This local institution brings a little bit of New Orleans to Memphis, serving dishes such as trout amandine, shrimp wrapped in bacon, catfish and bread pudding. It also offers a selection of steaks and chicken dishes. Desserts, including the bread pudding, are well done here, too. Many people come back again and again for the kahlua or the Granny Smith apple pies. Mortimer's looks the way restaurants looked in your childhood, decked out in what might be called "comfort décor," which matches the comfort food it serves. Memphians are continuing the tradition by bringing their older children here, but over the years the dress has become more casual.

Here Middle Eastern and Greek food combines with belly dancing performances on the weekends. The fairly limited menu has favorite Middle Eastern and Greek specialties. The baba ghanoush and tabbouleh are especially good, and can be paired with another choice on the combination plate. The Greek salad comes with plenty of feta cheese and olives. The sandwiches are large, and come with a choice of French fries or outstanding onion rings. The bar serves beer only. It looks like a fast-food place from the outside, but inside it is spacious and clean. On Friday and Saturday nights, it's a popular spot with the local Middle Eastern community.

Steps from the University of Memphis campus, this hangout draws undergraduates for the beer, graduate students for coffee, and faculty for a good sandwich and conversation. The food consists largely of nachos, various fried things in baskets, and big and juicy hamburgers. Other choices include the portobello mushroom sandwich and the turkey melt. The decor is made up of rough wood floors, tables with graffiti carved into them, a pool table, videogames and sports on the TV. Customers dressed in anything more formal than college student-grubby may feel out of place. The full bar specializes in shooters and imported beer.

OEC Japanese Express is a quick, family-friendly restaurant in Bartlett where you can grab Asian food to go or dine in the casual atmosphere. A wide variety of sushi rolls and hibachi meals are available for lunch and dinner. The hibachi meals come with sweet carrots and fried rice during the lunch hours. They include a house salad as well with dinner orders. Sushi rolls come in spicy or traditional versions sure to please every palate. -Ann Baker

China Moon Buffet in Bartlett offers not only Chinese and Japanese dishes in its large buffet, but American foods as well. The variety makes it the perfect venue to treat fussy eaters to delicious entrees, sides and desserts. On the buffet are popular Asian dishes like Moo Goo Gai Pan, pepper steak, and sweet and sour chicken. Pork and seafood lovers will find many options as well. The lunch and dinner buffet is available seven days a week, and a party room is available for private events. -Ann Baker

El Mezcal provides authentic Mexican dishes and an atmosphere that will delight everyone from youngsters to senior citizens. It is in the northeastern part of Memphis. The menu accommodates children, vegetarians and anyone who desires Mexican food - spicy or mild. They serve beer, wine or mixed drinks. Begin your dining experience with your choice of appetizer, such as the traditional cheese dip and chips, a platter of nachos, or guacamole. Fajitas, chalupas and many other tempting entrees round out the menu. Complete your meal with a deep-fried dessert of sopapillas, fried ice cream or a cool flan. -Ann Baker

Baby Jack's menu focuses on the traditional barbecue entrees of pork and beef that are available in the South and other regions of the country. It also offers barbecued turkey as a healthier option. This is a delectable choice for those who prefer white meat. All the meats are moist and have a subtle smokey flavor. A variety of side dishes round out your meal whether you purchase it at the drive-thru or dine inside. Creamy slaw and baked beans are just a couple of the options. Tasty ribs, barbecue sandwiches and delicious sides await you at this quaint, family-friendly barbecue restaurant. -Ann Baker

The Donut Box offers more variety than typical doughnut shops. Not only do they have mouth-watering doughnuts, Danish and other pastries, they provide choices that are more substantial as well. Pigs in blankets, ham and cheese croissants, sausage biscuits and other savory entrees are available for diners who desire a heartier, less sweet meal, brunch or snack. It is located in the heart of Bartlett, just a couple of miles from Interstate 240. The Donut Box is the perfect place for customers of all ages to grab a box of doughnuts for the road or to enjoy a tasty brunch. -Ann Baker

Firebird's Restaurant is an ideal setting for a romantic date or a celebration with friends and family. It is located right off Interstate 40 in Bartlett and near a variety of shopping venues. Appetizers like Lobster Spinach Con Queso, crab cakes and chicken tortilla soup are a delightful way to begin your dining experience. Enjoy a juicy steak prepared over the wood-fired grill or partake of spicy baby back ribs. Those with lighter appetites may choose a grilled shrimp and strawberry salad or one of the soup and salad combinations. Hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches and desserts are also available. Small portions are available for children and gluten-free dishes are offered as well. -Ann Baker

Asian Kitchen is located at the edge of Bartlett and offers both Japanese and Chinese dishes. It is appropriate for a quick bite during a road trip or a lunch or dinner with the family. Fans of Japanese food can partake of a variety of cooked or raw sushi, such as the Memphis, Red Dragon or Sunshine Roll. Diners who prefer traditional Chinese food will enjoy the fried rice selections, egg rolls and dishes like Moo Goo Gai Pan or Sweet and Sour Shrimp. Asian Kitchen offers entrees with mild to very spicy flavors depending on your preference. -Ann Baker