The Catfish is great! Plate lunches are great also plus everyone is very nice. It is The best plate lunch in Memphis. They need a place like this in the Windyke area. I have been a customer for 42 years and counting. Food much better than it was in "72". Lol
(5)
Kerry C.
The bad news for those of you who want to / have to eat on President's Island is that there's only really one option. The good news is that it's a good one. The Port started as "The Islander" in the 1960s, and very little seems to have changed in the building since then. The wood paneled interior and nautical wall decorations seem like they've been there forever and the menu offers sandwiches priced below $3 and you can order a 20oz glass of milk (though why you'd want to is beyond me). A glass wall divides the restaurant in half in one of the more unique solutions to Memphis' restaurant smoking laws. The two sides are accessible through different exterior doors, and the smoking side (which also contains the bar) is 21 and up. The glass wall is tinted, which gives it a bit of a fishbowl / two-way mirror sort of vibe. The menu is pretty simple - inexpensive sandwiches, salads and entrees. They've got daily specials (when I was there during lunch, it was a steak for $6.99). I ordered a catfish sandwich with fries (about $8). As far as sandwiches go, it was pretty great. There was a huge, breaded and fried piece of catfish on a toasted hoagie with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. The fries were your basic frozen crinkle fries, but whatever - the Port isn't a trendy gastropub, it's a divey, neighborhood joint. The Port is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. They've got a full bar and yes, they serve breakfast.
(4)
W R.
The food may be decent, but I will never know. We drove by to check it out and maybe order one of the burgers to go. We walked into the non-smoking side, but could only tolerate three seconds. Even the outside smelled like smoke. So, in case you're wondering, The restaurant is there and open for business. Ps. The smoking side was pretty busy, and the non-smoking side was empty.
(1)
Kevin J.
For my money, the Port's specialty is something increasingly rare: delicious plate lunches. Weekdays at lunch they have a downright retro cafeteria-style buffet where the customer selects from 3-5 meats and 10-15 vegetables (1 meat and 2 sides or a vegetable plate.) In other words, you are sitting down with your food very fast. The servings are extremely generous. I have never had a bad meat or side here; off the top of my head, the baked chicken, salisbury steak, roast beef, and spaghetti stand out, while the yams, white beans, and mashed potatoes are some of the best vegetables. My only complaint is the bread, dry and tasteless rolls or cornbread. The iced tea is always well-made. There is always a brisk lunch crowd, but not to the point where things feel hectic, and seating is never a problem. Both during lunch and at dinner, there is also a menu. It contains simple, beloved entrees such as steak, grilled chicken, and catfish. It also has various sandwiches and burgers among other selections. I have had the grilled chicken with french fries, and it was simple and excellent. The dinner crowd has been sparse the few times I have been at that hour (most of the workers have left the island by that point.) Something else worth mentioning: although the plate lunch prices are very reasonable, the menu prices are some of the lowest you will ever find. Visiting the Port is so memorable that it can be easy to forget how stellar the food is--it is well of the beaten path even for locals. It is located 5-10 minutes, but a world away, from downtown on President's Island, between the causeway entrance to the island and the massive industrial build-up of the rest of the developed portion of this huge island (it is adjacent to the equally bizarre French Fort neighborhood.) The clientele is mostly the blue-collar workers of the island. The interior is charmingly archaic, as if a melding of the Steel Belt and the Gulf Coast circa 1960. It is only moderately lighted, giving a cozy, almost bunker feel to the place (in a positive, diner-esque way.) The recently discarded nautical objects adorning the walls heightened the retro ethos...it reminded of a time when Memphis actually and good but affordable seafood restaurants. It even still has a cigarette vending machine. The staff are all as friendly and attentive as you will ever find. The servers at the buffet and the waitresses are very helpful and nice (your drink will never be empty here.) Overall, eating at the Port is a very pleasant experience, and it is unfortunately a standout option that even most locals do not know. And a tourist looking for a sure-fire memorable (and authentic) meal should definitely visit the Port.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Ken R.
During the past two weeks while working at the FedExForum, I decided to stroll down Memory Lane by having lunch at a place that was my go-to spot a long time ago. When I worked for a small printing and sign shop on Presidents Island, The Port Restaurant was a very convenient place for breakfast and lunch when I didn't have time to go Downtown to some of my favorite restaurants. It is in my opinion an atypical diner (read below for my reasoning) that has the blue collar charm that one would expect from a place located in an industrial park hosting the city's river port. Whenever I go there, I'm usually very hungry and in need of a big meal to satisfy my appetite. In particular, I rely on one of two entrées, the Tow "Boat" Special and the Giant Country Fried Steak. The Tow "Boat" Special consists of two 1/2 lb. cheeseburgers on French bread with a side of fries. The meat in each sandwich comes in the form of two ground beef patties which are slightly charred and mildly seasoned. This is the foundation for solid burgers that also includes American and Swiss cheeses, lettuce and tomato. All of this is contained within baguettes that are soft and fresh with a very nice sweet dough flavor. The bun's soft texture allows it to blend well with the meat that results in very delicious cheeseburgers that I have longingly missed. The fries are decent and rounds out a great meal that I look forward to having again. As for my other favorite entrée at The Port, I feel that the Giant Country Fried Steak is one of best in Memphis. I like it not only for its size (I'm guessing 10 oz.), but also because of how it's made and its flavor. Speaking of the latter, most of comes from the light coating of breading that's seasoned with salt, black pepper and other spices for a good taste that is better than most. The brown gravy (which is optional) adds to and enhances the entrée for a very flavorful steak. The cube steak used in it is very tender, allowing the aroma of the breading and gravy to seep in for a scrumptious chicken fried steak that's hard to find anywhere. With mashed potatoes (and more gravy), The Port's Giant Country Fried Steak is a very satisfying meal that is one of my all-time favorites. Although I really love its Tow Boat burger and chicken fried steak, The Port has many entrées that I like and believe to have broad appeal. From loaded potato skins to salads to omelettes, there isn't anything on The Port's menu that I dislike. This includes Greek items like the gyro, which is good overall but a little heavy on the tzatziki (or as the menu calls it, "cucumber sauce"). Whatever you get, you will probably get satisfaction from it and will likely come back for more. The layout of the diner is divided into two halves, smoking and non-smoking with a serving line in the back (although table service is also offered). The "smoking" side of the restaurant also has a pool table, dart boards and last but not least, a full service bar. The diner boasts great drink specials like $1 Bud Light Wednesdays and $2 Margarita Fridays (which seems out of place in a working class restaurant). Even if one isn't looking for drink specials, the alcohol at The Port is cheap when compared to other places. Several years ago when I worked on President's Island, I remembered getting a Red Tail (an amber ale beer) for four dollars (or it might have been less). Compared to places like the overly mentioned Flying Saucer that sold it then for about six dollars (I'm guessing), the beer was a bargain. So as a place to relax over drinks, it can be done inexpensively at The Port. Overall, The Port is a very nice restaurant serving the hardworking men and women of Memphis' Presidents Island. There are days when I miss the camaraderie of the people who I came in contact with and I still reminisce about the good old days, but I've moved on with fond memories of my time on the "Island." Occasional visits are okay, but it's not the same as being a part of one of Memphis' vital economic engines. It is fortunate to have The Port Restaurant providing it fuel to keep it going, for Presidents Island would be a dismal place without it. For the full review, go to kensfoodfind.com/2013/07…
(4)James F.
The Catfish is great! Plate lunches are great also plus everyone is very nice. It is The best plate lunch in Memphis. They need a place like this in the Windyke area. I have been a customer for 42 years and counting. Food much better than it was in "72". Lol
(5)Kerry C.
The bad news for those of you who want to / have to eat on President's Island is that there's only really one option. The good news is that it's a good one. The Port started as "The Islander" in the 1960s, and very little seems to have changed in the building since then. The wood paneled interior and nautical wall decorations seem like they've been there forever and the menu offers sandwiches priced below $3 and you can order a 20oz glass of milk (though why you'd want to is beyond me). A glass wall divides the restaurant in half in one of the more unique solutions to Memphis' restaurant smoking laws. The two sides are accessible through different exterior doors, and the smoking side (which also contains the bar) is 21 and up. The glass wall is tinted, which gives it a bit of a fishbowl / two-way mirror sort of vibe. The menu is pretty simple - inexpensive sandwiches, salads and entrees. They've got daily specials (when I was there during lunch, it was a steak for $6.99). I ordered a catfish sandwich with fries (about $8). As far as sandwiches go, it was pretty great. There was a huge, breaded and fried piece of catfish on a toasted hoagie with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. The fries were your basic frozen crinkle fries, but whatever - the Port isn't a trendy gastropub, it's a divey, neighborhood joint. The Port is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. They've got a full bar and yes, they serve breakfast.
(4)W R.
The food may be decent, but I will never know. We drove by to check it out and maybe order one of the burgers to go. We walked into the non-smoking side, but could only tolerate three seconds. Even the outside smelled like smoke. So, in case you're wondering, The restaurant is there and open for business. Ps. The smoking side was pretty busy, and the non-smoking side was empty.
(1)Kevin J.
For my money, the Port's specialty is something increasingly rare: delicious plate lunches. Weekdays at lunch they have a downright retro cafeteria-style buffet where the customer selects from 3-5 meats and 10-15 vegetables (1 meat and 2 sides or a vegetable plate.) In other words, you are sitting down with your food very fast. The servings are extremely generous. I have never had a bad meat or side here; off the top of my head, the baked chicken, salisbury steak, roast beef, and spaghetti stand out, while the yams, white beans, and mashed potatoes are some of the best vegetables. My only complaint is the bread, dry and tasteless rolls or cornbread. The iced tea is always well-made. There is always a brisk lunch crowd, but not to the point where things feel hectic, and seating is never a problem. Both during lunch and at dinner, there is also a menu. It contains simple, beloved entrees such as steak, grilled chicken, and catfish. It also has various sandwiches and burgers among other selections. I have had the grilled chicken with french fries, and it was simple and excellent. The dinner crowd has been sparse the few times I have been at that hour (most of the workers have left the island by that point.) Something else worth mentioning: although the plate lunch prices are very reasonable, the menu prices are some of the lowest you will ever find. Visiting the Port is so memorable that it can be easy to forget how stellar the food is--it is well of the beaten path even for locals. It is located 5-10 minutes, but a world away, from downtown on President's Island, between the causeway entrance to the island and the massive industrial build-up of the rest of the developed portion of this huge island (it is adjacent to the equally bizarre French Fort neighborhood.) The clientele is mostly the blue-collar workers of the island. The interior is charmingly archaic, as if a melding of the Steel Belt and the Gulf Coast circa 1960. It is only moderately lighted, giving a cozy, almost bunker feel to the place (in a positive, diner-esque way.) The recently discarded nautical objects adorning the walls heightened the retro ethos...it reminded of a time when Memphis actually and good but affordable seafood restaurants. It even still has a cigarette vending machine. The staff are all as friendly and attentive as you will ever find. The servers at the buffet and the waitresses are very helpful and nice (your drink will never be empty here.) Overall, eating at the Port is a very pleasant experience, and it is unfortunately a standout option that even most locals do not know. And a tourist looking for a sure-fire memorable (and authentic) meal should definitely visit the Port.
(5)