So here's the first in my series of answers to the eternal "where should I eat in Memphis?" question. There are a TON of amazing food bloggers in this city (I Love Memphis, Best Memphis Burger, Dining with Monkeys, Cooking4Carnivores, Hungry Memphis, and many more) and, while this isn't a food blog per say, it is about my life in Memphis, and I eat out a lot, and I love the local Memphis food scene, especially in my neighborhood. So, here you go.
Last night my roommate, my friend Kirby, and her little girl and I all went to ¡Chiwawa! for their $4 glasses of Cono Sur wine and half-price apps (buy a glass of wine, get half off an app). It was a little cloudy, but nice out, so we opted for the patio.
¡Chiwawa! has one of the best patios in Memphis. It's right on Madison, so you get to see people walking by, and it's breezy enough that even when it's warm, you don't feel like you're dying. Also, at night, the "Midtown is Memphis" sign lights up and they have great string lights. It feels like a classier (and boozier) version of a backyard barbeque.
Image via choose901.com.
Image via www.commercialappeal.com
The inside is nice too, but it's a little crowded, we had an almost 2 year old, and I'm a patio sitter.
Our server, Noah, has waited on us before, and he was great again. We got some waters, some wine (the Riesling and the Pinot Noir were both really good - and even better for $4!), and ordered some apps.
The Queso ¡Chiwawa!, which has queso blanco, chorizo, pico, and poblano is always amazing. The chips could be a little more consistent, but I'd say they're about 96% fresh, 4% kind of squishy (that's the technical term). We also got the Juan-Tons, which I really wish they would make as a dip, because, while the little deep fried bundles of chicken, chorizo, and cheese are delicious, they're really hard to eat. That didn't stop us, it was just messy. :) We also got the special that day. I don't know what it's called, but I'm marrying it. Their hand-cut fries topped with queso blanco, carne asada, pico, sour cream, and jalapenos. Maybe some pico too? I don't know, because I didn't even get a pic before it was half gone.
For the tiny human, we got the kids hot dog and fries. I think the adults ate half of it, and the homemade pretzel bun was almost perfect (if it had some salt it would have been there - as it was we dipped it in the queso and gained 80 lbs). Very kid friendly, and delicious for us too.
Here's the aftermath:
That's my wine (Pinot Noir), a chip, a Juan Ton, the bit of fries that were about to get eaten, the hot dog (silly child wouldn't eat the bun...doesn't know what she's missing!) and fries, and my roommate's beer.
I had two three glasses of wine, and we all split the apps, and tax is included on the menu, so my total was $16, plus tip. Not bad for some great food, great company, and a wonderful patio. You can also bring kids/dogs to the patio and feel totally comfortable - I'm a happily childless adult and loved hanging out with the little one, and our dogs are definitely going to beg for food there soon.
You can see their menu on their Facebook page (linked at the top), and follow ¡Chiwawa! on Twitter - @chiwawamidtown.
After our wonderful food decisions, we walked to YoLo. And ate gelato. At least we walked the 6 blocks home from Carb Night?
I'm so in love with Chiwawa as well! I need to recreate their cherry limeade.
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