Abuelo's is an upscale Mexican restaurant located in Cordova, right across the street from the large Wolfchase Galleria mall off Interstate 40. The courtyard atmosphere and murals make it a perfect venue for a date night or special outing with your family. Begin your meal with a margarita or other libation along with fresh guacamole, queso dip and chips for starters. House specialties, such as Los Mejores De La Casa, Salmon Santa Cruz and Fideo Con Pollo are popular options, along with traditional Mexican foods, such as enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tacos and fajitas. Desserts like Margarita Pie and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake round out the menu. Lunch specials, gluten-free selections and a kid's menus are available as well. -Ann Baker

China Royal is an ideal place to grab a quick bite to eat while traveling through the Bartlett area of Memphis. It offers American and Asian cuisine at the buffet and even wider variety on the menu. The dishes on the menu are sure to please even the fussiest of diners since it offers old standbys such as pizza and chicken strips as well as delectable Asian entrees, desserts and vegetarian selections. The variety of chicken, beef, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes range in taste from hot and spicy to sweet to suit any palate. -Ann Baker

Jimmy's Dogs restaurant has a small town sporty atmosphere, yet is located in Memphis, near the suburb of Bartlett. The restaurant is a perfect gathering place to celebrate a Little League victory or watch a rousing game of football on the flat screen TV's. Jimmy's Dogs features hot dog selections with exotic toppings, such as cream cheese, taco sauce, coleslaw and Giardiniera peppers. Other menu selections, such as deep dish or pan pizza, sub sandwiches, burgers and a variety of side dishes round out the choices available to hungry diners. - Ann Baker

When feeding a group of hungry teenagers or a gathering of friends and family, The Beast from Snappy Tomato Pizza is an inexpensive and tasty solution. It feeds eight to 10 adults and is prepared with the toppings of your choice. This family-friendly restaurant is conveniently located in Bartlett in the northeast section of Memphis. Snappy Tomato Pizza also serves snappoli, a crispy, baked calzone, filled with your choice of toppings. Boneless or regular chicken wings, hoagies, salads, desserts and pasta are on the menu as well. Specialty pizzas like Spicy Chicken Ranch or Loaded Potato are local favorites. A buffet is available at lunch and dinner seven days a week for those who enjoy a variety of Italian entrees. -Ann Baker

Visiting Pietro's Pizza & Subs in Bartlett is comparable to dining at an old-fashioned pizzeria in your hometown. The restaurant offers specialty pizzas baked to order or you can purchase pizza by the slice if you are in a rush. The menu also includes many types of baked calzones and pizza rolls. If warm sandwiches with melted cheese are your preference, choose from the variety of baked subs. Entrees such as Cheese Tortellini, Baked Ziti and Homemade Meat Lasagna are perfect for those with heartier appetites. Vegetarians and dieters can choose from the many fresh salads on the menu. This venue is a cozy gathering place for families, singles or groups who desire a quick Italian meal. -Ann Baker

Mimi's Italian Café is located in Northeast Memphis and offers fine Italian food without the crowds of busier areas in the city. They serve traditional Italian dishes and different types of pizza, but they also excel at authentic dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Stuffed Shells and Chicken Florentine. Lunch and dinner are available seven days a week at this café. Soups, fresh salad with homemade dressings and crusty breads served with herb butter are tasty accompaniments for your meal. Mimi's offers a full wine list. The cafe has a cozy and romantic ambiance that is suitable for a night out with your sweetheart or a family gathering. -Ann Baker 

Fresh Slices Sidewalk Café offers quality meats, fresh vegetables and artisan breads for its exquisite deli sandwiches, but the menu variety doesn't stop there. Cajun Shrimp and Stonewall Pizza Florentine. Diamondback Pasta, Salmon Tomatilla and Baked Pecan Crusted Trout are just a few examples of some of the delectable entrees you will find at this cozy restaurant. It is located in the heart the Bartlett suburb of Memphis. The establishment also serves a selection of red and white foreign and domestic wines. -Ann Baker

Fat Larry's offers all the traditional barbecue favorites, such as wet or dry ribs, pulled pork, nachos and brisket, but the menu contains a few surprises as well. Locals rave about the delicious grilled steaks and Cajun pasta that compete with the finest restaurants in flavor. Southern-style cooking is featured in the fried side dishes, such as dill pickles, green tomatoes and okra as well as country-fried potatoes. Memphis is famous for its barbecue restaurants, and Fat Larry's is definitely a contender in the best brisket and pulled pork divisions. -Ann Baker 

The barbecue here is pit-smoked over hickory coals, chopped and served piled high on a large bun. The slaw, which comes on the sandwich unless you say otherwise, is finely chopped and slightly sweet. The beans are flavored with a hint of molasses. And you can take home BBQ pork shoulder, smoked ham or smoked turkey by the pound. Beans, slaw and sauce can also be purchased by the pint. The decor is casual and the service is friendly. Antiques decorate the walls around the booths and tables.

The Mikado Restaurant is located in the northeastern section of Memphis in the suburb of Cordova. They have a large sushi and sake bar as well as hibachi entrees on the menu. The interior is slick and contemporary with sophisticated Asian influences. It is a delightful venue in which to enjoy a wide variety of Japanese cuisine with friends and family. Try a hot hibachi meal such as the Wasabi-crusted Beef Kabob with Shrimp and a vegetable tempura or some of the unusually named sushi rolls. For instance, the Harry Potter Roll contains cream cheese and avocado with crab and salmon. Other rolls, such as the Mission Impossible or Forrest Gump Roll, are sure to please the most discerning palates. -Ann Baker