MEMPHIS CAFE COSTA MESA
It Begins Here
The Memphis Cafe’s concept was just the initial spark that ignited The Memphis Group’s vision of providing innovative culinary experiences and revitalizing emerging areas, while becoming a cultural mainstay in the community.
The first Memphis Café quickly earned overnight critical acclaim and a loyal following from those starved for an innovative menu and casual yet sophisticated setting in this restored 1953 mid-century classic building.
“Our success was not only fueled by the immediate press we received for being a unique, independently owned eatery, but also by an overwhelming response from young sophisticates who were hungry for a new and unique gathering spot that exuded a big-city feel,” says Bradley.
Dan Bradley, Diego Velasco and Andy Christenson met in the early 1990s when all three worked together at Renaissance Café a small Laguna Beach based chain of cafés. The trio’s dream became a reality in the mid-’90s when they took out loans from family and friends and leased the once notorious Kings Inn building on a decrepit, gravel lot and restored the building themselves. Simple and modern décor with blond-wood tables, vintage modernist chairs, and geometric accents provided a comfortable atmosphere that complemented the menu, featuring Velasco’s artful twists on traditional Southern fare. Memphis Café was an instant hit, with a sensational review in Los Angeles Times Magazine by veteran restaurant critic S. Irene Virbilla. The restaurant has been packed ever since.
Memphis Café offers a distinctive gourmet interpretation of Southern homestyle cooking in a casual “roadhouse” setting, yet with the enlightened service and hospitality you would expect in fine dining establishments. House specialties include crab cakes with smoked tomato sauce, downhome gumbo, and an Angus beef herb-baked meatloaf stack. In addition to offering classic Southern refreshments such as the Memphis Mint Julep, Sapphire Gibson and Old Fashion cocktails, Memphis Café beverage list offer an array of specialty cocktails and an intelligent, well-edited wine list.
The cafe accommodates 45 guests in an intimately-lit dining area and bar. Alfresco dining is available on its 30-seat enclosed patio, which is also available for private parties. Late night Djs provide atmosphere Wednesday-Saturday and a revolving photo exhibit provides interior wall décor.
Memphis Café is conveniently located next to the LAB in the SoBeCa District of Costa Mesa and near Orange County’s upscale South Coast Plaza shopping center.
