Really, really, disappointed tonight. And it breaks my heart. Sweetgrass has been one of my standby favorites in the city for the food, drinks & service. Always something original. Tonight, I found below average service, undercooked risotto, and... Worst of all... Absolutely terrible Long Tall Coolers. I don't know what's happening here, but Sweetgrass is losing a big step. Hopefully, the owners can regroup correct and save the place. If not, I'll be surprised if they make it through 2015. I will say the Bourbon Ice Cream still rocks and is a bright spot. Save Sweetgrass!!
(2)
Adam H.
We went on a rare snowy night in Memphis. The snow falling during dinner was really quite nice. The lights of Cooper Young reflecting all of the snow was amazingly beautiful! It also meant we where almost alone in the restaurant for the entire meal. Normally this would really bother me, but it was just right. Nice, quiet, romantic... we don't get that much. Our server was awesome! He was attentive yet not overly bothersome considering the amount of volume he was dealing with. He made great suggestions of the specials and made me happy, happy! The cornbread was %^&**# AWESOME! It deserves a review of its own! I would have never thought that cornbread could excite me the way it did! Pure loveliness! My wife had a dream of a salad to star with and really enjoyed it! For dinner, she the Yellow Fin Tuna topped with Fried Oysters. It was presented beautifully and I think I saw her eyes roll back in her head a couple times while eating. I did not taste, I think she would have slapped my hand if I tried. I had the Sea Scallops and was very impressed by the dish. They were maybe the best scallops I have ever had. Most of the time, when I have them, they are quite a bit larger than what I had that evening so that may have played a part in their tenderness. The succotash was really good. The veggies were firm and tasted great. You could definitely tell that they were really fresh and lots of care went into preparing them. Great Job Sweet Grass!
(5)
Casey B.
I'm surprised I agent reviewed this place yet. The food is great and they have half price bottles of wine on Wednesday or Tuesday; I forgot what day I went. We got the farmers platter appetizer, which is a huge plate of fresh veggies prepared how the chef decides that day. I also got the halibut as a main dish and it was fantastic. Good service and drinks as well. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
Joel S.
Talk about a great meal! This place had an awesome brunch menu with delicious food! Our friends are part owners of the place so of course they had to invite us there! The French fries were so tasty and quite large. I had scramble led eggs with a a biscuit this visit a long with a mimosa and a rather awesome spicy margarita. We have always seen this restaurant but never got the chance to try it out. The art work on the walls is gorgeous and very interesting to look at. The vibes were very laid back and chill. This is a nice restaurant so of course the prices aren't cheap. Remember "you get what you pay for" so the entrees are a little on the pricey side but worth it. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Jennifer S.
Went for Brunch for the first time. I ordered the french toast with apple smoked wood bacon and bourbon maple syrup and strawberry butter. I also got a side of two scrambled eggs. My husband ate the bacon said it was good. The french toast was pretty good but what made it great was the combination of the strawberry butter and the syrup. The eggs were also nicely seasoned and cooked perfectly. I am glad I ordered the eggs in addition to my meal, because unfortunately the portion size was too small, and I normally bring half of my entree home with me in a take-out container because I can't finish it. The food also seemed to take a long time for us to get it and it seemed like they didn't have enough servers there.
(3)
Leslie S.
Had brunch here for the first time. Ordered beef brisket benedict, and it was alright. The biscuit tasted wonderful. The egg had a soft shell taste to it instead of poached taste like I had in other places. The beef brisket was nicely textured, but I think the combination doesn't quite work well. I ended up eating the beef brisket and the egg biscuit separately. Coffee was decent. Also ate my wife's candied bacon. It was OK, just like the Benedict. Overall it is good food, but nothing worth revisiting.
(3)
Christina N.
Visited Sweet Grass recently for the first time. It was a wonderful experience and I will likely visit again. We ordered two entrees, one was snapper and one was scallops. The scallops were certainly the better of the two. They also had a nice wine list and delicious salads to start the meal off right. The service is what stood out to me. They were always prompts and friendly, however not overbearing. The bar inside of Sweet Grass is also cute. My only confusion with this place is the decor. I'm undecided how fancy or casual this place is really meant to be. The decor suggests more casual than fancy, however the food items, prices and service suggest something fancier. Perhaps I will visit again and see if I gain any clarification on this. Either way, a decent place to visit for a special meal!
(4)
Paul H.
Our food is always fresh, creative, and delicious! Harold is the best bartender ever and a fountain of wisdom about Memphis and so much else. We love Sweet Grass
(5)
Amy W.
Walked in on a Sunday at 120. Not crowded at all. Got seated at a table and then nothing..... For 15 minutes, we never saw a soul. We left for one of the other great resturaunt a around the corner.
(1)
Clinton S.
The family offered me my choice of restaurants for my birthday celebration and although we've been to many of Memphis' finest I chose Sweet Grass and we were not disappointed. As a good 21st consumer I did my homework and read as many of the reviews as I could consume (no pun intended), and noted all the reservations about Sweet Grass (another pun????).....but let me tell you that our meal was outstanding. We made reservations for 7PM and it must be slow on a Sunday PM because it really wasn't that crowded, and we probably could have gotten by without reservations, but regardless we did. We began the evening with drinks all around, I got the Long Tall Cooler, which I didn't really enjoy all that much because I was expecting a little more carbonation. The other drinks ordered were the Bombardier (very good), Strawberry Fields (very strawberry!), and the Velvet Mojito, which was not very good (described as a Nyquil with mint! - although another person at our table loved it - we passed drinks around until we got the right drink with the right person). While enjoying our drinks we ordered an artisan cheese plate, which had a smoked cheddar, Humboldt fog, and a french blue cheese along with nuts and fruits - perfectly balanced and very enjoyable to have with our drinks! The dinner orders were outstanding. Based upon the extensive recommendations online, two of us ordered the Shrimp and Grits, which were spicy, rich, and very flavorful. One of our diners claimed he could detect a hint of vanilla in the grits - maybe one of the chefs secrets to make the dish so excellent. Also, the shrimp and grits come with scallops grilled just right. The only thing missing is bread to sop up the juice!!! Another one of our diners had the crab cakes and enjoyed them immensely, but didn't seem to want to eat all the veggies - that's ok, we just brought them home to have as a snack the next day. Lastly, one person had the Lemon Chicken Kale salad for an entree. She really enjoyed the chicken, it was very flavorful, but the kale was a little overwhelming after about half the salad. Who could leave Sweet Grass without trying their famous apple pie - and I did try a piece, and it is everything that everyone says it is....but it's also very large, after such a large meal I suggest sharing it with fellow diners. We also got a peach cobbler, which was shared amongst the table with great delight! Why did I not give it 5 stars, the drinks were a little disappointing, although we did get the right drink to the right person after a little moving around. I will say our waitress was very attentive without trying to be our new best friend. She even took a picture of the table and did it with a smile....I know taking care of customers has to be a difficult thing to do night in and night out, but she did it with skill and I really appreciate that!
(4)
Josh L.
The honey badger cocktail had a slight tang, very smooth bourbon that's laced with a honey taste. Quite good. However, the shrimp and grits presentation is a bit off putting, however each ingredient was cooked very well. Granted it was quite simple and not quiiite worth it's price. (And I don't get why ppl only ever get like 4 shrimp?)(maybe I'm just greedy) pretty good. Service was cordial. Overall, slightly overpriced for worth, though taste is good, not anything amazing. Perhaps more emphasis on their green outlook on their foods?
(3)
Christopher L.
We came to sweet Grass after looking at a number of places on line. The menu looked diverse, reasonably priced and interesting. When we sit down the menu is 30% smaller, 30% more expensive and just not compelling. The pairings in each entree prevented any of them from being appetizing. Ultimately we had two small salads to the time of $25 and grabbed a bite down the street.
(2)
Elle S.
Just ate here again and I was so disappointed. The good first: their bread was the best part. corn bread and herb infused bread. The arugula salad was decent but nothing to die for. The frogmore stew was bland very blah. The shrimp and grits: bland and blah. The good part of it was tht I think they put bacon in there which made it taste better but other than that it was not good. Apple pie looks really good but not that good and how do u go wrong with that?! Perhaps if they add the top crunchy part in the middle as well it would be better and maybe the apples need to be tender not so chewy. They have decent brunch but this food was disappointing. I didn't even finish my dinner or dessert which says a lot about the food.
(3)
Nolen G.
Great place. I came in early and solo on a week- night looking for the lower-end sister restaurant. I took a left and was greeted by the bartender and just decided to stay. Just following the leads I had read I ordered Shrimp and Grits. They were outstanding. The jalapeño cornbread is some of the best ever. Sweet with a hint of spice. Great spot delivering on the hype.
(5)
Arpana W.
I do love goat cheese, and this place has some of the best around. Lovely golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fried goat cheese that will have you wanting to eat it as your meal. The rest of the food, however, was relatively average. It was well-presented and creative, however the flavors were not as robust as they appeared on the menu. The service, however, is always great and the atmosphere is perfect for a lovely dinner with friends. I would recommend the shrimp and grits and, of course, the fried goat cheese as an appetizer. Do.not. miss that.
(3)
Katie T.
We really loved sweet grass. As a vegetarian, I'm a huge fan of ordering a few sides for my meal, and with the descriptions of the sides on the menu, I just couldn't help myself. I ordered a cup of the butternut squash soup (to.die.for), the winter salad (I can't remember the name, but it had grapefruits), and a side of brussels sprouts. Aside from the food being outstanding, I really appreciated that the waitress informed us any of the dishes could be customized with or without any additions if we wanted. that's a huge win! My husband got the grits, and of course, as a grits lover, he loved these. Honestly, we loved this place, and will definitely come back on special occasions. Just to top off the delicious food, our server brought us an entire extra basket of the cornbread because she knew we were taking a to-go container and we had commented on how good the cornbread was. so nice.
(5)
SG P.
Have been here before but this time came for Sunday brunch. It was a great meal and atmosphere. Shrimp and grits were delicious , pimento cheese burger, chicken and biscuits all so good. The service was very good. They were not real busy this Sunday but this was nice for us. Desserts of bread pudding and brownie and ice cream delicious! It's fairly expensive ($100) before tip. We had a Get My Perks certificate though so made it half price! We'll be back !!
(5)
Brittney H.
Such a great place for date night! I LOVE their assortment cheese plate and their shrimp and grits are pretty good, too!
(4)
Jake S.
Sweet Grass is not the place you want to go to have your life changed by a single meal. This is a place that will creep into your heart with repeated visits. And once you get it, I doubt you'll want to go anywhere else. I've been going to Sweet Grass since it first opened, and I've been acquainted with Chef Ryan Trimm since his time as a sous at Grove Grill. Let me first say that there are few people I've met who have stayed as humble, grateful, and hard-working as Chef Trimm, and it's been a pleasure to see him succeed and grow in his business. Can't say enough about this guy. The food has always been stellar: comforting and unpretentious while still feeling elevated and well-conceived. Memorable highlights include the carpaccio, the pork shank with grits and greens (Ryan's greens are always the best I have EVER had), the heirloom tomato and goat cheese salad, the foie-mousse fried chicken thigh and waffle, his charcuterie, and that damn apple pie. He's also demonstrated his creativity and versatility and numerous wine dinners I have been lucky enough to attend over the years. The best was a wine dinner with Elk Cove Vineyards in February 2013. It was the greatest meal in Memphis this lifelong Memphian has ever had. Service can be hot and cold, but it's at a much higher level now than in years past. And the bar. Oh, that bar. Ryan has the luck of employing three of the best bartenders in the city between his restaurants, and two from Sweet Grass particularly stand out. Jeff Goggins was a master bartender and crafted some of the best drinks I've ever had, and now that Harold has come over from Tsunami, you'll be lucky to find a seat at the bar. Instead, you'll have to stand shoulder to shoulder with the faithful to understand why Harold is a Midtown legend.
(5)
Chad C.
I tried chicken and waffles a few times on my Memphis trip, but this place had the best. The Bloody Mary's were near perfect as well. The food here is fresh and the menu offers something for everyone. I will make a point to eat here next time I'm in Memphis. Highly recommended!
(5)
Libbie R.
Yummiest sweet grass oysters. I always wish I had ordered a dozen instead of 6. I love coming to this place at 11 am on a Sunday morning and it's quiet and service is attentive.
(5)
Tyler H.
I have been here 2 times. The first time was about a year ago and the food was ok, so I decided to give it another shot. I'm a bartender and I work a lot, so I don't get the opportunity to eat out very often. Before I continue I would like to say that the food was excellent, even though my date's tuna wasn't cooked to order. We both work in the service industry so we rarely complain about food and almost never send it back. My complaint about my experience was the horrible service! We were greated by the bartender, who brought us both a glass of wine. It was 6:15 and the place was just starting to fill up. It turns out that the bartender was our server and there were only 3 bar customers. Since we were seated directly in front of the bar, you would think we would have gotten awesome service. WRONG! We had each long finished our first glass of wine by the time the bartender made his way to our table to take our food order. Perhaps it was because the bartender seemed high and appeared to move in extreme slow motion. I would hate to see how inept the bartender is during a busy shift. Maybe he was having a bad night, which happens to the best of us sometimes. I suggest less weed and more coffee before his next shift.
(2)
Amanda C.
I finally got to try Sweet Grass last Sunday. I have read so many reviews and heard so many good things about it, that I was pretty pumped about experiencing it! As I sat down, I was handed a brunch/lunch menu. Sadly, I have an aversion against most egg-type dishes unless covered with cheese or something to mask the egg flavor. Don't judge. It's one of the only food items I don't like. Everyone has one, right? Anyways, my eyes ran down the menu to find something that didn't include eggs, and I stumbled upon shrimp and grits. Folks, this happens to be one of my all time favorite dishes. Lucky for you, Sweet Grass. Having family on both the east and gulf coast allows me to eat quite a bit of seafood dishes, and I usually try shrimp and grits wherever I go. All that in mind, I have to say, Sweet Grass had a pretty awesome version of shrimp and grits! While I wasn't too excited about paying $16 for a meal at brunch, I do have to say, it was worth it. The grits were cooked to perfection and extremely creamy. They were topped with five or six pieces of juicy shrimp, bacon pieces, sausage, tomatoes and chives. Everything you need, basically. Each delicious bite made me happier and happier. My only complaint was that it was a bit greasier than I am use to and the amount of meat was intense. Aside from that, it was wonderful! The wait staff was great, and my glass of water was never low. I will be back for dinner and wine soon!
(4)
Rachel Z.
I visited Sweet Grass for brunch for the first and last time today. My husband and I are new transplants to Memphis and as such have temporary driver's licenses issues by TN. Apparently our server had never seen a temp license, because he greeted my husband's with "what the hell is this?" and then refused to serve him a beer once it was explained. The food, while decent, was no where near good enough to make up for such hostile service. We will not be back.
(2)
Tanya T.
I hadn't heard of Sweet Grass but caught sight of it while strolling through Cooper-Young. The building is bright and attractive, and the name got me curious. So I decided to check it out. Best. Decision. Ever. I really loved this place. The oyster stew is divine. I'm a big fan of oysters, and this dish did not disappoint. Another thing that I like is that Sweet Grass serves dinner in small, medium or large plates. Small plates are mostly salads, while entrees are served on medium and large plates. I had the grouper with cucumber salad. So tasty and not that expensive as it is one of the medium plates. My only regret? That I didn't save enough room for a sweet plate. Next time I might go back for some key lime pie or creme broulee.
(4)
Michelle W.
I truly enjoyed my experience this past weekend at Sweet Grass. The service was excellent and the server had the perfect timing on everything. The Pomegranate Martini was fabulous and not too sweet. I had the pear salad and pork cheeks with risotto. Everything was cooked to perfection and had amazing flavor. The portions were the perfect size. I look forward to going back again soon.
(5)
sterling h.
I really cannot figure out why this place has such excellent reviews. I went here on a busy night with my husband. We both agreed that our meals were simply bland. So bland I can't even remember what I ordered. The concept of the menu was interesting (small/medium/large dishes)... but it just didn't work out for me. No problems with service but the food was just really boring. Seems like most other reviews had fish.
My first two experiences with Sweet Grass were at wine tasting dinners sponsored by Wine Market. Both times, the plates assembled by Chef Trimm ("Silent Bob") and his team were outstanding in both cases. We've been back several times since ordering off the main menu, and every time the food has been fantastic. I'm not normally a fan of grits, but their take on shrimp and grits is outstanding. And any dish that involves scallops is worth trying, as the kitchen staff always cooks them to perfection: medium rare on the inside, beautifully seared on the outside. The wait staff is always very friendly and helpful. I like the way the menu is arranged into small, medium, and large plates, and the prices for those plates are quite reasonable. I've got a decent appetite, and you can get by with a small plate plus a medium plate, or just a large plate. You might not have leftovers, but you won't leave hungry. Sweet Grass is one of my favorite Memphis restaurants.
(5)
Kevin N.
Ambled in here on some local advice to give Sweet Grass a whirl, and amped that I did: I chose to park myself at the bar, and over the course of the next forty-five I found myself on the business end of some genuinely terrific duck, coupled with squash and an assortment of asparagus spears. The cocktail, wine and beer lists appear to be thought through with some care, and I coupled my meal with a Rogue Dead Guy; a crisp finish to the juicy duck. I got one of the large plates, and while I did manage to tackle it, I left plenty full. Know that you'd best enter hungry if your plan is to take one of those on. Otherwise, the cornbread was a little on the dry side, though the staff was consistently friendly, even to the guy on the corner bar stool. In short, Sweet Grass is easy to like: thanks for the memory and the full belly, folks.
(4)
Candice C.
The veggie (portobello and pesto) plate was great! Crab cakes were ok. We weren't a fan of the black eyed peas sauce that came with it. Overall, the food was unique and tasty and the service was great. We went on a Friday night and got excellent service. Also enjoyed the cocktails. A great place for a date or fancy evening with friends.
(4)
Noor B.
Our second night in Memphis we decided to venture off of Beale Street into another popular neighborhood, Cooper-Young. There we found Sweet Grass, a sustainable neighborhood restaurant with next-door bar. The ambiance was great, as was the service. Kelly scored big in Sarah and my book when she ordered the Sweet Potato Casoulet. It was amazing! This place seems great for a date night or friends night out. Highly recommend.
(4)
B M.
Don't order the flank steak - awful, not at all what I expected. Others in my party had the shrimp and grits and redfish, which were both good. Another had the stuffed flounder which was mediocre. Service was good, prices were a little steep for what we got ($220 for the four of us, no appetizers, split a desert four ways, one drink each).
(3)
Katie K.
LOVE this place!! I recommend to anyone looking for great food along with atmosphere! Shrimp and grits are a must have! The prosciutto wrapped Halibut is sure to please just about everybody! If you like crab cakes then Sweet Grass is the place to go they are great!! Like desert? Then imagine the Deep dish sour cream Apple Pie with bourbon ice cream, totally a fav! Come here and you will not regret it!
(5)
Kerry C.
I'm not a huge fan of oysters, but when half of Twitter recommended that I try the Oyster Stew at Sweet Grass, I had to listen. Thank you, internet, for making an excellent suggestion. My bowl of oyster stew was excellent - it was handful of shucked oysters in a creamy broth with bacon and potatoes. Sweet Grass is the latest restaurant to open in Cooper Young. The menu of low-country food (think jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and seafood) is divided into three sections of small, medium and large plates. The small plates are mostly salads, soups and appetizers, while the medium and large plates are more typical entrees. I made a meal of the fresh greens with honey balsamic dressing (which came with two hush puppy-style balls of fried goat cheese) and the oyster stew. My partner in crime had the jambalaya. It was lighter than traditional jambalaya, but the chicken, sausage, corn, okra and tomatoes were all incredibly fresh. But the part of the menu not to miss is the "sweet plates". When Sophorn tried Sweet Grass a few weeks ago, she wrote a glowing review of the deep-dish sour cream apple pie. It's a good thing I ordered a to-go slice, because some of the exclamations I made after the first bite weren't exactly family friendly. It's the best pie ever. Seriously. Layers of thinly sliced apples and sour cream filling are stuffed between a crust and some delicious pecan crumbles. The whole thing is drizzled with caramel sauce. For those of you who like to get dessert to go, I can vouch for this pie's tastiness at any temperature. Right now, Sweet Grass is only open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday. They're planning to add lunch sometime soon. Reservations are not required, but they can be made.
(4)
Blaire O.
Sunday morning can mean a lot of things... a time to worship, a time to FINALLY sleep in, or an awesome No Doubt song from their Tragic Kingdom album (so good). If you ask my friends and I, it's time to eat, drink, and be merry. That's right. Sunday is just another day to pay homage to our inner-lushes. In our usual fashion, some of my Memphis ladies and I decided it is never too late to behave like P. Diddy (or is it Sean John now, I have trouble keeping up) and douse our still recovering livers in champagne and breakfast in a better outfit: we went to brunch. As I've mentioned before, Three Angels is where you'll primarily find me on a Sunday in Memphis, but we were feeling a little fancy shmancy. Now, there are plenty of valid options for fancy brunching in Memphis. If you are looking for a top of the line, sacrament of a dish, you head to Restaurant Iris. We weren't ready for that kind of commitment, already avoiding the more pious Sunday rituals, so we were left with the middle of the road, yummy, but still accessible, brunch spots. In Memphis, these include Bosco's, the Beauty Shop, and Sweet Grass, all located in Midtown. I was in the mood for some killer French toast, and being a visitor, I had the choice of restaurant (a valid reason to move away from your friends), so the latter it was, for some scrumptious banana bread French toast... see pictures and more at the blog write up on my website :)
(4)
Laura R.
Brunch was wonderful! Between four of us all plates were scraped clean! We will be back.
(5)
Andy L.
Sweet Grass is a classy but casual storefront in a busy section of storefronts in Midtown. The night that we went it was busting and we had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. The staff was pleasant and even apologetic, although they needn't have been since we arrived without a reservation. The low-country dinner menu is divided into small, medium and large plates, providing dining options for different appetites and formats (sharing, individual courses, one dish, etc.). We tried the Tomato Salad ($11), a mix of tomatoes, goat cheese & onions. It's tempting to say that if you have seen one low country tomato salad, you have seen them all, but this was pretty good. The tomatoes were ripe and juicy and the simple ingredients came together well. Frogmore Stew ($9) was a thyme-laced broth loaded with shrimp & sausage and accented by pieces of tomatoes, potatoes and tiny bits of crab. It was a delicious and satisfying intro to the meal. Shrimp & Grits ($25) included sea scallops, sausage (the same that was in the Frogmore Stew) & slivers of smoked ham. The combination was savory and the addition of the scallops was a welcome change of pace, but we like our shrimp & grits on the smokey side. The ham seemed to add more saltiness than smokiness to the dish, which was already pretty seasoned. Grilled Quail ($23) was two boned quails accompanied by a cheddar/faro "risotto" and dressed with a reduced demi glace. The quails were tender and tasty and the cheesey faro was a nice complement to the birds. Low Country Chicken Jambalaya ($15) was a tasty combination of chicken, sausage, corn, okra and rice. The flavors of onions and pepper came through nicely in the thick gravy. The wine list is offered by the bottle and by the glass. The list is divided into sections according to price ($26/$35/$44 per bottle and $7/$9.50/$12 per glass). We shared a bottle of Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris ($44; about $20 retail) from Oregon, which was fresh, fruity and a good match for pretty much everything we encountered on our plates. Service was very good. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu, answered all of our questions and checked on us regularly. The closed gas station next door charges $5 for parking, but Sweet Grass will deduct that from your check if you show them your parking receipt. We enjoyed Sweet Grass and recommend it.
(4)
Wesley K.
We just moved to the Cooper Young area and were excited to try the restaurants here. We started with Sweet Grass and I was not thrilled. The service was pretty good. Our waitress was not super attentive but things she got things taken care of eventually. The atmosphere was pleasant and had a nice decor. But the food.... I ordered Jambalaya and i was expecting something flavorful, spicy and strong. What I got was sausage water. It had absolutely no flavor at all. It's not that it tasted bad, but it didn't taste like anything! I might go back but I'll certainly not order that dish again.
(2)
Natasha C.
I went with family for dinner, and it was so delicious we made a reservation to come back for lunch the following weekend. Everything on the menu was innovative. They make twists on traditional Southern cuisine, pairing flavors and textures that are just inventive enough to make you feel it's familiar and new at the same time. Wonderful sour cream apple pie, with a consistency like cheese cake. Did I mention it comes with Jack Daniels ice cream?
(5)
David M.
I first tried Sweet Grass just a week or so after it opened, expecting some hiccups. I didn't get any: the food was excellent and the staff was a well-oiled machine, like they'd been running the place for years. I've been back many times since. Try the shrimp and grits, the jambalaya, or the pork osso bucco. For brunch, I love the green tomato BLT and the barbecue duck confit hash. On the subject of brunch, the bartender makes a mean mimosa -- good champagne with just a whisper of OJ. Sweet Grass gives Beauty Shop some competition for best brunch in Cooper-Young.
(5)
Henry L.
My girlfriend and I decided to brunch it on Sunday. She enjoyed her Eggs Carolina. She goes crazy for smoked salmon. I had the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. I am a sucker for fried green tomatoes. The acid from the green tomatoes mixed with creamy egg yolks and hollandaise sauce was perfect. I would like a little more salt and season to the dish. The Asparagus was cooked perfectly. Almost has the wok flavor cooking from a seasoned wok in high heat. We enjoyed our brunch and went home full and happy.
(5)
Jon S.
Bad service... Food doesn't worth the time waiting for it. Order messed up for half of the table, missing items and very undercook meat... Won't go back, Memphis is full of great places but this one is definitively not on the list...
(2)
N. P.
If you're looking for a nice restaurant that truly appeals to your palate, you'll find it at Sweet Grass. You'll definitely want to make reservations -- it's a hot spot. I'm kind of frugal, so I was saving this trip for a special occasion -- the dinners usually run around $25. I was pleased to see a variety of poultry, seafood, and some options that would accommodate a vegetarian. Not many, but some. I also appreciate the fact that the chef uses local produce when possible -- you'll see it noted on the menu. Try the crab cakes -- they melt in your mouth. And, I've always eaten my 'hardcore' greens, but never with pleasure, really. However, the collard greens are good -- not sure how, but the bitter taste was taken out of them. Just right. And there's a great wine selection, too. Plenty of choices to pair with your meal. Great date place, good location for a nice walk around town afterward, and I felt that it was worth every penny.
(4)
Beth S.
Loved the atmosphere here. Crowd was all ages, which surprised me for young, trendy Cooper-Young. The food was delicious - I had the Mahi Mahi, which was yummy. We were there on a Friday night and it was busy, so we had to wait for a bit, which was OK as the bar, Next Door, is a great place to have drinks. Highly recommend.
(4)
Rocky N.
I went to Sweet Grass just for the good food reviews alone. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and I was BLOWN AWAY. I will be returning to sample their other meal options soon.
(5)
Mary F.
I love "nouveau old" cuisine served up in unique areas of various cities. Husband is old school when it comes to his regional fare, so I was concerned - after looking at the menu online - that this was going to be a bit over the top for him. I was wrong. To start, I had red wine and hubby had a Manhattan at the bar. Hubby used to be a bartender, and he was impressed with the Manhattan (dry and up). Kudos to the bartender (who, by the way, is perhaps one of the best looking men I have ever seen in my life). After we were seated, hubby and I shared the mussels - to die for mussels. To die, I say. Plump, marvelously seasoned and delicious. For dinner hubby had the Pork Osso Buco with Collards, etc., and I thought he was going to pass out from the tenderness and flavor of the pork. And this is a man who is picky, picky, picky. The mushroom au jus on the pork worked beautifully. I had the Grilled Tuna with fried oysters and tomato concasse dinner. What a treat. The tuna was cooked perfectly to my specification (medium rare) and the various temptations on the plate all worked so well together. We shared some grilled broccolini. Yummo. Bottom line: Food quality and presentation were both excellent. Our server was attentive without being obtrusive. If we needed her, she was there. No waiting for water glasses to be filled, no worries that she was gone forever when something was wanted (like another glass of wine or the apple pie). Now that apple pie...I promise you've never had anything like it. So, so good. Love the interior of this place. Seating is quite comfortable and there is great energy in the restaurant. I wish I lived next door. There you have it. We will most definitely be back.
(5)
Bill P.
Had a wonderful dinner here on a weekday evening. We were able to get in without a reservation but would probably suggest it as placed filled up pretty quickly the night we were here. The menu was very good, what new & different items to choose from. We tried both of the salads & one was better then the next, a pure delight. For our main courses had the grilled portobello mushroom & vegetables with pesto sauce dinner, very good & tasty, the shrimp & grits, excellent choice as was the grouper with mustard glaze (delicious if you like mustard). The wines by the glass offered were excellent as was the very attentive & helpful service. The desserts looked better then they tasted which was a surprise & probably the only reason I did not rate this 5 stars. My recommendation is go there, you'll likely enjoy!
(4)
Jolynna M.
Memphis meets Charleston in this new Cooper-Young hot spot. I recently went with a date on a Friday evening. We had reservations, which I'm glad we had as it was pretty packed that night. I was super excited to try this place because I love love LOVE low country food. And I was not disappointed. I liked the decor - quite stylish and yet comfortable. And our waiter was awesome. But what sold me in the end was the food. I had the Oyster Stew as a starter, which was absolutely delicious times ten. And for my entree, though it was really hard to choose, I went with the Shrimp and Grits. Now I am pretty picky about that particular dish and have tried variations of it at many different restaurants, including some in Charleston. But this was right up there with the best of the best. Really yummy. Another nice perk, which some reviewers have mentioned, is the wine. They have a small, but well thought out wine list, and the prices are very good. Honestly, I cannot wait to go back to this place.
(4)
Ellen W.
I have eaten flounder all my life at some of the best restaurants on the gulf coast. I will have to say - it was the best flounder i had every had. My mohito was EXCELLENT as well. However, they were very busy and we had to wait 30 minutes longer than our reservation. Food was a little slow coming out - but worth the wait. If it wasn't for the wait - I would have rated them 5 stars easy! If you want awesome food in Memphis - this is the place to go.
(4)
Jorge G.
Best meal I've had in Memphis yet. Simple, low country fusion greatness. Moved from Boston, worked under Todd English there and I have to admit as much as I loved Iris, Sweet Grass was better. Kudos to the BOH, great place, atmosphere, everything.
(5)
Chelsea S.
I always want to like this place, but for some reason I end up unimpressed and a lot lighter in the wallet. Can't figure out why.
(2)
Chris H.
Nice wine selection at reasonable prices. The food is ok. I wasn't as blown away as some of the other reviewers. I had the lamb. It was fine. The potato gratin thing that they serve with it is excellent! The jalepeno corn bread is a really nice touch. Our server was really great but I do have to mention that the first thing he did was list the things they were out of which was literally like half the menu. Sure, we were eating at 9pm which is late for Memphians but I hope that as this restaurant grows, they will stock a bit better.
(3)
sarah w.
Had a great experience...mostly due to the bartender. Can't say I remember his name (and that's not due to consumption :-) this was months ago). Started up a conversation with this super tall and very knowledgable mixologist about vodka and the special brews (infused vodkas with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil or ginger and lime) festering on the top shelves behind the bar. After tasting the sundried tomatoe, I definately was dreaming up recipes in my head...yummy. He introduced me to Tito vodka which is probably the most flavorful vodka I've ever tasted, no mixer necessary. And of course he told us the great story behind the brand. All of this special attention from this not-too-bad-looking-chap really made for a great night. Won't ramble on about the food too much because I'm sure many before me have already. Super yummy salad, well cooked meal, waiter a little weird, but really liked the plate size options. Not a fan of the doggie bags anyway. You can definately find me at the bar again!
(5)
Katie P.
Went here for lunch with some friends...we had a reservation but didn't need it. But we did go pretty late for lunch. We all enjoyed what we got and I must say the grits were pretty spectacular. I was disappointed by the desserts (of course you wouldn't know it by looking at my almost clean dessert plate but that's another issue). And our server seemed really not amused by us/our presence. Not rude, and not a bad server, just not very friendly. The pimento cheese sandwich with bacon was really good, but I have to say I like the one at Drake's Deli in White Station Tower better. I would definitely go to Sweet Grass again though; the atmosphere and food were very enjoyable!
(3)
Michael S.
My favorite restaurant when I visit Memphis has been Iris, but when I called for a reservation I found that I found that Iris was to be closed Sunday night, so I asked for a recommendation. A young person there suggested Sweet Grass. The food at Sweet Grass was terrific, original and tremendously tasty. On a Sunday night at 8:00, it was 2/3 full and pleasantly quiet. The frog march stew, the gazpacho, the pepper-laced corn bread, and the "Low Country Shrimp and Grits" were all wonderful. The menu was complemented by great regional beer on draft and a reasonably priced suitable wine list. For a less formal place, Sweet Grass is a terrific place to dine in Memphis.
(5)
Monica H.
I visited Sweet Grass for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I went with my family for my birthday and when I first looked at the menu (the day before), I was iffy about it. It didn't seem like a big selection and a lot of the ingredients were ones that I wasn't familiar with. Once I got there, I tried the vegetable dish with Grilled chicken. IT WAS AMAZING. The presentation was beautiful, which I think adds a lot to a restaurant. It also tasted so fresh. The goat cheese balls it came with was to die for. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kathleen Q.
My family treated me to birthday dinner at Sweet Grass the other night. The food was delightful, but the overall experience did not particularly blow me away. However, I'm sure every restaurant has a bad night, and I'm a big fan of second chances. A couple of surprising gaffes tripped the evening up a bit. Cornbread was delivered to our table still oozing with raw batter. A bottle of prosecco was split into absurdly uneven fourths by our waitress. Sourdough toast accompanying the carpaccio I ordered came to the table completely scorched. And, in what could have been the coup de grâce of the evening, we were billed for half a dozen cocktails that we did not order. Nonetheless, the evening was salvaged by the delicious food (and the bill by my eagle-eyed dad). Black toast aside (and who actually cares about the toast anyway?), the carpaccio was splendid- delicate but not too thinly sliced. As I am a bit of a shrimp and grits junkie, I was unable to pass up the opportunity to try one of the signature dishes. It did not disappoint- a little bit soupy, a lot smoky. The desserts were fine but not especially memorable, except that the brownie thing we ordered was about the size of a shin guard. I think my next Sweet Grass experience could easily surpass this initial one- unless the issues we ran into are the rule and not the exception. The prevalence of glowing reviews suggests that it was most likely just an off night.
(3)
Jennifer K.
Came here for a Sunday brunch. Food was delicious!! I had the crab cake benedict and it was excellent. I think this may well be my favorite brunch place in Memphis.
(5)
Kathy A.
Mainly disappointed. Was siked after reading review in paper, but was not my experience for brunch at all. Took 10 minutes after ordering bloody mary (was good) for it to arrive; dum de dum. Did not offer anything for us to have while waiting. Food choices, esp. if you don't eat red meat, very few. For brunch an ordinary tuna sandwich- yum. Experienced wait staff; not at my table. Will not go back any time soon and I frequent Cooper Young restaurants.
(2)
Bryan E.
Finally made my way over to Cooper Young to try this place and was very glad I did. I had the pork Osso Bucco which was served on a bed of greens and grits, all of which were excellent. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the grits/greens provided a nice salty/sweet combo. Other folks at our table had: the mustard glazed grouper, shrimp and grits, and scallops. Everyone gave their dishes rave reviews. For dessert our table shared carrot cake and deep dish sour cream apple pie, both of which were great. My only gripe, and it's a minor one, our server seemed a bit aloof and could have been more attentive (2 of our plates came out about 5 minutes before the other two; annoying but not a deal breaker). Enjoyed the atmosphere as well.
(4)
Matthew N.
I enjoyed Sweetgrass with my family shortly after it opened. The food isn't "fast coming" but it is worth it. They do a great job with shrimp and breakfast style foods.
(4)
Ryan M.
Great bartender. Good, fresh food. Had to wait over an hour for a table on Friday night.
(4)
Kyle S.
Went last night, great food! Pork osso bucco was as good as it gets and shrimp and grits was delicious. Service was still working out some kinks but not bad. Cool atmosphere and love the uniformly priced wines. We'll be back!
(4)
Roland D.
Delicious New American Southern.
(5)
Daniel J.
So tasty! Great atmosphere. Wish we'd come in when it was busier!
(5)
Patrick G.
Besides a generic space and slightly slow service, our meal at Sweet Grass was excellent! We were visiting Memphis for just a night and wanted to check out Cooper-Young. Sweet Grass was the perfect introduction to Memphis with friendy staff and delicious Southern cuisine. The food is a bit pricey, but the cocktails and wine are quite reasonable. We enjoyed the goat cheese croutons, shrimp & grits and mint juleps. We were too full for desert, which is a good sign, I think!
(4)
Tiffany C.
One of the best meals and restaurants I've been to in a while. I love the decor, the service was stellar, but moreover, I loved the food! I enjoyed the shrimp, andouille, and grits and my companion got a fabulous fried egg sandwich (brunch). My server was thoughtful enough to offer a spoon and some cornbread to go with the brothy heaven that encompassed my creamy grits, shrimp, and sausage. I about had a Meg Ryan moment right there at the table. Seriously. My companion raved about their dish, but it had runny egg on it, which I don't do, so I will take him at his word. We both agreed that they make the best Bloody Mary in town and we can not WAIT to come back and dine with them again!!
(5)
Brian W.
Great food, cool atmosphere! The Pork Osso Bucco and Shrimp and Grits were excellent. This will be where we take all of our out of town friends!
(4)
Scott L.
Had a fantastic evening with friends here. Wait staff was very helpful. Ever present but not hovering. Entree selection was good - varied, without providing so many choices that you suffer menu paralysis. I had a yellowfin tuna, seared, topped with flash fried oysters. Tuna was cooked just right not overdone as often happens. The sauce was fabulous - just not enough of it (small complaint). The Butcher Board appetizer was delightful with lots of choices to mix and match. Definitely would go back.
(4)
Lisa M J.
Nice addition to the Cooper-Young area. Food is reasonably priced as are wines/cocktails. Well seasoned Southern / Carolina cuisine. Dining room is okay, wait staff are always a bit aloof and uninterested (kind of robotic). I have been for both lunch & dinner and think that the food/menu at dinner has better execution. Consistent, inexpensive, upscale casual.
(4)
Mike G.
I was excited to try Sweet Grass since I lived in Charleston SC where Sweet Grass draws it's inspiration. Apparently the chief went to Johnson and Wales when the school was still located in Charleston (it moved a couple of years ago to Charlotte). The wife and I went without a reservation on a Friday night but were still able to get a table since she wanted to sit outside. Our waiter seemed sort of distracted easily and forgot my beer at one point. This was the only negative part of my experience. The food was fantastic. I had the duck and the wife had the veggie medley. I plan on going back to try lunch soon!
(4)
Jonathan J.
Really nice menu, especially if you can get in during lunch on Fridays, the only day they are open for lunch, that I am aware. Lots of fresh options with inventive flare, such as the hacked crispy duck hash with a creamy poached egg and red peppers. Nice wine list, also, and great service, as I would anticipate somewhere in Cooper Young but rarely find.
(4)
Brian B.
I've only been here once, but really enjoyed the atmosphere and my meal. Has a clean modern vibe to the place.
(4)
John S.
This is our favorite place to eat in Memphis. Since they have opened, we have eaten at Sweet Grass nearly a dozen times and LOVE it each time. The shrimp and grits are out of this world as is the osso bucco. The staff is great, the food is wonderful. Can never go wrong with Sweet Grass!
(5)
Myia B.
I was in Charleston not too long ago and still had an oyster itch. I did a quick Yelp search and came across Sweet Grass (NEXT DOOR) and instantly liked the low country feel of the website and menu. I was beyond stoked...I was going to hopefully get myself some deliciously fresh oysters and soon! Me and the bestie arrived and noticed that there were two doors (one on your left and one on your right). We remembered driving past and seeing a crowd through the front window of one of the doors but we couldn't recall which one. We blindly called it and chose the door on the left. Upon entering we stood for a moment or two waiting on the hostess to come forward and acknowledge us. I instantly noticed the slightly stiff vibe of the place. The hostess didn't help. Although she smiled, she seemed surprised to see us perhaps? In addition, the smile seemingly required some effort? We were seated and looked around to notice that maybe others were surprised to see us as well? Maybe it was just our perceptions, but I live and dine/fine dine/play/let lose in Dallas and I never notice when I'm a minority in the room...only when my friends/family from Memphis are in town do they point it out...lets just say, I noticed in Sweet Grass...and it was not cool. Atmosphere aside, I began to ponder over the menu, looking for my beloved oysters. I then noticed that the menu online and the menu in my hands were totally different. There were no oysters. It took a moment for me to realize but I eventually figured out that we probably should have selected the door to the right. I pulled out my iPhone and did a quick Yelp search; I discovered that I was sitting in Sweet Grass, and the website and menu that I'd drooled over online - the one with oysters on the half shell, did indeed belong to door number 2 - Sweet Grass NEXT DOOR. I almost suggested we exit stage left so that I could get my oysters and fried green tomato BLT from next door but hesitated to look over the menu. After a minute or two, me and the GF decided to stay and give some of the menu options a whirl. Up first - the oyster stew (had to get my oysters somehow). It was delicious. No seriously, this was a tie with a TDB Churrascaria's lobster bisque as the best soup I've had. This soup was amaze-craze. The bacon was omg. The texture - perfect chew, crisp, fat ratio...grrrrrrrrr (yes I growled). The creaminess of the soup...perfect-o. There was one or two whole oysters in the dish (no popped bellies!). I want it again. My GF ordered a beet salad minus the beets and found it to be very very good. We were totally feeling our decision to stay put at this point and looking forward to dinner. Dinner: she ordered a pulled pork and baked beans dish while I opted for either halibut or salmon (can't remember honestly) with asparagus and something else. Me not remembering (despite the visit being very recent) probably says it all...it was blah. The asparagus was perfectly cooked and delicious. I do remember saying that I was going to have to try my hand at steaming asparagus at home as opposed to only ordering it out. The baked beans were a total miss too although I think my buddy was happier with the pulled pork. I sipped on a Honey Badger that both of us found darn tasty (I should have ordered another). My friend tried the Long Tall and found the Honey Badger was better. We passed on dessert. Would I return? Only for that darn oyster soup. I would not be enticed by the upscale fare or the atmosphere though. Sorry guys.
(2)
B T.
Such a wonderful restaurant- amazing food and a great atmosphere! I hosted a Bridesmaids Brunch here, and it was literally perfect. The Sweet Grass team is incredibly helpful and friendly. The food and service were excellent! Chef Trimm and the manager Johnny made planning effortless with their genius suggestions, and I literally would not have changed a single thing. The location was also perfect for guests who were local as well as those visiting from out of town and wanting to view some sites before or after our brunch. I do not know of another Memphis restaurant that can compare to this restaurant's food and service quality for such a reasonable price. I would highly recommend Sweet Grass as a location for a private dining experience or just as a great restaurant to go and enjoy a fantastic meal! Each experience here has been even better than the last.
(5)
Benjamin O.
One of the best restaurants in Memphis. Sweet Grass is a high end spin on southern comfort foods. They have the best shrimp and grits I've EVER had. The deserts are decadent and massive. The staff is always attentive, professional, and helpful with the menu suggestions. The decor is nice without being too gaudy. Everyone should enjoy this place at least once, but know that you'll probably not stop at just once!
(5)
Viet T.
Drinks are pricey, doesn't really have too much of an atmosphere or maybe its because it was 1 on a sunday. I had biscuits and gravy. Sausage gravy was phenomenal, biscuits were just okay, dry. My brother had the Sweet grass breakfast which was just okay, really great jam. Good brunch spot and perhaps after hours drinks... or preferably next door as it's cheaper. OH. And even though I was wearing a tank top service could have been a bit warmer.
(3)
Joelle P.
Everyone loves Sweet Grass. Everyone talks about how amazing Sweet Grass is. Their favorite meals are at Sweet Grass. I guess I'm just not one of those people. I don't "get" it. I have never had one meal there that I thought was just incredible...the best I've ever had. I had the shrimp and grits plate last night. I was assured I would fall in love...while the grits were fantastic, everything else on the plate was so so. And that is kinda how the rest of my meals have been there...all 8 times I've been. Of course I am going to go back. It is certainly not bad, but I apparently don't have the same taste buds that everyone else does. I haven't been wowed. But this is the cool place to go and I'm a sucker for convenience (excellent location).
(3)
Daniel M.
Right in the heart of Cooper Young area where there are so many choices for great food, Sweet Grass stands out as some of the best original dishes. I had the Low Country Shrimp and Grits and my wife had the Stuffed Portabella Mushroom with Chicken. Quote from my wife "The Sweet Grass chef needs to be on Chopped." Seriously fantastic food in a great location for people watching from the patio. It is a little pricey and you may want to save it for a special occasion, however. Two drinks and two plates was around $70. But I'm not complaining at all. Worth it.
(5)
Christina S.
Sweet Grass is a cute little bistro in the Cooper Young area of Memphis. Small, and seats about 8-10 at the bar with about 10-12 4 tops and 6-8 2 tops in the restaurant. They seem to do a pretty good business (lots of raves and lots of people) - so, you might want to make reservations (Open Table - get your points!) or choose your dining time appropriately. We were there around 6:00 on a Saturday evening, and the place was getting packed by 7:00. Our dining experience was good. Not great, but good. We were guests, so I wasn't going to complain, plus I was more into the folks we were eating with than anything else! Our table started with the Deep Dish Sour Cream Apple Pie ($9) with Honey Bourbon sauce. Well, I SHOULD say, that the young lady at our table ordered that for dinner - she did share with Mr SS9 and I got a good little taste. If you go for nothing else, go to Sweet Grass for a slice of this pie! It's heavenly!! The adults at the table started with the carpaccio ($11) - it was served with a nice, but very simple dijon-mayo (dijonaise for your high browed folks), pecorino, pickled okra and sourdough toast points. It was good, but not memorable. The meat itself is from a local (Covington, TN) farm, was very nice and it was correctly sliced. The mustard sauce left a lot to be desired. They could remedy this one very quickly (note to proprietor/chef). We chose not to have salads as we had an engagement that we needed to get to by 7:00 across the street. Our mains were all very creative, good, but not fabulous: Grilled Portobello Mushroom veggie plate that had eggplant, squash, zucchini, goat cheese "croutons" (fried goat cheese), and pecorino ($15). When our waitperson said to me "Add chicken to that." (not a question) and I said, "no thank you", I was met with this strange "ok. Whatever (disgusted)" look. Very disturbing. The dish itself was good - not great - they executed well on the one veggie dish they had. A lot of restaurants don't even TRY for a vegetarian option - they have one at Sweet Grass, and it's palatable. One of our hosts ordered the Shrimp and Grits ($26). Since I'm used to Chris Hastings' S&Gs, I would have been disappointed had this been my dish. I have never seen a brown sauce with S&Gs before, and while there were a couple of shrimp, there were twice as many scallops, and it was served with sweet cornbread (CORNBREAD should not be SWEET!) I don't think this was a fave of the table. The other dish was the Grilled Duck Breast ($26) with a confit leg - YUM. This is a heavy dish and a LOT of food - go hungry if you're planning on the duck. The wine selection was average. Their premium selection DOES have one of my favorite wineries ever, Chase Cellars. This is really interesting because Chase is definitely not mainstream - very small production. if they have something as fab as Chase on the list, they should have a more extensive list than they do. The service was rather disappointing. Yes, this is a bistro, but I would have expected better service. Our waitstaff person did not want to be at work Saturday night, clearly. If you can overlook that shortcoming, try this place out. They have room to grow, but it's solid!
(3)
Andy S.
My brother and I took my parents here for brunch for their birthday. My aunt, uncle and cousin also joined. My dad had the burger. He proclaimed it pretty much the best burger that he had ever had. He added a fried egg to it. My mom ordered the French toast. I must say the strawberry butter is to die for. I had a traditional bacon and eggs. My meal was fine. My aunt had the chicken and waffle and she enjoyed her meal. Everyone really enjoyed their meal. I wish I had been more exciting in my choice and ordered something different.
(4)
Mike J.
Went with friends before the theatre at Playhouse. Really good food, good drinks, great service. The ambiance is nice, but I found the tables a bit small and packed together a bit on the tight side. My friend had the pork chop and that looked marvelous, and he said it was good too. The desserts were very good and very well presented. I had the Carrot Cake and PD had the Chocolate PB Pie both were excellent. My only reservation was I had the beef cheeks and I was very underwhelmed. It seemed to be mostly fat with hardly any meat.
(4)
Kat G.
I don't know if I've been spoiled by the cuisine of New Orleans and have accordingly become a food snob, if the people of Memphis are so used to mediocre food that they truly think this place is deserving of it's high rating, or if it was just a really off night, but for whatever reason, this place was not good. Not Good. In fact, the only reason this got two stars was because I liked my cocktail, my husband liked his (obscenely large serving of) creme brulee, and our server was nice. Everything, drink and dessert notwithstanding, was WAY too complicated. Our steaks - hanger and ribeye - were both swimming in a too-heavy demi-glace (nothing 'demi' about it - thick, syrupy, overly-sweetened and lacking depth), the charcuterie was sad, the mashed potatoes were pasty, the dirty brussels sprouts were cacophanous (loads of bleu cheese, and walnuts, and almonds, and bacon, and that effing demi-glace) and a third of my hanger steak was inedible sinew. It's not hard: good ingredients, simple recipes. That's it. Food doesn't have to be loud to be unique or creative, and if your meals are disharmonious and screaming, it distracts from their potential and negates the point. Unless the point is to suck, then it hits it spot-on. Also, side note, the menu listed on Open Table is incorrect... most of the stuff isn't available on an all-day basis.
(2)
Jessica T.
Wow! This place is nice. Went here for an appetizer and drinks, and the eggplant tower was amazing. Nice atmosphere and great service. Definitely on the pricey side, but a good place for a date night or a nice dinner with friends. And once you're done eating you can mosey over to Next Door or any of the many other bars in Cooper Young to continue the fun.
(4)
Carmilia J.
Best eggs Benedict and crawfish ever! Don't miss the shrimp and grits either! Why bother with trying to beat the tourist crowds in downtown Memphis, if you can hop over to Cooper-Young. Sweet Grass hits the spot with Sunday brunch!
(5)
Shira S.
The service was excellent. Ambiance lovely. Cornbread with butter insanely good. However, I ordered the mahi mahi. I've never eaten fish So disgusting. Assumed it was spoiled. Sent back. Chef said that is how it should taste. Fortunately I did not get sick from the one bite. They did not bill me for it which was nice. My friend loved her dish, the shrimp and grits. I might return to try it one more time bc maybe that one dish was unusual.
(2)
Wyn B.
Shrimp and grits is phenomenal. We sat outside on the patio which only had 3 tables but is perfect if you have a small party. Wait staff was extremely friendly. There was a small fly problem outside which was the the only bad part. - I travel the country for work and eat out 3 times per week.
(5)
Greg H.
Sweet Grass is a Cooper-Young gem. The menu offers a truly unique selection of Southern tastes...with a strong focus on local grown. An excellent liquor selection, creative cocktails, wines complementing the menu, an attentive staff and a pleasant atmosphere. Welcome to the epicenter of Cooper-Young, y'all.
(5)
Raymond B.
I've had brunch here a couple of times. Let's run it down... The positives... - Great menu, with some eclectic and unique dishes to choose from - Quality food... consistently good, and they are always happy to 'make it right' if its not - Laid back atmosphere, relatively quiet, and casual on the weekend mornings - A bar to sit at... which is always my preference The negatives... - Not sure yet... something about it says "Not 5 stars"... ... yet - I should try dinner there... that negative is on my I guess - On my duck confit hash one of the 'over easy eggs' was slightly over cooked? maybe? once? Clearly I like this place, and if you're looking for a brunch location, go do it... and if you think it's 5 stars, I clearly am leaning in that direction too.
Fantastic meal . Pork belly a must . Outstanding. A must in Memphis. Our daughter goes to college at Rhodes. We are Philadelphia quality comparing.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Love love love Sweet Grass. It's one of my favorite spots for Sunday brunch. Everything I've ever ordered her has been delicious. We went in without having reservations for Mother's Day, and ended up sitting at the bar because all of the tables were full. The bartender is a DOLL! I'm going to sit there from now on. She pours the mimosas just like I like them - almost all champagne with a splash of OJ. You can't go wrong at Sweet Grass. Try a bite of everything you can get your hands on.
(5)
Joani E.
Went with a group for first time on a Friday night. Had a late reservation, so started in Next Door (same folks, just "next door"!). The friend sitting next to me had a Long Tall Cooler cocktail, which she gushed about, not too sweet, refreshing. Service was a little lacking - waitress asks IF we want water with cocktails instead of just bringing it (yet someone else then brought those of us that said, "no, that's ok" water...). She seemed almost antagonistic, to me. Then we head next door to Sweet Grass. The service was great there, the waitress could answer all questions we had for her, was attentive, and overall it was one of the best timed group meals I've had in town. The food was a mixed bag. The Gazpacho could have used some spice, but was still pure summer in a bowl. I heard positive reviews of the Arugula Salad, as well. My scallops were to die for, perfectly seared, with buttery texture - with over cooked asparagus. My neighbors chose the duck and found the sauce overly sweet, and the remainder unexceptional - other than the asparagus, which was perfect - go figure.
(3)
Vim I.
I love the intimate and cozy environment of Sweet Grass. The menu is a love letter to southern food. There are traditional staples like Shrimp & Grits and some not so traditional dishes. You can't go wrong with Shrimp & Grits--that's a five star dish in my opinion. On my most recent visit, I tried the Catfish Roulade with shitake/basil sauce off the special menu which was pretty good. One thing I was extremely pleased with was the Oyster Stew. After hearing how great it was from fellow Yelpers, I had to try it. I'm not a huge oyster fan but this stew was creamy and had the perfect amount of salty bite from the bacon. I also had the Sweet Grass Cocktail made with Pimms and it was a refreshing way to start off the night. We had a great waiter, and even Chef Ryan Trimm paid us a visit at the end of the night--he was very sweet and welcoming.
(4)
Nathan P.
I was pretty disappointed with Sweet Grass. The service (Nicole) was great, and they have Delirium Tremens on tap (Great Beer), but we all go to a restaurant ultimately for the food. That's where Sweet Grass fell short. My wife ordered the Shrimp and Grits, which was pretty good, but not up to snuff with true Low Country fav's like S.N.O.B, Husk, Page's Okra Grille, or most any other restaurant in Charleston. I ordered the Jambalaya.... and I wished I hadn't. It was completely bland, which amazed me when I saw the ingredient list. Don't waste your time or money here.
(2)
Erin L.
Made a reservation here on a whim and am very glad I did. Nice atmosphere, super friendly and attentive waitstaff. Their menu is a bit small but they have rotating specials and a lot of al a carte options. I had a beet and goat cheese salad to start, and my boyfriend and I shared the duck breast entree. The duck was phenomenal and perfectly cooked. They also have a great cocktail list and bring cornbread to the table instead of your average bread selection. I plan on returning again soon.
(5)
Lisa S.
So I figured getting the farmer's platter at a farm to table type restaurant would be a good idea but I was mistaken. There were 3 veggie dishes on the platter. One of which was the corn which was very bland and not sweet at all. To be honest, it was more like seasoned feed corn. The seasoned peppers and eggplant were okay. Others at the table got the shrimp and grits and crab cakes (only came with 2 small cakes) but their meals were better. Overall, good not great.
(3)
Olivia F.
I've been remiss in my Yelping. I have a year of reviews to post so sit back, I'm just getting started. This is my 'go to place'. I live in the neighborhood so on a walkable scale they start with a 7. Drinks are consistent and the staff is polite although they tend to be at your elbow. It's a mild jab only because this is my 'first date' place so I go there to stare into my guys eyes and hold his hand (all that goopy stuff) and the server's attention, though normally would be stellar, is a distraction.
(4)
HH P.
A fail in all but the food. We arrived only to wait at the desk for several minutes for anyone to notice. Despite the empty tables and our pre-existing reservation we were sat next to the hostess stand rather than the empty table next to us which meant we could reach over and replenish our silverware ourselves and be privy to the hostess's plans for the next evening. Our drink orders to too long to fill especially given there was no one else there. My Sazerac wasn't rye colored but bitters colored and way too sweet, an especial disappointment given that I'd had the drink there before. Bread failed to appear until our sever noticed that another server had taken some to her table, several minutes after our appetizer arrived. But the worst was the fact that the glasses of wine we had ordered to come with our dinner were not poured until more than 5 minutes after our dinner arrived at our table and only after we had spoken to the server twice after the food arrived. We spoke to the manager who was doubling as waiter, but nothing was offered other than it's you server's first shift. Well he needs to be shadowing someone then because he is not ready. Even after speaking to the manager the waiter left plates on the table that the hostess bussed. The food was delicious, but If I'm going to spend $100 for two people I'm not going to a restaurant with this level of "care" for its patrons.
(2)
Brad C.
It pains me to write this but Sweetgrass is no longer the Cooper-Young darling it used to be. As an enthusiast of the neighborhood, I formerly championed this gem. Came back for dinner last night and ended up with poor service, a soggy crab cake and a wildly overpriced tab. Head down Cooper a mile and hit Iris for far better quality, food and service.
(2)
Nathan S.
After hearing so many great things about Sweet Grass, I knew I had to get in there soon. OH MY GOODNESS WHY DID I WAIT? The atmosphere is great. The servers are intelligent. The food is absolutely outstanding. The drinks are absolutely outstanding. Their menu consists of small, medium, and large plates, so it's perfect no matter how hungry you are. The lovely woman who actually appears to enjoy my company (even when she's sober) ordered gazpacho as a starter. I don't really enjoy cold soups, but I sampled it and it was just the right balance of vegetables - it made me rethink my aversion. I ordered the duck - it came as a grilled duck breast and a confit duck leg, with asparagus and a mystery side dish (the menu said it comes with a butternut squash flan, but it was heavy on onions and looked like a garlic mash). It was all delicious. If we hadn't been celebrating the lady's birthday, I would have licked my plate clean and danced a little. The duck was delicious, much more tender than I've ever had anywhere else, and the plum glaze on the meat is just brilliant. My companion ordered the shrimp and grits. Friends, I now know what my last meal will be. The dish comes with shrimp, scallops, local ham, local grits, and housemade sausage. The sausage is incredibly tasty, and made me regret not ordering their smoked meat appetizer. The whole meal has just the right balance of sweet, savory, and salty; it really makes you appreciate how honest, simple ingredients prepared correctly can elevate a meal. We shared their take on apple pie for dessert. DELICIOUS. By this point I wanted to cry for all the lost years of my life that I hadn't eaten at Sweet Grass. We ordered some gazpacho to go and enjoyed the rest of our night. Be warned, their menu posted online doesn't keep up with what's actually available, since they typically use seasonal ingredients. I was relieved to not find heavy winter tastes in the middle of May. Plus, Sweet Grass is a Project Green Fork affiliated restaurant, so you can feel good knowing you're contributing to a green restaurant. If you're still reading this, someone has already made a reservation that could have been yours, and you just missed out. Pick up the phone now. NOW.
(5)
Art C.
We moved from Memphis to Birmingham in May, and I'm currently looking up Date Night options for this evening. Doing so made me realize how much I miss Sweet Grass Next Door--the upscale Sports Bar in the same building as Sweet Grass. The food was always stellar, one of our neighbors was the bartender, and we couldn't have asked for more by way of a great dinner at a moderate price. If you live in Memphis, this place is definitely worth a try.
(5)
Michael F.
Had a really enjoyable meal here. Service was a little uneven (They brought me an unordered scotch, then took it away before I could decide to take it anyway.) Modern, clean and competent enough to compete in any big restaurant city. Menu is kept very seasonal. I'm easily won by grits, and they were good here. I can mostly speak to the red meaty things here, which they handled very well, but judging by the plates going around they didn't misstep on much. Menu descriptions are straightforward, most plates are dressed up versions of classic food. One of the highlights from my trip to Memphis.
(4)
Erica B.
Really, the only thing that needs to be said about Sweet Grass is- brunch and Crab Cake Benedict. I'll go on- but only because a place with brunch this delicious deserves as much street cred as possible. Seriously folks- this meal blew me away. Two fried green tomatoes, each topped with a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. A large crab cake topped with mango chutney salsa, flanked by broccolini on the side. The fried green tomatoes had a bit of a kick to them, but were crunchy enough to stand up to all the food piled on top. The crab cake melted in my mouth. Taking a forkful of each made for the perfect bite. I cleaned my plate and could have ordered another it was that good. The only thing that would have made it better was had I been able to order one of their house infused vodka Bloody Marys. My husband's had olives and dilly beans swimming throughout and so much flavoring you could actually see the seasonings floating in the liquid tomatoey goodness. My mom ordered the fried green tomato BLT and raved with each and every bite. It is served with homemade chips and ranch dressing. I took a gander around at the other patron's orders. I spotted the banana bread french toast and had to keep myself glued to my seat not to go ask the dude for a bite. I also saw the grilled portabella- vegetarian plate which was loaded with veggies piled on top of veggies. It looked amazing as well. I will definitely be back here for brunch frequently. This might be the best spot I've discovered thus far in Memphis for my favorite meal of the day. I know it will only be that much better when I can partake in a little alcohol with the aforementioned meal.
(5)
Deen W.
Sweet Grass has become somewhat of a tradition in our household. At least once a month, we make the long (okay, 15 minute) trek to midtown to enjoy what just may be the best brunch in Memphis. For starters, they make one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had. They infuse the vodka themselves with onions, peppers, the WORKS. The BF, inevitably, orders the Donnell Farm Egg Sandwich. It's like his most favorite restaurant item ever. Think a club, but better. The pickles are made in house (yes, in house) and the yolk just kind of oozes over the sandwich, harmonizing perfectly with all the other ingredients. My daughter, a fruit NUT, always gets the fruit plate. Me? My most favorite item is their signature shrimp & grits. It is utter heaven in a bowl. I have ventured away, though, to be fair (and at Chef Ryan's urging) and tried other menu items such as the duck confit hash and the crab cakes benedict. Both were stellar. I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to order a bad meal here. And if you come in for dinner, get the grilled yellowfin tuna with the fried oysters. Out of this world.
(5)
Daemon W.
It has a homey feel, which is what the owners wanted because the restaurant is actually a large dining room. The tables are a little too close together and the food, for the most part, is average. It's a nice place to take a date if you don't want any frills and you don't want to spend a whole lot of money.
(3)
A L.
Fried chicken waffles fried green tomato blt, muscles and crab. gourmet quality hooked
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Todd M.
Really, really, disappointed tonight. And it breaks my heart. Sweetgrass has been one of my standby favorites in the city for the food, drinks & service. Always something original. Tonight, I found below average service, undercooked risotto, and... Worst of all... Absolutely terrible Long Tall Coolers. I don't know what's happening here, but Sweetgrass is losing a big step. Hopefully, the owners can regroup correct and save the place. If not, I'll be surprised if they make it through 2015. I will say the Bourbon Ice Cream still rocks and is a bright spot. Save Sweetgrass!!
(2)Adam H.
We went on a rare snowy night in Memphis. The snow falling during dinner was really quite nice. The lights of Cooper Young reflecting all of the snow was amazingly beautiful! It also meant we where almost alone in the restaurant for the entire meal. Normally this would really bother me, but it was just right. Nice, quiet, romantic... we don't get that much. Our server was awesome! He was attentive yet not overly bothersome considering the amount of volume he was dealing with. He made great suggestions of the specials and made me happy, happy! The cornbread was %^&**# AWESOME! It deserves a review of its own! I would have never thought that cornbread could excite me the way it did! Pure loveliness! My wife had a dream of a salad to star with and really enjoyed it! For dinner, she the Yellow Fin Tuna topped with Fried Oysters. It was presented beautifully and I think I saw her eyes roll back in her head a couple times while eating. I did not taste, I think she would have slapped my hand if I tried. I had the Sea Scallops and was very impressed by the dish. They were maybe the best scallops I have ever had. Most of the time, when I have them, they are quite a bit larger than what I had that evening so that may have played a part in their tenderness. The succotash was really good. The veggies were firm and tasted great. You could definitely tell that they were really fresh and lots of care went into preparing them. Great Job Sweet Grass!
(5)Casey B.
I'm surprised I agent reviewed this place yet. The food is great and they have half price bottles of wine on Wednesday or Tuesday; I forgot what day I went. We got the farmers platter appetizer, which is a huge plate of fresh veggies prepared how the chef decides that day. I also got the halibut as a main dish and it was fantastic. Good service and drinks as well. You can't go wrong here.
(5)Joel S.
Talk about a great meal! This place had an awesome brunch menu with delicious food! Our friends are part owners of the place so of course they had to invite us there! The French fries were so tasty and quite large. I had scramble led eggs with a a biscuit this visit a long with a mimosa and a rather awesome spicy margarita. We have always seen this restaurant but never got the chance to try it out. The art work on the walls is gorgeous and very interesting to look at. The vibes were very laid back and chill. This is a nice restaurant so of course the prices aren't cheap. Remember "you get what you pay for" so the entrees are a little on the pricey side but worth it. We will definitely be back.
(4)Jennifer S.
Went for Brunch for the first time. I ordered the french toast with apple smoked wood bacon and bourbon maple syrup and strawberry butter. I also got a side of two scrambled eggs. My husband ate the bacon said it was good. The french toast was pretty good but what made it great was the combination of the strawberry butter and the syrup. The eggs were also nicely seasoned and cooked perfectly. I am glad I ordered the eggs in addition to my meal, because unfortunately the portion size was too small, and I normally bring half of my entree home with me in a take-out container because I can't finish it. The food also seemed to take a long time for us to get it and it seemed like they didn't have enough servers there.
(3)Leslie S.
Had brunch here for the first time. Ordered beef brisket benedict, and it was alright. The biscuit tasted wonderful. The egg had a soft shell taste to it instead of poached taste like I had in other places. The beef brisket was nicely textured, but I think the combination doesn't quite work well. I ended up eating the beef brisket and the egg biscuit separately. Coffee was decent. Also ate my wife's candied bacon. It was OK, just like the Benedict. Overall it is good food, but nothing worth revisiting.
(3)Christina N.
Visited Sweet Grass recently for the first time. It was a wonderful experience and I will likely visit again. We ordered two entrees, one was snapper and one was scallops. The scallops were certainly the better of the two. They also had a nice wine list and delicious salads to start the meal off right. The service is what stood out to me. They were always prompts and friendly, however not overbearing. The bar inside of Sweet Grass is also cute. My only confusion with this place is the decor. I'm undecided how fancy or casual this place is really meant to be. The decor suggests more casual than fancy, however the food items, prices and service suggest something fancier. Perhaps I will visit again and see if I gain any clarification on this. Either way, a decent place to visit for a special meal!
(4)Paul H.
Our food is always fresh, creative, and delicious! Harold is the best bartender ever and a fountain of wisdom about Memphis and so much else. We love Sweet Grass
(5)Amy W.
Walked in on a Sunday at 120. Not crowded at all. Got seated at a table and then nothing..... For 15 minutes, we never saw a soul. We left for one of the other great resturaunt a around the corner.
(1)Clinton S.
The family offered me my choice of restaurants for my birthday celebration and although we've been to many of Memphis' finest I chose Sweet Grass and we were not disappointed. As a good 21st consumer I did my homework and read as many of the reviews as I could consume (no pun intended), and noted all the reservations about Sweet Grass (another pun????).....but let me tell you that our meal was outstanding. We made reservations for 7PM and it must be slow on a Sunday PM because it really wasn't that crowded, and we probably could have gotten by without reservations, but regardless we did. We began the evening with drinks all around, I got the Long Tall Cooler, which I didn't really enjoy all that much because I was expecting a little more carbonation. The other drinks ordered were the Bombardier (very good), Strawberry Fields (very strawberry!), and the Velvet Mojito, which was not very good (described as a Nyquil with mint! - although another person at our table loved it - we passed drinks around until we got the right drink with the right person). While enjoying our drinks we ordered an artisan cheese plate, which had a smoked cheddar, Humboldt fog, and a french blue cheese along with nuts and fruits - perfectly balanced and very enjoyable to have with our drinks! The dinner orders were outstanding. Based upon the extensive recommendations online, two of us ordered the Shrimp and Grits, which were spicy, rich, and very flavorful. One of our diners claimed he could detect a hint of vanilla in the grits - maybe one of the chefs secrets to make the dish so excellent. Also, the shrimp and grits come with scallops grilled just right. The only thing missing is bread to sop up the juice!!! Another one of our diners had the crab cakes and enjoyed them immensely, but didn't seem to want to eat all the veggies - that's ok, we just brought them home to have as a snack the next day. Lastly, one person had the Lemon Chicken Kale salad for an entree. She really enjoyed the chicken, it was very flavorful, but the kale was a little overwhelming after about half the salad. Who could leave Sweet Grass without trying their famous apple pie - and I did try a piece, and it is everything that everyone says it is....but it's also very large, after such a large meal I suggest sharing it with fellow diners. We also got a peach cobbler, which was shared amongst the table with great delight! Why did I not give it 5 stars, the drinks were a little disappointing, although we did get the right drink to the right person after a little moving around. I will say our waitress was very attentive without trying to be our new best friend. She even took a picture of the table and did it with a smile....I know taking care of customers has to be a difficult thing to do night in and night out, but she did it with skill and I really appreciate that!
(4)Josh L.
The honey badger cocktail had a slight tang, very smooth bourbon that's laced with a honey taste. Quite good. However, the shrimp and grits presentation is a bit off putting, however each ingredient was cooked very well. Granted it was quite simple and not quiiite worth it's price. (And I don't get why ppl only ever get like 4 shrimp?)(maybe I'm just greedy) pretty good. Service was cordial. Overall, slightly overpriced for worth, though taste is good, not anything amazing. Perhaps more emphasis on their green outlook on their foods?
(3)Christopher L.
We came to sweet Grass after looking at a number of places on line. The menu looked diverse, reasonably priced and interesting. When we sit down the menu is 30% smaller, 30% more expensive and just not compelling. The pairings in each entree prevented any of them from being appetizing. Ultimately we had two small salads to the time of $25 and grabbed a bite down the street.
(2)Elle S.
Just ate here again and I was so disappointed. The good first: their bread was the best part. corn bread and herb infused bread. The arugula salad was decent but nothing to die for. The frogmore stew was bland very blah. The shrimp and grits: bland and blah. The good part of it was tht I think they put bacon in there which made it taste better but other than that it was not good. Apple pie looks really good but not that good and how do u go wrong with that?! Perhaps if they add the top crunchy part in the middle as well it would be better and maybe the apples need to be tender not so chewy. They have decent brunch but this food was disappointing. I didn't even finish my dinner or dessert which says a lot about the food.
(3)Nolen G.
Great place. I came in early and solo on a week- night looking for the lower-end sister restaurant. I took a left and was greeted by the bartender and just decided to stay. Just following the leads I had read I ordered Shrimp and Grits. They were outstanding. The jalapeño cornbread is some of the best ever. Sweet with a hint of spice. Great spot delivering on the hype.
(5)Arpana W.
I do love goat cheese, and this place has some of the best around. Lovely golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fried goat cheese that will have you wanting to eat it as your meal. The rest of the food, however, was relatively average. It was well-presented and creative, however the flavors were not as robust as they appeared on the menu. The service, however, is always great and the atmosphere is perfect for a lovely dinner with friends. I would recommend the shrimp and grits and, of course, the fried goat cheese as an appetizer. Do.not. miss that.
(3)Katie T.
We really loved sweet grass. As a vegetarian, I'm a huge fan of ordering a few sides for my meal, and with the descriptions of the sides on the menu, I just couldn't help myself. I ordered a cup of the butternut squash soup (to.die.for), the winter salad (I can't remember the name, but it had grapefruits), and a side of brussels sprouts. Aside from the food being outstanding, I really appreciated that the waitress informed us any of the dishes could be customized with or without any additions if we wanted. that's a huge win! My husband got the grits, and of course, as a grits lover, he loved these. Honestly, we loved this place, and will definitely come back on special occasions. Just to top off the delicious food, our server brought us an entire extra basket of the cornbread because she knew we were taking a to-go container and we had commented on how good the cornbread was. so nice.
(5)SG P.
Have been here before but this time came for Sunday brunch. It was a great meal and atmosphere. Shrimp and grits were delicious , pimento cheese burger, chicken and biscuits all so good. The service was very good. They were not real busy this Sunday but this was nice for us. Desserts of bread pudding and brownie and ice cream delicious! It's fairly expensive ($100) before tip. We had a Get My Perks certificate though so made it half price! We'll be back !!
(5)Brittney H.
Such a great place for date night! I LOVE their assortment cheese plate and their shrimp and grits are pretty good, too!
(4)Jake S.
Sweet Grass is not the place you want to go to have your life changed by a single meal. This is a place that will creep into your heart with repeated visits. And once you get it, I doubt you'll want to go anywhere else. I've been going to Sweet Grass since it first opened, and I've been acquainted with Chef Ryan Trimm since his time as a sous at Grove Grill. Let me first say that there are few people I've met who have stayed as humble, grateful, and hard-working as Chef Trimm, and it's been a pleasure to see him succeed and grow in his business. Can't say enough about this guy. The food has always been stellar: comforting and unpretentious while still feeling elevated and well-conceived. Memorable highlights include the carpaccio, the pork shank with grits and greens (Ryan's greens are always the best I have EVER had), the heirloom tomato and goat cheese salad, the foie-mousse fried chicken thigh and waffle, his charcuterie, and that damn apple pie. He's also demonstrated his creativity and versatility and numerous wine dinners I have been lucky enough to attend over the years. The best was a wine dinner with Elk Cove Vineyards in February 2013. It was the greatest meal in Memphis this lifelong Memphian has ever had. Service can be hot and cold, but it's at a much higher level now than in years past. And the bar. Oh, that bar. Ryan has the luck of employing three of the best bartenders in the city between his restaurants, and two from Sweet Grass particularly stand out. Jeff Goggins was a master bartender and crafted some of the best drinks I've ever had, and now that Harold has come over from Tsunami, you'll be lucky to find a seat at the bar. Instead, you'll have to stand shoulder to shoulder with the faithful to understand why Harold is a Midtown legend.
(5)Chad C.
I tried chicken and waffles a few times on my Memphis trip, but this place had the best. The Bloody Mary's were near perfect as well. The food here is fresh and the menu offers something for everyone. I will make a point to eat here next time I'm in Memphis. Highly recommended!
(5)Libbie R.
Yummiest sweet grass oysters. I always wish I had ordered a dozen instead of 6. I love coming to this place at 11 am on a Sunday morning and it's quiet and service is attentive.
(5)Tyler H.
I have been here 2 times. The first time was about a year ago and the food was ok, so I decided to give it another shot. I'm a bartender and I work a lot, so I don't get the opportunity to eat out very often. Before I continue I would like to say that the food was excellent, even though my date's tuna wasn't cooked to order. We both work in the service industry so we rarely complain about food and almost never send it back. My complaint about my experience was the horrible service! We were greated by the bartender, who brought us both a glass of wine. It was 6:15 and the place was just starting to fill up. It turns out that the bartender was our server and there were only 3 bar customers. Since we were seated directly in front of the bar, you would think we would have gotten awesome service. WRONG! We had each long finished our first glass of wine by the time the bartender made his way to our table to take our food order. Perhaps it was because the bartender seemed high and appeared to move in extreme slow motion. I would hate to see how inept the bartender is during a busy shift. Maybe he was having a bad night, which happens to the best of us sometimes. I suggest less weed and more coffee before his next shift.
(2)Amanda C.
I finally got to try Sweet Grass last Sunday. I have read so many reviews and heard so many good things about it, that I was pretty pumped about experiencing it! As I sat down, I was handed a brunch/lunch menu. Sadly, I have an aversion against most egg-type dishes unless covered with cheese or something to mask the egg flavor. Don't judge. It's one of the only food items I don't like. Everyone has one, right? Anyways, my eyes ran down the menu to find something that didn't include eggs, and I stumbled upon shrimp and grits. Folks, this happens to be one of my all time favorite dishes. Lucky for you, Sweet Grass. Having family on both the east and gulf coast allows me to eat quite a bit of seafood dishes, and I usually try shrimp and grits wherever I go. All that in mind, I have to say, Sweet Grass had a pretty awesome version of shrimp and grits! While I wasn't too excited about paying $16 for a meal at brunch, I do have to say, it was worth it. The grits were cooked to perfection and extremely creamy. They were topped with five or six pieces of juicy shrimp, bacon pieces, sausage, tomatoes and chives. Everything you need, basically. Each delicious bite made me happier and happier. My only complaint was that it was a bit greasier than I am use to and the amount of meat was intense. Aside from that, it was wonderful! The wait staff was great, and my glass of water was never low. I will be back for dinner and wine soon!
(4)Rachel Z.
I visited Sweet Grass for brunch for the first and last time today. My husband and I are new transplants to Memphis and as such have temporary driver's licenses issues by TN. Apparently our server had never seen a temp license, because he greeted my husband's with "what the hell is this?" and then refused to serve him a beer once it was explained. The food, while decent, was no where near good enough to make up for such hostile service. We will not be back.
(2)Tanya T.
I hadn't heard of Sweet Grass but caught sight of it while strolling through Cooper-Young. The building is bright and attractive, and the name got me curious. So I decided to check it out. Best. Decision. Ever. I really loved this place. The oyster stew is divine. I'm a big fan of oysters, and this dish did not disappoint. Another thing that I like is that Sweet Grass serves dinner in small, medium or large plates. Small plates are mostly salads, while entrees are served on medium and large plates. I had the grouper with cucumber salad. So tasty and not that expensive as it is one of the medium plates. My only regret? That I didn't save enough room for a sweet plate. Next time I might go back for some key lime pie or creme broulee.
(4)Michelle W.
I truly enjoyed my experience this past weekend at Sweet Grass. The service was excellent and the server had the perfect timing on everything. The Pomegranate Martini was fabulous and not too sweet. I had the pear salad and pork cheeks with risotto. Everything was cooked to perfection and had amazing flavor. The portions were the perfect size. I look forward to going back again soon.
(5)sterling h.
I really cannot figure out why this place has such excellent reviews. I went here on a busy night with my husband. We both agreed that our meals were simply bland. So bland I can't even remember what I ordered. The concept of the menu was interesting (small/medium/large dishes)... but it just didn't work out for me. No problems with service but the food was just really boring. Seems like most other reviews had fish.
(2)Veronica X.
I read great things about Sweet Grass' brunch and decided to try it out since we were in the neighborhood at around 1PM on Sunday. In the mood for something light and healthy, I went with the fruit plate and the daily special roasted beet salad ( I know, when was last time you had beets?) I didn't expect too much from the fruit plate for $6, though I kind of expected better from Sweet Grass. Lackluster selection aside, the fruits were just served plain and not drizzled with whatever fancy stuff stated in the menu. I meant to ask for the menu again just to confirm it's missing something but it just slipped my mind. The salad was good with field greens, walnuts, goat cheese and interestingly the featured roasted beet slices were hiding at the bottom under everything else. I was satisfied with the lightness and healthiness of my brunch, and looked forward to a sinful indulgence here next time when the mood strikes. I like the simple elegance of this place. P.S. I looked up their menu online afterwards and the fruit plate is supposed to be drizzeld with local honey and raspberry coulis ( a thick sauce made from puréed and strained vegetables or fruits, according to wikipedia). Were they out of it that day or was it an oversight (both from the kitchen and wait staff), I will never know. I probably will never order the fruit plate again, no matter how french the sauce may sound.
(3)Tom G.
My first two experiences with Sweet Grass were at wine tasting dinners sponsored by Wine Market. Both times, the plates assembled by Chef Trimm ("Silent Bob") and his team were outstanding in both cases. We've been back several times since ordering off the main menu, and every time the food has been fantastic. I'm not normally a fan of grits, but their take on shrimp and grits is outstanding. And any dish that involves scallops is worth trying, as the kitchen staff always cooks them to perfection: medium rare on the inside, beautifully seared on the outside. The wait staff is always very friendly and helpful. I like the way the menu is arranged into small, medium, and large plates, and the prices for those plates are quite reasonable. I've got a decent appetite, and you can get by with a small plate plus a medium plate, or just a large plate. You might not have leftovers, but you won't leave hungry. Sweet Grass is one of my favorite Memphis restaurants.
(5)Kevin N.
Ambled in here on some local advice to give Sweet Grass a whirl, and amped that I did: I chose to park myself at the bar, and over the course of the next forty-five I found myself on the business end of some genuinely terrific duck, coupled with squash and an assortment of asparagus spears. The cocktail, wine and beer lists appear to be thought through with some care, and I coupled my meal with a Rogue Dead Guy; a crisp finish to the juicy duck. I got one of the large plates, and while I did manage to tackle it, I left plenty full. Know that you'd best enter hungry if your plan is to take one of those on. Otherwise, the cornbread was a little on the dry side, though the staff was consistently friendly, even to the guy on the corner bar stool. In short, Sweet Grass is easy to like: thanks for the memory and the full belly, folks.
(4)Candice C.
The veggie (portobello and pesto) plate was great! Crab cakes were ok. We weren't a fan of the black eyed peas sauce that came with it. Overall, the food was unique and tasty and the service was great. We went on a Friday night and got excellent service. Also enjoyed the cocktails. A great place for a date or fancy evening with friends.
(4)Noor B.
Our second night in Memphis we decided to venture off of Beale Street into another popular neighborhood, Cooper-Young. There we found Sweet Grass, a sustainable neighborhood restaurant with next-door bar. The ambiance was great, as was the service. Kelly scored big in Sarah and my book when she ordered the Sweet Potato Casoulet. It was amazing! This place seems great for a date night or friends night out. Highly recommend.
(4)B M.
Don't order the flank steak - awful, not at all what I expected. Others in my party had the shrimp and grits and redfish, which were both good. Another had the stuffed flounder which was mediocre. Service was good, prices were a little steep for what we got ($220 for the four of us, no appetizers, split a desert four ways, one drink each).
(3)Katie K.
LOVE this place!! I recommend to anyone looking for great food along with atmosphere! Shrimp and grits are a must have! The prosciutto wrapped Halibut is sure to please just about everybody! If you like crab cakes then Sweet Grass is the place to go they are great!! Like desert? Then imagine the Deep dish sour cream Apple Pie with bourbon ice cream, totally a fav! Come here and you will not regret it!
(5)Kerry C.
I'm not a huge fan of oysters, but when half of Twitter recommended that I try the Oyster Stew at Sweet Grass, I had to listen. Thank you, internet, for making an excellent suggestion. My bowl of oyster stew was excellent - it was handful of shucked oysters in a creamy broth with bacon and potatoes. Sweet Grass is the latest restaurant to open in Cooper Young. The menu of low-country food (think jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and seafood) is divided into three sections of small, medium and large plates. The small plates are mostly salads, soups and appetizers, while the medium and large plates are more typical entrees. I made a meal of the fresh greens with honey balsamic dressing (which came with two hush puppy-style balls of fried goat cheese) and the oyster stew. My partner in crime had the jambalaya. It was lighter than traditional jambalaya, but the chicken, sausage, corn, okra and tomatoes were all incredibly fresh. But the part of the menu not to miss is the "sweet plates". When Sophorn tried Sweet Grass a few weeks ago, she wrote a glowing review of the deep-dish sour cream apple pie. It's a good thing I ordered a to-go slice, because some of the exclamations I made after the first bite weren't exactly family friendly. It's the best pie ever. Seriously. Layers of thinly sliced apples and sour cream filling are stuffed between a crust and some delicious pecan crumbles. The whole thing is drizzled with caramel sauce. For those of you who like to get dessert to go, I can vouch for this pie's tastiness at any temperature. Right now, Sweet Grass is only open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday. They're planning to add lunch sometime soon. Reservations are not required, but they can be made.
(4)Blaire O.
Sunday morning can mean a lot of things... a time to worship, a time to FINALLY sleep in, or an awesome No Doubt song from their Tragic Kingdom album (so good). If you ask my friends and I, it's time to eat, drink, and be merry. That's right. Sunday is just another day to pay homage to our inner-lushes. In our usual fashion, some of my Memphis ladies and I decided it is never too late to behave like P. Diddy (or is it Sean John now, I have trouble keeping up) and douse our still recovering livers in champagne and breakfast in a better outfit: we went to brunch. As I've mentioned before, Three Angels is where you'll primarily find me on a Sunday in Memphis, but we were feeling a little fancy shmancy. Now, there are plenty of valid options for fancy brunching in Memphis. If you are looking for a top of the line, sacrament of a dish, you head to Restaurant Iris. We weren't ready for that kind of commitment, already avoiding the more pious Sunday rituals, so we were left with the middle of the road, yummy, but still accessible, brunch spots. In Memphis, these include Bosco's, the Beauty Shop, and Sweet Grass, all located in Midtown. I was in the mood for some killer French toast, and being a visitor, I had the choice of restaurant (a valid reason to move away from your friends), so the latter it was, for some scrumptious banana bread French toast... see pictures and more at the blog write up on my website :)
(4)Laura R.
Brunch was wonderful! Between four of us all plates were scraped clean! We will be back.
(5)Andy L.
Sweet Grass is a classy but casual storefront in a busy section of storefronts in Midtown. The night that we went it was busting and we had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. The staff was pleasant and even apologetic, although they needn't have been since we arrived without a reservation. The low-country dinner menu is divided into small, medium and large plates, providing dining options for different appetites and formats (sharing, individual courses, one dish, etc.). We tried the Tomato Salad ($11), a mix of tomatoes, goat cheese & onions. It's tempting to say that if you have seen one low country tomato salad, you have seen them all, but this was pretty good. The tomatoes were ripe and juicy and the simple ingredients came together well. Frogmore Stew ($9) was a thyme-laced broth loaded with shrimp & sausage and accented by pieces of tomatoes, potatoes and tiny bits of crab. It was a delicious and satisfying intro to the meal. Shrimp & Grits ($25) included sea scallops, sausage (the same that was in the Frogmore Stew) & slivers of smoked ham. The combination was savory and the addition of the scallops was a welcome change of pace, but we like our shrimp & grits on the smokey side. The ham seemed to add more saltiness than smokiness to the dish, which was already pretty seasoned. Grilled Quail ($23) was two boned quails accompanied by a cheddar/faro "risotto" and dressed with a reduced demi glace. The quails were tender and tasty and the cheesey faro was a nice complement to the birds. Low Country Chicken Jambalaya ($15) was a tasty combination of chicken, sausage, corn, okra and rice. The flavors of onions and pepper came through nicely in the thick gravy. The wine list is offered by the bottle and by the glass. The list is divided into sections according to price ($26/$35/$44 per bottle and $7/$9.50/$12 per glass). We shared a bottle of Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris ($44; about $20 retail) from Oregon, which was fresh, fruity and a good match for pretty much everything we encountered on our plates. Service was very good. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu, answered all of our questions and checked on us regularly. The closed gas station next door charges $5 for parking, but Sweet Grass will deduct that from your check if you show them your parking receipt. We enjoyed Sweet Grass and recommend it.
(4)Wesley K.
We just moved to the Cooper Young area and were excited to try the restaurants here. We started with Sweet Grass and I was not thrilled. The service was pretty good. Our waitress was not super attentive but things she got things taken care of eventually. The atmosphere was pleasant and had a nice decor. But the food.... I ordered Jambalaya and i was expecting something flavorful, spicy and strong. What I got was sausage water. It had absolutely no flavor at all. It's not that it tasted bad, but it didn't taste like anything! I might go back but I'll certainly not order that dish again.
(2)Natasha C.
I went with family for dinner, and it was so delicious we made a reservation to come back for lunch the following weekend. Everything on the menu was innovative. They make twists on traditional Southern cuisine, pairing flavors and textures that are just inventive enough to make you feel it's familiar and new at the same time. Wonderful sour cream apple pie, with a consistency like cheese cake. Did I mention it comes with Jack Daniels ice cream?
(5)David M.
I first tried Sweet Grass just a week or so after it opened, expecting some hiccups. I didn't get any: the food was excellent and the staff was a well-oiled machine, like they'd been running the place for years. I've been back many times since. Try the shrimp and grits, the jambalaya, or the pork osso bucco. For brunch, I love the green tomato BLT and the barbecue duck confit hash. On the subject of brunch, the bartender makes a mean mimosa -- good champagne with just a whisper of OJ. Sweet Grass gives Beauty Shop some competition for best brunch in Cooper-Young.
(5)Henry L.
My girlfriend and I decided to brunch it on Sunday. She enjoyed her Eggs Carolina. She goes crazy for smoked salmon. I had the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. I am a sucker for fried green tomatoes. The acid from the green tomatoes mixed with creamy egg yolks and hollandaise sauce was perfect. I would like a little more salt and season to the dish. The Asparagus was cooked perfectly. Almost has the wok flavor cooking from a seasoned wok in high heat. We enjoyed our brunch and went home full and happy.
(5)Jon S.
Bad service... Food doesn't worth the time waiting for it. Order messed up for half of the table, missing items and very undercook meat... Won't go back, Memphis is full of great places but this one is definitively not on the list...
(2)N. P.
If you're looking for a nice restaurant that truly appeals to your palate, you'll find it at Sweet Grass. You'll definitely want to make reservations -- it's a hot spot. I'm kind of frugal, so I was saving this trip for a special occasion -- the dinners usually run around $25. I was pleased to see a variety of poultry, seafood, and some options that would accommodate a vegetarian. Not many, but some. I also appreciate the fact that the chef uses local produce when possible -- you'll see it noted on the menu. Try the crab cakes -- they melt in your mouth. And, I've always eaten my 'hardcore' greens, but never with pleasure, really. However, the collard greens are good -- not sure how, but the bitter taste was taken out of them. Just right. And there's a great wine selection, too. Plenty of choices to pair with your meal. Great date place, good location for a nice walk around town afterward, and I felt that it was worth every penny.
(4)Beth S.
Loved the atmosphere here. Crowd was all ages, which surprised me for young, trendy Cooper-Young. The food was delicious - I had the Mahi Mahi, which was yummy. We were there on a Friday night and it was busy, so we had to wait for a bit, which was OK as the bar, Next Door, is a great place to have drinks. Highly recommend.
(4)Rocky N.
I went to Sweet Grass just for the good food reviews alone. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and I was BLOWN AWAY. I will be returning to sample their other meal options soon.
(5)Mary F.
I love "nouveau old" cuisine served up in unique areas of various cities. Husband is old school when it comes to his regional fare, so I was concerned - after looking at the menu online - that this was going to be a bit over the top for him. I was wrong. To start, I had red wine and hubby had a Manhattan at the bar. Hubby used to be a bartender, and he was impressed with the Manhattan (dry and up). Kudos to the bartender (who, by the way, is perhaps one of the best looking men I have ever seen in my life). After we were seated, hubby and I shared the mussels - to die for mussels. To die, I say. Plump, marvelously seasoned and delicious. For dinner hubby had the Pork Osso Buco with Collards, etc., and I thought he was going to pass out from the tenderness and flavor of the pork. And this is a man who is picky, picky, picky. The mushroom au jus on the pork worked beautifully. I had the Grilled Tuna with fried oysters and tomato concasse dinner. What a treat. The tuna was cooked perfectly to my specification (medium rare) and the various temptations on the plate all worked so well together. We shared some grilled broccolini. Yummo. Bottom line: Food quality and presentation were both excellent. Our server was attentive without being obtrusive. If we needed her, she was there. No waiting for water glasses to be filled, no worries that she was gone forever when something was wanted (like another glass of wine or the apple pie). Now that apple pie...I promise you've never had anything like it. So, so good. Love the interior of this place. Seating is quite comfortable and there is great energy in the restaurant. I wish I lived next door. There you have it. We will most definitely be back.
(5)Bill P.
Had a wonderful dinner here on a weekday evening. We were able to get in without a reservation but would probably suggest it as placed filled up pretty quickly the night we were here. The menu was very good, what new & different items to choose from. We tried both of the salads & one was better then the next, a pure delight. For our main courses had the grilled portobello mushroom & vegetables with pesto sauce dinner, very good & tasty, the shrimp & grits, excellent choice as was the grouper with mustard glaze (delicious if you like mustard). The wines by the glass offered were excellent as was the very attentive & helpful service. The desserts looked better then they tasted which was a surprise & probably the only reason I did not rate this 5 stars. My recommendation is go there, you'll likely enjoy!
(4)Jolynna M.
Memphis meets Charleston in this new Cooper-Young hot spot. I recently went with a date on a Friday evening. We had reservations, which I'm glad we had as it was pretty packed that night. I was super excited to try this place because I love love LOVE low country food. And I was not disappointed. I liked the decor - quite stylish and yet comfortable. And our waiter was awesome. But what sold me in the end was the food. I had the Oyster Stew as a starter, which was absolutely delicious times ten. And for my entree, though it was really hard to choose, I went with the Shrimp and Grits. Now I am pretty picky about that particular dish and have tried variations of it at many different restaurants, including some in Charleston. But this was right up there with the best of the best. Really yummy. Another nice perk, which some reviewers have mentioned, is the wine. They have a small, but well thought out wine list, and the prices are very good. Honestly, I cannot wait to go back to this place.
(4)Ellen W.
I have eaten flounder all my life at some of the best restaurants on the gulf coast. I will have to say - it was the best flounder i had every had. My mohito was EXCELLENT as well. However, they were very busy and we had to wait 30 minutes longer than our reservation. Food was a little slow coming out - but worth the wait. If it wasn't for the wait - I would have rated them 5 stars easy! If you want awesome food in Memphis - this is the place to go.
(4)Jorge G.
Best meal I've had in Memphis yet. Simple, low country fusion greatness. Moved from Boston, worked under Todd English there and I have to admit as much as I loved Iris, Sweet Grass was better. Kudos to the BOH, great place, atmosphere, everything.
(5)Chelsea S.
I always want to like this place, but for some reason I end up unimpressed and a lot lighter in the wallet. Can't figure out why.
(2)Chris H.
Nice wine selection at reasonable prices. The food is ok. I wasn't as blown away as some of the other reviewers. I had the lamb. It was fine. The potato gratin thing that they serve with it is excellent! The jalepeno corn bread is a really nice touch. Our server was really great but I do have to mention that the first thing he did was list the things they were out of which was literally like half the menu. Sure, we were eating at 9pm which is late for Memphians but I hope that as this restaurant grows, they will stock a bit better.
(3)sarah w.
Had a great experience...mostly due to the bartender. Can't say I remember his name (and that's not due to consumption :-) this was months ago). Started up a conversation with this super tall and very knowledgable mixologist about vodka and the special brews (infused vodkas with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil or ginger and lime) festering on the top shelves behind the bar. After tasting the sundried tomatoe, I definately was dreaming up recipes in my head...yummy. He introduced me to Tito vodka which is probably the most flavorful vodka I've ever tasted, no mixer necessary. And of course he told us the great story behind the brand. All of this special attention from this not-too-bad-looking-chap really made for a great night. Won't ramble on about the food too much because I'm sure many before me have already. Super yummy salad, well cooked meal, waiter a little weird, but really liked the plate size options. Not a fan of the doggie bags anyway. You can definately find me at the bar again!
(5)Katie P.
Went here for lunch with some friends...we had a reservation but didn't need it. But we did go pretty late for lunch. We all enjoyed what we got and I must say the grits were pretty spectacular. I was disappointed by the desserts (of course you wouldn't know it by looking at my almost clean dessert plate but that's another issue). And our server seemed really not amused by us/our presence. Not rude, and not a bad server, just not very friendly. The pimento cheese sandwich with bacon was really good, but I have to say I like the one at Drake's Deli in White Station Tower better. I would definitely go to Sweet Grass again though; the atmosphere and food were very enjoyable!
(3)Michael S.
My favorite restaurant when I visit Memphis has been Iris, but when I called for a reservation I found that I found that Iris was to be closed Sunday night, so I asked for a recommendation. A young person there suggested Sweet Grass. The food at Sweet Grass was terrific, original and tremendously tasty. On a Sunday night at 8:00, it was 2/3 full and pleasantly quiet. The frog march stew, the gazpacho, the pepper-laced corn bread, and the "Low Country Shrimp and Grits" were all wonderful. The menu was complemented by great regional beer on draft and a reasonably priced suitable wine list. For a less formal place, Sweet Grass is a terrific place to dine in Memphis.
(5)Monica H.
I visited Sweet Grass for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I went with my family for my birthday and when I first looked at the menu (the day before), I was iffy about it. It didn't seem like a big selection and a lot of the ingredients were ones that I wasn't familiar with. Once I got there, I tried the vegetable dish with Grilled chicken. IT WAS AMAZING. The presentation was beautiful, which I think adds a lot to a restaurant. It also tasted so fresh. The goat cheese balls it came with was to die for. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Kathleen Q.
My family treated me to birthday dinner at Sweet Grass the other night. The food was delightful, but the overall experience did not particularly blow me away. However, I'm sure every restaurant has a bad night, and I'm a big fan of second chances. A couple of surprising gaffes tripped the evening up a bit. Cornbread was delivered to our table still oozing with raw batter. A bottle of prosecco was split into absurdly uneven fourths by our waitress. Sourdough toast accompanying the carpaccio I ordered came to the table completely scorched. And, in what could have been the coup de grâce of the evening, we were billed for half a dozen cocktails that we did not order. Nonetheless, the evening was salvaged by the delicious food (and the bill by my eagle-eyed dad). Black toast aside (and who actually cares about the toast anyway?), the carpaccio was splendid- delicate but not too thinly sliced. As I am a bit of a shrimp and grits junkie, I was unable to pass up the opportunity to try one of the signature dishes. It did not disappoint- a little bit soupy, a lot smoky. The desserts were fine but not especially memorable, except that the brownie thing we ordered was about the size of a shin guard. I think my next Sweet Grass experience could easily surpass this initial one- unless the issues we ran into are the rule and not the exception. The prevalence of glowing reviews suggests that it was most likely just an off night.
(3)Jennifer K.
Came here for a Sunday brunch. Food was delicious!! I had the crab cake benedict and it was excellent. I think this may well be my favorite brunch place in Memphis.
(5)Kathy A.
Mainly disappointed. Was siked after reading review in paper, but was not my experience for brunch at all. Took 10 minutes after ordering bloody mary (was good) for it to arrive; dum de dum. Did not offer anything for us to have while waiting. Food choices, esp. if you don't eat red meat, very few. For brunch an ordinary tuna sandwich- yum. Experienced wait staff; not at my table. Will not go back any time soon and I frequent Cooper Young restaurants.
(2)Bryan E.
Finally made my way over to Cooper Young to try this place and was very glad I did. I had the pork Osso Bucco which was served on a bed of greens and grits, all of which were excellent. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the grits/greens provided a nice salty/sweet combo. Other folks at our table had: the mustard glazed grouper, shrimp and grits, and scallops. Everyone gave their dishes rave reviews. For dessert our table shared carrot cake and deep dish sour cream apple pie, both of which were great. My only gripe, and it's a minor one, our server seemed a bit aloof and could have been more attentive (2 of our plates came out about 5 minutes before the other two; annoying but not a deal breaker). Enjoyed the atmosphere as well.
(4)Matthew N.
I enjoyed Sweetgrass with my family shortly after it opened. The food isn't "fast coming" but it is worth it. They do a great job with shrimp and breakfast style foods.
(4)Ryan M.
Great bartender. Good, fresh food. Had to wait over an hour for a table on Friday night.
(4)Kyle S.
Went last night, great food! Pork osso bucco was as good as it gets and shrimp and grits was delicious. Service was still working out some kinks but not bad. Cool atmosphere and love the uniformly priced wines. We'll be back!
(4)Roland D.
Delicious New American Southern.
(5)Daniel J.
So tasty! Great atmosphere. Wish we'd come in when it was busier!
(5)Patrick G.
Besides a generic space and slightly slow service, our meal at Sweet Grass was excellent! We were visiting Memphis for just a night and wanted to check out Cooper-Young. Sweet Grass was the perfect introduction to Memphis with friendy staff and delicious Southern cuisine. The food is a bit pricey, but the cocktails and wine are quite reasonable. We enjoyed the goat cheese croutons, shrimp & grits and mint juleps. We were too full for desert, which is a good sign, I think!
(4)Tiffany C.
One of the best meals and restaurants I've been to in a while. I love the decor, the service was stellar, but moreover, I loved the food! I enjoyed the shrimp, andouille, and grits and my companion got a fabulous fried egg sandwich (brunch). My server was thoughtful enough to offer a spoon and some cornbread to go with the brothy heaven that encompassed my creamy grits, shrimp, and sausage. I about had a Meg Ryan moment right there at the table. Seriously. My companion raved about their dish, but it had runny egg on it, which I don't do, so I will take him at his word. We both agreed that they make the best Bloody Mary in town and we can not WAIT to come back and dine with them again!!
(5)Brian W.
Great food, cool atmosphere! The Pork Osso Bucco and Shrimp and Grits were excellent. This will be where we take all of our out of town friends!
(4)Scott L.
Had a fantastic evening with friends here. Wait staff was very helpful. Ever present but not hovering. Entree selection was good - varied, without providing so many choices that you suffer menu paralysis. I had a yellowfin tuna, seared, topped with flash fried oysters. Tuna was cooked just right not overdone as often happens. The sauce was fabulous - just not enough of it (small complaint). The Butcher Board appetizer was delightful with lots of choices to mix and match. Definitely would go back.
(4)Lisa M J.
Nice addition to the Cooper-Young area. Food is reasonably priced as are wines/cocktails. Well seasoned Southern / Carolina cuisine. Dining room is okay, wait staff are always a bit aloof and uninterested (kind of robotic). I have been for both lunch & dinner and think that the food/menu at dinner has better execution. Consistent, inexpensive, upscale casual.
(4)Mike G.
I was excited to try Sweet Grass since I lived in Charleston SC where Sweet Grass draws it's inspiration. Apparently the chief went to Johnson and Wales when the school was still located in Charleston (it moved a couple of years ago to Charlotte). The wife and I went without a reservation on a Friday night but were still able to get a table since she wanted to sit outside. Our waiter seemed sort of distracted easily and forgot my beer at one point. This was the only negative part of my experience. The food was fantastic. I had the duck and the wife had the veggie medley. I plan on going back to try lunch soon!
(4)Jonathan J.
Really nice menu, especially if you can get in during lunch on Fridays, the only day they are open for lunch, that I am aware. Lots of fresh options with inventive flare, such as the hacked crispy duck hash with a creamy poached egg and red peppers. Nice wine list, also, and great service, as I would anticipate somewhere in Cooper Young but rarely find.
(4)Brian B.
I've only been here once, but really enjoyed the atmosphere and my meal. Has a clean modern vibe to the place.
(4)John S.
This is our favorite place to eat in Memphis. Since they have opened, we have eaten at Sweet Grass nearly a dozen times and LOVE it each time. The shrimp and grits are out of this world as is the osso bucco. The staff is great, the food is wonderful. Can never go wrong with Sweet Grass!
(5)Myia B.
I was in Charleston not too long ago and still had an oyster itch. I did a quick Yelp search and came across Sweet Grass (NEXT DOOR) and instantly liked the low country feel of the website and menu. I was beyond stoked...I was going to hopefully get myself some deliciously fresh oysters and soon! Me and the bestie arrived and noticed that there were two doors (one on your left and one on your right). We remembered driving past and seeing a crowd through the front window of one of the doors but we couldn't recall which one. We blindly called it and chose the door on the left. Upon entering we stood for a moment or two waiting on the hostess to come forward and acknowledge us. I instantly noticed the slightly stiff vibe of the place. The hostess didn't help. Although she smiled, she seemed surprised to see us perhaps? In addition, the smile seemingly required some effort? We were seated and looked around to notice that maybe others were surprised to see us as well? Maybe it was just our perceptions, but I live and dine/fine dine/play/let lose in Dallas and I never notice when I'm a minority in the room...only when my friends/family from Memphis are in town do they point it out...lets just say, I noticed in Sweet Grass...and it was not cool. Atmosphere aside, I began to ponder over the menu, looking for my beloved oysters. I then noticed that the menu online and the menu in my hands were totally different. There were no oysters. It took a moment for me to realize but I eventually figured out that we probably should have selected the door to the right. I pulled out my iPhone and did a quick Yelp search; I discovered that I was sitting in Sweet Grass, and the website and menu that I'd drooled over online - the one with oysters on the half shell, did indeed belong to door number 2 - Sweet Grass NEXT DOOR. I almost suggested we exit stage left so that I could get my oysters and fried green tomato BLT from next door but hesitated to look over the menu. After a minute or two, me and the GF decided to stay and give some of the menu options a whirl. Up first - the oyster stew (had to get my oysters somehow). It was delicious. No seriously, this was a tie with a TDB Churrascaria's lobster bisque as the best soup I've had. This soup was amaze-craze. The bacon was omg. The texture - perfect chew, crisp, fat ratio...grrrrrrrrr (yes I growled). The creaminess of the soup...perfect-o. There was one or two whole oysters in the dish (no popped bellies!). I want it again. My GF ordered a beet salad minus the beets and found it to be very very good. We were totally feeling our decision to stay put at this point and looking forward to dinner. Dinner: she ordered a pulled pork and baked beans dish while I opted for either halibut or salmon (can't remember honestly) with asparagus and something else. Me not remembering (despite the visit being very recent) probably says it all...it was blah. The asparagus was perfectly cooked and delicious. I do remember saying that I was going to have to try my hand at steaming asparagus at home as opposed to only ordering it out. The baked beans were a total miss too although I think my buddy was happier with the pulled pork. I sipped on a Honey Badger that both of us found darn tasty (I should have ordered another). My friend tried the Long Tall and found the Honey Badger was better. We passed on dessert. Would I return? Only for that darn oyster soup. I would not be enticed by the upscale fare or the atmosphere though. Sorry guys.
(2)B T.
Such a wonderful restaurant- amazing food and a great atmosphere! I hosted a Bridesmaids Brunch here, and it was literally perfect. The Sweet Grass team is incredibly helpful and friendly. The food and service were excellent! Chef Trimm and the manager Johnny made planning effortless with their genius suggestions, and I literally would not have changed a single thing. The location was also perfect for guests who were local as well as those visiting from out of town and wanting to view some sites before or after our brunch. I do not know of another Memphis restaurant that can compare to this restaurant's food and service quality for such a reasonable price. I would highly recommend Sweet Grass as a location for a private dining experience or just as a great restaurant to go and enjoy a fantastic meal! Each experience here has been even better than the last.
(5)Benjamin O.
One of the best restaurants in Memphis. Sweet Grass is a high end spin on southern comfort foods. They have the best shrimp and grits I've EVER had. The deserts are decadent and massive. The staff is always attentive, professional, and helpful with the menu suggestions. The decor is nice without being too gaudy. Everyone should enjoy this place at least once, but know that you'll probably not stop at just once!
(5)Viet T.
Drinks are pricey, doesn't really have too much of an atmosphere or maybe its because it was 1 on a sunday. I had biscuits and gravy. Sausage gravy was phenomenal, biscuits were just okay, dry. My brother had the Sweet grass breakfast which was just okay, really great jam. Good brunch spot and perhaps after hours drinks... or preferably next door as it's cheaper. OH. And even though I was wearing a tank top service could have been a bit warmer.
(3)Joelle P.
Everyone loves Sweet Grass. Everyone talks about how amazing Sweet Grass is. Their favorite meals are at Sweet Grass. I guess I'm just not one of those people. I don't "get" it. I have never had one meal there that I thought was just incredible...the best I've ever had. I had the shrimp and grits plate last night. I was assured I would fall in love...while the grits were fantastic, everything else on the plate was so so. And that is kinda how the rest of my meals have been there...all 8 times I've been. Of course I am going to go back. It is certainly not bad, but I apparently don't have the same taste buds that everyone else does. I haven't been wowed. But this is the cool place to go and I'm a sucker for convenience (excellent location).
(3)Daniel M.
Right in the heart of Cooper Young area where there are so many choices for great food, Sweet Grass stands out as some of the best original dishes. I had the Low Country Shrimp and Grits and my wife had the Stuffed Portabella Mushroom with Chicken. Quote from my wife "The Sweet Grass chef needs to be on Chopped." Seriously fantastic food in a great location for people watching from the patio. It is a little pricey and you may want to save it for a special occasion, however. Two drinks and two plates was around $70. But I'm not complaining at all. Worth it.
(5)Christina S.
Sweet Grass is a cute little bistro in the Cooper Young area of Memphis. Small, and seats about 8-10 at the bar with about 10-12 4 tops and 6-8 2 tops in the restaurant. They seem to do a pretty good business (lots of raves and lots of people) - so, you might want to make reservations (Open Table - get your points!) or choose your dining time appropriately. We were there around 6:00 on a Saturday evening, and the place was getting packed by 7:00. Our dining experience was good. Not great, but good. We were guests, so I wasn't going to complain, plus I was more into the folks we were eating with than anything else! Our table started with the Deep Dish Sour Cream Apple Pie ($9) with Honey Bourbon sauce. Well, I SHOULD say, that the young lady at our table ordered that for dinner - she did share with Mr SS9 and I got a good little taste. If you go for nothing else, go to Sweet Grass for a slice of this pie! It's heavenly!! The adults at the table started with the carpaccio ($11) - it was served with a nice, but very simple dijon-mayo (dijonaise for your high browed folks), pecorino, pickled okra and sourdough toast points. It was good, but not memorable. The meat itself is from a local (Covington, TN) farm, was very nice and it was correctly sliced. The mustard sauce left a lot to be desired. They could remedy this one very quickly (note to proprietor/chef). We chose not to have salads as we had an engagement that we needed to get to by 7:00 across the street. Our mains were all very creative, good, but not fabulous: Grilled Portobello Mushroom veggie plate that had eggplant, squash, zucchini, goat cheese "croutons" (fried goat cheese), and pecorino ($15). When our waitperson said to me "Add chicken to that." (not a question) and I said, "no thank you", I was met with this strange "ok. Whatever (disgusted)" look. Very disturbing. The dish itself was good - not great - they executed well on the one veggie dish they had. A lot of restaurants don't even TRY for a vegetarian option - they have one at Sweet Grass, and it's palatable. One of our hosts ordered the Shrimp and Grits ($26). Since I'm used to Chris Hastings' S&Gs, I would have been disappointed had this been my dish. I have never seen a brown sauce with S&Gs before, and while there were a couple of shrimp, there were twice as many scallops, and it was served with sweet cornbread (CORNBREAD should not be SWEET!) I don't think this was a fave of the table. The other dish was the Grilled Duck Breast ($26) with a confit leg - YUM. This is a heavy dish and a LOT of food - go hungry if you're planning on the duck. The wine selection was average. Their premium selection DOES have one of my favorite wineries ever, Chase Cellars. This is really interesting because Chase is definitely not mainstream - very small production. if they have something as fab as Chase on the list, they should have a more extensive list than they do. The service was rather disappointing. Yes, this is a bistro, but I would have expected better service. Our waitstaff person did not want to be at work Saturday night, clearly. If you can overlook that shortcoming, try this place out. They have room to grow, but it's solid!
(3)Andy S.
My brother and I took my parents here for brunch for their birthday. My aunt, uncle and cousin also joined. My dad had the burger. He proclaimed it pretty much the best burger that he had ever had. He added a fried egg to it. My mom ordered the French toast. I must say the strawberry butter is to die for. I had a traditional bacon and eggs. My meal was fine. My aunt had the chicken and waffle and she enjoyed her meal. Everyone really enjoyed their meal. I wish I had been more exciting in my choice and ordered something different.
(4)Mike J.
Went with friends before the theatre at Playhouse. Really good food, good drinks, great service. The ambiance is nice, but I found the tables a bit small and packed together a bit on the tight side. My friend had the pork chop and that looked marvelous, and he said it was good too. The desserts were very good and very well presented. I had the Carrot Cake and PD had the Chocolate PB Pie both were excellent. My only reservation was I had the beef cheeks and I was very underwhelmed. It seemed to be mostly fat with hardly any meat.
(4)Kat G.
I don't know if I've been spoiled by the cuisine of New Orleans and have accordingly become a food snob, if the people of Memphis are so used to mediocre food that they truly think this place is deserving of it's high rating, or if it was just a really off night, but for whatever reason, this place was not good. Not Good. In fact, the only reason this got two stars was because I liked my cocktail, my husband liked his (obscenely large serving of) creme brulee, and our server was nice. Everything, drink and dessert notwithstanding, was WAY too complicated. Our steaks - hanger and ribeye - were both swimming in a too-heavy demi-glace (nothing 'demi' about it - thick, syrupy, overly-sweetened and lacking depth), the charcuterie was sad, the mashed potatoes were pasty, the dirty brussels sprouts were cacophanous (loads of bleu cheese, and walnuts, and almonds, and bacon, and that effing demi-glace) and a third of my hanger steak was inedible sinew. It's not hard: good ingredients, simple recipes. That's it. Food doesn't have to be loud to be unique or creative, and if your meals are disharmonious and screaming, it distracts from their potential and negates the point. Unless the point is to suck, then it hits it spot-on. Also, side note, the menu listed on Open Table is incorrect... most of the stuff isn't available on an all-day basis.
(2)Jessica T.
Wow! This place is nice. Went here for an appetizer and drinks, and the eggplant tower was amazing. Nice atmosphere and great service. Definitely on the pricey side, but a good place for a date night or a nice dinner with friends. And once you're done eating you can mosey over to Next Door or any of the many other bars in Cooper Young to continue the fun.
(4)Carmilia J.
Best eggs Benedict and crawfish ever! Don't miss the shrimp and grits either! Why bother with trying to beat the tourist crowds in downtown Memphis, if you can hop over to Cooper-Young. Sweet Grass hits the spot with Sunday brunch!
(5)Shira S.
The service was excellent. Ambiance lovely. Cornbread with butter insanely good. However, I ordered the mahi mahi. I've never eaten fish So disgusting. Assumed it was spoiled. Sent back. Chef said that is how it should taste. Fortunately I did not get sick from the one bite. They did not bill me for it which was nice. My friend loved her dish, the shrimp and grits. I might return to try it one more time bc maybe that one dish was unusual.
(2)Wyn B.
Shrimp and grits is phenomenal. We sat outside on the patio which only had 3 tables but is perfect if you have a small party. Wait staff was extremely friendly. There was a small fly problem outside which was the the only bad part. - I travel the country for work and eat out 3 times per week.
(5)Greg H.
Sweet Grass is a Cooper-Young gem. The menu offers a truly unique selection of Southern tastes...with a strong focus on local grown. An excellent liquor selection, creative cocktails, wines complementing the menu, an attentive staff and a pleasant atmosphere. Welcome to the epicenter of Cooper-Young, y'all.
(5)Raymond B.
I've had brunch here a couple of times. Let's run it down... The positives... - Great menu, with some eclectic and unique dishes to choose from - Quality food... consistently good, and they are always happy to 'make it right' if its not - Laid back atmosphere, relatively quiet, and casual on the weekend mornings - A bar to sit at... which is always my preference The negatives... - Not sure yet... something about it says "Not 5 stars"... ... yet - I should try dinner there... that negative is on my I guess - On my duck confit hash one of the 'over easy eggs' was slightly over cooked? maybe? once? Clearly I like this place, and if you're looking for a brunch location, go do it... and if you think it's 5 stars, I clearly am leaning in that direction too.
(4)Jody W.
As a yankee with family in Memphis, I was thrilled to check out the "low country fusion" choices of Sweet Grass this past weekend. There are so many interesting things on the menu - it was pretty hard to make a decision. Thankfully, I was with a giant group of people and was able to try a bunch of stuff (and got opinions from my family members). The cornbread is outstanding - I could have buzz-sawed through the entire basket myself (but I did share...sigh). I had the beet carpaccio (yes - beets!) - which are served with fried oysters. The oysters were perfect - not greasy at all - moist and delicious. I was looking for a healthy side dish - so I eyeballed the "dirty broccoli". If you like broccoli....but also like bacon, blue cheese and walnuts - give that a try! Healthy? Not really. Delicious? Ummm...yea. Several people at the table got the shrimp and grits - I was lucky to polish off someone's leftovers (we're all family, right?). This dish was absolutely a winner - very rich, savory and decadent. A few people got salads and the beef carpaccio - which I didn't try - but everyone was raving about. If you're less adventurous or you are dining with children, they have burgers, steaks and chicken fingers (which made a couple of the adults very happy). Since we were a large group, we tried almost every dessert on the menu. Lots of people were excited about the peanut butter and chocolate pie (which I didn't try as I have a strange aversion to peanut butter....don't judge...just never liked it in any form). They have this insanely delicious version of apple pie - served with some kind of honey ice cream....never had anything quite like it. Big time winner. I had key lime pie which was the real deal and I tasted the creme brûlée - awesome. Next time I'm in Memphis, I'm definitely going back. The only issue we had was parking - it was a Friday night and it's kinda tough in that area.
(5)Craig K.
Fantastic meal . Pork belly a must . Outstanding. A must in Memphis. Our daughter goes to college at Rhodes. We are Philadelphia quality comparing.
(5)Stephanie C.
Love love love Sweet Grass. It's one of my favorite spots for Sunday brunch. Everything I've ever ordered her has been delicious. We went in without having reservations for Mother's Day, and ended up sitting at the bar because all of the tables were full. The bartender is a DOLL! I'm going to sit there from now on. She pours the mimosas just like I like them - almost all champagne with a splash of OJ. You can't go wrong at Sweet Grass. Try a bite of everything you can get your hands on.
(5)Joani E.
Went with a group for first time on a Friday night. Had a late reservation, so started in Next Door (same folks, just "next door"!). The friend sitting next to me had a Long Tall Cooler cocktail, which she gushed about, not too sweet, refreshing. Service was a little lacking - waitress asks IF we want water with cocktails instead of just bringing it (yet someone else then brought those of us that said, "no, that's ok" water...). She seemed almost antagonistic, to me. Then we head next door to Sweet Grass. The service was great there, the waitress could answer all questions we had for her, was attentive, and overall it was one of the best timed group meals I've had in town. The food was a mixed bag. The Gazpacho could have used some spice, but was still pure summer in a bowl. I heard positive reviews of the Arugula Salad, as well. My scallops were to die for, perfectly seared, with buttery texture - with over cooked asparagus. My neighbors chose the duck and found the sauce overly sweet, and the remainder unexceptional - other than the asparagus, which was perfect - go figure.
(3)Vim I.
I love the intimate and cozy environment of Sweet Grass. The menu is a love letter to southern food. There are traditional staples like Shrimp & Grits and some not so traditional dishes. You can't go wrong with Shrimp & Grits--that's a five star dish in my opinion. On my most recent visit, I tried the Catfish Roulade with shitake/basil sauce off the special menu which was pretty good. One thing I was extremely pleased with was the Oyster Stew. After hearing how great it was from fellow Yelpers, I had to try it. I'm not a huge oyster fan but this stew was creamy and had the perfect amount of salty bite from the bacon. I also had the Sweet Grass Cocktail made with Pimms and it was a refreshing way to start off the night. We had a great waiter, and even Chef Ryan Trimm paid us a visit at the end of the night--he was very sweet and welcoming.
(4)Nathan P.
I was pretty disappointed with Sweet Grass. The service (Nicole) was great, and they have Delirium Tremens on tap (Great Beer), but we all go to a restaurant ultimately for the food. That's where Sweet Grass fell short. My wife ordered the Shrimp and Grits, which was pretty good, but not up to snuff with true Low Country fav's like S.N.O.B, Husk, Page's Okra Grille, or most any other restaurant in Charleston. I ordered the Jambalaya.... and I wished I hadn't. It was completely bland, which amazed me when I saw the ingredient list. Don't waste your time or money here.
(2)Erin L.
Made a reservation here on a whim and am very glad I did. Nice atmosphere, super friendly and attentive waitstaff. Their menu is a bit small but they have rotating specials and a lot of al a carte options. I had a beet and goat cheese salad to start, and my boyfriend and I shared the duck breast entree. The duck was phenomenal and perfectly cooked. They also have a great cocktail list and bring cornbread to the table instead of your average bread selection. I plan on returning again soon.
(5)Lisa S.
So I figured getting the farmer's platter at a farm to table type restaurant would be a good idea but I was mistaken. There were 3 veggie dishes on the platter. One of which was the corn which was very bland and not sweet at all. To be honest, it was more like seasoned feed corn. The seasoned peppers and eggplant were okay. Others at the table got the shrimp and grits and crab cakes (only came with 2 small cakes) but their meals were better. Overall, good not great.
(3)Olivia F.
I've been remiss in my Yelping. I have a year of reviews to post so sit back, I'm just getting started. This is my 'go to place'. I live in the neighborhood so on a walkable scale they start with a 7. Drinks are consistent and the staff is polite although they tend to be at your elbow. It's a mild jab only because this is my 'first date' place so I go there to stare into my guys eyes and hold his hand (all that goopy stuff) and the server's attention, though normally would be stellar, is a distraction.
(4)HH P.
A fail in all but the food. We arrived only to wait at the desk for several minutes for anyone to notice. Despite the empty tables and our pre-existing reservation we were sat next to the hostess stand rather than the empty table next to us which meant we could reach over and replenish our silverware ourselves and be privy to the hostess's plans for the next evening. Our drink orders to too long to fill especially given there was no one else there. My Sazerac wasn't rye colored but bitters colored and way too sweet, an especial disappointment given that I'd had the drink there before. Bread failed to appear until our sever noticed that another server had taken some to her table, several minutes after our appetizer arrived. But the worst was the fact that the glasses of wine we had ordered to come with our dinner were not poured until more than 5 minutes after our dinner arrived at our table and only after we had spoken to the server twice after the food arrived. We spoke to the manager who was doubling as waiter, but nothing was offered other than it's you server's first shift. Well he needs to be shadowing someone then because he is not ready. Even after speaking to the manager the waiter left plates on the table that the hostess bussed. The food was delicious, but If I'm going to spend $100 for two people I'm not going to a restaurant with this level of "care" for its patrons.
(2)Brad C.
It pains me to write this but Sweetgrass is no longer the Cooper-Young darling it used to be. As an enthusiast of the neighborhood, I formerly championed this gem. Came back for dinner last night and ended up with poor service, a soggy crab cake and a wildly overpriced tab. Head down Cooper a mile and hit Iris for far better quality, food and service.
(2)Nathan S.
After hearing so many great things about Sweet Grass, I knew I had to get in there soon. OH MY GOODNESS WHY DID I WAIT? The atmosphere is great. The servers are intelligent. The food is absolutely outstanding. The drinks are absolutely outstanding. Their menu consists of small, medium, and large plates, so it's perfect no matter how hungry you are. The lovely woman who actually appears to enjoy my company (even when she's sober) ordered gazpacho as a starter. I don't really enjoy cold soups, but I sampled it and it was just the right balance of vegetables - it made me rethink my aversion. I ordered the duck - it came as a grilled duck breast and a confit duck leg, with asparagus and a mystery side dish (the menu said it comes with a butternut squash flan, but it was heavy on onions and looked like a garlic mash). It was all delicious. If we hadn't been celebrating the lady's birthday, I would have licked my plate clean and danced a little. The duck was delicious, much more tender than I've ever had anywhere else, and the plum glaze on the meat is just brilliant. My companion ordered the shrimp and grits. Friends, I now know what my last meal will be. The dish comes with shrimp, scallops, local ham, local grits, and housemade sausage. The sausage is incredibly tasty, and made me regret not ordering their smoked meat appetizer. The whole meal has just the right balance of sweet, savory, and salty; it really makes you appreciate how honest, simple ingredients prepared correctly can elevate a meal. We shared their take on apple pie for dessert. DELICIOUS. By this point I wanted to cry for all the lost years of my life that I hadn't eaten at Sweet Grass. We ordered some gazpacho to go and enjoyed the rest of our night. Be warned, their menu posted online doesn't keep up with what's actually available, since they typically use seasonal ingredients. I was relieved to not find heavy winter tastes in the middle of May. Plus, Sweet Grass is a Project Green Fork affiliated restaurant, so you can feel good knowing you're contributing to a green restaurant. If you're still reading this, someone has already made a reservation that could have been yours, and you just missed out. Pick up the phone now. NOW.
(5)Art C.
We moved from Memphis to Birmingham in May, and I'm currently looking up Date Night options for this evening. Doing so made me realize how much I miss Sweet Grass Next Door--the upscale Sports Bar in the same building as Sweet Grass. The food was always stellar, one of our neighbors was the bartender, and we couldn't have asked for more by way of a great dinner at a moderate price. If you live in Memphis, this place is definitely worth a try.
(5)Michael F.
Had a really enjoyable meal here. Service was a little uneven (They brought me an unordered scotch, then took it away before I could decide to take it anyway.) Modern, clean and competent enough to compete in any big restaurant city. Menu is kept very seasonal. I'm easily won by grits, and they were good here. I can mostly speak to the red meaty things here, which they handled very well, but judging by the plates going around they didn't misstep on much. Menu descriptions are straightforward, most plates are dressed up versions of classic food. One of the highlights from my trip to Memphis.
(4)Erica B.
Really, the only thing that needs to be said about Sweet Grass is- brunch and Crab Cake Benedict. I'll go on- but only because a place with brunch this delicious deserves as much street cred as possible. Seriously folks- this meal blew me away. Two fried green tomatoes, each topped with a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. A large crab cake topped with mango chutney salsa, flanked by broccolini on the side. The fried green tomatoes had a bit of a kick to them, but were crunchy enough to stand up to all the food piled on top. The crab cake melted in my mouth. Taking a forkful of each made for the perfect bite. I cleaned my plate and could have ordered another it was that good. The only thing that would have made it better was had I been able to order one of their house infused vodka Bloody Marys. My husband's had olives and dilly beans swimming throughout and so much flavoring you could actually see the seasonings floating in the liquid tomatoey goodness. My mom ordered the fried green tomato BLT and raved with each and every bite. It is served with homemade chips and ranch dressing. I took a gander around at the other patron's orders. I spotted the banana bread french toast and had to keep myself glued to my seat not to go ask the dude for a bite. I also saw the grilled portabella- vegetarian plate which was loaded with veggies piled on top of veggies. It looked amazing as well. I will definitely be back here for brunch frequently. This might be the best spot I've discovered thus far in Memphis for my favorite meal of the day. I know it will only be that much better when I can partake in a little alcohol with the aforementioned meal.
(5)Deen W.
Sweet Grass has become somewhat of a tradition in our household. At least once a month, we make the long (okay, 15 minute) trek to midtown to enjoy what just may be the best brunch in Memphis. For starters, they make one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had. They infuse the vodka themselves with onions, peppers, the WORKS. The BF, inevitably, orders the Donnell Farm Egg Sandwich. It's like his most favorite restaurant item ever. Think a club, but better. The pickles are made in house (yes, in house) and the yolk just kind of oozes over the sandwich, harmonizing perfectly with all the other ingredients. My daughter, a fruit NUT, always gets the fruit plate. Me? My most favorite item is their signature shrimp & grits. It is utter heaven in a bowl. I have ventured away, though, to be fair (and at Chef Ryan's urging) and tried other menu items such as the duck confit hash and the crab cakes benedict. Both were stellar. I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to order a bad meal here. And if you come in for dinner, get the grilled yellowfin tuna with the fried oysters. Out of this world.
(5)Daemon W.
It has a homey feel, which is what the owners wanted because the restaurant is actually a large dining room. The tables are a little too close together and the food, for the most part, is average. It's a nice place to take a date if you don't want any frills and you don't want to spend a whole lot of money.
(3)A L.
Fried chicken waffles fried green tomato blt, muscles and crab. gourmet quality hooked
(5)