Westy’s

Unexpected downtown bar and restaurant with an ton of amazing food options!  That’s it...that’s how I would describe Westy’s on N. Main.  Located between St. Jude and the Pyramid, this was an accidental find one Saturday with friends. From the moment you walk in, you think...typical downtown establishment. But, you can tell this place has a rich history with the old signs, photos and the owner hanging out at the table in the back!

After a short tour of the restaurant, you find your seat and a menu that seems to go on for days!  Baskets, starters, tamales, desserts, salads, cups/bowls, creole, pasta, entrees, wild rice dishes, sandwiches, burgers and wet ribs...whew...that’s a lot for such a small place! With so many options, it was difficult for Tory and I to decide, but we went with the recommendations from our waitress.

I’ll start with my plate...the Fried Catfish entree. This hand-breaded catfish was unbelievable...it was so big, you only need one! Of course, my meal came with slaw, tartar and I opted for the tots...as always. The fish had an outstanding flavor, Tory and I both loved the breading which was the highlight to me. With a fish this size, you can’t cook it like I prefer (crunchy), but that didn’t stop me. I enjoyed every bite and I even chose to use tartar sauce, which seemed to be homemade. Speaking of homemade, their ranch dressing is homemade which made my side salad a little extra.

Tory chose one of the wild rice plates for her lunch, and I just wasn’t sure what to expect.  When it came out, I was thinking it was a bit small...but it was packed in there!  The dish had a base layer of wild rice, followed by grilled chicken, drop in some big broccoli florets, cover that in cheddar cheese,  follow with green peppers, caramelized onions and mushrooms. BOOM! That thing was sticking good too!  The flavors from the top down were just amazing, and the wild rice was a nice surprise flavor to bring it home.

Great meal, good suggestion from my wife...but wait, there was a sign that said Memphis’ best hot fudge pie! I can’t see the sign and not verify that designation...so we had some dessert.  Tory doesn’t each chocolate, so I had to endure this sweet treat! The hot fudge pie on the bottom, with a big blog of vanilla ice cream and some whipped cream and hot fudge drizzled on top. Go ahead and wipe that drool of your chin. That was amazing, it’s the best hot fudge pie I’ve had in Memphis...probably because it was the only hot fudge pie I’ve had in Memphis.

Now, I know that you’re probably feeling sorry for Tory...don’t. She opted for the fried biscuits with cinnamon and powdered sugar...yea, she loved those things.  Fried bread covered in cinnamon and sugar, what’s not to like?

All in all, this was a surprise restaurant for us and this place is amazing. If you’re not sure what you’re craving and you’re north of the I-40 bridge on N. Main, then stop by Westy’s!  Great food, great atmosphere!