager (Brian) was completely rude and disrespectful. I wanted to verify how much chicken was supposed to go in the burrito since it was called the "fajita burrito DINNER" and told him I had at best 3 oz (already knowing I weighed it at 2oz) and sure enough he went and "checked" with the kitchen to see what the standard was AND you guessed it, he told me 3 oz. - I would think a manager should know the specs on his food and that a restaurant wouldn't call something a dinner with only 3oz of meat. That's not even a serving size. Then he had the audacity to get into an argument with me on the phone! Brian had the opportunity to rectify the situation and keep us as future guests and patrons who are usually not willing to rule out a restaurant because of one bad experience, but because Brian was so lacking in customer service and had no regard for his guest's satisfaction we can't justify spending another dollar there....he didn't even try to solve the problem let alone offer a complimentary meal or encourage a future visit. Very unprofessional for the restaurant industry. Do not support this overpriced, corner cutting, disrespectful restaurant. You will regret your decision....guaranteed!
(1)
April S.
I have two restaurant menu obsessions as of late... Hot wings and bacon wrapped shrimp. Recently, I learned that Molly's La Casita (from here on referred to as "Molly's") is known for having better than average versions of both. When my date suggested Molly's for lunch today I didn't hesitate to say yes. Time to investigate! There were only a few other patrons in the restaurant when we arrived around 2pm. A woman behind the bar told us we could sit where we liked. Once we sat down she quickly brought menus to the table and took our drink order. Now I had a problem. How was I going to choose between the hot wings and the bacon wrapped shrimp for lunch? Well, as it turns out I didn't have to choose because sweet, sweet Molly puts both together in one appetizer and calls it The Full Monty. Problem solved. Curious name though! When the Full Monty was revealed I got excited. Four wings, four shrimp, served in basket with blue cheese dressing and bbq sauce in small containers. I went for a bacon wrapped shrimp first. Quite tasty! Decent sized shrimp stuffed with a creamy and slightly spicy cheese. The bacon held it all together and was cooked perfectly. The wings were different that you might expect. They aren't covered in sauce... Nope, these wings are deep fried and doused in fajita seasoning. Dry wings! The result is a hot wing with lots of flavor but not a lot of heat. They were cooked to the point of being crispy on the outside, which is exactly how I like my wings. I didn't taste the chicken fajitas that my date ordered but he said they were enjoyable. I did share my wings and shrimp with him, however, and he agreed I had made an excellent choice.
(4)
Charlie W.
Think of Molly's as standard (Americanized) Mexican food getting the midtown treatment. The interior is a bit quirky and fun, very interestingly decorated. The food at Molly's wasn't anything that absolutely wow'd me, but then again - one doesn't really go to a place like this with the intention of being wow'd. The salsa was really good, I think they use the perfect amount of Cilantro. Apparently there's this thing where people think the beans have chicharrón (a Mexican sausage) added to them. The server explained to me this was not the case. I liked the beans also. Prices are decent. As for authenticity, well....I'm definitely not to be considered the authority on Mexican quinine, but the guest I dined with happened to be from Mexico. He informed me it was just as authentic as Taco Bell - but that doesn't mean it's not good. I would come back to Molly's, if Frida's was closed or I didn't want to travel the extra 0.4 miles.
(3)
Chuck O.
Tried Molly's for the first time. The food was excellent, but the service was a little off. They tried to seat us in a dark, crowded corner when there was plenty of space in an adjacent room that had more natural light and was less crowded. We also had to flag down our waitress a few times to have our drinks refilled. Overall, I enjoyed Molly's and recommend it.
(4)
Kelsey G.
Best. Margaritas. Ever! This place is crazy good! Highly recommend the spinach, black bean, and mushroom enchiladas!
(5)
Lee C.
I can't vouch for the rest of the menu but Bruce's Nachos and Tres Tacos are the reason I LOOOOOOVE this place. If you have to pick just one menu item DO NOT pass up Bruce's Nachos. They are the absolute best nachos I've ever had! That alone could feed two people, include the tres tacos and you could feed a third person or just two people with extremely hearty appetites for under $25...excluding alcohol of course!
(5)
Rachael E.
Now that I no longer work here, I can give an honest review. Molly's is a family restaurant. Family as in, everyone knows each other. The servers have all been working together for a number of years. Molly's has a huge following of very loyal regulars. It may not be "authentic", but it is a very warm, friendly place. Some of the servers can get an attitude and they do have a tendency to get a bit rude & snappy but don't take it personally. Some of them think they rule the world. Say what you want about the food. It may not always be pretty but it's usually good. I know how to order around the menu. Ask your server what he or she recommends. They usually won't steer you wrong. & always have a 1/2 & 1/2 margarita. Always. When in doubt, order the wings. They are no where near your typical hot wings. Ask for them to be saucy & spicy. Its the best way. Don't forget to ask about the history behind Molly's. Kelly, if she's in a good mood, will tell you the story behind every picture & piece of art. Its a great place to go to really get to know the people of Midtown. Don't forget to make a reservation. They get PACKED on the weekends. But they allow you to grab a drink while you wait.
(3)
Bryan G.
I have been to Molly's many times and the food and service is always wonderful. Tonight we had.the original Chili and chicken quesadilla. After being sat right away, it took over 5 minutes before we were acknowledged. The server brought the chips and water, then immediately left. She came back several minutes later to take a drink order. Ice tea and a dos equis. Well you can imagine where this.is going, but the food was awesome. Never expected bad service on a slow night, but we did. I will go back, but will.be cautious not to sit in a certain server's section
(3)
Steve R.
Great Mexican food in Memphis? Absolutely! I live in Texas and this is better than many Mexican restaurants in my state. The beans here are very unique, unlike any I have come across. I had them on the taco salad and they are GREAT!
(4)
Channa P.
Molly's I like ya, I like ya a lot! I wasn't a yelper the first time I ate there, but I'm happy to say the place is just as good as I remember. I got a chicken chimichunga with black beans and rice. The rice was nothing to write home about, but I just flipped over the black beans. They were seasoned very well, and an excellent replacement to the refried beans. The chimichunga itself didn't leave me feeling bloated and greasy like some places, but it was still a good filling portion. The atmosphere is pretty cute as well. By the way on Monday's $1 off the house Margaritas. It was pretty good and decently sized.
(4)
Courtney J.
I miss this place terribly! I don't live in Memphis any more, but every time I crave Mexican food, I dream of this wonderful place. I wish I could get Mexican food like this where I'm living now, but alas, I guess there is an excuse to go to Memphis. for awesome food. There is really nothing I can complain about here. The margaritas on the rocks are nice and tart and taste fresh, but they also have plenty of alcohol. The chips and salsa are good and plentiful. The re-fried beans are the best I've ever had as they incorporate the mole into them. The green chili tamales and phenomenal. I used to eat there at least one a week when I lived in Memphis, sometimes more. My boyfriend swears by the Carne Asada. I love the spicy shrimp casserole dish there. I can't remember the name though. The vegetarian combination is my favorite since you get so many yummy things in one meal. Their vegetables are so good. Actually, anything I've ever eaten there has been great. You really can't go wrong with Molly's. The only thing I could possibly complain about is the parking. The lot is small and this place can get crowded on weekends, but it's well worth the wait. Next time I visit Memphis, this will be the first stop on my list!
(5)
Tanya T.
I often forget about Molly's because I have 3 other Mexican restaurants super close to my house. I wish I didn't, though, because this place actually has better food than the others. I love Molly's- Celia is exactly right- the salsa is pure magic. It's really fresh, and the chips are salted perfectly. The entrees are excellent too. I generally go with quesadillas or fajitas but sometimes stick with traditional tacos. The dining room is always packed full of folks, eating and drinking yummy (somewhat strong) margaritas, and it's pretty big too although they do place the tables pretty close together. Molly's has been around for quite some time and I hope it's here for a good long while. Now excuse me while I call my husband and let him know he's taking me to dinner tonight. This review has made me hungry.
(4)
Juno G.
This place is not good. The food comes out cold and is not fresh, the salsa could have come out of a can! The margarita's are watered down! The service is slow and the restaurant is old, rundown and dirty with horrible plastic/vinyl tablecloths! Trying to find parking is a nightmare. Have tried Molly's five times now and can say I will never return!
(1)
Erica B.
I decided to give this place another shot, given that it is with walking distance of our house and it is always packed. Husband and I went here this evening, and I have to say this time around was much better than the last. The salsa was a bit better than I remember it being- not my favorite, but it was good. I will retract my previous statement comparing them to Kroger store bought brand. We also ordered a side of guacamole to go with our chips (which were replenished twice when the basket was only half full and came back steaming hot- points for Molly's) which was actually my favorite part of the meal. I devoured that whole bowl. Like a champ! My husband ordered the carne asada steak and I opted for the enchiladas again. Hey now- don't judge. Enchiladas are my favorite Mexican restaurant staple and Molly's menu is pretty small compared to other Mexican joints. I don't know why we went to a Mexican place and my husband thought it would be a wise idea to order steak. In case you were wondering- it wasn't a wise idea at all. Apparently the menu described it as being the old family secret famous recipe. He thought he was finding the hidden treasure at Molly's- but was wrong. It was average, not bad, but not anything either of us would order again. My enchiladas were a bit better than I remember them, but again nothing special. I would not order them again either. Still very greasy and rubbery. I have to say, I am still in love with the atmosphere here. It's adorable in that perfectly fitted Mexican food vibe way. I love that the folks who dine here make it look like it is their favorite spot- most ordering without even a peek at the menu. I love the sense of community, and of course the neighborhood it is located in. The service, again was stellar. Had a phenomenal waiter who was quick to refill everything and offered help maneuvering the menu. I just wish Molly's could get their food together. If they could up the food a notch or two, this place would have a line down the block, and I'd be smack dab in the middle of it.
(3)
Amanda S.
Maybe I need to take another trip here, but I wasn't blown away, to be honest. My friend got beef tacos and said that they were pretty good, but he didn't rave for too long. I, however, had already eaten and decided to get some dessert instead. I was torn between a chocolate dessert with ice cream on the side and sopapilla. I opted for the former and ordered... But they were out of ice cream, which meant that I couldn't indulge in the chocolate dessert or any of the others because they all came with ice cream... except for the sopapilla. I opted for it and went on with my life. The food came in a timely manner, and the service was pretty good. The sopapilla was full of honey/cinnamon-y goodness AND cheap at ~$3.50, but I wasn't absolutely blown away by it. I just wish they didn't add the mandatory 18% gratuity after 9 PM... I always tip well (and if you're in the industry and you don't tip, you should get a slap on the wrist), but I left with the thought of, "Wow, did they really think I had the audacity to walk out of here without tipping?" In a nutshell, the food was decent and the service was pretty good. I wouldn't avoid the place, but I can't say that I'm itchin' to go back.
(3)
John S.
Tonight was my second visit here after I left Memphis for 20 years. Unfortunately it will be my last. The first thing I noticed was that all...yes ALL of the staff seemed to be quite miserable. One waiter had sweat pouring off of him. I feel bad that he was obviously uncomfortable, but from a customers point of view, I was very glad he wasn't the one that would be handling my food. The hostess was also apparently having a bad day, but my girlfriend decided to try to turn her day around by complimenting her dress...which seemed to work a little. Once we were seated it was impossible to not notice the smell of rancid grease that wafted by every few seconds. I was absolutely starving otherwise I would have left at this point. I ordered the 3 taco plate and my GF had the fish tacos. She ate half of one and didn't touch anything else on her plate. My tacos were served with enough lettuce and tomatoes to dress one of the 3 tacos. I asked for more an eventually a plate of more lettuce and tomatoes showed up. As I went to put some on my tacos I noticed remnants of salad dressing on one of the tomatoes and a bit of hot sauce on some of the lettuce suggesting that this was possibly salvaged from the leftovers from another diners plate. At that point I was done eating. Between the rancid grease, poor attitudes, possibly reused lettuce and the fact that requests for salsa for my tacos were ignored, Mollys is off my list of places that I will ever eat again. Its sad to see a Memphis institution such as this having been lulled past a state of mediocrity into a level of sheer apathy and seemingly unsanitary conditions. I'm now left with strange cramps developing in my stomach...I feel that this will be a long night.
(2)
Nicole C.
Pros: A great place in winter (or any time of the year) to be teleported south of the border (or at least to a border town in Texas). Ambience is really festive, and the room to the side with the colored lights, old sombreros, and exposed brick is intimate and full of charm. Loved the sangria-swirled frozen margarita, but if you order more than one, be sure to bring a helmet with you to reduce the likelihood of head trauma during your perilous trip from the table to the curb, where you will inevitably hail a cab. The cheese dip is the nectar of the gods; I cook Mexican at home, and I religiously roast and grind my own cumin and coriander for many of the dishes I make. It seems to me that of one or both of those spices are used in the cheese dip, along with cilantro, so I'm sold. I haven't had anything else on the menu that I would rave about, but in all fairness, I must admit that I've spent the last 12 years in Santa Fe, where there is an abundance of both authentic Mexican food and Latin fusion/New Southwest and have traveled extensively in Mexico. (Nothing beats a sope de lengua made right before your eyes in the market in Coyoacan.) Challenges: Bring a child leash with you and attach it to your server when you first become acquainted. This will make it much easier to track them down when you need anything. (Service is friendly but glacially slow, and I have consistently had to get up and hunt down my server multiple times during each meal I've had there...whether the resto was packed or there were two other parties in there. The staff is so friendly and otherwise competent, though, that you will keep going back.)
(3)
Sandy W.
I don't know where these lower ratings are coming from, but I do know that this is the best Mexican food I have ever had. I no longer live in Memphis, and it pains me now to have to settle for other Mexican restaurants than Molly's. Everywhere else pales in comparison. Mexican restaurants tend to all have the same soupy beans, wilted iceberg lettuce, and premixed margaritas. If you've been to one, you've been to them all. But Molly's has much higher quality food and I have to recommend their Perfect Margarita, which lives up to its name. I used to take any friends visiting from out of town to Molly's and I SWEAR to you, the next time anyone passed through Memphis again, they would insist we go eat there again. Every time. I don't know what it is about their food (especially the beans) but I crave it all the time. I had a layover in Memphis recently and the connecting flight was canceled, so we had to rent a car to get back to Nashville. This is usually an infuriating circumstance, but it was a happy inconvenience because it meant we could grab some Molly's to go. Anyway, I'm not fabricating any bit of this account and if you want some amazing, addicting Mexican food then go eat here
(5)
Donte C.
This is my go to place for a good margarita half-and-half is how I always get mine. food is pretty good I first went to try Mr. Bruce's nachos which were very filling and good and of course the mollies wings and the shrimp wrapped in bacon are amazing too. The servers are always friendly and I never have to wait a long time.
(5)
Mandy H.
Not really a fan of the food...it's not bad, mind you, but it's...quirky. SO MANY BEANS. I love that they have a variety of sauces that you can douse your burrito goodness in...kind of a neat touch. Their margarita's have been touted the 'best in Memphis'...and they are, indeed, good. The staff are friendly and the food comes out quick. It's easy to get lost in time in there, as they don't rush you to leave, even if you've been done eating for an hour. A lot of people love the food here, but I can only handle so many beans before I start wondering if I still have taste buds that work. Fun place to go though! There isn't much parking, and the main entrance is around back! You can come in the front door, but you'll need to walk to the 'back' of the restaurant to get seated!
(4)
Andrea L.
I came at around two. I only wanted shrimp. And shrimp is what I got. It was delicious. No side dish, just the shrimp. It wasn't crowded. Our waitress was great. My husband said his chimi was delicious too. The shrimp was sooo good I went for a to go order two days later :)
(5)
Jimmy H.
Mollys is one of Memphis oldest Mexican places. The owner of many years use to travel everywhere and when he found something he liked he would add it to the menu. Everything here is awesome. The Quesadillas are very good. If your in the mood for seafood the red snapper is the best fish I have ever had. The hot wings have a unique flavor and are sprinkled with their own fajita powder, oh the fajitas, sooo good. You gotta try the bean dip as well. Now lets talk Nachos! Mr Bruces nachos are huge. I like the chicken nachos as the shreded chicken there is an entire food group. They have the best chicken chimichangas I have ever had and damn the enchiladas are good. Get there early as the parking can be a problem and sometimes there is a wait but well worth it. The service is always good and the margaritas will have you talking to jesus by the end of the night. Oh yeah and don't forget the soppapillas for desert, can I get a lawd have mercy? By the time you eat here you will want to slap your momma!
(5)
Erin B.
The margaritas were excellent. I had the Molly's Chimichanga which was delightful (my tastebuds were extremely happy with my choice), and my husband had the chicken fajitas which he very much enjoyed. My huband really liked the beans that came with our meal but I didn't care too much for them. The salsa that they put out at the table when you first get there is not that great so we ordered a small guacamole which was good (though not as good as the guac at Chiwawa's down the street). We were there with a large group of people and the wait staff was excellent at handling our large party. We had 5 couples, and our waiter happily split the check appropriated 5 ways.
(4)
Gordon P.
This is a great spot. I've been coming here for years. Not fancy, but the food and service are both consistently good.
(4)
J Z.
Molly's La Casita is one of those places you either love or hate; there is no in between ambivalence on this one. I've talked to to people who regard it as God's gift to the neighborhood, and then those who turn their nose up and cringe. Molly's unabashedly serves up Tex Mex. Not authentic Mexican, so don't come here expecting that I was craving beef tacos so I got the Tres Tacos plate - three chicken or beef tacos served with a less-than-generous helping of rice, salad and refried beans. My verdict? No bueno. I'm of the camp that quite dislikes Molly's. The service wasn't as quick as it could be (although they do offer kids free ice cream! Makes me wish I was young again), and the food is very, very average. If I wanted Tex Mex, I would go to El Mezcal or Los Compadres instead. The pricing was typical.. the three of us ate for about $35 incl. tax and tip. I also have a strong aversion to places that make you reek of oil and food after you emerge, and Molly's is sadly one of those places. I couldn't wait to soak myself for eternity just to get rid of the permeation of scents. In conclusion, I probably wouldn't be gunning to return, unless I was in the area! If I wanted beef tacos in the future, I will go to Swanky's memphisconnect.com/2011/…
(2)
Valerie L.
Best Margaritas in the world, best bacon wrapped shimp in Memphis, best wings ever!!!
(4)
Tita P.
Oh Molly...Oh Molly.... how long has it been? YEARS!! On a recent visit home to Memphis my sister and I had a great dinner at Molly's. I had chicken enchiladas with black beans and let me just say they were both "rightly seasoned" as we say down south. The margarita's were as good as I remembered and the patrons were very very "midtown". Molly, I promise to NEVER go this long again without seeing you. I didn't realize just how much I missed you.
(4)
James F.
I will start by saying that I am a fan of the Los Compadres/El Toro Loco style of Mexican restaurants. Molly's is unlike both - as others have said, they feature a Tex-Mex style menu. I'm not sure what I can say about this place - I've only been here 3 or 4 times since childhood, not anxiously returning after each visit. In their favor, I will say that they serve a delectable traditional mole sauce. Be warned, if you're familiar with the Mole rojo style chicken at Los Compadres, this is VERY different. Molly's mole is more in the traditional style - much richer and more chocolatey of flavor. It's good, but be prepared for very rich food if you order it. In its favor, I will also say that Molly's serves some delicious "Mexican" hot wings. If a Mexican place serves a margarita I don't like, chances are I won't like the restaurant. That is the case here - I'm not sure what it is about the Molly's marg I don't like. It's kind of sour and just doesn't taste very good (yeh, I know a margarita is supposed to be sour). Just not like this one.
(2)
Nathan S.
After eating at so many places with soupy beans and tired, dry rice, etc. Molly's is always a nice change. Granted, it is more Tex-Mex than Mexican, but I've never been disappointed. Chile rellenos, fish/shrimp tacos, some of the best wings in Memphis, and the amazing margaritas make for a great experience. This is where we always take out of town guests for dinner and drinks, and they're never disappointed.
(4)
Shannon R.
The food itself was... eh... ok... the salsa tasted a little soapy. The service was awful. We went in the afternoon on a Saturday, the place was not busy by any means and the waitress took forever before she finally sat us, and she took her sweet time (talking to coworkers, etc) with everything else. I heard they have awesome margaritas, that's the only reason I'm not giving it a 1 star rating. I plan to go back to try the margaritas at some point.
(2)
Shannon L.
My boyfriend and I both got margaritas, because it was happy hour. I got mine frozen, and he got his on the rocks. We shared a second one, because we had to try the half and half margarita. The combination of half frozen and half rocks packed all of the flavor, but none of the brain freeze. To eat, we started with the queso. It was pretty good, but nothing special. We also split the hot wing and bacon wrapped shrimp combo. You may be questioning the validity of my opinion at this point for ordering hot wings at a mexican joint. However, their hot wings are SO GOOD. My boss, the self-proclaimed "hot win connisseuir" told me I had to get them, so obviously I had to. She was right. Totally worth it. The bacon-wrapped shrimp were also good, but nothing compared to Cafe Ole's. I probably will not order them again. Keep in mind, it is Tex Mex and not real authentic Mexican food.
(3)
Mike J.
We went to Molly's last night with some friends. First, Margaritas good. Second, chips plentiful, and good, salsa good, queso runny. Bad point - Me and Poopsie and two friends = four. The table for four is not big enough for chips, salsa, queso, and a drink each. No food served yet. Seriously not big enough. Poopsie kept the napkins in her lap. We placed accessories like the sugar bowl and extra menus on the shelf next to us. Food was good, but not exceptional. The Chile Rellenos that my friend had looked really good. Poopsie comment that she had never seen a chimichanga that small before on her plate. My Carne Guisada was good but not exceptional. So I guess the food has to be judged as being middle of the road. Service was good, friendly, efficient (except for trying to find place to put stuff on the table.) Price seemed fair and reasonable. On the way out, I got the impression that the place was full of local neighborhood folks. I suspect they all love it. I guess everybody's local Mexican joint is the best in their minds. I know ours is. They share a very small parking lot with the Blue Monkey, so we ended up parking across the street beside Umai.
(3)
Kevin M.
When I first moved to Memphis in 1990, Molly's was one of the first places I went to eat. I haven't stopped since. Just choose what you like. Flautas, Fajitas, to-freaking-die-for chili rellinos, and that salsa, are you kidding? I personally think they have the best chicken sandwich in midtown with the 'Molly's Original Chicken sandwich' (that's right, suck it, chick-ful-hate) and the ritas have been consistently the bomb for the last 20+ years. Add that up and multiply it by one of the best wait staffs in town (Rochelle, Jared, and seriously on and on) and you've got a great sit down, chill out, Mexican joint that offers a big alternative to the usual Mexican joints in town. And, they actually welcome kids. Which is great if you have the little things and need to feed them occasionally. Go, drink, have fun and eat plenty. Molly's will provide the breath mints, on on occasion the entertainment (provided by the witty, aforementioned wait staff.)
(4)
Robert R.
Not a very good restaurant. The owners could easily retool their menu and make this a really good Mexican restaurant that I would be eagerly willing to go to and bring my friends from out of town. The food, however, reminds me of a Mexican meal my mom would make when I was a kid - i.e. packaged Mexican spices and bland ground beef. None of their fixens - cheese, guac, tomatoes, onions, etc -- are fresh (or delicious for that matter) and the preparation of meat is very subpar. You can tell that no Mexicans work here; if there were, it would be inherent in the quality of the food. Margaritas are also disappointing. Overall, a pretty poor dining experience. I will not eat here unless I find that they have vastly improved. For those of you in the area, don't go here. I recommend the Quik Chek across the street (the old converted gas station). Their food is much better (Korean-style fare) and priced the same.
(2)
Karmann G.
Memphis is known for BBQ, but pls do yourself a favor and stray from the norm! Molly's is the best Mexican food I've had in a long time (and I'm from Texas). The white queso is delicious!!! The spinach tamales with yellow queso was out of this world!!! And the chicken fajitas lived up to the hype. They make their own chips (but sadly, not tortillas), and the salsa has a sweet flavor. Go to Molly's if you're in town! Do it! Oh! And the margaritas are tasty 1/2 frozen, 1/2 on the rocks. And if you love sweet tea, they even recommend doing 1/2 sweet, 1/2 unsweetened...it's super sweet :)
(5)
Jolynna M.
Okay, this is not the place I go to when I want The Real Deal - traditional, old school, authentic Mexican food. But there are some things they do really well at Molly's. The first and foremost being the super awesome Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas. Man, I absolutely CRAVE these things from time to time, and this is a Molly's original - can't find them anywhere else in town. It's simply a mixture of spinach and black beans and mushrooms, wrapped in tortillas and covered in a sour cream sauce. Their tamales are also killer. You can order them three different ways - bean and mushroom, beef or green chile. And you have your choice of sauces as well. On a side note, be aware the parking here is limited. The lot behind the restaurant fills up quickly, but here are plenty of spots on the street to the side and back.
(3)
Jennifer R.
This is one of our favorite places. My husband and I have so many good memories here, and we've never had a bad meal either. Good frozen margaritas, full bar, really friendly staff. Molly's has beans unlike any other Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. They're fresh, made with chicken broth and some untold blend of spices, not that grey goo that comes out of a can you get at most restaurants. The beef chiles relleno is usually my pick with yellow cheese sauce. Best I've had anywhere. Two battered ancho peppers stuffed with spiced ground beef, deep fried golden and smothered with cheese, what's not to love? It's located in the heart of midtown, and you can look out the windows and see what's going on in the neighborhood. This place is a part of my life's history and I hope it never closes. One of my fondest memories was watching it snow through Molly's window, margarita in hand, friends and my husband laughing and happy. Good times.
(5)
Celia M.
So, low and behold the pilot light on our dorm room stove goes out on Friday night and we don't have a clue how to light it again. Naturally, we turn the gas off and then await Monday so that we can put in a form for it to get fixed. In the mean time, my roommate and I have to eat dinner, so we resort to our school's restaurant selection. As it turns out, Molly Gonzales is a lot like how Speedy Gonzales is back home. The food here is pretty awesome. The first thing you get is fresh chips and good salsa, which I'm also tempted to say they make themselves. You can tell the difference just by the flavor. But, the food is also very very yummy. I had the last thing on the list, a kind of beef fajita plater. Unlike what I'm used to with Mexican restaurants and fajitas, this one came in a big tortilla, and with plenty of meat. My only complaint was the beans, they were a little crusty for my taste, but that may just be me. Anyway, I like this place. It's in a kind of weird location though. It's literally behind the Blue Monkey, as in, you have to walk through a small alleyway to get to the front door. I think there might be another way in too, but that's how you get there from the parking area. But whatever, I think that kind of adds to its flavor, because as hidden as it might be, the place is obviously no secret. I'll definitely have to go back again soon... :)
(5)
J J.
Excellent food and staff. Worth any wait for a table. Kelly and Dana are two of the best and they will treat you like royalty. Best Mexican I have had in Memphis. One of Memphis' finest
(5)
Kristen W.
My favorite (yellow) cheese dip in the city. Also, I ALWAYS order the sour cream chicken enchiladas and beans.
(4)
Cody H.
Food was not authentic or good!
(1)
Mike G.
Ugh! This place is gross. All the food I've ever had from this place has been not fresh while swimming around in oil. The atmosphere is horrible and it never looks clean.
(1)
Josh S.
50/50 margarita was excellent, thick steak fajitas and wonderful fish tacos. A definite must stop when searching for a Mexican restaurant in the midtown/downtown area.
(4)
Dennis L.
Awesome food, service is typically a little sketchy. The food is very Americanized, but in a non-offensive way. Great salsa, beans are better than average (I mention that because side dishes are typically overlooked). I've never had a bad meal there, and it's so good that I make a stop each time I return to Memphis (2x/yr). Parking is a mild pain, but there is curb space in the neighborhood right behind the place. Must-eat.
(4)
David S.
still the best Mexican in town. they do not skimp on quality for ingredients.
(4)
naga satya v rao n.
Food is great! specially the refried beans go really well with dishes. I like their margaritas.
(4)
LJ M.
The food was good, but I can hardly remember that because we were so entertained by the manager. I can't remember her name, but she was a trip. She's one of those people-you never know what she'll say next. Truly an enjoyable experience. The waitress was great too and mentioned she had worked there for years. I will definitely stop in the next time I'm in Memphis.
(5)
Cara N.
I make it a point to eat at Molly's everytime I'm in Memphis. Try the shrimp quesadillas - I implore you!
(5)
Ceciley G.
Margaritas were ok, but not great; points docked for use of neon sweet and sour mix instead of fresh lime or a house fresh mix. :( Shrimp dishes were wonderful enough to warrant a return trip.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Tom G.
It's been a while since we ate at Molly's, so I was looking forward to our meal as we joined 4 friends last Sunday. Overall, we had a very pleasurable dining experience. The chips and salsa were standard, but I wanted to try Kelly's bean dip. Do yourself a favor, get some, it tastes great and is well worth the $4 price tag. Couldn't decide on dinner - finally settled on the steak / chicken fajitas. Service was a little spotty, our waitress disappeared for a while. Eventually, the food arrived. I have to say, at first glance, I was not impressed with the fajitas, not that many slices of beef or chicken, not that many onions / peppers. BUT, once it made it's way to my mouth, my opinion definitely changed. The best flavored fajitas I've had in Memphis, without a doubt. Also, don't forget about their side order of beans - best in town. They actually have texture to them, can you believe it, not smushed up into Never Never Land, but you can actually tell they are in fact beans. My wife had the Chimichanga & said it was very good. She also ordered the guacamole and said it was delicious. Thanks Molly's.
(4)Christan H.
I love this Memphis staple. I've never had a bad meal from this place. I usually go with the Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. They're delicious. The parking kind of sucks but it's worth it. Definitely my favorite Tex/Mex place to go around here.
(5)Simon H.
I've been to many Mexican restaurants around the city but after visiting Molly this past Thursday I think I found my new favorite Mexican place. I got the Carne Asada Especial a la Casita and it was really good! The service was good and the place was very cozy. My next visit will definitely for the Quesadillas!
(4)Holly K.
I love Molly's! The food is on point. It's not the Mexican fare you get at most places, which is a pleasant change of pace. Lunch prices are amazing! I always get the mushroom, spinach, and black bean enchiladas, they never disappoint! I also can't resist a half and half margarita...or two...when I'm there. I've also never had bad service there!
(5)Joelle P.
I've been here several times and have never written a review...mostly because it's just...meh. It is on Madison, which I like, but the service is always hit or miss. And my food is always just OK. I know this review is extremely nondescript but I can't help but blame it on this place. I don't have strong feelings for it one way or the other. If someone suggests it, I'm down, but I never really think of it otherwise. I'm just...neutral.
(3)Tracy W.
I had not been here in a long time (like several years) due some issues my wife had with the food. That being said I had a very nice meal yesterday. Lots of food, food was tasty and great service! What more could you ask for?
(4)Blair P.
In the opinions of both my 22 yr old self as well as my parents, Molly's has one of the best margaritas in Memphis (frozen lime). My parents eat here at least once a week, without fail. They've gotten to know almost every waiter and waitress, all of whom are friendly and helpful. It's kind of dark inside and the food is all pretty heavy, but if you're good with both of those things, you'll love it. They have some unique Mexican dishes, but I typically go for the healthier options and ADORE their bowl of chicken tortilla soup. Everyone can find a dish here that they like. Also, the sautéed side of spinach is also delicious.
(4)Chelsea H.
Definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant in Memphis!! If they had a patio I'd never go anywhere else! THE best margs (half and half all the way) and black bean taco salad! The chips are perfect and made in house, and the salsas nice and chunky. Super vegetarian friendly :) Their Cinco de Mayo is packed but if you get in its super cheap! $3 margs!
(5)Rob B.
The best menu items are not the Mexican dishes. They have one of the best cheeseburgers in midtown and the Texas chicken sandwich is awesome! Sadly they no longer offer chicken wings, they were amazing!! Great margaritas and atmosphere, it's a staple in midtown!.
(4)Mandi W.
The service was great.. Couldn't have asked for a better waiter.. Food was good and I didn't have to wait long at all. Would definitely go again!
(4)Sarah B.
Love this place. The food is delicious, especially the beans/ bean dip. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Get the half & half margarita (1/2 frozen/ 1/2 on the rocks) and don't bother with the "fancy" margaritas.
(5)Blake B.
It's OK. Typical midtown hangout. The margaritas are the saving grace. The chips and salsa are good... I'd go with friends, but it's not an intentional destination.
(3)Carol M.
I can't believe I have waited 24 years to come here. This place has been a Mexican restaurant staple in midtown Memphis for many years and has a pretty cool vibe. However, I would not necessarily consider this true "Mexican" fare but rather leaning more into the tex-mex realm. I had the spinach quesadillas and cheese dip, which I must say were really good. No real complaints on the food. The service was okay, not great. I could definitely see where the parking could become a troublesome at times since it is a small space and it is shared by the Blue Monkey patrons as well. Tip about parking: Turner Dairy has a lot on the East side of the restaurant and allows folks to park there.
(3)Becky E.
The service was horrible! I've never seen so many employees walking around like idiots.
(1)Danny H.
I have always loved eating at this place a lot of times I have been out of town and wish they had one there.
(5)Justin L.
Molly's is not bad for midtown, however it did not live up to the hype. The reviews about the service is spot on.
(3)Patrick T.
Molly's a fantastic Mexi place located right next to Ardent Studio's where we were cutting a record this week! I enjoyed the endless chips and salsa, and my veggie fajitas were incredible! Some of the best I have ever had, it came out piping hot and ready to enjoy! Loved the mushrooms, and beans, they were cooked to perfection! I also choose a frozen Margarita which hit the spot! Our waitress ruled and I vowed we would be back! And wouldn't you know it 3 days later after finishing up the tracking for the record we were back to celebrate this time with Half FROZEN, Half Regular Margarita's which was a tip our recording engineer gave us and boy was it a good one! I got a little tipsy after 2 of them but heck we were celebrating with friends so it was all worth it! All in all great food, awesome service, and great drinks what more could you ask for!
(5)Allison S.
Fantastic!!!!! I've been here a few times & i loved it... I ordered a chicken quesadilla & it was the best quesadilla i ever had plus it was huge... The salsa was very good & i don't even like salsa but it's an amazing place... Oan if you love drinks happy hour here is wonderful...
(5)Christina N.
Molly's to me is a 3.5. I ended up here randomly last week...some things I loved and others I didn't. Here are the highlights: 3 Star Qualities: Decent mexican joint that is clean and average service. Chips and salsa left a lot to be desired. They tasted store bought - which was probably good in limiting my consumption! It's kind of crowded in this place, so if you don't like being close to others it might not be a good place to visit. 4 Star Qualities: Happy Hour!!! Who else has happy hour until 8pm on a weekend night? They also apparently have a sunday happy hour! I ordered the half and half margarita - it is a must try!! Perfect mixture. I also enjoyed that the waitress gave it to me straight when I tried to order one on the rocks - letting me know I'd get more bang for my buck with the half and half! I ordered a quesadilla - which is something I never get - however with a combo like shrimp, mushrooms and spinach I couldn't resist! So glad I tried it because it was so flavorful! Ingrediants tasted fresh and it wasn't excessively oily or cheesy. It's a cheap little casual joint. Sometimes that's exactly what you need. :)
(4)Shu J.
Molly la Casita is a fun, party place to go with friends. The chips & salsa are great -- quite spicy! Margaritas are delicious and *very* strong -- woo wee! Quesadillas are always top notch -- I dig the cheese + spinach + shrimp quesadilla. The chille relleno however was not a good looking dish; it came out in a very mushy, almost soupy plate of cheese and refried beans. It is also a little strange when the server lady sits down at your table to take your order -- haha. But overall, a nice experience, and somewhere I enjoy taking family and friends.
(3)J C.
Hey, it's Mexican food! Thing is, it's good. Beans are more whole and not soupy. A great difference from the norm. The white cheese dip was better than most places. I have been three times now. Ask for Kimberly...
(4)Cristina H.
Ummmmm really hard to review it's almost like a big dive for a mexican spot. Like I believe the owners are hoarders and they just decorated as they went. But as far as the food goes it's the normal Mexican stuff. I do like the Queso with Chorizo Sausage and flour tortillas though and you have to get the half & half margaritas!!! They have a happy hour til 8pm even on SATURDAYS so for that they go from a 2 to a 3 star lol. Service is okay but don't expect much great service especially with a party of 6 bc they get their tips regardless lol.... Go for a drink and some cheese dip and call it a day!
(3)Chelsea L.
Throughly enjoyed our lunch here. Got my go-to enchiladas and didn't regret it, My companion (a local) recommended I get the beans and she wasn't blowing smoke. They're tasty and a great side, or veggie option. It reminds me a lot of a place I used to frequent in college. Big, and casual, good food at a reasonable price. I'd be surprised if the place isn't swamped on the weekends.
(4)Brenda D.
This is in response to Ali H who had a bad experience with Brian and a take out order. Maybe Brian was having an off day or maybe the customer was rude? I just know when my beloved husband died unexpectedly my daughter who had flown in from PA called to tell Molly's folks that he had passed away, she said that Brian started crying on the phone. He also came to the funeral at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Brian is not Catholic. He looked so handsome in his suit and tie. The other people at Molly's: Christene, Jared, Dana, James are like family to me. Jamie ( owner) and Kelly (mgr) are as well My husband and I loved Molly's. There is actually a photo of him hanging in the downstairs eating area. The Chicken wings are awesome. Try them. Along with Shrimp Amanda. Margaritas are incomparable. Food is good. People are great!!
(4)Leah Beth B.
The key to happiness? Half and half margaritas from Molly's. Half and half margaritas are the perfect blend of on the rocks and frozen deliciousness. They're also the perfect blend of, "Holy smokes, I've only had half of this drink and I'm already slurring my words!" They also have a half and half swirl margarita that's mango and strawberry mix combined. My friend Jonathan, who introduced me to the magical half and half, lovingly calls it the "strango." Molly's has the best wings, too. Weird for a Mexican joint, I know. But trust me and try them out. If you're wanting more traditional Mexican, opt for the chimichanga or the shrimp with mushrooms and sour cream sauce. My service is always great here. Quick and attentive!
(4)Florence B.
Parking was a bit hard to find the first time I went. It's around back, which is also where the door to get in is. This place was great, they had a lot of options, and they've always been very prompt with service when I've been in there. I love the decor, theres a lot to look at and catch my attention while I'm waiting for my food. The staff are all very friendly. As a picky eater, I'm often intimidated by trying new restaurants, especially ethnic food, but there are actually quite a few things here that I love. I only gave it 4 stars, because overall, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food. When my company wants mexican food though, this is where I'm most comfortable.
(4)Daniel C.
I honestly don't know how adding mole to the beans make it "famous" Salsa is too watered down. Easy to fix. But with this many years since they've been opened, it's either inconsistency, waiter forgot to stir, or they did it on purpose. I may come back for burgers...
(1)Honest B.
This restaurant is a Memphis staple, and the consistency of quality and efficiency of the staff are two important reasons why. We eat here at lease twice a month, and we always experience great service (the servers almost always stop by our table to say "hi"), and the food is always fresh and tasty. It's Tex-Mex, of course, and thus, has lots of flavor. We hope it stays around for 25 more years!
(4)Candace B.
This was my first time eating here I had honestly not heard good things. This place had its good points and bad. First the good service was great the server made a lot of recommendations and most were good. Also, the beef tamales were very good I would eat them again. The bad did not have one but the group I was with said the margaritas were bad very sour, to me the salsa was just so so have had A lot better. Finally the place could be cleaner it is an old building but could definitely use a face lift.
(2)Terry H.
I've lived in Memphis for over 30 years, and Molly's is my place for Mex. I respect entirely the opinions of those who say it's not "authentic Mexican" (and for that reason I refrained from giving a 5-star rating, settling for a 4 in deference to the more opinionated food critics) -- but having eaten at most of the recommended alternatives, I guess I'm just not that impressed by "authentic" Mex. For instance, quesadillas -- at Molly's they're a treat. The cheese flavor blends very naturally with the tortilla and other ingredients - at the authentic places, by contrast, quesadillas taste like a Mexican version of my mother's grilled cheese sandwiches. Another thing I don't like about "authentic" local Mex is that everything's so runny (not just the beans) - Molly's food by contrast manages to hold together on your fork. So let's say Molly's is an adapted cuisine -- one legitimate way to do Mex (or TexMex if you prefer) -- just like I'm sure my stateside Chinese and Japanese and French and German dining experiences reflect an adaptation of original recipes to the flavor preferences and ingredient availability of representative anglo-America. It all works. BTW - regarding the service - those folks are warm, friendly, efficient, and one of the main reasons I keep going back (the other two being the food and margaritas --- top-shelf rules).
(4)Amanda C.
I had heard quite a wide range of opinions about Molly's before trying it and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the atmosphere at Molly's. I walked in and noticed colored lights, music and people talking. We had a bit of a wait and opted to sit at the bar for a bit, where of course, I ordered a margarita. The margaritas were great and the bar was pretty packed. After we sat down, I feasted on chips and salsa (delicious by the way) and ordered a taco salad. It wasn't a run of the mill taco salad you get at the chain restaurants and again, I was pleasantly surprised. The salad had big hunks of meat, lettuce, delicious black beans and a slew of other toppings. It was great. Sadly, due to my margarita and salsa intake, I couldn't finish it all. My only complaint was that the tables were really close together and there were too many tables at that. Food and service was great though! I will definitely be going back!
(3)Hannah G.
We are pretty frequent customers of Molly's. The food tastes great, is consistent, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)Mary T.
I wanted to love Molly's but I just didn't. The food was not impressive. I ordered chicken fajitas and mine came out after everyone else at my table... and it was almost cold. It was just barely hot and the waitress offered to send it back to the kitchen because it looked so sad. She said she wouldn't mind bossing them around but I wondered why she wouldn't do it before bringing my food? What a shame. The food itself was edible but nothing to write home about. I liked the beans, skipped the rice, and enjoyed the fajitas well enough even if they weren't sizzling. I heard the wings were better so maybe I should have stuck to ordering non Mexican food at this particular Mexican restaurant. Positives: the staff was really nice, treated kids with us very well, and the margaritas are in fact delicious. I had an awesome strawberry margarita which I would recommend. I'd go back again but it wouldn't be for the food. Update. After returning again and trying new items I've learned the best things on the menu are not the Mexican food. It's actually the appetizers, including the hot wings and shrimp. Give those a try if you do go!
(2)Jermaine S.
good place, great food
(4)Stephanie C.
I've been a fan of Molly's about as long as I've been a fan of midtown Memphis, and this is quite some time. Molly's is my go-to place for margaritas. I love 'em half and half - half frozen, half rocks. I wouldn't call the food authentic Mexican, but I do call it good. It's Mexican meets bar-food - they have some of the best wings I've ever tasted. Fish tacos - declicous. Bacon wrapped shrimp - yum. I love the servers at Molly's - most of them have been there forever. It's my neighborhood "cheers".
(4)Paul C.
I was invited here for a birthday dinner in the middle of the week; sure, why not! Atmosphere: Molly's decor is sort of your typical Mexican restaurant, but with a full bar (I think) and some flat screens scattered throughout. Atmosphere is acceptable for a dinner date, but it's nothing fancy of course. Food: The chips are your standard chips at a Mexican restaurant. The chips were thin and crispy, although the basket of chips we got were not warm. Not bad, but I really could be spoiled with Las Delicias's amazing chips. The Honey Bunny and I split the steak fajitas for one. This was more than enough food for the both of us, although we did eat plenty of chips. The steak was a higher quality steak than most Mexican restaurants, so that's a plus, but within the dish it was only steak and onions. The flavor was decent, but there was just something missing to the overall flavor and taste. The side dish of refried beans and rice was on the smaller side though, but there was plenty of tortillas (something that most Mexican restaurants seem to never give out freely). Service: Our server was really nice and attentive, so I definitely give an A for the great service we received. Overall, the restaurant has great service, but very, very, slightly below average food. I'd give the food 2.8 stars if I could, but the service definitely bumps it up to A-ok. If you're looking for great Mexican food, I'd look elsewhere, but if you're invited here, I wouldn't avoid it either.
(3)A Kate H.
This review is based on a take out order, we did not eat in because of prior reviews of the greasy smell and poor service. Absolutely terrible! You will waste your money and be disappointed. We had the "Fajita Burrito Dinner" and Chicken Tacos Al Carbon and by Fajita Burrito Dinner, I mean 2 slices of chicken equaling about 2oz of chicken (I weighed it at home) and this was in a 12 inch burrito. We only noticed how little chicken because we took the tortillas off the meals at home since they were never warmed up and actually tasted packaged. Very disappointing, not to mention about 1 ounce of vegetables! I have eaten Mexican in the major cities of VA, CA, NC and since just moving here to TN this was absolutely the WORST I have ever had. I called to address the lack of quality as I drove 30 mins round trip and the Manager (Brian) was completely rude and disrespectful. I wanted to verify how much chicken was supposed to go in the burrito since it was called the "fajita burrito DINNER" and told him I had at best 3 oz (already knowing I weighed it at 2oz) and sure enough he went and "checked" with the kitchen to see what the standard was AND you guessed it, he told me 3 oz. - I would think a manager should know the specs on his food and that a restaurant wouldn't call something a dinner with only 3oz of meat. That's not even a serving size. Then he had the audacity to get into an argument with me on the phone! Brian had the opportunity to rectify the situation and keep us as future guests and patrons who are usually not willing to rule out a restaurant because of one bad experience, but because Brian was so lacking in customer service and had no regard for his guest's satisfaction we can't justify spending another dollar there....he didn't even try to solve the problem let alone offer a complimentary meal or encourage a future visit. Very unprofessional for the restaurant industry. Do not support this overpriced, corner cutting, disrespectful restaurant. You will regret your decision....guaranteed!
(1)April S.
I have two restaurant menu obsessions as of late... Hot wings and bacon wrapped shrimp. Recently, I learned that Molly's La Casita (from here on referred to as "Molly's") is known for having better than average versions of both. When my date suggested Molly's for lunch today I didn't hesitate to say yes. Time to investigate! There were only a few other patrons in the restaurant when we arrived around 2pm. A woman behind the bar told us we could sit where we liked. Once we sat down she quickly brought menus to the table and took our drink order. Now I had a problem. How was I going to choose between the hot wings and the bacon wrapped shrimp for lunch? Well, as it turns out I didn't have to choose because sweet, sweet Molly puts both together in one appetizer and calls it The Full Monty. Problem solved. Curious name though! When the Full Monty was revealed I got excited. Four wings, four shrimp, served in basket with blue cheese dressing and bbq sauce in small containers. I went for a bacon wrapped shrimp first. Quite tasty! Decent sized shrimp stuffed with a creamy and slightly spicy cheese. The bacon held it all together and was cooked perfectly. The wings were different that you might expect. They aren't covered in sauce... Nope, these wings are deep fried and doused in fajita seasoning. Dry wings! The result is a hot wing with lots of flavor but not a lot of heat. They were cooked to the point of being crispy on the outside, which is exactly how I like my wings. I didn't taste the chicken fajitas that my date ordered but he said they were enjoyable. I did share my wings and shrimp with him, however, and he agreed I had made an excellent choice.
(4)Charlie W.
Think of Molly's as standard (Americanized) Mexican food getting the midtown treatment. The interior is a bit quirky and fun, very interestingly decorated. The food at Molly's wasn't anything that absolutely wow'd me, but then again - one doesn't really go to a place like this with the intention of being wow'd. The salsa was really good, I think they use the perfect amount of Cilantro. Apparently there's this thing where people think the beans have chicharrón (a Mexican sausage) added to them. The server explained to me this was not the case. I liked the beans also. Prices are decent. As for authenticity, well....I'm definitely not to be considered the authority on Mexican quinine, but the guest I dined with happened to be from Mexico. He informed me it was just as authentic as Taco Bell - but that doesn't mean it's not good. I would come back to Molly's, if Frida's was closed or I didn't want to travel the extra 0.4 miles.
(3)Chuck O.
Tried Molly's for the first time. The food was excellent, but the service was a little off. They tried to seat us in a dark, crowded corner when there was plenty of space in an adjacent room that had more natural light and was less crowded. We also had to flag down our waitress a few times to have our drinks refilled. Overall, I enjoyed Molly's and recommend it.
(4)Kelsey G.
Best. Margaritas. Ever! This place is crazy good! Highly recommend the spinach, black bean, and mushroom enchiladas!
(5)Lee C.
I can't vouch for the rest of the menu but Bruce's Nachos and Tres Tacos are the reason I LOOOOOOVE this place. If you have to pick just one menu item DO NOT pass up Bruce's Nachos. They are the absolute best nachos I've ever had! That alone could feed two people, include the tres tacos and you could feed a third person or just two people with extremely hearty appetites for under $25...excluding alcohol of course!
(5)Rachael E.
Now that I no longer work here, I can give an honest review. Molly's is a family restaurant. Family as in, everyone knows each other. The servers have all been working together for a number of years. Molly's has a huge following of very loyal regulars. It may not be "authentic", but it is a very warm, friendly place. Some of the servers can get an attitude and they do have a tendency to get a bit rude & snappy but don't take it personally. Some of them think they rule the world. Say what you want about the food. It may not always be pretty but it's usually good. I know how to order around the menu. Ask your server what he or she recommends. They usually won't steer you wrong. & always have a 1/2 & 1/2 margarita. Always. When in doubt, order the wings. They are no where near your typical hot wings. Ask for them to be saucy & spicy. Its the best way. Don't forget to ask about the history behind Molly's. Kelly, if she's in a good mood, will tell you the story behind every picture & piece of art. Its a great place to go to really get to know the people of Midtown. Don't forget to make a reservation. They get PACKED on the weekends. But they allow you to grab a drink while you wait.
(3)Bryan G.
I have been to Molly's many times and the food and service is always wonderful. Tonight we had.the original Chili and chicken quesadilla. After being sat right away, it took over 5 minutes before we were acknowledged. The server brought the chips and water, then immediately left. She came back several minutes later to take a drink order. Ice tea and a dos equis. Well you can imagine where this.is going, but the food was awesome. Never expected bad service on a slow night, but we did. I will go back, but will.be cautious not to sit in a certain server's section
(3)Steve R.
Great Mexican food in Memphis? Absolutely! I live in Texas and this is better than many Mexican restaurants in my state. The beans here are very unique, unlike any I have come across. I had them on the taco salad and they are GREAT!
(4)Channa P.
Molly's I like ya, I like ya a lot! I wasn't a yelper the first time I ate there, but I'm happy to say the place is just as good as I remember. I got a chicken chimichunga with black beans and rice. The rice was nothing to write home about, but I just flipped over the black beans. They were seasoned very well, and an excellent replacement to the refried beans. The chimichunga itself didn't leave me feeling bloated and greasy like some places, but it was still a good filling portion. The atmosphere is pretty cute as well. By the way on Monday's $1 off the house Margaritas. It was pretty good and decently sized.
(4)Courtney J.
I miss this place terribly! I don't live in Memphis any more, but every time I crave Mexican food, I dream of this wonderful place. I wish I could get Mexican food like this where I'm living now, but alas, I guess there is an excuse to go to Memphis. for awesome food. There is really nothing I can complain about here. The margaritas on the rocks are nice and tart and taste fresh, but they also have plenty of alcohol. The chips and salsa are good and plentiful. The re-fried beans are the best I've ever had as they incorporate the mole into them. The green chili tamales and phenomenal. I used to eat there at least one a week when I lived in Memphis, sometimes more. My boyfriend swears by the Carne Asada. I love the spicy shrimp casserole dish there. I can't remember the name though. The vegetarian combination is my favorite since you get so many yummy things in one meal. Their vegetables are so good. Actually, anything I've ever eaten there has been great. You really can't go wrong with Molly's. The only thing I could possibly complain about is the parking. The lot is small and this place can get crowded on weekends, but it's well worth the wait. Next time I visit Memphis, this will be the first stop on my list!
(5)Tanya T.
I often forget about Molly's because I have 3 other Mexican restaurants super close to my house. I wish I didn't, though, because this place actually has better food than the others. I love Molly's- Celia is exactly right- the salsa is pure magic. It's really fresh, and the chips are salted perfectly. The entrees are excellent too. I generally go with quesadillas or fajitas but sometimes stick with traditional tacos. The dining room is always packed full of folks, eating and drinking yummy (somewhat strong) margaritas, and it's pretty big too although they do place the tables pretty close together. Molly's has been around for quite some time and I hope it's here for a good long while. Now excuse me while I call my husband and let him know he's taking me to dinner tonight. This review has made me hungry.
(4)Juno G.
This place is not good. The food comes out cold and is not fresh, the salsa could have come out of a can! The margarita's are watered down! The service is slow and the restaurant is old, rundown and dirty with horrible plastic/vinyl tablecloths! Trying to find parking is a nightmare. Have tried Molly's five times now and can say I will never return!
(1)Erica B.
I decided to give this place another shot, given that it is with walking distance of our house and it is always packed. Husband and I went here this evening, and I have to say this time around was much better than the last. The salsa was a bit better than I remember it being- not my favorite, but it was good. I will retract my previous statement comparing them to Kroger store bought brand. We also ordered a side of guacamole to go with our chips (which were replenished twice when the basket was only half full and came back steaming hot- points for Molly's) which was actually my favorite part of the meal. I devoured that whole bowl. Like a champ! My husband ordered the carne asada steak and I opted for the enchiladas again. Hey now- don't judge. Enchiladas are my favorite Mexican restaurant staple and Molly's menu is pretty small compared to other Mexican joints. I don't know why we went to a Mexican place and my husband thought it would be a wise idea to order steak. In case you were wondering- it wasn't a wise idea at all. Apparently the menu described it as being the old family secret famous recipe. He thought he was finding the hidden treasure at Molly's- but was wrong. It was average, not bad, but not anything either of us would order again. My enchiladas were a bit better than I remember them, but again nothing special. I would not order them again either. Still very greasy and rubbery. I have to say, I am still in love with the atmosphere here. It's adorable in that perfectly fitted Mexican food vibe way. I love that the folks who dine here make it look like it is their favorite spot- most ordering without even a peek at the menu. I love the sense of community, and of course the neighborhood it is located in. The service, again was stellar. Had a phenomenal waiter who was quick to refill everything and offered help maneuvering the menu. I just wish Molly's could get their food together. If they could up the food a notch or two, this place would have a line down the block, and I'd be smack dab in the middle of it.
(3)Amanda S.
Maybe I need to take another trip here, but I wasn't blown away, to be honest. My friend got beef tacos and said that they were pretty good, but he didn't rave for too long. I, however, had already eaten and decided to get some dessert instead. I was torn between a chocolate dessert with ice cream on the side and sopapilla. I opted for the former and ordered... But they were out of ice cream, which meant that I couldn't indulge in the chocolate dessert or any of the others because they all came with ice cream... except for the sopapilla. I opted for it and went on with my life. The food came in a timely manner, and the service was pretty good. The sopapilla was full of honey/cinnamon-y goodness AND cheap at ~$3.50, but I wasn't absolutely blown away by it. I just wish they didn't add the mandatory 18% gratuity after 9 PM... I always tip well (and if you're in the industry and you don't tip, you should get a slap on the wrist), but I left with the thought of, "Wow, did they really think I had the audacity to walk out of here without tipping?" In a nutshell, the food was decent and the service was pretty good. I wouldn't avoid the place, but I can't say that I'm itchin' to go back.
(3)John S.
Tonight was my second visit here after I left Memphis for 20 years. Unfortunately it will be my last. The first thing I noticed was that all...yes ALL of the staff seemed to be quite miserable. One waiter had sweat pouring off of him. I feel bad that he was obviously uncomfortable, but from a customers point of view, I was very glad he wasn't the one that would be handling my food. The hostess was also apparently having a bad day, but my girlfriend decided to try to turn her day around by complimenting her dress...which seemed to work a little. Once we were seated it was impossible to not notice the smell of rancid grease that wafted by every few seconds. I was absolutely starving otherwise I would have left at this point. I ordered the 3 taco plate and my GF had the fish tacos. She ate half of one and didn't touch anything else on her plate. My tacos were served with enough lettuce and tomatoes to dress one of the 3 tacos. I asked for more an eventually a plate of more lettuce and tomatoes showed up. As I went to put some on my tacos I noticed remnants of salad dressing on one of the tomatoes and a bit of hot sauce on some of the lettuce suggesting that this was possibly salvaged from the leftovers from another diners plate. At that point I was done eating. Between the rancid grease, poor attitudes, possibly reused lettuce and the fact that requests for salsa for my tacos were ignored, Mollys is off my list of places that I will ever eat again. Its sad to see a Memphis institution such as this having been lulled past a state of mediocrity into a level of sheer apathy and seemingly unsanitary conditions. I'm now left with strange cramps developing in my stomach...I feel that this will be a long night.
(2)Nicole C.
Pros: A great place in winter (or any time of the year) to be teleported south of the border (or at least to a border town in Texas). Ambience is really festive, and the room to the side with the colored lights, old sombreros, and exposed brick is intimate and full of charm. Loved the sangria-swirled frozen margarita, but if you order more than one, be sure to bring a helmet with you to reduce the likelihood of head trauma during your perilous trip from the table to the curb, where you will inevitably hail a cab. The cheese dip is the nectar of the gods; I cook Mexican at home, and I religiously roast and grind my own cumin and coriander for many of the dishes I make. It seems to me that of one or both of those spices are used in the cheese dip, along with cilantro, so I'm sold. I haven't had anything else on the menu that I would rave about, but in all fairness, I must admit that I've spent the last 12 years in Santa Fe, where there is an abundance of both authentic Mexican food and Latin fusion/New Southwest and have traveled extensively in Mexico. (Nothing beats a sope de lengua made right before your eyes in the market in Coyoacan.) Challenges: Bring a child leash with you and attach it to your server when you first become acquainted. This will make it much easier to track them down when you need anything. (Service is friendly but glacially slow, and I have consistently had to get up and hunt down my server multiple times during each meal I've had there...whether the resto was packed or there were two other parties in there. The staff is so friendly and otherwise competent, though, that you will keep going back.)
(3)Sandy W.
I don't know where these lower ratings are coming from, but I do know that this is the best Mexican food I have ever had. I no longer live in Memphis, and it pains me now to have to settle for other Mexican restaurants than Molly's. Everywhere else pales in comparison. Mexican restaurants tend to all have the same soupy beans, wilted iceberg lettuce, and premixed margaritas. If you've been to one, you've been to them all. But Molly's has much higher quality food and I have to recommend their Perfect Margarita, which lives up to its name. I used to take any friends visiting from out of town to Molly's and I SWEAR to you, the next time anyone passed through Memphis again, they would insist we go eat there again. Every time. I don't know what it is about their food (especially the beans) but I crave it all the time. I had a layover in Memphis recently and the connecting flight was canceled, so we had to rent a car to get back to Nashville. This is usually an infuriating circumstance, but it was a happy inconvenience because it meant we could grab some Molly's to go. Anyway, I'm not fabricating any bit of this account and if you want some amazing, addicting Mexican food then go eat here
(5)Donte C.
This is my go to place for a good margarita half-and-half is how I always get mine. food is pretty good I first went to try Mr. Bruce's nachos which were very filling and good and of course the mollies wings and the shrimp wrapped in bacon are amazing too. The servers are always friendly and I never have to wait a long time.
(5)Mandy H.
Not really a fan of the food...it's not bad, mind you, but it's...quirky. SO MANY BEANS. I love that they have a variety of sauces that you can douse your burrito goodness in...kind of a neat touch. Their margarita's have been touted the 'best in Memphis'...and they are, indeed, good. The staff are friendly and the food comes out quick. It's easy to get lost in time in there, as they don't rush you to leave, even if you've been done eating for an hour. A lot of people love the food here, but I can only handle so many beans before I start wondering if I still have taste buds that work. Fun place to go though! There isn't much parking, and the main entrance is around back! You can come in the front door, but you'll need to walk to the 'back' of the restaurant to get seated!
(4)Andrea L.
I came at around two. I only wanted shrimp. And shrimp is what I got. It was delicious. No side dish, just the shrimp. It wasn't crowded. Our waitress was great. My husband said his chimi was delicious too. The shrimp was sooo good I went for a to go order two days later :)
(5)Jimmy H.
Mollys is one of Memphis oldest Mexican places. The owner of many years use to travel everywhere and when he found something he liked he would add it to the menu. Everything here is awesome. The Quesadillas are very good. If your in the mood for seafood the red snapper is the best fish I have ever had. The hot wings have a unique flavor and are sprinkled with their own fajita powder, oh the fajitas, sooo good. You gotta try the bean dip as well. Now lets talk Nachos! Mr Bruces nachos are huge. I like the chicken nachos as the shreded chicken there is an entire food group. They have the best chicken chimichangas I have ever had and damn the enchiladas are good. Get there early as the parking can be a problem and sometimes there is a wait but well worth it. The service is always good and the margaritas will have you talking to jesus by the end of the night. Oh yeah and don't forget the soppapillas for desert, can I get a lawd have mercy? By the time you eat here you will want to slap your momma!
(5)Erin B.
The margaritas were excellent. I had the Molly's Chimichanga which was delightful (my tastebuds were extremely happy with my choice), and my husband had the chicken fajitas which he very much enjoyed. My huband really liked the beans that came with our meal but I didn't care too much for them. The salsa that they put out at the table when you first get there is not that great so we ordered a small guacamole which was good (though not as good as the guac at Chiwawa's down the street). We were there with a large group of people and the wait staff was excellent at handling our large party. We had 5 couples, and our waiter happily split the check appropriated 5 ways.
(4)Gordon P.
This is a great spot. I've been coming here for years. Not fancy, but the food and service are both consistently good.
(4)J Z.
Molly's La Casita is one of those places you either love or hate; there is no in between ambivalence on this one. I've talked to to people who regard it as God's gift to the neighborhood, and then those who turn their nose up and cringe. Molly's unabashedly serves up Tex Mex. Not authentic Mexican, so don't come here expecting that I was craving beef tacos so I got the Tres Tacos plate - three chicken or beef tacos served with a less-than-generous helping of rice, salad and refried beans. My verdict? No bueno. I'm of the camp that quite dislikes Molly's. The service wasn't as quick as it could be (although they do offer kids free ice cream! Makes me wish I was young again), and the food is very, very average. If I wanted Tex Mex, I would go to El Mezcal or Los Compadres instead. The pricing was typical.. the three of us ate for about $35 incl. tax and tip. I also have a strong aversion to places that make you reek of oil and food after you emerge, and Molly's is sadly one of those places. I couldn't wait to soak myself for eternity just to get rid of the permeation of scents. In conclusion, I probably wouldn't be gunning to return, unless I was in the area! If I wanted beef tacos in the future, I will go to Swanky's memphisconnect.com/2011/…
(2)Valerie L.
Best Margaritas in the world, best bacon wrapped shimp in Memphis, best wings ever!!!
(4)Tita P.
Oh Molly...Oh Molly.... how long has it been? YEARS!! On a recent visit home to Memphis my sister and I had a great dinner at Molly's. I had chicken enchiladas with black beans and let me just say they were both "rightly seasoned" as we say down south. The margarita's were as good as I remembered and the patrons were very very "midtown". Molly, I promise to NEVER go this long again without seeing you. I didn't realize just how much I missed you.
(4)James F.
I will start by saying that I am a fan of the Los Compadres/El Toro Loco style of Mexican restaurants. Molly's is unlike both - as others have said, they feature a Tex-Mex style menu. I'm not sure what I can say about this place - I've only been here 3 or 4 times since childhood, not anxiously returning after each visit. In their favor, I will say that they serve a delectable traditional mole sauce. Be warned, if you're familiar with the Mole rojo style chicken at Los Compadres, this is VERY different. Molly's mole is more in the traditional style - much richer and more chocolatey of flavor. It's good, but be prepared for very rich food if you order it. In its favor, I will also say that Molly's serves some delicious "Mexican" hot wings. If a Mexican place serves a margarita I don't like, chances are I won't like the restaurant. That is the case here - I'm not sure what it is about the Molly's marg I don't like. It's kind of sour and just doesn't taste very good (yeh, I know a margarita is supposed to be sour). Just not like this one.
(2)Nathan S.
After eating at so many places with soupy beans and tired, dry rice, etc. Molly's is always a nice change. Granted, it is more Tex-Mex than Mexican, but I've never been disappointed. Chile rellenos, fish/shrimp tacos, some of the best wings in Memphis, and the amazing margaritas make for a great experience. This is where we always take out of town guests for dinner and drinks, and they're never disappointed.
(4)Shannon R.
The food itself was... eh... ok... the salsa tasted a little soapy. The service was awful. We went in the afternoon on a Saturday, the place was not busy by any means and the waitress took forever before she finally sat us, and she took her sweet time (talking to coworkers, etc) with everything else. I heard they have awesome margaritas, that's the only reason I'm not giving it a 1 star rating. I plan to go back to try the margaritas at some point.
(2)Shannon L.
My boyfriend and I both got margaritas, because it was happy hour. I got mine frozen, and he got his on the rocks. We shared a second one, because we had to try the half and half margarita. The combination of half frozen and half rocks packed all of the flavor, but none of the brain freeze. To eat, we started with the queso. It was pretty good, but nothing special. We also split the hot wing and bacon wrapped shrimp combo. You may be questioning the validity of my opinion at this point for ordering hot wings at a mexican joint. However, their hot wings are SO GOOD. My boss, the self-proclaimed "hot win connisseuir" told me I had to get them, so obviously I had to. She was right. Totally worth it. The bacon-wrapped shrimp were also good, but nothing compared to Cafe Ole's. I probably will not order them again. Keep in mind, it is Tex Mex and not real authentic Mexican food.
(3)Mike J.
We went to Molly's last night with some friends. First, Margaritas good. Second, chips plentiful, and good, salsa good, queso runny. Bad point - Me and Poopsie and two friends = four. The table for four is not big enough for chips, salsa, queso, and a drink each. No food served yet. Seriously not big enough. Poopsie kept the napkins in her lap. We placed accessories like the sugar bowl and extra menus on the shelf next to us. Food was good, but not exceptional. The Chile Rellenos that my friend had looked really good. Poopsie comment that she had never seen a chimichanga that small before on her plate. My Carne Guisada was good but not exceptional. So I guess the food has to be judged as being middle of the road. Service was good, friendly, efficient (except for trying to find place to put stuff on the table.) Price seemed fair and reasonable. On the way out, I got the impression that the place was full of local neighborhood folks. I suspect they all love it. I guess everybody's local Mexican joint is the best in their minds. I know ours is. They share a very small parking lot with the Blue Monkey, so we ended up parking across the street beside Umai.
(3)Kevin M.
When I first moved to Memphis in 1990, Molly's was one of the first places I went to eat. I haven't stopped since. Just choose what you like. Flautas, Fajitas, to-freaking-die-for chili rellinos, and that salsa, are you kidding? I personally think they have the best chicken sandwich in midtown with the 'Molly's Original Chicken sandwich' (that's right, suck it, chick-ful-hate) and the ritas have been consistently the bomb for the last 20+ years. Add that up and multiply it by one of the best wait staffs in town (Rochelle, Jared, and seriously on and on) and you've got a great sit down, chill out, Mexican joint that offers a big alternative to the usual Mexican joints in town. And, they actually welcome kids. Which is great if you have the little things and need to feed them occasionally. Go, drink, have fun and eat plenty. Molly's will provide the breath mints, on on occasion the entertainment (provided by the witty, aforementioned wait staff.)
(4)Robert R.
Not a very good restaurant. The owners could easily retool their menu and make this a really good Mexican restaurant that I would be eagerly willing to go to and bring my friends from out of town. The food, however, reminds me of a Mexican meal my mom would make when I was a kid - i.e. packaged Mexican spices and bland ground beef. None of their fixens - cheese, guac, tomatoes, onions, etc -- are fresh (or delicious for that matter) and the preparation of meat is very subpar. You can tell that no Mexicans work here; if there were, it would be inherent in the quality of the food. Margaritas are also disappointing. Overall, a pretty poor dining experience. I will not eat here unless I find that they have vastly improved. For those of you in the area, don't go here. I recommend the Quik Chek across the street (the old converted gas station). Their food is much better (Korean-style fare) and priced the same.
(2)Karmann G.
Memphis is known for BBQ, but pls do yourself a favor and stray from the norm! Molly's is the best Mexican food I've had in a long time (and I'm from Texas). The white queso is delicious!!! The spinach tamales with yellow queso was out of this world!!! And the chicken fajitas lived up to the hype. They make their own chips (but sadly, not tortillas), and the salsa has a sweet flavor. Go to Molly's if you're in town! Do it! Oh! And the margaritas are tasty 1/2 frozen, 1/2 on the rocks. And if you love sweet tea, they even recommend doing 1/2 sweet, 1/2 unsweetened...it's super sweet :)
(5)Jolynna M.
Okay, this is not the place I go to when I want The Real Deal - traditional, old school, authentic Mexican food. But there are some things they do really well at Molly's. The first and foremost being the super awesome Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas. Man, I absolutely CRAVE these things from time to time, and this is a Molly's original - can't find them anywhere else in town. It's simply a mixture of spinach and black beans and mushrooms, wrapped in tortillas and covered in a sour cream sauce. Their tamales are also killer. You can order them three different ways - bean and mushroom, beef or green chile. And you have your choice of sauces as well. On a side note, be aware the parking here is limited. The lot behind the restaurant fills up quickly, but here are plenty of spots on the street to the side and back.
(3)Jennifer R.
This is one of our favorite places. My husband and I have so many good memories here, and we've never had a bad meal either. Good frozen margaritas, full bar, really friendly staff. Molly's has beans unlike any other Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. They're fresh, made with chicken broth and some untold blend of spices, not that grey goo that comes out of a can you get at most restaurants. The beef chiles relleno is usually my pick with yellow cheese sauce. Best I've had anywhere. Two battered ancho peppers stuffed with spiced ground beef, deep fried golden and smothered with cheese, what's not to love? It's located in the heart of midtown, and you can look out the windows and see what's going on in the neighborhood. This place is a part of my life's history and I hope it never closes. One of my fondest memories was watching it snow through Molly's window, margarita in hand, friends and my husband laughing and happy. Good times.
(5)Celia M.
So, low and behold the pilot light on our dorm room stove goes out on Friday night and we don't have a clue how to light it again. Naturally, we turn the gas off and then await Monday so that we can put in a form for it to get fixed. In the mean time, my roommate and I have to eat dinner, so we resort to our school's restaurant selection. As it turns out, Molly Gonzales is a lot like how Speedy Gonzales is back home. The food here is pretty awesome. The first thing you get is fresh chips and good salsa, which I'm also tempted to say they make themselves. You can tell the difference just by the flavor. But, the food is also very very yummy. I had the last thing on the list, a kind of beef fajita plater. Unlike what I'm used to with Mexican restaurants and fajitas, this one came in a big tortilla, and with plenty of meat. My only complaint was the beans, they were a little crusty for my taste, but that may just be me. Anyway, I like this place. It's in a kind of weird location though. It's literally behind the Blue Monkey, as in, you have to walk through a small alleyway to get to the front door. I think there might be another way in too, but that's how you get there from the parking area. But whatever, I think that kind of adds to its flavor, because as hidden as it might be, the place is obviously no secret. I'll definitely have to go back again soon... :)
(5)J J.
Excellent food and staff. Worth any wait for a table. Kelly and Dana are two of the best and they will treat you like royalty. Best Mexican I have had in Memphis. One of Memphis' finest
(5)Kristen W.
My favorite (yellow) cheese dip in the city. Also, I ALWAYS order the sour cream chicken enchiladas and beans.
(4)Cody H.
Food was not authentic or good!
(1)Mike G.
Ugh! This place is gross. All the food I've ever had from this place has been not fresh while swimming around in oil. The atmosphere is horrible and it never looks clean.
(1)Josh S.
50/50 margarita was excellent, thick steak fajitas and wonderful fish tacos. A definite must stop when searching for a Mexican restaurant in the midtown/downtown area.
(4)Dennis L.
Awesome food, service is typically a little sketchy. The food is very Americanized, but in a non-offensive way. Great salsa, beans are better than average (I mention that because side dishes are typically overlooked). I've never had a bad meal there, and it's so good that I make a stop each time I return to Memphis (2x/yr). Parking is a mild pain, but there is curb space in the neighborhood right behind the place. Must-eat.
(4)David S.
still the best Mexican in town. they do not skimp on quality for ingredients.
(4)naga satya v rao n.
Food is great! specially the refried beans go really well with dishes. I like their margaritas.
(4)LJ M.
The food was good, but I can hardly remember that because we were so entertained by the manager. I can't remember her name, but she was a trip. She's one of those people-you never know what she'll say next. Truly an enjoyable experience. The waitress was great too and mentioned she had worked there for years. I will definitely stop in the next time I'm in Memphis.
(5)Cara N.
I make it a point to eat at Molly's everytime I'm in Memphis. Try the shrimp quesadillas - I implore you!
(5)Ceciley G.
Margaritas were ok, but not great; points docked for use of neon sweet and sour mix instead of fresh lime or a house fresh mix. :( Shrimp dishes were wonderful enough to warrant a return trip.
(3)