Joe "@joespake" S.'s Profile

I'd like to write a good review of Delta Airlines.  After all, now that they have merged with and absorbed Northwest, they are virtually the only choice for those of us who live here in Memphis.
On the surface, it looks like Delta has it's act together, but I didn't get the email check-in reminders for my flight that I grew to love and appreciate from  NWA.
Delta seems to be a well-oiled operation, that is, until  a delay happens, like yesterday's weather delay at ATL.  Delta just couldn't catch up, and we were hearing stories at the gates like, the flight was ready to leave, but we are waiting on crew members to arrive.  Kind of sounds like inflexibility to me.  I know the gate customer folks are under a lot of pressure, but they seemed edgier than necessary.
The best part was that after a 2 hour flight delay and 45 minutes delay on the taxiway, when we did get to Memphis and went to baggage claim, there was no baggage for 40 minutes.  No explanation from the guys in the Baggage office, but I think, since our flight was so late they had let the handlers go for the night.
Oh, and did I mention, Delta doesn't seem to care what you carry on.  On all 4 legs i flew on this trip, there was some kind of delay due to trying to get over size or over limit baggage stored.  Delta, either enforce the carry-on rules, or quit charging for checked bags.
I hope this was an isolated experience.  It was my first trip with Delta that I had booked with NWA.  I want Delta to do well and serve its customers well, because in this market, it is likely the only choice I have.

Wall's seems to be Savannah's most famous Barbecue joint, and I can't pass up a barbecue place anywhere I travel.  So we found the little alley (via a sandwich board) and headed to Wall's.,  a simple place (one of the great indicators of good barbecue) with 6 formica tables.  I like the menu, a bunch of good choices for non-pork (real barbecue is pork, btw) eaters, and veggies.  I had the collard greens and rutebagas along with my chopped barbecue.
Service was very attentive.  The collard greens were great; rutabegas a little over cooked, but to be expected in a place this far south.
The barbecue left something to be desired, rather tasteless chopped meat with little if any smokey flavor, and over-sauced with a vinegar based sauce.  While other reviewer might give the place a higher rating, I had to subtract points because Payne's Barbecue in Memphis is the standard by which I measure others, and Walls meat does not hold a candle to Payne's.
Try this place for its ambience and veggies. There are plenty of choices other than pork:  beef, chicken, and since we are in the Low Country, stuff crabs.
If you get to Savannah, check this place out.

If you are looking for really good local pizza, you have to try Camy's.  It's not a restaurant, but a delivery place, and it puts the national brands to shame.  A great menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and other goodies.
They get 5 stars from me for quick, polite service, good value, and because last Friday night they made me a totally customized pizza that was the best I have ever eaten anywhere!

Some of the friendliest folks and best Soul Food you will find anywhere.  These folks will really show you some Southern Hospitality!  And in the Nation's busiest airport to top it off.
Service with a smile.  A friendly hello, even to non-customers. And the best collard greens I have had in a long time.
I recommend you stop by for some REAL food

I am starting to do my Yelp reviews on places I find myself returning to again and again, introducing to my friends and clients to, and singing their praises wherever I can.  That being said, when I think steak, I think Buckley's.
Its a casual, reasonably priced east Memphis place, offering steaks, pasta, chicken and seafood, but we go for the steaks.  Great Nebraska beef, I like the NY strip, but everyone raves about the filets, always cooked to perfection, and served with Buckley's signature garlic mashed potatoes or other yummy sides.  The staff is always attentive and polite, and they like to take your picture to include in their monthly magazine (complete with great coupons).
I have been to the "big name" steak houses in town, but Buckley's is the one I keep coming back to. Enjoy.

One of my favorite lunch spots since they opened years ago, Fino's has a great Midtown location at McLean and Madison, on the ground floor of the Gilmore.
I can honestly say I have never been even slightly dissatisfied with anything I have eaten there.  The calling card items are the wonderful Italian Subs (My favorites are the New York Club anyd the South Philly).  Joanne and crew use only the finest of Italian meats and cheeses and pile them high on crunchy French style rolls (from LaBaguette, i think).  Unless you are really hungry, half a sub will do. There are at least 2 hot Italian dishes and soups offered each day on the board.  Desserts are incredible.  Don't ever pass up the pear cake if it is being offered.  Service is fast, courteous, and friendly.
And Fino's IS a grocery - get hard to find delicacies, olive oil, and deli items  as well as frozen items.

Gadd's is an old-timey barbershop with a pole, the kind I remember from my childhood.  Lisa can cut most anyone's hair any way they want it.  I have never been disappointed!

I have been eating at the Cupboard for about 30 years.  It never recovered from its move west on Union from the storefronts associated with Kimbrough Towers. I don't know the year of the move, but it went from a crowded, hip diner atmosphere to  something like that of a suburban cafeteria.
I always have the veggie dishes here.  It's great for the heavier southern foods like fried okra, eggplant casserole, corn pudding.  The little greasy corn muffins they serve are heavenly.  Deserts OK.  I am very picky about my turnip greens.  I always order them and am always disappointed by their stemmy, gritty texture, and lack of taste.

Payne's defines Memphis Barbecue.  I have been a customer for 30 years, and the restaurant is top of mind whenever barbecue is mentioned.  The no-frills format features a simple menu of ribs, chopped and pulled pork sandwiches, smoked sausage, hot dogs, and bologna.  Top that off with sinfully delicious homemade fried pies, and it is the perfect Memphis funky eating experience.
Never mind the no frills, converted service station atmosphere, or that usually no more that one table does not rock uncontrollably, this is the best pit pork in the world - the STANDARD by which all others are measured.
Did I mention the incredible mustard based slaw and sauce?  Check this place out.  I bring all my out of town customers here for "real" barbecue.  I am in at least once a week.  I will see you there.

I always enjoy Otherlands, whether it's for an early morning cup of coffee, an informal business meeting, or for the weekend $5 concerts promoted by James Manning.
Karen, the owner, has created a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere with a deck, large room with unmatched tables and chairs, and some smaller, more quiet areas for working, creating, or just thinking and sipping.
Free Wi-Fi tops off a great experience.  If you art tired of the glitz, hype, and pseudo-hippness of that national brand coffee shop, Otherlands is the place for you.  
See you there.