When you’re stepping onto the legendary Beale Street in Memphis, the air is thick with the promise of soulful music and unforgettable flavors. At Blue City Cafe Beale Street, the experience begins even before the main course with a selection of appetizers designed to ignite your taste buds and set the stage for a truly authentic Memphis experience. Whether you’re looking for a savory start to your evening of blues and BBQ, or just wanting to sample the iconic tastes of the South, the appetizer menu at Blue City Cafe is your perfect first stop.
Beale Street’s Best Appetizer Selections at Blue City Cafe
Prepare your palate for a journey through Southern culinary traditions with Blue City Cafe’s diverse appetizer offerings. From hearty platters perfect for sharing to individual bites bursting with flavor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“The Beale Street Throw Down” Sausage and Cheese Platter
For a true taste of Southern hospitality, dive into “The Beale Street Throw Down” ($14.99). This generous platter is a celebration of classic Southern flavors, featuring hickory smoked sausage, a delightful assortment of cheeses, crisp kosher dill pickle chips, and subtly sweet crunchy bread and butter pickle chips. Mild pepperoncinis add a touch of zest, and a side of tangy BBQ sauce completes this quintessential Beale Street appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends as the music starts to play.
Cheese Fries: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Indulge in a mountain of crispy steak fries smothered in a decadent blend of melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses ($12.99). These Cheese Fries are a timeless favorite, elevated with quality ingredients and generous portions, making them an ideal starter for any meal at Blue City Cafe.
Chili Cheese Fries: Spice Up Your Start
Take the classic cheese fries to the next level with the Chili Cheese Fries ($14.99). Blue City Cafe’s signature cheese fries are generously topped with their homemade chili, creating a warm, flavorful, and satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for a cool Memphis evening.
BBQ Pork Fries: Memphis BBQ in Every Bite
Experience the iconic taste of Memphis BBQ in appetizer form with the BBQ Pork Fries ($15.99). These cheese fries are loaded with Blue City Cafe’s famous BBQ pork, offering a smoky, savory, and cheesy delight that perfectly captures the essence of Beale Street cuisine.
Gumbo Cheese Fries: A Unique Beale Street Fusion
For a truly unique and raved-about appetizer, try the Gumbo Cheese Fries ($15.99). These aren’t just cheese fries; they’re smothered in Blue City Cafe’s World Famous Seafood Gumbo. As NBA legend Chris Webber himself tweeted, these are a must-try, blending the comforting familiarity of cheese fries with the bold, spicy flavors of authentic seafood gumbo. This is a Beale Street appetizer experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory Skillet Delight
Savor the rich flavors of the Stuffed Mushrooms ($11.49). Fresh button mushroom caps are generously filled with a delectable shrimp and crabmeat mix, then sautéed to perfection in fragrant garlic butter. Served in a cast iron skillet, this appetizer is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.
Seafood Au Gratin: Creamy Southern Comfort
Indulge in the creamy richness of the Seafood Au Gratin ($12.99). This comforting dish features lump crabmeat, shrimp, and crawfish in a luscious white cream sauce, topped with crispy bread crumbs and melted mozzarella cheese. Garlic croutons are served alongside for dipping and scooping up every last bit of this decadent appetizer.
3 Way Skillet Shrimp: Customize Your Shrimp Experience
Enjoy shrimp three ways with the 3 Way Skillet Shrimp ($10.99). Four jumbo, mouthwatering shrimp are prepared to your liking: choose Cajun garlic broiled for a spicy kick, BBQ seasoned for a smoky sweetness, or golden fried for classic crispy goodness. This appetizer offers variety and caters to different taste preferences.
Memphis Soul Stew: A Taste of Delta Tradition
Warm your soul with a cup or bowl of Memphis Soul Stew (Cup $7.25 Bowl $9.50). This hearty Delta stew is made with tender strip steak, onions, carrots, potatoes, and a medley of other flavorful ingredients. Served with Texas toast, it’s a comforting and satisfying appetizer that showcases Southern home-style cooking.
Seafood Gumbo: Spice and Seafood Sensation
For those who love a fiery kick, the Seafood Gumbo (Cup $8.25 Bowl $10.99) is a must-try. This very spicy, roux-based gumbo is loaded with vegetables, shrimp, crawfish, catfish, and more. As Blue City Cafe declares, “You’ll either Like it, or Love it!” – a testament to its bold and unforgettable flavor.
“Chef Larry’s” Down South Turnip Greens: A Southern Side Elevated
Experience the unique flavor of “Chef Larry’s” Down South Turnip Greens (Cup $6.50 Bowl $9.50). These aren’t your ordinary greens; they’re simmered with Italian sausage for depth, a dash of hot sauce for heat, and a special blend of spices that creates an unforgettable taste. Served with hushpuppies, these turnip greens are a true Southern delicacy.
World’s Best Tamales: Blues City Cafe’s Signature Bite
Don’t miss out on Blue City’s own blend of choice beef, peppers, and spices, rolled in cornmeal, wrapped and steamed – the World’s Best Tamales. Enjoy them on their own or paired with homemade chili:
- 3 Tamales with a Cup of homemade chili: $8.99
- 6 Tamales with a Bowl of homemade chili: $14.99
Homemade Chili: Warmth in a Bowl
Savor a cup or bowl of Blues City Cafe’s world-famous homemade chili (Cup $6.99 Bowl $9.99). Served with Texas toast, this chili is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting start to your Beale Street experience.
Start Your Beale Street Night Right at Blue City Cafe
Before you dive into the legendary BBQ ribs or other Southern specialties at Blue City Cafe, explore the enticing appetizer menu. From shareable platters to individual bowls of gumbo, each appetizer is crafted to deliver authentic Beale Street flavors and prepare you for a memorable dining experience in the heart of Memphis music history. Visit Blue City Cafe Beale Street and let the appetizers be the prelude to your unforgettable Southern feast.
