I used to go into and out of Memphis for work. It's not the greatest town, reminds me a lot of NOLA. Food scene is southern/soul food for the most part, lots of BBQ. I went through a lot of that in my travels. Plan on gaining some weight they feed ya there and I can't recall a lot of healthy options except maybe instant oatmeal at the Holiday Inn breakfast.
BBQ is good. No real sides though and the service is crappy. Meh.
Charlie Vergil’s’ Rendezvous is a Memphis landmark. Basement restaurant with tons of memorabilia on the walls that specializes in dry rub bbq ribs. Open Thurs-Sat.
Location, location, location and great service and that's it. The Q is just ok, they don't smoke it over wood they use charcoal instead. My favorite thing there was the cole slaw.
So much better Q in Memphis than the mainstream restaurants. The guys up there took me to a gas station where an old dude had one of them drum smokers set up, best Q I ever had. Moist and it didn't need any sauce, and his sides were fantastic. His wife fried up some fantastic fritters also. Point is don't be shy, try something off the grid I bet it will be the best food you have while there.