Skip to main content

Penny’s Nitty Gritty, Memphis, TN

Penny’s Nitty Gritty

3.9

3.9

60 Reviews

$50 and over

Contemporary Southern

Top Tags:

Penny's Nitty Gritty is an upscale dining experience with some Southern flair. We want a concept that would serve the best food to my family, friends, and visitors to Memphis. We want people who come to the restaurant to have a first-class experience

This downtown restaurant in Memphis offers a modern, welcoming space where Chef Elizabeth Rodgers unites local ingredients with Southern flare. Located near the FedEx Forum, this is the ideal spot before or after an event.

Please call to request parties of 6 or more. All large parties will include a 22% service fee and no split checks.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Southern, Southern, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:30 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–12:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(901) 334-5950
Website
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/memwi-the-westin-memphis-beale-street/dining/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
We have a private space available with seating for up to 40 people. The space includes seating, patio access, a large tv, and a fireplace. Please send inquiries about us hosting your event to Cassidy.mora826@gmail.com.

Location
220 S B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN 38103
Neighborhood
Memphis
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 60 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
3.9Service
3.8Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

5
4
3
2
1

60 Reviews

B
Buffet
Memphis/West TN
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
When my guest and I arrived we waited at the front for approximately 7 minutes before the waitress came to greet us. There was what appeared to be a manger who looked at us and then looked away to finish his conversation. He never acknowledged us. When the waitress came she was nice and pleasant and asked if we were there for the buffet. I responded no we have reservations. She seated us and said that the buffet was all that was available and she proceeded to tell us about the items on the buffet and the included beverages and the cost of $45.00. I asked if we could just order off the menu and she said no because the buffet was the only food option because they were trying not to bother the kitchen staff. I asked if more options would be available later and she said no that was all for the day. My guest and I decided to leave because after not being acknowledged when we entered and being told of the lack of food options I was sure this was a place where I did not want to spend my money. I was expecting an upscale dining experience as advertised, but I was horribly disappointed.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s a very nice restaurant and the food was so amazing I got some to go as well.
Is this helpful?
A
Amber
Memphis/West TN
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The restaurant is just ok. The food was good. I went for my anniversary and there was blues playing the entire time, which is fine...but songs about cheating, lying, etc may not be the best choice for a nice romantic dinner. It is located in the Westin. The valet was $20.00 I asked if they accepted cards as payment. The valet said cash only. When I got ready to park in the nearby parking garage, he said I could pay at the front desk. Upon leaving, the front desk acted confused, but eventually took my payment, but had no way for me to tip. The place is just ok, nothing horrible, but nothing great. Going downtown, finding parking, etc was not worth the experience. I would recommend if you want an average meal and live in the area.
Is this helpful?
MQ
MaryQ
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience1
Our experience was terrible. We had reservations. We got seated promptly ordered our drinks which too 1/2 hour to come to our table only after discussion with manager. We then waited another 35-40 minutes for our dinner. One of us ordered 1/2 Salad which was very good, however, other person ordered salmon with sauce on the side it came all over salmon. It was $9.00 for a very small dish of Mac & cheese. Ridiculous!! The length of time to get drinks and dinner was insane. There also was a big party going on so noice level was excessive!! Never going back!
Is this helpful?
JC
JaquaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The collard green fondue was amazing!! Try the Sampler. The bartender and staff were courteous, friendly and professional.
Is this helpful?
LL
LynL
New Orleans
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food was decent. The greens were delicious. I ordered the appetizer wings and they were a little bland. They use cheap ranch so I didn’t enjoy the wings. If they had a homemade or buttermilk ranch that would have been better. Also the sides are $9 which is rather high. Overall, I would go back to try something else with the greens.
Is this helpful?
IL
ILoveFood
Memphis/West TN
83 reviews
vip
5.0
83 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food ordered: Crunchy tasty Caesar Salad Service was swift and efficient The vibes was cool and chill low conversation
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Great server. We loved the greens and Mac n cheese..
Is this helpful?
J
Jason
Tampa
13 reviews
vip
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
We were really excited to try out this restaurant on the Saturday before Mothers Day. Things got off to a bad start with waiting over an hour before water or drinks were served. The server mentioned they were short staffed which is understandable but destroyed the experience for us. Staff mentioned they didn’t have the fish half our group wanted and they needed to pick some up. Staff began to show up 1.5 hours into our stay which things picked up. We got our food before waters and I finally got my cocktail after reminding the waiter 3 times. The food was good for the most part but the place wasn’t that busy which seemed odd for the lack of service. Would love to come back when they have all items on the menu and the service is up to par.
Is this helpful?
AJ
AudreyJ
Memphis/West TN
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
First visit. Food was really good. Good afterwork set.
Is this helpful?
c
channie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
Our server Bre was really good.. food was just food… nothing special and not really flavorful. They had several call ins the day I visited so service was slowwwwwww.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
It took 45 minutes to get our food. My burger & fries sat in the window for pickup at least 20 minutes. Fries & burger were not hot or warm. My friend ordered the catfish with Mac and cheese and greens. It was cold. Several couples left before their food was delivered.
Is this helpful?
JD
JeffreyD
Memphis/West TN
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience3
Service was so slow. Food was not good. Will not be back.
Is this helpful?
AR
AprilR
Memphis/West TN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Second time going to restaurant, really enjoyed hanging out with mom for birthday.
Is this helpful?
KR
KystalR
Memphis/West TN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I absolutely love it here! It was the perfect place to celebrate my birthday and the host Tyrone and our server Tierany were very polite and attentive. We had the salmon, fish, pasta, and the flatbread pizzas. The yams, greens, mac and cheese and cornbread were melt in your mouth delicious! Even with the comedy show crowd, everything came out on time, fresh and hot. My guests raved on and on about their drinks, we will be back for sure!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
The catfish was so small it was more like catfish fingers not filets. The greens were not that flavorful and over cooked the bourbon glazed yams were decent but I didn’t taste any real bourbon flavor or anything special about them and the Mac and cheese was dry. Very disappointed for the price. The alcoholic drinks were just ok one friend waited over 45 minutes for one drink that he got as we were about to leave.
Is this helpful?
V
Valarie
Memphis/West TN
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our visit & the food & service was great! Will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
We had an wa see lg reservation but it still felt as if we came at a busy time. Took forever to get our steak cooked correctly and at the end of dinner, we sat waiting for another 45mins to bring a ticket or even a glass of water.
Is this helpful?
KG
KGWA
Memphis/West TN
12 reviews
1.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience3
Few bright spots: service & the bourbon glazed salmon. Poor otherwise: Quite sure the soup was Campbell's. They were out of half the wines on the list and the house cab was terrible - nice enough to comp that though. My Old Fashioned had bubbles for some reason. The sides seemed microwaved.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience1
We sat for 30 minutes before getting a drink or service.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Memphis/West TN
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience3
We arrived on time for our 5:30pm reservation, but a table was not ready. We were then escorted into the bar, but we asked to be relocated to dining room table, which we were. Only 4 other tables had guests seated, yet the ONE AND ONLY waitress working could not seem to manage them nor our table. We waited...and waited...and waited...for drinks, for food, for any and all types of service. We observed at least 3 other employees walking around but seemingly doing nothing, except prepping a 4-top table that was never seated in the 2 HOURS we were there. We saw our food in the warming station...for at least 10 minutes. Two of our 5 entrees were brought to the table, saying the 3 burgers were waiting on fries (we observed the burgers also on the warming station). They finally came, hot out of the fryer (luckily). We had to ask for the check, and again waited and waited. By this time, the other 4 tables had vacated. We were very grateful to have made such an early reservation, but STILL were late to our 7:30 event across the street. Do. Not. Recommend. ps. Charging $36 for soupy grits is shameful.
Is this helpful?
RQ
ReginiaQ
Memphis/West TN
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
While our waitress was kind, she needs to know how to mask up or take it off and she should not ASK FOR CASH TIPS because of Restrictions from her employer; she needs to take that up with management.. kind of tacky... this Restaurant is just not making the mark for me...The fried green tomatoes were BURNT.. and even though they took them off.. it was an n poor judgment that they were even served.. the presentation leaves a lot to be desired for a alleged upscale dining experience..Additionally, Penny needs to make some type of deal with the Valet parking company... because to spend top dollar for food and then have a $20 Valet parking ticket is ridiculous... This was my second and last visit..So not worth the money...Has potential, just need to level up on overall quality and presentation..
Is this helpful?
MP
MarlisaP
Memphis/West TN
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience2
Our waitress Tir-Nye was great, however the rest was mediocre. My food was good, however when my date’s food came out, one of the sides were cold. The drinks were good, but there was so much disruption coming from the food preparation area. Loud talking, profanity and just very unprofessional. There weren’t many people there when we went, and out of allll the tables in the place, we were seated at a table with ripped/torn tablecloths. The host acknowledged it, saying “I don’t know how that happened, because everything’s new here.”
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience4
What a disaster!! while the place is very nice and the server was trying hard the food was at best ok. The wait was long the wine list was depleted and our waiter while very nice lacked training as I had to show him how to pull the cork out. When making the reservation I informed them it was a special occasion but it served no purpose has they did nothing, not even a lousy candle on the red velvet cake that you can get anywhere. I’m sure it’s a fine place if you want a burger before the game but if your trying to impress then keep looking.
Is this helpful?
KD
KimD
Memphis/West TN
11 reviews
vip
1.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Not a good experience. Too much homeless traffic in the restaurant from the streets people begging for money. Food wasn't good. Some tables had no table linen. Our table had lent no center pieces just a table cover and Silverware. Not a fine dining experience for the value.
Is this helpful?
TM
TamaraM
Memphis/West TN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
I made reservations on an evening when there was two concerts and a Grizzlies game going on downtown. We were seated on time, the crowd was nice, the service was good, and the food was amazing! I definitely plan to return!
Is this helpful?
RD
RDavis
Memphis/West TN
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
The food is very good! Make sure you try the yams!! However, the service is very slow. This makes my 3rd time going and 2 of the times have been extremely slow. I don't think they are adequately staffed, especially on games days which is when I've been.
Is this helpful?
S
Sunshine
Memphis/West TN
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The overall 1st experience was pleasant and the decor was beautiful. Booking reservations online was easy. Our server Jessica was thee bomb. Jessica was very attentive and she was great with offering food suggestions. The only advice I would like to offer is there wasn’t a drink cocktail menu, and the food selections were very limited. I would have liked to see more food options. Other than that the experience was great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience5
The food was very good, but the wait time was ridiculous. We were going to the New Edition show at 7 and had a 5:00 reservation. We had to cancel our appetizer at 6:15 because it never came and the food finally came out at 6:30.
Is this helpful?
LL
LynL
New Orleans
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience3
I enjoyed 2/3 or the Sampler plate. The fried green tomatoes and the greens dip were really good. However, the chicken was overcooked.
Is this helpful?
K
Kenosha
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great selection, excellent customer service and the food was simply amazing. The Bartender did an amazing job a crafting cocktails for each person in attendance. I highly recommend Penny’s Nitty Gritty!!
Is this helpful?
CB
ChrisB
Memphis/West TN
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience4
We waited a long time for our food. I’m not sure where the delay was from the back of the house to the front of the house but we waited close to 45 minutes for breakfast food. When the food arrived, it was delicious. I don’t view the wait time as a criticism, but as an opportunity for improvement.
Is this helpful?
DU
DanielU
Memphis/West TN
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
We stopped in for dinner before a show at the Orpheum on Friday. While it was early (5:30), we were expecting it to be as busy as the rest of the restaurants in the area. I’m not sure if it is a lack of marketing, or just an off night, but we were the only ones there for the entire meal. It made the atmosphere very dry. The food was good, the waitstaff was good enough, the place looks great, but they need to figure out a way to get traffic. I go out to dinner as much for the hustle and bustle of the crowd as I do for the food and drink.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fried Fish is always a winner & the collard green dip was a pleasant surprise!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
I set reservations, however had to wait for a few at the bar. Food was good, my pork-chop was a bit tough though. Had a few drinks, a bit pricey but still good. Overall experience I’d recommend, just not highly. Maybe another do over at some point.
Is this helpful?
PJ
PrettyJenny
Noord-Holland
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
This was my second time at the restaurant. The ambiance is great (not five-star, but a cool spot to hang out). Everyone was hospitable…the Manager was working hard along with all the other team members. There must have only been one cook all night because it took such a long time to get our food. Everyone that dined there was waiting long to receive their food, so I think there was just not a lot of people working that night. They can only do so much. Understood. The food is just “sub-par.” I definitely don’t think the restaurant is catering towards a consumer audience of color because the seasoning is lacking every time I eat here. The menu needs to be revamped…..just do it….some menu items can stay (catfish and the chicken pasta is the bomb)! But, everything else needs to be reconsidered. I appreciate the hard work everyone displayed and I absolutely love the location. I definitely want this to last….it does not look like it’s headed that way if things are not changed.
Is this helpful?
TM
TierraM
Memphis/West TN
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We never got a chance to fulfill our 6:30 pm reservation. We arrived at 6:15pm and were told that it was an hour wait for individuals who made reservations. We were also told that it was an additional hour wait after being seated for any food orders due to the kitchen staff being behind. Once we were notified that our table would not the able until 7:30 pm, we were given the option to wait or to go the adjacent bar lounge. We went to the lounge only to be informed that the bar was not taking orders due to high traffic number of orders & that we would not get serviced. We were instructed to possible place an order at the nearby hotel lobby lounge area. We walked to the hotel lounge only to find an extremely long line as well. We end up cancelling our reservation. We want to try again however this experience was traumatizing especially after it was recommended.
Is this helpful?
EM
EMcB
Memphis/West TN
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience2
We had 6:15 reservations before the Chris Rock/Dave Chappelle show, which was starting at 7:30 across the street at the FedEx Forum. We were seated on time but everything went downhill from there. We ordered food, 2 salads and 2 grits around 6:30. At 7:20, we still had no food and had only been checked on once, maybe twice. Very disappointing. We had to leave without eating. Had high hopes and was really hoping for a delicious meal before the show. Hopefully this isn’t a consistent issue and the restaurant will somehow make it.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Memphis/West TN
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Kitchen may have been understaffed and not prepared for the comedy show crowd at the FedEx forum . Waited 45 minutes for food for two
Is this helpful?
CB
CourtneyB
Detroit
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
I booked a reservation for one at the bar as I was in town visiting for a comedy show that started 2 hours later. The restaurant texted and called for confirmation the day before, but when I showed up to my reservation, I was informed that the bar was open seating, no reservations. Both the bars in the restaurant were packed and there was no seating for two hours for one person with a reservation. I paid $30 to park in the attached parking just to have to leave to find accommodations elsewhere before the show. I might return as a casual diner to try the food. But if you're planning on visiting while an event is going on, I would plan to go elsewhere. You're time is not respected here!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Penny’s Nitty Gritty is rated 3.9 stars by 60 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for Penny’s Nitty Gritty

220 S B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN 38103

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Memphis
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:30 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–12:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Southern, Southern, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/memwi-the-westin-memphis-beale-street/dining/
Phone number
(901) 334-5950
Private party facilities
We have a private space available with seating for up to 40 people. The space includes seating, patio access, a large tv, and a fireplace. Please send inquiries about us hosting your event to Cassidy.mora826@gmail.com.

Discover

OpenTable

About Us
Blog
Careers
Press

More

OpenTable for iOS
OpenTable for Android
Affiliate Program
Contact Us

Our sites

Businesses

Restaurant reservation software
Industry insights
Hospitality resources
Marketing resources
Operation resources
How to open a restaurant
For restaurants
For restaurant groups

Join us on

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Cookie Preferences

Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.

OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.