McEwen’s On Monroe

Memphis, United States

4.2

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 901-527-7085
Website:
mcewensmemphis.com
Address:
120 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN, 38103
Downtown
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
350 ftMadison Avenue
750 ftCourt Avenue
0.2 miPeabody Place
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Dinner
Parking
Valet
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Intimate
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Memphis) 20:14 Friday, 20 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

McEwen’s on Monroe has made its mark by offering the very best in food and wine while capturing an atmosphere of casual elegance. Our cuisine is Southern in spirit, utilizing fresh local ingredients along with hints of the exotic to create an intoxicating culinary experience. We are honored to have been the subject of many excellent reviews from publications such as the New York Times, Bön Appetit, Memphis Magazine, the Memphis Flyer, and the Commercial Appeal.

The wine list at McEwen’s is truly the cornerstone of our menu. The selection is designed to excite the senses, embrace boutique vintners, and encourage an exploration of the spirit of the vine. If you are ready to branch out or are new to wine, please ask our staff for a recommendation. We are happy to help you pair the perfect wine with your meal.

History

Established in 1997.

On November 27, 1997 the doors of McEwen’s on Monroe for the very first time, serving a total of nine customers. At the time, McEwen’s was located in the space vacated by the old «Red Rooster» restaurant and consisted of a single small dining room and kitchen. In the midst of modest surroundings, McEwen’s earned a supportive base of customers who appreciated the innovative menu and warm, friendly service. People kept coming back; eager to be welcomed at the door and excited to taste the daily special. It was this loyal patronage that took McEwen’s on Monroe from a small «lunch only» establishment to a full service restaurant, with both a bar area and a wine cellar for private dining.

In the summer of 2008, Bert Smythe and John Littlefield purchased McEwen’s on Monroe. For them, it is the realization of a dream. For customers, it marks the beginning of a new era of exciting menus, outstanding service, and as always, a commitment to excellence.

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20 reviews of McEwen’s On Monroe

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Littleton, CO
This was recommended to us by a friend and we were not disappointed. The service was great, attentive without being intrusive. The appetizers we ordered were wonderful, I could make them a meal! Dinner choices were varied and everyone ordered to their liking and loved it! Portions were great and didn’t leave much room to try a dessert, but we did anyhow! The tab was about $ 125/​person including wine (I am not a connoisseur so our friends ordered of the wine list — and we had two bottles for five of us plus some cocktails.)
Place rating: 5
Memphis, TN
Considering that I now eat here regularly every couple of weeks for lunch, 5 stars it is! If you’re looking for a cozy eatery with excellent food, McEwen’s is a must. I wish I could say everything on the menu is fantastic — but the truth is I’ve only had their pecan-​glazed Atlantic salmon. I literally crave this dish the second we decide to dine here, thus I cannot bring myself to order anything else. Although friends of mine branch out with the menu items and are never disappointed. The salmon trio’d with the spicy greens and squash casserole — one feels like it’s Thanksgiving in Maine; the perfect antidote to a rainy Monday in Memphis.
Other notes: During M-​F lunch hours it’s a power lunch place. You’ll be surrounded by tons of «suits.» Lawyers, Bankers, Politicians. I definitely feel like a standout as a super-​casual millennial, however that’s not a detractor as I get comfortable, cozy, and FULL.
Place rating: 5
Finger, TN
Thus place has awesome good! Service is great as well!
Place rating: 2
Jackson, TN
Really pretty disappointed with our visit. we based our decision off of other reviews left. Depending on what you have in mind, if you don’t want to spend more $ 20 per plate then don’t go. The two $$ signs on the information for the price range is very misleading. I ended up ordering a salad and it was basically garnish. If you are going for a special occasion and are prepared to spend at least $ 80-​$ 100 for dinner then this, I could imagine, would be a good spot. However, if your wanting more bang for your buck it’s probably best to go somewhere else. There was nothing overwhelming with the food anyone at our table got. The best thing we got was probably the complementary biscuits.
The environment itself was nice and the service was ok. The waitress was nice but didn’t go above or beyond.
Overall, if you wanting more then a nibble to eat you’ll need to order an entrée but be prepared to spend some money because there is definitely no way you’ll get out for under $ 50 with out still be hungry when you leave.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Best restaurant I have experienced in Memphis. The taste is very good, the restaurant is classy/​romantic, the servers are good, and more than anything the prices are very cheap for a nice restaurant. I don’t even need to take the time to describe how good certain items are on the menu because all of the items I have tried have been fantastic.
Place rating: 4
Memphis, TN
Very accommodating for larger parties. It wasn’t offered to us, maybe because it was already booked, but large parties can request to be seated in their wine room. I’m not sure of the details, but inquire if you’re interested.
The service was excellent, great wine list and I ordered their cheese board and it was excellent. Mine had blue cheese which was not my favorite and pretty strong so if I go again I’d ask them to double up on one of the other cheeses and leave the blue cheese off.
I ordered the Chilean sea bass which is on one of he Memphis top 100 things to eat. It was perfectly cooked, just the right size and he flavors were incredible.
Valet parking is the way to go but happens to be $ 8 which was the only downfall since other places downtown of this caliber like Flight offer free valet.
I will make this one of my go to places for a nice night out with friends and my husband and for special occasions.
Place rating: 5
Paxton, IL
Great food, great people. Really enjoyed it.
Place rating: 2
Milwaukee, WI
Yesterday was my birthday! So my husband took me to McEwens tonight to celebrate. We chose this restaurant based on the reviews and ratings. Very underwhelmed. For the price point, I was expecting everything to be fabulous. Instead, certain aspects of each dish were good — but as a whole, no one dish was excellent. In addition, our waitress’s service was below average and when my husband told her it was my birthday, she said she could give him a candle if he bought a dessert… thank you? In addition, my drink was watery and I got an «oh well» response.
All in all, the food is good but customer service is not a top priority. With so many other local restaurants, I can’t imagine we’ll be back or recommend to friends.
Place rating: 3
West Chester, PA
I do not know how you mess up a ribeye but Monroes managed to do just that.
I sat at the bar on a Thursday and had quick attentive service. The wine list was up to par but not the bell of the ball. The bartender was friendly and provided good service but did spend a good amount of time joking with his coworkers.
I ordered the ribeye medium rare which some how managed to come out dry. I am still perplexed by that. However the flavor was pretty good and the Gorgonzola potatoes on the side were out of this world.
For the price of the meal I was frankly expecting more. I would come back but stay far away from the steak and try to just order an extra large serving of potatoes.
Place rating: 5
Dallas, TX
Excellent food and service! We had the wedge salad & warm hazelnut encrusted goat cheese over field greens with warm pear and apple champagne vinaigrette. They bring out warm biscuits to start.
Entrees were braised scallops, cheese grits with fresh green beans and I had Chilean sea bass (substituted) mashed sweet potatoes with braised spinach with garlic.
Use locally grown produce.
Will definitely come back next time in Memphis and highly recommend it to others.
Place rating: 4
Newburg, MO
Considered all other dinner spots within walking distance of our hotel and, having had a good lunch here, returned for for an evening meal. We have nothing but good things to say, but suggest you make reservations.
Arrived shortly before 6 PM to a quiet place. By 6:30 it was crazy busy and everyone was having a good time. The dining area is separated from the elegant and well stocked bar. Meals are served on both sides. We ate in the bar.
The food portions were perfect … we left our plates shining. She had melt in your mouth piccata style, pan seared scallops with sautéed and still crisp green beans and stone ground cheddar cheese grits. He had an 8 oz fillet with ruby port demi-​glacé, Yukon gold mashed potatoes mixed with Benton bacon and leeks, and perfectly grilled asparagus. The steak was not as tender as expected but still a good cut nicely seared. We split a individually baked, hot peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
All and all, a great dining experience.
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
Stumbled on this place while walking and glancing at Unilocal ar dinner time.
A shout out to my fellow Unilocalers to thank you for sending me here.
We had the cheese plate — which was yummy.
I had the Catfish, which was spectacular. It’s served with macaroni and cheese and some icky souther greens (I’m a southerner and I still don’t eat that stuff). The fish was cooked to perfection and sweet and delicious.
My sister had a salad with goat cheese that she really enjoyed.
We split the banana cream pie for dessert — highly recommend that one!
Our waiter was Jason, both adorable and very attentive.
While we were eating dinner they had a VERY large party come in — we didn’t feel neglected at all. They were able to help this very large party and the remaining tables very smoothly.
Place rating: 3
Plano, TX
Went Tapas style tonight. Seemed to be a few interesting things on the menu.
Went with Lobster Risotto, Kobe? Short ribs on toast, and tartare twins (or something like that).
Loved the flavors in the shortrib sandwich. Not enough meat for me though.
Tartare was ok. A little warm for my liking. Tuna tasted better than beef. Beef had a couple of chewy parts to it (like tendon or too much fat)
Risotto had good flavor, but was a little too aldente for me.
All in all, ok. $ 8 to park, and nothing available on the street… almost pushes me into the flight price range. Maybe I’ll try that next time with the free valet
Place rating: 5
Shawnee, KS
This place doesn’t need another 5 star review, so I’ll keep it short. One of the best lamb chops I’ve ever had, so I highly recommend this place. They also have a huge bourbon selection, over 80 types. Pair the lamb chops with Colonel B.H. Taylor Single Barrel, it is simply perfect. I’m a new fan of this place and will be back every time I visit Memphis.
Cheers
Place rating: 5
Globe, AZ
We were on a cross-​country road trip, Arizona to Maine, with a one-​night splurge at the Peabody Hotel and needed a nice place for dinner nearby.
McEwen’s fit the bill nicely.
This is such a pleasant place, you get the right, comfortable vide right away.
The hit of the night was the Warm Molasses Braised Cabbage Salad, flavorful and delicious.
The Fried Oysters were great too.
The Tuna & Beef Tartare Duo was good but paled in comparison.
Finally, the Banana Crème Pie was great too.
A very successful dinner in downtown Memphis
This place is very highly recommended.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Great atmosphere. Large portions. Fish, steaks cooked and seasoned perfectly.
Desserts are outstanding. Banana cream pie and coconut cake were winners.
Chipped paint all over the ceiling which is something they may want to fix.
Place rating: 3
Marion, AR
Bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was only $ 24
I liked the cheese plate but my girlfriend thought it wasn’t much cheese for 12 bucks and it would have been better if there was some more exciting cheeses.
I like that the bread they served was small fluffy biscuits. It would have been nice to have some special butter served with it.
We had the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Ruby Port Demi-​Glacé, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Benton’s Bacon & Leeks, Grilled Asparagus $ 30.
The tenderloin was a little small and although it was tender it was not quite as tender as I expected.
Although the sauce was very good, it tasted more like the Habanero glaze described for the ribeye.
The grilled asparagus had a nice smoky flavor.
The mashed potatoes were very good and definitely worth bragging about .
I’m not sure it was a good idea to include bacon bits the size of peas.
It was a little disconcerting to discover chewy things in your mashed potatoes.
(good thing the menu mention them)

However those bacon «bits» were so good they should consider serving them as a side.
My girlfriend mentioned that everything tasted smoky and it would have been nice to have a non-​smoky alternative on the plate as a contrast.
She also said that everything tasted too salty for her (not me).
We finished the evening with vanilla bean crème brûlée. It was perfect
Valet parking is $ 8.
Overall it was an enjoyable evening and I’d almost like to give it four stars.
Place rating: 4
Memphis, TN
The restaurant was PACKED for Downtown Dining Week 2014.
We arrived 20 minutes early for our reservation (and were planning to sit at the bar so as not to disrupt the books), but we were seated in moments. The host was able to juggle and adjust the reservations.
Coppola wine was the sponsor for this evening, as they were at Belle the night before, where we kicked off Downtown Dining Week. We got the Sauvignon Blanc Tuesday.
My salad had a fresh Farmers Market-​like taste, despite the fall. I sampled Patrick’s soup, which had incredible flavor — keep in mind before you order that it’s tomato based.
The tilapia main dish was better than the pulled pork main dish.
Do not forego the dessert. As you take each bite, different flavors burst into your mouth.
Bottom line: These are pros!
It’s clear McEwen’s is an established restaurant. It’s a Downtown Dining Week must!
#DowntownDiningWeek
#Memphis
#Yelp901
Place rating: 5
Memphis, TN
A coworker and I had a fine lunch at McEwens. I had the special, the Mahi Mahi with veggies. Best fish I’ve had in a while. This was a first time lunch experience for me here– I’ve only known their dinner, which has always been outstanding. The service is good and the atmosphere is enjoyable and sophisticated. Parking is difficult but the valet service for dinner really helps out. This is a top 5 favorite restaurant in Memphis for me (a local)
Place rating: 5
Oklahoma City, OK
Um, yeah. Back for night 2. All I have to say is «pan seared ribeye»!
Thank you,
Goodnight.