Mc Ewen's On Monroe

Our group made reservations for 7pm and showed up promptly. There were people in front of us at the maître d’. This caused a small traffic jam of sorts because he stands right at the door inside, but due to the size of the place there probably isn’t another option for his location. After a few minutes we worked our way up and announced who were and were seated immediately. The tables are a bit on the small side, but not too bad. Our waitress was a bit abrupt. She had no issues with interrupting you if she knew what you were going to say. That being said the food was fantastic. We started with BBQ Duck Confit Enchiladas which were very tasty. We also ordered the fried oysters which were probably the best I’ve ever had. For dinner I had the Pork Osso Buco which could not have been better. The flavor was rich and the meat was falling off the bone. The Seabass was cooked perfectly. The filet had a wonderful char on the outside and the inside was a perfect medium rare. I’ve never had a more flavorful cut of meat. The final entrée our group had was the Chef Choice vegetarian option, and it did not disappoint. It changes daily so I don’t want to list any specific foods on the plate, but we wouldn’t hesitate to order it again. Other than the service the place would have easily been a ten, but so so service is always a downer. Still I will be back because the food was just fantastic, and the rest of the staff was great. more

My boyfriend and I were visiting Memphis for one (very cold) evening, and made a reservation here. We ordered a salad and fried oysters to start and both had fish entrees (miso sea bass and sweet potato crusted cod) - all of which was great. The warm biscuits (in lieu of bread) are awesome too, and were refilled when we quickly polished off the first basket. The staff was very nice and accomodated our request to move away from the door given the chilly weather and also quickly corrected a small error on our tab and thanked us for pointing it out. The owner came over to greet us when we arrived and checked on us during the meal. \r Really deserves 4.5 stars. Pros: great food and service more

I read about McEwan's on the Fodor's site. I checked out the menu and called for a reservation. The man who answered was warm and kind and told me he would be able to find us a table even though it was Friday night. When I arrived the bartender said hello and immediately came from behind the bar to seat us. We were greeted and told the specials immediately. The ambience was warm and refined without being uppity. \r Our appetizer of fried oysters with a mustard plum sauce came out almost instantly. The breading was light and well seasoned and the sauce was amazing. We shared the blue snapper special and the scallops and cheese grits. \r The fish was so yummy with peruvian mashed potatoes and the best green beans I've ever had in a restaurant. \r The scallops were perfectly cooked and the grits, while rich, did not overpower the delicate scallop flavor. The piccata sauce on which the scallops were placed was amazing with the other flavors. \r I had the banana pudding for dessert. I don't even have words for how good that was. \r The owner asked us how everything was and from his questions I could tell that his heart was really in it. He seems to really value the dining experience of his guests. \r I can't wait to go back to Memphis just to go back to this friendly place with such amazing dishes. I would highly recommend McEwan's on Monroe. \r \r Rebecca\r Nashville, TN\r \r more

My wife an I have enjoyed this restaurant many times. Wine list is excellent and the food is great. Also the best upscale lunch in downtown memphis. Pros: Wine & food more

On a recent visit to Memphis I had occassion to dine at McEwen's. Would very much recommend it. Ambience was excellent, and if you are staying downtown very convenient. Food was terrific, with a very creative menu. And a wine list that rivals many places in New York. Can't miss. more

Between the wood and granite bar, the fusion food, and Mac the owner, this restaurant offers everything wonderful. Be sure to try the soup, the filet, and the coconut cake, and don't forget to check out the artwork for sale. more

I traveled to Memphis for a long weekend and was taken to McEwens. I was immediately drawn to the warm atmosphere. Exposed brick, high ceilings and warm lighting. There is a separate bar and restaurant section so you can pop in for a drink or full meal. The setting is slightly formal and would be a great place for a nice dinner date. The food was good and I understand the menu changes regularly. The owner stops by the tables just to make sure everything is perfect. And it was. Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Wine Selection Cons: Can be Crowded more

While the wine was divine, the house special seafood pasta was much closer to something you might find on a Grocer's shelf in a jar! In addition, the meal took over an hour to get on the table making us late for the threatre. Thank goodness for their extensive wine list. Pros: extensive wine list, polite staff Cons: parking, menu, very slow more

McEwen's has been a stalwart in drink, food, & ambiance during frequent visits from New York & CA for many years. Whether dining alone, in small groups, or with large parties -- at lunch, dinner, and for late evening refreshments -- the service and cuisine are unmatched elsewhere in Memphis and are on a par with world class restaurants in my traveling experience. Combine these ingredients with the clientele representing people you know and would like to know . . . the warmth and openness of staff and customers . . . and the eclectic, intimate, breezy environment, it quickly will become your home away from home, as well! Pros: +++center city access, seasonal menus, art exhibitions Cons: closed Monday night, no espresso more

Traveled all over the world and still like to come home to McEwen's. Casual, comfortable, bistro-like setting is home to excellent food, well-prepared and presented, and a superior, fairly priced wine cellar. Owners and staff are friendly and efficient. Regulars receive special treatment, and visitors are treated like regulars! Pros: Excellent food, Great Service, Superior wine cellar Cons: Crowded more

McEwens is more than just a casual dining spot in the center of downtown. It's great food matched with quality wine or beer. A staff that professional in the front of the house as well as in the kitchen. Worth a vist for you people who don't go downtown. Pros: Food, Wine, Beer Cons: no up front parking more