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Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis, TN

Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town

4.2
4.2
2509 Reviews
$31 to $50
Global, International
Top Tags:
Combine guests’ favorite recipes of 46 years as a revered Memphis dining establishment with extraordinary chef-created offerings, and you have the popular, award-winning Paulette’s Restaurant.

Paulette's superb food, professional service, and warm atmosphere are consistent and unsurpassed. Tender steaks, fresh fish, Sunday Brunch, hot popovers with strawberry butter, and amazing desserts have afforded the restaurant national fame. As one food critic put it, “Paulette’s is a Memphis institution and for a very good reason.”

Paulette’s is known as Memphis’ most charming and attractive restaurant with an unparalleled ambiance and the most appealing river setting. It blends beautifully into the scenic, much acclaimed, planned community of Harbor Town. It’s accessible by way of oak tree lined North Parkway, which continues past the Pyramid and over the Willis Bridge spanning the Wolf River Inlet.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Contemporary French / American, International
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (901) 260-3300
  • Website
    http://paulettes.net/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party facilities
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party contact
    Katie Ogden: (901) 260-3333 ext. 2105
  • Location
    50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Island Drive
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Entertainment
    Before & after dinner, you can enjoy the cozy setting & hospitality of the LITTLE BAR, relax in front of the lobby's wood-burning fireplace set in an 1850s era New Orleans mantel and listen to the live piano music or the roof terrace with the best view in Town of the river. An extensive & carefully selected wine list is overseen by our Restaurant Manager.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 2,509 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Memphis / West Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • Memphis

    Great for scenic views

2,509 Reviews

  1. KeithP

    Memphis/West TN

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This is a consistently great restaurant. Ambiance is great. Food is always delicious. It’s a great choice every time.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here…loved the atmosphere and food was perfect. Shrimp and grits and popovers were scrumptious!

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  3. LovesFilets

    Memphis/West TN

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Food and Service as always. One of my family's favorite places to eat.

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  4. MareP

    Nashville

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    We went for the Thanksgiving meal. First course, crabcakes, they were served at room temperature, they were disappointing, not hot, definitely not cooked to order.  Second course supposedly hand carved turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and green beans.  The stuffing was really salty and dry. I could not eat it. It was also room temperature and I was wondering if I was going to get sick from it because God knows how long it had been sitting back there growing bacterium. The turkey… I was really wondering if it might've just been sliced lunchmeat from a deli, it was the weirdest piece of turkey I've ever had in my whole entire life. It was thin and crumbled up like dog food. I truly thought perhaps I had been served scraps. The green beans might've been ok had they not been served with red pepper or pimento, idk what it was. Those two things don't really go together. The sweet potatoes were super delicious but the best thing of all was the desert. I got the chocolate mousse cake and it was absolute perfection. I would go back just for that. But since you asked, the bathroom was neglected. There were no paper towels, there was no toilet paper 😱 and I was really not expecting that from a super nice restaurant like Paulette's.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    This was my first time dining at Paulette’s, and my expectations were not met as the restaurant atmosphere and decor are in for a much needed refresh! We were seated at a booth that was in much need of replacement! The booth cushions were so sunken in., causing discomfort. Allen was our server and he was fairly pleasant, not worth the 20% included gratuity, I would have given 15%…but I understand the sacrifice of working on the holiday. Lastly, the quality of the food was overall good but lacked the presentation appeal for the price. Overall I would rate this restaurant a 2star.⭐️

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  6. LindaW

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our server was friendly, efficient, and she was helpful with the wine selection.

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  7. David

    Little Rock

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was a delightful Thanksgiving dinner. No rush. The limited menu was perfect for our party. The service was particularly good.

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  8. LisaH

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Fun lunch with our granddaughter. The server was extremely attentive, accommodating and very sweet. The food was moderately good (Salad was excellent) but would have been much better if it was only hot. Our entrees were lukewarm when they reached us (and we were the first table in the restaurant). I would go back. Paulette’s is still a lovely restaurant with a big Memphis history.

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  9. JulieG

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Never expected to be the only people in the restaurant at noon on Thursday. That was very strange. The only employee in the restaurant was a waiter who was missing most of the time. Had to go look for him when we needed something. Is the restaurant closing? Julie Greenberg 2193 Woodruff Drive Germantown TN 38138

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  10. Gabriel

    Memphis/West TN

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Great Monday night special for myself and my bf got the Paulette’s steak. It was rather small than expected but flavor was great. He was still hungry after the entire, as the side of potatoes wasn’t really a side but more of a design element to the steak. The popovers were amazing! Great salad choices and soup, our waitress was okay, I think she had many tables and she didn’t come by our table as much as other 5 star dining restaurants, I’m glad we came here bc I would come back for a casual dining but wouldn’t come here for a bday or special occasion given the portion size of steak and mediocre service. Great option for the $23.95 monday menu!!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience. Great food! Terrific service!

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  12. ReginiaQ

    Memphis/West TN

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    I was very disappointed in the fact that they waited until we got there ; 2 parties of 6 to make the declaration that only 2 credit cards could be used for each table..While the manager did bill us each separately after I objected... I thought it very unprofessional to have not had the information upfront.. Reservations were made June 22...so they had plenty of time to make me aware of the billing details. Probably won't ever go back!!!

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  13. JMK24

    Memphis/West TN

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Food was good but the Paulette’s I remember. Didn’t help they were out of the lamb chops and stuff mushrooms but logistics these days can make or break a restaurant experience. Menu was not impressive.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a fabulous dinner with friends and a beautiful sunset upstairs first. Great service from Anastasia! We will come back soon.

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  15. claudia

    Tallahassee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The popovers were steaming hot, the filet perfect, the mushroom/crab appetizer was wonderful and the salad had a walnut encrusted goat cheese that was so yummy. overall the dinner was lovely, along with the pianist playing live in the background.

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  16. ShaB

    Cancun

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful and our server, Sarah, went over and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of. Will definitely be back next time we are in Memphis. It was well worth the money

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  17. RichardB

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Two brides maid shower were taking place and was noisy at times in main restaurant area. The doors should probably have been shut to the event room. Service was good, but a little slower than normal due to showers and kitchen volume serving 2 large crowds. The food was excellent as normal.

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  18. JeffH

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Although we could not have asked for a better experience, we would have chosen a booth for our anniversary dinner. We were placed at a table, where you seemed to be apart of the conversation from other guests seated around us.

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  19. SheilaW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    The food was good. Great atmosphere. Service was underwhelming.

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  20. WillG

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Awesome. Wonderful staff. Perfect dinner and drinks

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Mobile

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We had a wonderful server, Ty! We tried the goat cheese and onion tart which was divine, the filet, and the lamb chops. Great experience overall!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend this place for great service and wonderful food

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  23. DeniseB

    Memphis/West TN

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Pleasant, private and quiet atmosphere made conversation easy.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    The hostess was rude and condescending, trying to seat me in a place out of the way. She didn’t want to seat meat at at table by the window, making excuses and took at least 25 minutes to prepare a table that was already clean. I went to the restroom and came back and was still waiting. I walked to the hostess and asked why my wife and I had not been seated. See rudely say, “I was getting the table ready.” Didn’t start until I approached her. Waiter was excellent!!! This is a place that I visited a few times a year and spend the night. You figure.

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  25. GiseleP

    Oklahoma City

    19 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Terribly disappointed. Four of the six tables in our dining area complained. Felt sorry for the poor waitress.

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  26. Noname

    Memphis/West TN

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience3
    After we arrived we were informed that one of the advertised specials had sold out the night before and was not available. It took over 50 minutes to get our food and it wasn’t up to par. The manager did comp us our meal. Our server was very gracious and competent so no complaints there. They have some challenges they need to work on.

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  27. luv2dine

    Nashville

    69 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Food was average. The breakfast ham was too salty.

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  28. Bookwoman

    Memphis/West TN

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Our reservation was for brunch at 11 a.m. on a Sunday. When we arrived, we were seated immediately, but the server did not come for our drink orders for quite a while. The service was not quite what I expect from Paulette's. It was slow and sort of haphazard. There were few diners there when we arrived, but by noon or 12:30, the restaurant filled up and it became noisy and difficult to hold a conversation. I told our server that I have to eat gluten free, and he didn't seem to understand what I meant. He suggested a veggie omelet. I think he thought that I cannot eat meat.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about Paulette’s was enjoyable! The food and service was perfect. Very nice romantic place for dinner.

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  30. Latham

    Memphis/West TN

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service ,great food, prices a little higher than comparable restaurants.

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  31. Chitowndiva

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Wait time was slow with a reservation. The shrimp and grits were cold and it took over 32 minutes before the food was served. The table linens had stains and appeared unkempt. Slow service and mediocre food. Waitstaff were appeared very unhappy and not friendly.

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  32. KenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was exceptional- had the Paulette Filet. Wow! Our server, Sarah, was fantastic. Funny and engaging which made our dining experience great. Highly recommend this place - try to get Sarah as your server.

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  33. ShariB

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service with delicious meal! We enjoyed the steak and salmon, the popovers were a treat! And the KPie-Oh My! Yum! We'll be back!

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Our server, Chelsea, was great and attentive. The food, however, was poor, not enough flavor or seasoning, bland, and not worth the cost. Great location and quaint outdoor seating.

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  35. Justin

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Food was under seasoned and just okay. The prices and overall feel of the restaurant is as if they are trying to be upscale, but the food is underwhelming and overpriced. The server was attentive. We both ordered specialty drinks from their menu that were not very good. It seems as though the restaurant at one point had a great idea that lead to success but has since become complacent and do not deliver to the standard implied in their prices and ambiance.

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  36. sanyo12

    Memphis/West TN

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Greeted on arrival and seated promptly. Table was as I requested. Service was good but took a very long time to get the appetizers. Entrees and desserts arrived promptly. Like the kitchen was initially backed up. Sadly, very little French influence remains on the menu offerings.

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  37. BML2013

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Not worth it. It took us over 2 hours to get our food and was just okay. We had a reservation at 6:15 and did not leave till 8:40. They were not even busy so not sure what the issue was. A table came in after us and was having dessert before we got our entrees which we had to ask for. My husband had to tell them we had been waiting 2 hours and still had not received our kid's noodles yet, and all we had was a cheese plate which also took forever to get sent out. Our waitress was nice and apologized for the long wait. When we finally got our steaks they were mediocre, and not worth $48. The manager didn't even come and talk to us to apologize. I used to really like this restaurant but will probably not be back.

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  38. maggiefi

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I had been to Paulette's a week earlier and had a better experience: a more attentive server and popovers just out of the oven. Yesterday, the service was slow and the food was fine, but not great. Not sure what was going on, but it was kind of disappointing.

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  39. LovingFrench

    Memphis/West TN

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Paulette’s! The atmosphere, the food and the service is amazing!

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  40. James

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    We had a very disappointing experience at Paulette’s- revisiting it as an old favorite while staying in Memphis. On a quiet night, we arrived with a reservation to an indifferent staff- waited a long time for someone to finally seat us. The service was slow, the kitchen was inexcusably backed up and slow, and the food was mediocre at best. Gnocchi bowl was drowned in Alfredo with a few soggy vegetables floating in the sauce. Popovers were the only redeeming component of the meal. The table of 4 next to us also had a miserable experience. Not sure what has happened to this once special restaurant. Management and the chef should take note. Something is very wrong! DISAPPOINTING!!

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Safety precautions

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town using the Order Online button. Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (901) 260-3300.

Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town is rated 4.2 stars by 2509 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town

50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Island Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Contemporary French / American, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Before & after dinner, you can enjoy the cozy setting & hospitality of the LITTLE BAR, relax in front of the lobby's wood-burning fireplace set in an 1850s era New Orleans mantel and listen to the live piano music or the roof terrace with the best view in Town of the river. An extensive & carefully selected wine list is overseen by our Restaurant Manager.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://paulettes.net/
  • Phone number
    (901) 260-3300
  • Catering
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party facilities
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party contact
    Katie Ogden: (901) 260-3333 ext. 2105

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