Chef Tam's Underground Cafe

"I'll start by saying that the plating of each dish was nice & the staff was friendly. My friend & I drove 3 hours to try the restaurant, and we went in for lunch around 12. There was no wait before being seated. Initially, we were seated in a window with the sun shining directly in my friend's face and requested to move to seating behind the bar but was declined. That seating was designated for 3 or more people. The place wasn't packed, there were several tables available. We were moved to a 2 seater table across front the bar, close to the service window. Once we placed our order, it took 40+ minutes to receive our room temperature appetizers. While waiting for our appetizers, we watched several tables that were seated after use receive their entrées. Though the portions were large, they were barely warm & my fried greens tomatoes tasted like fish. My friend ordered the fried ribs. They were room temperature as well. After waiting x amount of time & watching everyone around us get their food. I finally requested that our entrées be canceled & our ticket be brought to us. Our waitress assured us that our food was up next.... it did come out shortly afterward but only to be a beautiful disappointment. I ordered the Salmon & Dirty rice. My rice had several uncooked pieces & was room temperature topped with a fresh piece of hot fish, topped with a room temperature sauce. My friend ordered the chicken and waffle, his waffles were fresh and flimsy & his chicken was room temperature and hard. Though, when I warmed my leftover, the dish was an easy 5-6."

"On my very last day in Memphis, I had to go to the this place because it was on my travel bucket list. I discovered this place on TikTok just like everybody else. My first impression was it wasn't what I expected visually. It's a bare bones place. But guess what? That was perfect for me. No expectations of being uncomfortable. You can be yourself. We were greeted by the host and seated. No problem. She waited for us to take pictures and everything. We immediately ordered food. I listed everything we ordered. There was not one dish that we didn't like. We all had catfish for an entree with different sides. I ordered the Fried Chicken to go. I had to let my daughters see how good this food was at this place. She has a store selling her cookware, seasonings and spices. I ordered the grill pan when I got home from her website. It was $70 percent off. What a steal. This spot will definitely feed your belly and soul. Tam's Tacos-$9• Catfish Blackened /Fried or Jerk Shrimp on a Flour Tortilla Garnished with Coleslaw, Pico De Gallo, and our House Spicy Drizzle Chicken and Waffles Sliders-$15• Soft Waffles topped with a cream cheese drizzle & finished with a Southern Fried Chicken Tender Deep Fried Ribs-$13 • Four Bones Marinated, Breaded, Fried & Dipped , In Buffalo Sauce , Honey Gold , Teriyaki , and Jerk Sauce atop fries Bayou Fried Chicken-$20• Southern Seasoned ,Crispy, Deep Fried Mixed Chicken ½, Breast, Wing, Thigh, & Leg Fryday Night Live-$19• Mississippi Catfish Fillets(2), Breaded With A Seasoned Cornmeal and Deep Fried Soul Infused Sides Muddy Water Mac and Cheese Red Beans and Rice Candied Yams Southern Greens Fried Okra"

"The foods absolutely phenomenal. The best fried catfish that I ever had. Chef tam seasoning is a good additive. However, the waiting is way too long. I came on a Saturday at 2. Didn’t get seated until 5:30. I had to rushed through my “lunch” to get to my even events. Definitely must try! However, they need a some kind online booking system. The space is limited hence I understand the wait. But it is way too long. Fantastic service"

"The food was OUTSTANDING. The hostess bland an not welcoming because she was high. The waitress was wonderful and nice. The food didn't take long. I definitely would go back."