I went here with a business associate that had been coming here for a long time. He has been trying to get me to go here for at least a year. We went yesterday and I'm glad we did. Not a big place, small actually, but everyone servers and patrons were extremely nice. "Gary", a big man with a ponytail who, i believe, is the Chef/Owner was out several times during our lunch to see how his patrons were enjoying the food. We shared a table with another couple and enjoyed the chit chat during lunch. I had the chicken & sausage jambalaya and really enjoyed it. In fact, it was the best I have ever had. Served with two sides, which you pick from a list of about a dozen items. it was quite the meal for lunch. The couple we dined with had the fried oyster PoBoy and they looked as appetizing. I'm going to bring my wife back this Saturday to try that PoBoy.
(5)
Susan P.
The new downtown location is open! Right on Main St. Between Union and Monroe. They have a nice little patio out front and it's right on the trolley line, close to the Union Ave station. Great food and now a great location!
(5)
Ron P.
What a disappointment. We visited the new main st location on a Friday night, around 6:00. We were the only customers there. The large staff was surrounding the bar chatting, while the tv blared away. We felt like we were interrupting them. I ordered a shrimp po boy, it was good, a little sparse on the shrimp but ok. The red beans and rice were nothing special. My wife started with a side salad that contained more rusty lettuce than not. She ordered the three pepper penne pasta with chicken in cream sauce. The pasta was unevenly cooked, the "cream" was obviously not cream but an undercooked bechamel sauce that tasted like raw flour and sage? Service was friendly. The scented candles at each table were annoying but not as much as the fruit flies that would not leave us alone! (From bananas?) We really wanted to like this place but too many missteps to overlook...
(1)
Sandy W.
Do not be deterred by the sketch facade, the food inside is incredible! They have an awesome creole/ soul food selection and an entire page of vegan offerings. I would have considered "vegan soulfood" an oxymoron before eating here. I've loved everything I've ordered here, 100%. It's not uncommon for the chef to come out when time allows and personally greet guests. This place is unique and delicious.
(5)
t p.
This is the BEST FOOD IN MEMPHIS!!! As a Memphis native, I am always looking to find the best food when I return to visit. Believe me, it is a battle! The Crawfish Etouffee was the best I have ever had. Everything is fresh, authentic, and delicious! I ate twice what I normally would, just because when it tastes soooo good, why stop?! OMG the sides were amazing... No one will be upset that there isn't any meat in any of them--- they are truly delicious, well made, and perfectly executed. Even though I didn't have any room left, the Bananas Foster dessert went down easy- it was too good to quit!!!! Nicest staff and the owner greets everyone like a long lost friend. Needless to say, we will be back again and again!!!!
(5)
Jasmine C.
Authentic creole food! Try the Big Keith Bayou (tilapia/shrimp) I've never been to New Orleans, but the chef is from there and brought all the flavor staight to Memphis. I felt like I was at home or at a family reunion. The chef served my mother and I himself and had plenty of fun stories to share. We were referred by a friend to go, othersise I probably would never have walked in. Don't judge the book by its cover and go in for some great food!
(4)
Erica B.
First off, I was terrified to go here. Everyone in Memphis warns you how this place is situated in a less than desirable neighborhood. It really isn't that bad at all. In fact, we accidentally left our doors unlocked and nothing was touched. Not that I'd advise it, but you get my drift. The food? INSANE! The crawfish etouffe seriously rivaled the best I've had in Louisiana- and that's a feat. If you are a fan of this dish, you know all too well how easy it is to mess this dish up. There was so much crawfish in this dish. It was plump, fresh, and delicious. Unbelievable. Another favorite is the veggie rolls. They sound absolutely disgusting, but they are to die for. They have raisins, carrots and I think I even spotted some greens mixed in. I was too scared to ask for a detailed list of ingredients, for fear that I would never want to eat them again. You must try these. The staff here was absolutely stellar as well. Smiles abound folks- so get your game face on. This wait staff is sweet as punch- and ever so excited that you made the trip. I find it hard to be live there could ever be anything negative said about this staff, let alone this restaurant as a whole. We are already planning another trip in the next week, and will be adding it to our rotation of dining out.
(5)
Katie P.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being vegan-friendly! They have a whole huge vegan menu! AND vegan desserts, which is rare. All the sides are vegan unless otherwise indicated. My favorite is the veggie rolls and the veggie tacos. The veggie rolls are greasy as all hell and gooooood. It's a tiny little place in an area that you might not think much of--just south of downtown. The staff is so super nice, and the chef has been out to talk to my table before and was really nice too. Love them!
(4)
William F.
Been wanting to try this place out for a while. Finally went today and boy did I wait too long to find this gem. Get over yourself about the location and the visual outside. It's what's inside that counts. This is the Creole New Orleans cooking that has been missing from this town since Cafe' Rouge closed. Crawfish Etouffee was wonderful. Great line up of veggies, creole style. Vegan dishes out the wazoo. I am going back for more.....
(5)
Demetria M.
My review is of the Ridgeway location. We had our family reunion in Memphis back in May and during my research of restaurants in the area, I came across Dejavu and what a find it was! A group of 8 of us decided to test it out on our first night in town, our entrees included gumbo, poboys, pork chops, fried chicken and the big keith classic and ended with the marvelous bananas foster! We were treated like family by Chef Gary and ended up bringing the entire family back on Sunday for lunch. Thanks for making our first trip to Memphis one to remember! I wish you all the best!
(4)
Tiffany L.
Deja Vu is a small restaurant in the industrial section of down town Memphis. Labeled as a creole and...vegetarian (and we don't get many vegetarian options in this city) eatery, Deja Vu has many traditional New Orleans options and the prices are extremely reasonable. Only open for about a year, Deja Vu gets most of its business from people working downtown. A popular lunch spot, this restaurant only has six four-top tables within its bright yellow walls. Come early or arrive late to aviod missing one of these coveted spaces. The hubby and I decided to check out Deja Vu one weekday afternoon not too long ago. We arrived right at 11:00am and were the first to arrive. I ordered the honey roasted chicken (dark meat, of course) with candied yams and oven roasted potatoes and Tom ordered the crawfish etouffe with smothered okra and citrus spinach. My honey roasted chicken wound up being fried and the covered in a sweet, tangy honey glaze. I got two legs and one thigh along with my two sides and a piece of cornbread for only $6.99. The chicken was tender, juicy and the sauce was to die for. I wish the potates were a little crispier, but the flavor was delicious. The yams were standard fare, but didn't fall into the trap of being too sweet like some preparations can tend to be. Tom's etouffe had a nice spicy flavor. It was incrediby well-seasoned, chunky and thick, like it should be. It was served over perfectly cooked, fluffy white rice, and was well complimented by his choice of sides. The okra was covered in tomatoes and onions and was a nice derivation from the usual fried option. I found the spinach to be a bit bland, but he liked it a lot. To finish off our meal, we decided on the bread pudding, which was my only real complaint of the entire meal. While the bread pudding itself had a nice texture, the inclusion of unconventional fruit (pineapple and peaches to name a couple) were a bit off-putting and there was an overwhelming flavor of cinnamon and cloves that was just not tasty. It tasted like tree bark. Final Impressions: Go early to avoid the lunch rush, and avoid the bread pudding all together. If you're jonesing for dessert, I hear the peach cobbler is very good. I will take that route on my next visit. Otherwise, the food is well-prepared (cooked to order), well-seasoned and definitely authentic.
(3)
N. P.
From the outside, I wasn't expecting such a nougat center of place. Dang, the food is good. I think this is what real soul food must taste like. Please try the greens, they're amazing. And I don't usually find that to be the case for greens, save for a couple of places in Memphis, this being one of them. I do have to join the chorus and applaud the addition of a vegetarian section to the menu. It's a nice change from being bombarded with only a selection of catfish, catfish, or catfish to choose from. The honey-roasted tofu is surprisingly better than it sounds. And I've had a bite of the veggie rolls. Whoa nelly -- a weird, but interesting combo of raisins, cabbage, carrots, greens, and some other things. Very good. Expect to spend at least $10, but you can keep it under $20 fairly easily.
(4)
Jessica M.
ohmygod. ohmygod i seriously agree with the other yelper who said eating here should be law! ok so it's pretty sketch around this area.. like boarded up buildings, burnt down building, etc etc. but don't let that stop you from going here!! we knew it was a good sign that despite it being in kind of a desolate area, there were so many cars parked out front here. the restaurant is kind of small. when we got in, the place was packed and all 7 or so tables were full. the hostess asked us if we wanted to share a table, but none of the caucasian folk were willing to. after placing our order to go, tables did open up and we decided to share a table with a couple of very nice memphis folk. ok i'm not trying to be racist, but i imagine this is more of a cultural thing right?! i'm neither caucasian not memphis native, but in my culture, we also share tables! they have a whole vegetarian/vegan menu!! at a bbq place wtf?? well that's why we went there bc we read the veggie reviews on yelp! so i ordered the "tofu your way" honey roasted with side of red beans and rice and fried plantains. my eating companion ie bf ordered the gator sausage po boy. OHMYGOD. this was literally THE BEST tofu i have had in like 10 years!! the honey roasted sauce was amazing, sweet but not overly sweet. the tofu... mmmmMMMM... crispy on the outside and SO TENDER ON THE INSIDE! melt in your mouth delicious. the red beans and rice were also perfect, but the fried plantains could have been sweeter. i tried to proclaim that my tofu was the best thing on the menu, but my eating companion said his gator sausage po boy was better. harumph! i decided to get a mushroom hoagie roll to go, for some reason i thought there was tofu on there as well and i was so sad when i saw that it didn't, only mushrooms. i was just in the area visiting my bf who is moving away from the area soon, but i will seriously be making a trip to memphis JUST to go to dejavu again!!!!
(5)
Madeline S.
The food was good. The gumbo was very rich and the alligator stew was very tasty. The okra was good, but I preferred the other stews. The bread pudding was unremarkable but tasty. They were a little inflexible about their dishes though (wouldn't give smaller portions or pay extra for just the gravy/sauce of a dish).
(4)
F J.
This is our go to lunch spot and whenever I am there I have to order a second plate to take away for my husband. Gary and the staff do a fabulous job with real New Orleans recipes with authentic sides, think Big Shot drinks and Patton's sausage. I love the selection of veggies and the tofu offerings as well. Get there fast and early, space is limited but it makes the whole space homey; just liked you passed by your neighbor's house for a meal!
(4)
Trevor T.
i had a great lunch today with great conversation from someone sitting at my table. i had the vegetable plate. Keep up the great work Gary
(5)
Jason W.
Don't be scared of the location just be scared of the flavors that are about to explode in your mouth. This is by far the best cajun food in Memphis and Chef Gary is not afraid to come out of the kitchen to say Hello. I haven't had a bad meal here yet. My only reason for a 4 star rating is the lack of seating and the hours of service. If they were open evenings on the weekend and had more than 8 tables this place would be a slam dunk. All that being said good luck finding a table anytime you go. The place is packed because the food is straight from the gulf and super fresh.
First getting to this place is a little intimidating ( going thru some crazy neighbourhoods) but if your willing to take the drive the food is worth it. Don't be put off by the exterior of the building once you go in the atmosphere will change your mind. People very friendly, constantly busy. Don't be surprised if the waitress asks if another person(s) can sit with you , everyone's welcome. Food came quickly considering the amount of people in a small place. My only regret is husband and I shared our Big Keith's dish, we each could have eaten a plate ourselves and then some......so good! We saw police, business folks and neighbourhood people this food appeals to everyone. The owner himself came around several times to make sure we were taken care of and happy. So glad we drove back into Memphis to eat here before going to Nashville definitely worth the drive.
(4)
Jon F.
Do not pass this place. Incredible! Better than New Orleans itself. Amazing!!!!
(5)
Kerry C.
Deja Vu is definitely of the way, but it's totally worth the trip. It's a favorite with good reason - the gumbo I had was seasoned perfectly and was full of big chunks of sausage, chicken and shrimp. It came with rice and three big slices of French bread. There are a lot of New Orleans favorites on the menu - alligator stew, gumbo, shrimp and sausage pasta and bread pudding are all represented. DeJaVu also has plenty of offerings for vegans - the fake chicken salad and mushroom hoagies sounded great. All of the food is less than $15, and you get a ton of it. DeJaVu is a bit hard to find, though. It's on Florida, just south of Crump, in an unremarkable yellow brick building that you'll miss if you aren't paying attention. There are a few parking spaces, but if they're full, it's fine to park on the side street.
(4)
Hannah U.
Do not let the small size and humble exterior deter you from this gem of a restaurant. The hospitality is great and the food speaks for itself. We wholeheartedly enjoyed our experience and meals. They did not have the AC on so if you are planning on eating here, I recommend leaving your sweater at home but bringing your appetite!
(5)
Oscar D.
Another one of the local gems that should not be missed(!). Outside if very unpretentious, however, inside is cozy, warm and friendly, and the food is literally to die for(!) The 4 of us had the seafood platter, shrimp etoufe' and two orders of the jambalaya, all excellent prepared and seasoned to perfection. The seafood was fried but very light, flavorful, and delicately seasoned. The file' seasoning in the etoufe' was like it was straight outa Bourbon Street. Sides were ample and tasty as well, and the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (my spouse, the dietitian, said that getting sweet potato fries to be crispy on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside, is no mean fete....). Capped it all off with an exquisite bread pudding that could only be shared among the 4 of use, due to the generous portions of our dinners. Very highly recommended, if you can make it here, do so, you will NOT be disappointed(!)....
(5)
Megan T.
My husband and I had heard through friends that DejaVu was an excellent place for vegan options and man did they deliver. I'm an *aspiring* vegan while my husband is an omnivore. DejaVu had an exciting menu with plenty of options for both of us. I tried the Veggie Rolls with a side of plantains and smothered okra -- all delish! And my husband tried their hotwings which he loved. It's so refreshing to go to a restaurant that gives vegetarians/vegans more than just a few options for an available meal and DejaVu supplied many options. We can't wait to go back and try out more on the menu! Great service, great atmosphere, great food. The location is indeed a bit random, but that's no excuse not to go!
(5)
Jacky A.
I was in Memphis for a conference and we found this place on Yelp. It was the most amazing experience. Great food...I had the Jumbalaya Pasta with garlic bread and peach cobbler hot outguys of thethe oven! Our servicer Iris rocked and the chef came out and chatted and joked with us. It is definately a feel good restaurant. It is a tiny corner building off the beaten path but don't let it fool you, both the food and the service are full of heart and soul!
(5)
Don K.
Excellent Food and a fantastic friendly Staff. Thanks to Erica and Gary and all the staff we loved our first of many visits!
The food here is excellent! I've never tasted anything here that I don't like. If you haven't tried it it's definitely worth the trip. Although the food is "southern/creole" those who are health conscience can find great food that doesn't blow their diet. My favorite is the blackened tilapia, grilled cabbage & smothered okra. My friends & family all rave about the fried catfish. I even tried some fried plantains which I wasn't really sure about and they were great, though that was more like a dessert for me than a side. Anyone living or visiting Memphis MUST try this place. It's small but the staff is super friendly & I know it will be love at first bite!
(5)
baz s.
Found this place from the Travel Channel (or Food Network) airing Best BBQ in the South specials. Hidden in a alley and easy to miss from the main street, but a true treasure. Huge amounts of history inside, great decor, loyal and extremely knowledgeable wait staff (and some of the friendliest), and a dry rub rack of ribs that a man would slap his momma for! Dry rub done right, every single time. You won't be disappointed. I think I'll retire near Memphis just so I can go on a weekly basis.
(5)
Natalie M.
Stopped in here on a road trip based on the high reviews. We got the gumbo, grilled cabbage, red beans and rice, blackened tilapia, and smothered okra. The gumbo wasn't the best I've had, but pretty standard. The okra was a little tough, but tasty. Everything else was great! It's definitely a hole in the wall type of restaurant, which usually isn't an issue, but the ac was out today... Bummer. The atmosphere was mismatched with their pricing. I assume based on popularity their prices are much higher now than previous yelpers have recorded. Veggie plate (2013) used to be $6.99 and is now $12, that's a big price jump and too high in my opinion. The LUNCH entrees ranged from $10-$16, and at a place with no ac or real flooring, this is a bit high. Overall, atmosphere could use some work but food was great!
(4)
Tanya C.
I was simply blown away by my experience at Dejavu. I'm vegan and it was so wonderful to have all the items separated on the menu clearly. I ordered the spinach and mushroom quesadilla and omg it was so so so good. I loved every single bite. The owner and head chef made an appearance and I was able to tell him how much I enjoyed everything. The staff was so friendly and the environment is so lively. I highly recommend this place! I can't wait to go back again the next time I'm in Memphis.
(5)
David D.
From the time we walked in we were guests. Greeted with smiles, we were taken upstairs. The server was kind and attentive. I went with the Arkansas Outlaw. This was by far the best catfish I've ever eaten. They were huge filets, lightly breaded and fried. They were then covered with an amazing Cajun gravy. The sides were nothing to rave about but the main course was enough to get them a five. If you haven't been you've got to check out this place.
(5)
Janice G.
Don't slap yo mama go and eat here. The food was so so good. I will be back really soon. If you like New Orleans food this is the place for you. Service was excellent.
(5)
Leon P.
Good food service not too shabby thank you guys. unfortunately the male staff was too busy gossiping about girls then actually paying attention to the customers. Ill give it a try again some time
(3)
Darian M.
I'm from Louisiana so this place had a lot to look up too. I'm talking down to the most simplest of things aka Gumbo. Boy Let me tell you?! I was impressed. The gumbo and the chef were authentic. He even came out and introduced himself to us which is a cool thing to do as a business owner. My wife had the shrimp & grits which had to be good because she was silent thru the meal.
(4)
Keith K.
You really can't go wrong with most items on the menu. The seafood is great and make sure you leave some room for desert.
(4)
Sean D.
As a vegetarian that is in love with savory, spicy food full of flavor this place is the ultimate. I may be the primary market for BBQ tofu, but it was BOMB. That being said the service was whomp whomp. My sister and I called in to ask if they had a table for two. They said they would hold one- when we showed up 10 minutes later there was no table and we ended up waiting 40 minutes! Given that we already had brought our BYOB we felt forced to wait instead of going to our next option. Then when we sat down and didn't immediately know our order in the first 10 seconds the waitress exclaimed "Well then what were you doing while you waited???" so much for southern hospitality. After that the service picked up a bit and, like I said, my food was capable of vanishing negative feelings. We also had the cajun spring rolls which were awesome! I think maybe I'll be ordering out next time, but frequently.
(3)
Matthieu K.
I generally do not like "Southern food." This place is a gem though ... Chef Gary is the reason for 5 stars. Thanks chef. Great cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Frank C.
Friendly place, great food. I'm always happy every time I eat there!
(5)
Marc S.
This is the first time my wife and I have had this type of food and Im glad I tried it here first. We went to the downtown location and the food was delicious, service was alittle slow not because it was crowded but our waitress was busy chatting with a fried I guess. Definitely try and get here, I don't think youll be disappointed
(4)
Amanda H.
This place never disappoints!!!! Love love love the Arkansas Outlaw and the Boudin is great too! Some of the best authentic Cajun in Memphis!!
(5)
Elise H.
I absolutely loved it! The staff was friendly and the food was delicious! We got the veggie sampler of collared greens, sweet potatoes, the okra, and the rice with beans. I got the jambalaya and sweet tea and I forget what my friend had but it was all so good! I had never had southern food before but they had and they absolutely loved it too! The only slight downside that I could note was poor ac or other cooling system, it was really warm inside but I think that added to the ambiance. Next time I'm in the area I am definitely stoping by!!
(5)
Teresa L.
After reviewing the menu, I was so excited about visiting the restaurant. When we pulled up, my friend didn't want to go in. She was scared of the location and the building. I begged her until she finally surrendered. We were both happy that we did. Jennifer was our server and she was fabulous. She has such a bubbly and caring personality, as does Tony. Everyone in the restaurant is so nice. There is something for everyone on the menu. All of the sides are vegetarian. The collards are delicious. The fried catfish was some of the best I have ever had. It was perfectly fried with a light cornmeal batter. My friend had shrimp creole. I had bread pudding for dessert and she had peach cobbler. Everything was perfect. I just wish DejaVu would move to Atlanta. It isn't often that I give a restaurant 5 stars, but the food is so good that I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Everybody says this place is amazing. Everybody is right. I stopped in here and got a vegetable plate. It was VERY tasty. The greens were good. They were not as spicy as I like mine, but there was Papi's pepper sauce to make up the difference. The yams were cooked to perfection, not mushy, just right. They were also seasoned appropriately. The grilled cabbage was great also. I ordered the red beans and rice, but I thought it was terrible. My dining companion loved them and scraped the bowl clean. So I guess you have to see for yourself, although I'd skip this option. I noticed that another young lady at an adjacent table barely touched hers, she asked for a takeout plate and did not take the Red beans and rice home. So that's 2-1 in my opinion. I also ordered the boudin with low expectations since Louisiana is six hours away. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavorful pork/rice sausage. They even threw the thinly scallions on top like they did when I was in NOLA. This experience was really tasty. While we were waiting for our food, the owner came around spoke with each table of customers. He did not hurriedly breeze by as a formality, he seemed genuinely interested in what his customers had to say about their food. The only reasons I did not rate 5 stars: Parking is ultra-limited. The A/C was cool but not cold. Don't let the two preceding sentences stop you from dining at DejaVu. This food is good.
(4)
K S.
The service was really great. We had 4 different folks talk to us and it was comfortable being there. But I'm pretty sure every vegetable I ate came from the freezer isle. They were spongy, watery, and cut the exact same way that my microwave dinners were. One of the dishes I tried was 100% fresh tasting and I enjoyed it. The rest were mediocre, really. My family shares - I tried 2 sides and 2 main vegetarian dishes
It is always a pleasant surprise when a random yelp search finds such an awesome place. The menu has a little something for everyone - it's amazing so much variety can come from such a small kitchen. Don't judge by location if you want food made with love and true southern flavors come on in....had the gumbo with a couple of sides and was excellent. I will be back.
(4)
Michelle W.
I am fearful I can not relay in words how good the food is at DejaVu. Four of us headed down for lunch a few Saturdays ago. The place was packed, but the tables turned over fairly quickly. The atmosphere is fun and lively and the service was fantastic! For an appetizer, we shared an order of the hot wings. They were delicious. For my meal, I had the blackened catfish, greens and yams. The food had incredible flavor and was not salty or over seasoned. One of my friends had the oyster poboy and he said it was better than anything he's had in New Orleans. I should note that he is from New Orleans. I highly recommend visiting DejaVu. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Andy S.
For my birthday, my parents wanted to take me out to a restaurant. I, of course, wanted to go to a restaurant that I have never visited, so I chose DeJaVu. I had read and heard good things about it, but had never managed to get down there. It's located near downtown Memphis. The outside of the building looks average, but the inside atmosphere, food, and service were much better than average. The restaurant has creole, soul food, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. For an appetizer, we shared some wings and fries. The wings weren't spicy, but they had a good flavor. I had to try something new, so I ordered the alligator stew. It was so filling. I ended up eating all the stew and leaving a lot of the rice. I enjoyed it and would order it again. For my sides, I ordered greens and grilled cabbage. It came with cornbread. All three were good. I particularly enjoyed the grilled cabbage, which was shredded. I don't think I've ever had grilled cabbage before (only boiled and baked). My dad had the seafood platter, which included fried catfish, shrimp and oysters. For his side, he ordered red beans and rice. It all tasted good. (Yes, I sampled it.) One person ordered the blackened catfish, which he enjoyed. (I did, too.) My mom had the smothered pork chop. I thought it was really good. We ordered the check and the waitress tried to sell us dessert. My dad told her we were having dessert at home, because he had made me a cake for my birthday. Then she said that I got a free dessert, and no one can pass up a free dessert. I had the bread pudding and it was amazing, which says a lot, because bread pudding is not my favorite dessert. I will definitely revisit, and you should, too!
(4)
Sarah S.
Fantastic food so glad we stopped in here a few,weeks ago the service was quick and all the employees were friendly and gave us some really good recommendations for,food to try! Definitely going back
Awesome food. This is one of the best Creole/Cajun/Louisiana style restaurants that I have ever been to and even better than some I've visited in NOLA. The Big Easy Pasta is my absolute favorite however the New Orleans Crawfish Etouffee and Shrimp Creole are mouth watering as well. The Banana Foster's Cheesecake should be illegal in every state. It is just that good. The staff here is awesome and Chef Gary shows his great appreciation for your business every time you visit. 4 stars in my book. The only negative is that it is very small and you may have to share a table with someone from another party. Being the social guy that I am, I don't mind this but others may not like it. I am looking forward to the larger restaurant that will open in downtown Memphis.
(4)
Kyle T.
I will never again leave Memphis without stopping here FIRST! It's a small 6 table old building that appears to border some industrial areas and a shady area of town. WHO CARES!? The people are very friendly and Chef Greg is an artist. BBQ shrimp appetizer has fresh shrimp and a great way to pass the time waiting on your meal. I had the Bayou Rolls and they were awesome with a side of collard greens and grilled cabbage. The wife had shrimp and grits. For a little hole-in-the-wall venue it has amazing food. I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Peach cobbler was good, and they brag about the bananas foster, but we didn't try it....
We were driving to Memphis set on a restaurant in our tour guide, when my friend said hmm double check that they are open. Thank goodness I did! Well we were set on creole food, so I used the power of yelp, and found Gary and his DejaVu! Gary greeted us in the parking lot, he came to our table to check up on us and he even gave us tips on our supper later on. Gary and his crewe are from New Orleans. They serve some of the finest creole I have ever had. Make sure you leave room for bananas foster and bread pudding! Also a great place to bring vegan friends!
(4)
Lindsay P.
Love Deja Vu! The service and food are fantastic. The ladies are very benevolent and want to make sure you have a good experience.
(5)
A Kate H.
Literally perplexed at all the great reviews for this restaurant. We had a friend recommend this one and gave it a try last night. The place was packed- which was reassuring since there was no host when you walk in. At 8:15 pm on a Saturday We waited about 15 minutes to be greeted after sitting which was okay since we just had apps at another restaurant and were in good conversation, but we eventually noticed the absence of service and started looking around to make eye contact for ANY server to stop by. We ordered beers and everything to complete our dinner at the first sign of a waitress and received our beers quickly. After 40 minutes we received our food. I know this because I am in the industry and after about a half hour I checked my time of my last text sent and it was literally 43 minutes before when we ordered beers. - I don't mind a kitchen wait either, but the product I'm waiting for better be on point. With no one checking on us during that time to see if we wanted another round, to offer the supposed cornbread or even acknowledge the ticket time was long, that's just bad for business. However, we just sat and enjoyed the music and checked out the other dishes being served around us. My husbands shrimp po boy was smothered in mayo and my shrimp and grits were about two hours overcooked- they must use a premade container that sits in a warmer and spoon it out for each order. I gave the two stars because the flavor in the shrimp and grits sauce was great- the texture was not. Can't tell you about the poboy other than the bread was tough to bite, may have been easier to chew if they toasted it or warmed it up- you lost me at mayo (that wasn't mentioned on the menu). Our food came out together, but I watched several other tables get their food by piecemeal. Half the table staring at the food and the other half waiting on their food. I wouldn't recommend trying this place, but if you are convinced by the other reviews, at least have low expectations going into it. Last thing I'd like to mention was it didn't seem like we were the only table in this situation, we did watch two couples come in, sit, order, drink, and get full entrees served to them before ours- it may have to do with our server but I don't want to name names.
(2)
Elle S.
I'm taking away 2 stars because everyone says this place is amazing, and what I had was decent but not amazing, so I was disappointed. The catfish had a lot of potential, but it had too much black pepper. Dessert was good, the banana cheesecake was good but the sauce was grainy. Will I come back yes, is it the most amazing meal, no. I think I must make another trip to see what the 5 stars are about.
This review is way overdue. I actually wrote it once already but accidentally erased it all and then the system did that neat little auto save right when it happened. So I decided to wait before I do it again. (yep i was frustrated) Every review you read about the location of this place is correct. It is in an area that looks seedy at best and darn right scary at worst. I would have to think twice before I actually brought friends to this section of town. I am not from Memphis so I do not know if this is a bad neighborhood or a place that is just pretending to be a bad neighborhood. But driving to the restaurant you feel sorry for the people around and the living conditions and possibly locking your car doors or checking your glove box to make sure you are packing. When you get here there really only 4 maybe 5 parking spaces close to the building. I doubt that many people would park much further then that because of the way the neighborhood appears. I actually found this place on yelp before I went to Memphis. Then my uncle decided to treat me to lunch and just happened to picked the place I had already bookmarked to check out. As soon as we arrived I realized my uncle was a regular because he started a verbal game of dozens with the waitress that was really funny. (and cute) I haven't been to New Orleans yet, but with everyone saying that this is about as authentic as you can get to food in New Orleans I decided to try the Gumbo. Yes it was delicious. This was back in March when I was here and this Gumbo made me start to make my own... even sitting up on the stove making the roux and trying to keep from burning it. lol So it was a life changer in that regard. The Peach Cobbler was phenomenal! The best I've ever had and that is saying something. I have had my share of cobbler and this was ranked #1 for me. It was a surprise because usually a restaurant quality cobbler is basic and either too sweet and mushy or too thick and flavorless. Chef Gary is a funny dude. Wasn't a lot of people here during the time we visited and he had time to come out and joke and kid with us during and after the meal. His personality makes this place what it is. Along with his cooking he could clearly have this place as a 5 star sitting on Beale where many more tourists would get a chance to try the wonderful food. (I see there is a location on Main St. too. I didn't know this back in March. I would only go to the site if he was currently in cooking though. From reading the reviews I think their might be an issue with the food being cooked and heated. This would make since if he is doing all the cooking. I think if he haven't already done it he needs to teach someone his wonderful craft of cooking if this is an on going issue.) With my uncle living in Memphis and my mother not living too far from the place, I will be back in Memphis and visiting this place once again!
(5)
Steven R.
My wife, three teenage age kids, and I found DejaVu on Yelp when looking for a good soul food restaurant while vacationing from Minnesota. Wow. Amazing food, service, and friendly bantering with Chef/owner Gary Williams. Each dish was incredible. Superb seafood, fried chicken, collard greens, red beans and rice, fried plantains, and bread pudding. Thank goodness we paid no heed to the sketchy neighborhood remarks. Not at all scary. Industrial, yes. Dangerous, no. One of the best restaurant experiences ever.
(5)
Rachel D.
Chef Gary came to Memphis from New Orleans when Katrina hit and thankfully, he never left. The best AUTHENTIC Cajun/Creole food in Memphis. Don't be intimidated by the location or the building itself. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. P.S. It's spelled "Deja Vu" :)
(4)
Doug D.
This place reminds me of the numerous great hole-in-the wall restaurants around New Orleans. As you drive by, the appearance may not grab your attention, but the food sure will. Our party of 4 walked into a relaxed, friendly room with about 8 tables, and some willing couples shared a table. The place was full for lunch on a Thursday. The decor and music will make transplanted New Orleaneans nostalgic. The waitress met us with a bright and welcoming smile, and was attentive and helpful throughout our lunch. The oysters for the po-boys were light, crisp, and perfectly fried. Sides came with the sandwiches: the candied yams were like dessert, the red beans and rice were creamy and well-seasoned. The gumbo was tasty with a good amount of heat, and just the right amount of seafood. The catfish was perfectly battered, light, and fresh. The owner stopped by our table to chat, and added a very friendly touch to an enjoyable meal. If you love New Orleans food, this is the real deal.
(4)
Jennifer W.
Run to DejaVu!! Don't walk and don't wait! Love it and love Gary!
(5)
Gabe M.
We stopped by on our through. It was def worth the stop! The Hospitality was great and the food was even better! A def stop on future stops through Memphis!
(5)
Tim M.
Outside of restaurant scared me, but my friends forced me to go in. Boy, am I glad I did! I just came from a whirlwind tour of Memphis eating at all of the legendary top rated restaurants and this was my favorite. From our awesome waitress to eating phenomenal alligator stew, this was a highlight of our vacation. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
(5)
Ben H.
Off the beaten path, but worth it. We went at lunch time and the place was slammed. Only waited about 5 minutes for a table. There is no real waiting area, so it was a little congested. I had the oyster poboy, which was very good, but I probably should've been more daring. My wife had the gumbo and it blew us away. I can't stress enough how great it was. We were both too full for dessert but we will definitely be going back. DejaVu has an extensive vegetarian selection....and since my wife and I are giving up meat for lent so we will be returning very soon.
(4)
Alan P.
Oh, the food is wonderful, the service is splindid. Limited seating and parking, but oh it was worth it. I will become a regular, if not an investor in this resturant.
(5)
Michael S.
Had the alligator stew, grilled cabbage, smothered okra, candied yams, and collard greens. Pure awesomeness
(5)
Joe S.
It's Deja Vu. Super good Creole/Cajun food. I had a bite of my dining companion's gumbo, which was delicious (the sausage is incredible), but I went for the veggies. I posted a picture of my vegetable plate: red beans and rice, collard greens, grilled cabbage, and fried plantains. Excellent! For you folks who haven't eaten collard greens, they have the consistency of construction paper, and never seem to cook up quite tender enough, but the taste is great when prepared correctly. Deja Vu has the technique down. If you visit, don't miss the the grilled cabbage (must eat to appreciate). The plantains were perfect. As Rachel said, don't locate the location scare you. I love this place!!
(5)
Miki W.
There is a full section of vegan options clearly labeled on the menu. Everything I ate was pretty amazing! My main reason to review, however, is to make people aware of the VAST differences between the 2 locations, as I ate at both when I visited Memphis. This one on Florida is in a slightly sketchy area, and the restaurant is very small (maybe 8 tables), has no A/C, has *zero* atmosphere (plain card tables, pay at the counter). It's worth it for the food, and I would go there again, but some people may be put off by it. However, the other location on Ridgeway is the complete opposite... very large, nicely decorated, A/C, servers wearing professional clothing, etc. To sum it up, I would have no problem taking my elderly parents to the new location, but there is no way I would want to bring them to the original one! And since this is the page for the Florida location, I have to give it for stars, since it's just not as nice as the Ridegway location. But at either location, the staff is great and the food is not to be missed!
(4)
Andrea H.
Only veg friendly place in Memphis. Super good food, nice owner and staff. We enjoyed everything we ate at this place, and were impressed by the prices and portions. The owner was from New Orleans, and was extremely friendly and welcoming. I wish he would come back home, so that I could eat his food everyday, because he is extremely talented! I was disturbed by the fact that some reviewers called the location a "bad neighborhood".. It's just a more industrial area, and neither of us felt that we were in any danger. This place was the best part of our trip to Memphis, that's for sure.
(5)
Matt H.
Excellent food, very friendly service. The collards were easily the best stewed greens I've had. The veggie rolls were also delicious - my only complaint about them is that the sauces sell them short - something simple would suffice - the sweet chili sauce nearly overwhelms them. In the future I think I'll get the veggie plate and save room for desert - they look great. If you're looking for a formal dining experience you should probably order your food to go - the atmosphere is very down home like you're in your uncles kitchen. If you're vegan they're very conscientious and were quick to note that since most of the food we ordered was vegan we should know that the corn muffins were not.
(4)
Ricco D.
This place reminds me of home. I love it!!!!
(5)
Tiffani G.
All i can say is that the Arkansas Outlaw is lethal! As a former New Orleans resident (XU baby) i was extremely pleased with food. Great service. I look forward to attending brunch at the new location.
(5)
thezda g.
This place is HEAVEN! Chef Gary Williams really knows what he's doing!!
(5)
Jordan W.
This place is great! Amazing food and service! Being a tourist, it's a bit intimidating to walk into Deja Vu...it's in a maybe-not-so-nice neighborhood and it looks like a locals-only joint. But once you're in the door, it couldn't be more welcoming. It's a small place, and the service is beyond attentive. They are incredibly helpful and friendly. The Chef (owner?) came out to welcome and to check up on us. We were there for vegan chow: we had the spinach mushroom quesadilla and the mock chicken salad sandwich. Both were INCREDIBLE! And we got a TON of food. We couldn't pass up the dessert, but we had to take the carrot raisin bread to go because we were stuffed. We'll be back for sure on our next rip to Memphis!
(5)
Jolynna M.
First let me say that Cajun is one of my all time favorite types of food, but unfortunately, there hasn't been anything in Memphis that really compares to the Big Easy. That is, until now. It was a bit of a drive for me, and not in the best part of town for sure. But it was well worth the effort. I found the place to be clean, and the service fast and friendly, but all of this was overshadowed by how delicious the food was. I had the Crawfish Etouffe, which was absolutely smothered in crawfish and enough food to make two meals for me. My friends went with the Shrimp Creole (also really loaded with fresh seafood) and the Smothered Chicken, which showcased the fact that not only that they can do Cajun right, but soul food as well! My only complaints was the lack of beer or wine, and the sweet tea was mediocre, but those are minor complaints. I'm just happy that Memphis finally has some good Cajun cooking.
(5)
Melissa A.
Best food dive in Memphis. Comfort food, super friendly and welcoming staff. I've tried nearly all of the veg options, and all were phenomenal.
(4)
Reagan E.
While driving cross-country, we considered a southern route via New Orleans but opted instead for a path via Memphis. We were thrilled to find Deja Vu and such amazing food so that we could still get our Nawlins fix. The owners were incredibly kind, VERY focused on ensuring a wonderful experience for all (including our young children), and an absolute blast to talk with. They opened their arms and their kitchen for extended dining to another group of diners who had traveled from afar (Australia!) to taste the legendary cornbread, jambalaya, gumbo, and grilled cabbage. Everything we ordered was wonderful and we left smiling and sated. The only downside is that there aren't more tables to serve hungry patrons. The fact that it's nestled into an out-of-the-way neighborhood helps keep the crowds at bay -- for now. Go while you can enjoy the intimate setting, and help support the wonderful staff in expanding to bring their southern hospitality to more lucky guests in a larger setting in the future.
(5)
David M.
The ONLY Soul Food restaurant with a Vegan section on the menu. That's right, VEGAN soul food. I'm told the selections are quite good, by my veg-head friends. I'm a fan of the crawfish etouffee, the tilapia is some of the best that this pill-o-pino has ever had, and the grilled cabbage is not to be missed!
(5)
Delanya G.
i have visited Deja Vu a couple of times and both were awed. It has been awhie and cannot remember the names of the items I got but I remember they were tasty. Darn guess I will have to go back so I can write a more specific review. I do know the sweet potato fries are about the only ones in Memphis worth eating. I typically do not like them because they are always kinda soggy and not crisp like a fry should be. Somehow Chef Gary fixed that. They are a perfect crispiness. I also know I ate the cabbage that everyone raves about and understand why they do. Oh my goodness this stuff is yummy. I could probobly eat a whole plate of just cabbage. Well if he didn't have so many other tasty things I want to try. The chicken wings I know were amazing. My husband isn't a big chicken wing fan and he was in love. I wish I could remember the name of the seasoning we got on ours but I know it was awesome. It is hard for me to find people with the time to make it down to this part of town and I am not sure I would venture down there alone although once inside everyone is the same. I talked with a couple of other patrons as I was checking out their plates while pretending to look at things on the wall. Again I say inside these walls we were all equal as things should be. It was refreshing. My husband is a rather picky eater and was having a hard time finding something on the menu until Chef Gary came over and spent probobly about 10 minutes helping him decide. Who does that? I do wish it was more accessable so I could go more but then it probobly wouldn't have the same charm.
(5)
Thomas O.
Yes it's a dive. Yes it could be in a better location. But it is all about the food and the food is good. My daughter and I finally made the long awaited jaunt to Deja Vu for lunch. We went early to avoid the lunch crowd as the place is small. As we entered only one table was seated. A table of 3 middle aged redneck gentlemen. That spoke to me. If these guys would come here, the food must be good. Others started strolling in but not too busy as it was early. I had my mind set on the Crawfish Etouffee. It was very good but did not hit the 5 stars I was hoping for. It is based on a very dark roux, seasoned very well, but the tails were tiny. Don't let that minor complaint dissuade you. It has been a long time since I left a plate so clean. My daughter had the Smothered Pork Chops which she said to be excellent. I had a sample bite and I agree. For sides we had, collard greens, grilled cabbage and sweet potato fries and all stood out. Collards greens were delicious. Sweet potato fries were perfect, the best I have ever had. Grilled cabbage, how in the heck does Chef Gary take this most simple vegetable and turn it in to a culinary delight. I could eat a gallon bowl of this cabbage and still want more. As to service it doesn't get any better than this. The two young ladies waiting tables were affable and charming. Chef Gary made the point to come out and greet all guest. You could tell he was very busy. The restaurant wasn't that full but the to go orders were stacked to the ceiling and he still made sure to greet all his guest, including the 3 rednecks by name. That said they are regulars and this place crosses cultural boundary's. That impressed me. I will go again and taste the Gumbo or many other offerings. I bet that will bump it up to 5 stars. High on the list of places to try.
(4)
Tara J.
Everything about this little restaurant is delightful. I have never experienced friendlier service! I tried the honey tofu and the BBQ tofu and both were completely amazing. I also had the cornbread, beans and rice and collard greens - all delicious. I would eat here weekly if I lived in Memphis. What a sweet place!
(5)
Andrew D.
Simply amazing vegan food. The red beans and rice, the greens, the okra, the mock chicken salad sandwich, and the BBQ tofu were all incredible, as was talking with Chef Gary Williams. My partner and I are crossing the country for a move, and this is the best meal we've had since leaving Chicago. The food rivals our hometown favorite, Soul Vegetarian East. The staff were great, super nice, and we ended up chatting with a bunch of locals having lunch. Lots of folk coming in for take out orders, which is always a good sign. A must stop for anybody, but especially vegans and vegetarians.
(5)
Kathy R.
Okay, all this talk about the neighborhood.... I wouldn't call it a neighborhood exactly. It's in an industrial area, not a residential area. It seems to be the only restaurant for a long stretch. Most of the businesses seemed to be associated with auto parts, if I remember correctly. So, don't worry yourselves, Yelpers. They have a parking lot and you would only drive to this place anyway. And no, the area isn't pretty. The only "pretty" you'll experience is after you walk in the door of this place. It's nothing fancy, mind you. There are about 6 or 7 tables and the floor is concrete. (It must've previously been an auto parts store or market or something.) It was funky (GOOD FUNKY). There was cool stuff on the walls. The people were fun to watch. The staff was good-looking and colorful. They were also warm and inviting. Gary, the owner/chef was walking around, chatting with the customers. It's obvious that he loves his business and his craft. The food was SO YUMMY!! I ordered "Big Keith's Bayou Classic." OMG! It was so good. Tilapia smothered with a creme sauce that had shrimp, lump crab meat and crayfish in it. My husband had the crawfish etouffe. Yum! Gary does a really dark, rich roux and it is wonderful. The only thing I wasn't expecting was that the bread pudding (with whiskey sauce) had fruit cocktail in it. It was strange, but good. Definitely homemade tasting. Go here. It's a feel good place.
(4)
Terra S.
This restaurant is amazing. The food was great and their sides are much healthier AND tastier than a lot of alternatives. We tried the alligator stew, crawfish ettouffe, and shrimp creole. All of them were fantastic, but we particularly liked the alligator stew. Everyone in the restaurant was also very friendly and welcoming. I wish I could go back all the time!
(5)
Dustin A.
This is another one of those hidden gems that is off the beaten path and in an area you may not feel comfortable in, but, once you get inside you will be welcomed by a friendly wait staff, a chef who comes out of the kitchen to make sure everyone is enjoying his wonderful offerings, and an atmosphere that brings old New Orleans to Memphis. The Po Boys are on the Top 100 things to eat in Memphis and there is a reason. They are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!! They have the usuals with shrimp, oysters or catfish which are all VERY GOOD! The one to try though is the ALLIGATOR SAUSAGE PO BOY!!!!! It is a little piece of heaven on a plate. The Honey Roasted Chicken?????? SCRUMPTIOUS!!!! Have tried numerous vegetables and you just cant get down home cooking any better than here. You wont be disappointed eating here unless its because you couldn't find a seat and if thats the case, WAIT, it is so worth it!!!!
(5)
A L.
Had the too die for alligator stew and the gumbo. Went with a bunch of friends from work everyone was pleased
(5)
Jason A.
The place is phenomenal! I've had several of their dishes and none disappoint! The gumbo is my favorite which comes with large chunks of blue crabs that have flavor soaked meat ready to be picked out! The place is heaven. Chef Gary really brought his A game! I bought a gallon of the gumbo to serve when I had a few people over for drinks and it was a gigantic success! Wish they were open for dinner though.
(5)
sarah b.
To be able to have red beans and rice, greens, corn bread and not have a bit of meat in any of them is a true culinary feat in Memphis Tn. Deja Vu does it and does it well. Vegetarian and going to Memphis? No need to pack the protein bars...there is hope. Deja Vu will satisfy not only your hunger but somehow it touches that spot deep down that craves that southern comfort food. An absolute must for all those that have a "Restaurants to check out" list!!
(5)
S A.
I found Deja Vu when looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Memphis, and this was by far the best restaurant we went to. We ordered a variety of food (both vegetarian and not), and LOVED everything they brought out. The staff and owner were very helpful and friendly, and I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
(5)
Dana L.
Great find in Memphis! We went there while in town in hopes to find some good vegan food. Everything we ate was delicious! The staff is super friendly, and the food is cheap. They had a huge menu of items to choose from. Get there early as I believe they were open around 11 and closing by 3 or 4. Not in the prettiest part of town, but don't let that stop you!
(4)
Lupe L.
New Orleans don't get any closer in a car than to drive right downtown to Memphis. First time eating crocodile was at this place and it was so good. I have tried a little bit of everything here with no disappointment what so ever. The staff is friendly, the food is good and who doesn't enjoy Madi Gras without leaving Shelby County.
(5)
Deen W.
My husband had lunch free and had never eaten at Dejavu, so today I decided to indoctrinate him. Lunch was, as expected, absolutely fabulous. We shared a cup of gumbo, which we agreed was the best we've ever had....ANYWHERE. NOLA included. I enjoyed a big dish of crawfish etoufee. Hubby had the oyster poboy. For sides, we shared the grilled cabbage and candied yams. Service was bar none. Our waitress was super friendly, humorous, and highly efficient. Even though the restaurant is small and we were there at high noon, the wait was only about 5 minutes. Definitely not a place to linger during peak times, as you wouldn't want to deny other patrons from enjoying the deliciousness. My husband (Jeff) was so impressed with our food, he asked to speak to the chef. Gary is from New Orleans and has a great attitude about food. It clearly translates to the plate. Can't wait to go back! Everyone should eat here. For real. It should be a law.
(5)
Barbara K.
My daughter and I stopped here for lunch during a very long road trip from Austin to Indiana. From the outside, my girl was a bit wary. It is small and the parking lot was collecting water. When we walked inside, we were greeted by Gary. The staff were so friendly and we felt lucky to get a table in the tiny establishment. After perusing the options, we (both vegetarians) decided on the BBQ tofu, stewed okra and sweet potato fries for me; and the Veggie burger, fried plantains, and fries for my girlie. We were both over the moon when our food arrived. I'm very particular about tofu and this tofu was cooked to perfection and smothered in fabulous tangy BBQ sauce. The stewed okra was flavorful and the liquid was thick and saucy. The sweet potato fries were crispy and oh so fine. We couldn't finish our food, so we took the rest "to go" and snacked on it the rest of the trip. Deja Vu was the high point of a difficult day of driving (rained the entire way from Texarkana to Indiana). I have to drive my girl back up when she starts college. We already know where we will ALWAYS stop when we are hungry in Memphis, TN!
(5)
Jeannette L.
Tasty vegetarian options. Small eatery with a home cooking, kitchen feel. Friendly service. Amazing food. It's hopping, so sometimes you may have to wait, but well worth it!
(5)
Shaina G.
Mmm Mmm Mmm! DejaVu has so many delicious items to choose from...where to start... well first off, I am no tofu eater, well that is until I had DejaVu's bbq tofu for lunch. Everything on the menu is great: Salad, Shrimp Pasta, Red Beans and Rice, Bar B Que Chicken and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce are among my favs. If you haven't tried this place yet, DO IT!
(4)
Caroline V.
This place is a hidden treasure, tucked away in a tiny building just beyond the inhabited stretch of downtown (and with a downtown location reportedly coming soon). Chef Gary is a master of his trade, which is fresh Cajun cooking. In the true style of "home cookin," Chef Gary spends half of his time in the front making good will with the customers, then dashes off to the kitchen to perfect one of his long-simmering stews or to touch up one of the fresh vegetable sides. His welcoming, easy-going personality make eating here more than a purely culinary experience. It's not that common for my inlaws and me to agree on a restaurant, given that they're from New Orleans (fans of crawfish and andouille sausage) and I'm vegetarian (not a fan of crawfish and andouille sausage). Not only did we all agree that this place is fantastic, they were tempted by my delicious vegetable dishes. I got the curry tofu, with grilled cabbage and fried plantains on the side. By the time the food got to the table, I had gnoshed on the (vegetarian) red beans and rice delivered to my 16 month-old, so I barely even touched the tofu until the next day (it was yummy - the mild yellow curry adopted for all manner of Southern cuisine from curried chicken salad to country captain). We finished everything off with a slice of bananas foster cheesecake (split between 6 people, and I think we still had some left over). It is VERY rich and best shared after you're full of healthy vegetables so that you don't eat the whole thing. I'm looking forward to the new and improved downtown location, but until it opens I'll happily trek down to Florida St to have my fill of DejaVu!
(5)
Steve W.
My favorite place to eat Louisiana style food in Memphis. Very consistent and the selection of dishes are great. The bandannas foster cheesecake for dessert will put you to sleep. The atmosphere is great with the servers and we always enjoy going there whenever we are in the area. See for yourself.
(5)
Adam S.
I am from los Angeles and I have been having a hard time finding a vegetarian menu or even a health conscious restaurant. Dejavu is the true meaning of a great hole in the wall find. Food was great and service was sooo friendly!!! Felt like I was invited into their home. Had a mushroom spinach quesadilla.... had gumbo with no meat. Everything was great. About to try the banana fosters cheese cake.
(5)
Stacy E.
Good vegan/vegetarian food among all the soul food! Not a great area, but don't let that deter you from trying it out! It's also very small, but worth the wait!
(4)
Clay S.
We loved every vegetarian item out of the ten we tried. Can't go wrong!
(5)
Liz J.
The cajun food served here is 10x better than anything I ate while in New Orleans! And the friendly service (with the "honey"s and "love"s) just add to it! I ordered a dish recommended by the waitress when she heard it was my first time visiting. It was tilapia with shrimp and crawfish, and it came with 2 veggie sides and cornbread. Very, very tasty! I'd definitely order it again.
(5)
Walter E.
Honey roasted chicken with red beans and rice and cabbage!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Gary P.
I went here with a business associate that had been coming here for a long time. He has been trying to get me to go here for at least a year. We went yesterday and I'm glad we did. Not a big place, small actually, but everyone servers and patrons were extremely nice. "Gary", a big man with a ponytail who, i believe, is the Chef/Owner was out several times during our lunch to see how his patrons were enjoying the food. We shared a table with another couple and enjoyed the chit chat during lunch. I had the chicken & sausage jambalaya and really enjoyed it. In fact, it was the best I have ever had. Served with two sides, which you pick from a list of about a dozen items. it was quite the meal for lunch. The couple we dined with had the fried oyster PoBoy and they looked as appetizing. I'm going to bring my wife back this Saturday to try that PoBoy.
(5)Susan P.
The new downtown location is open! Right on Main St. Between Union and Monroe. They have a nice little patio out front and it's right on the trolley line, close to the Union Ave station. Great food and now a great location!
(5)Ron P.
What a disappointment. We visited the new main st location on a Friday night, around 6:00. We were the only customers there. The large staff was surrounding the bar chatting, while the tv blared away. We felt like we were interrupting them. I ordered a shrimp po boy, it was good, a little sparse on the shrimp but ok. The red beans and rice were nothing special. My wife started with a side salad that contained more rusty lettuce than not. She ordered the three pepper penne pasta with chicken in cream sauce. The pasta was unevenly cooked, the "cream" was obviously not cream but an undercooked bechamel sauce that tasted like raw flour and sage? Service was friendly. The scented candles at each table were annoying but not as much as the fruit flies that would not leave us alone! (From bananas?) We really wanted to like this place but too many missteps to overlook...
(1)Sandy W.
Do not be deterred by the sketch facade, the food inside is incredible! They have an awesome creole/ soul food selection and an entire page of vegan offerings. I would have considered "vegan soulfood" an oxymoron before eating here. I've loved everything I've ordered here, 100%. It's not uncommon for the chef to come out when time allows and personally greet guests. This place is unique and delicious.
(5)t p.
This is the BEST FOOD IN MEMPHIS!!! As a Memphis native, I am always looking to find the best food when I return to visit. Believe me, it is a battle! The Crawfish Etouffee was the best I have ever had. Everything is fresh, authentic, and delicious! I ate twice what I normally would, just because when it tastes soooo good, why stop?! OMG the sides were amazing... No one will be upset that there isn't any meat in any of them--- they are truly delicious, well made, and perfectly executed. Even though I didn't have any room left, the Bananas Foster dessert went down easy- it was too good to quit!!!! Nicest staff and the owner greets everyone like a long lost friend. Needless to say, we will be back again and again!!!!
(5)Jasmine C.
Authentic creole food! Try the Big Keith Bayou (tilapia/shrimp) I've never been to New Orleans, but the chef is from there and brought all the flavor staight to Memphis. I felt like I was at home or at a family reunion. The chef served my mother and I himself and had plenty of fun stories to share. We were referred by a friend to go, othersise I probably would never have walked in. Don't judge the book by its cover and go in for some great food!
(4)Erica B.
First off, I was terrified to go here. Everyone in Memphis warns you how this place is situated in a less than desirable neighborhood. It really isn't that bad at all. In fact, we accidentally left our doors unlocked and nothing was touched. Not that I'd advise it, but you get my drift. The food? INSANE! The crawfish etouffe seriously rivaled the best I've had in Louisiana- and that's a feat. If you are a fan of this dish, you know all too well how easy it is to mess this dish up. There was so much crawfish in this dish. It was plump, fresh, and delicious. Unbelievable. Another favorite is the veggie rolls. They sound absolutely disgusting, but they are to die for. They have raisins, carrots and I think I even spotted some greens mixed in. I was too scared to ask for a detailed list of ingredients, for fear that I would never want to eat them again. You must try these. The staff here was absolutely stellar as well. Smiles abound folks- so get your game face on. This wait staff is sweet as punch- and ever so excited that you made the trip. I find it hard to be live there could ever be anything negative said about this staff, let alone this restaurant as a whole. We are already planning another trip in the next week, and will be adding it to our rotation of dining out.
(5)Katie P.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being vegan-friendly! They have a whole huge vegan menu! AND vegan desserts, which is rare. All the sides are vegan unless otherwise indicated. My favorite is the veggie rolls and the veggie tacos. The veggie rolls are greasy as all hell and gooooood. It's a tiny little place in an area that you might not think much of--just south of downtown. The staff is so super nice, and the chef has been out to talk to my table before and was really nice too. Love them!
(4)William F.
Been wanting to try this place out for a while. Finally went today and boy did I wait too long to find this gem. Get over yourself about the location and the visual outside. It's what's inside that counts. This is the Creole New Orleans cooking that has been missing from this town since Cafe' Rouge closed. Crawfish Etouffee was wonderful. Great line up of veggies, creole style. Vegan dishes out the wazoo. I am going back for more.....
(5)Demetria M.
My review is of the Ridgeway location. We had our family reunion in Memphis back in May and during my research of restaurants in the area, I came across Dejavu and what a find it was! A group of 8 of us decided to test it out on our first night in town, our entrees included gumbo, poboys, pork chops, fried chicken and the big keith classic and ended with the marvelous bananas foster! We were treated like family by Chef Gary and ended up bringing the entire family back on Sunday for lunch. Thanks for making our first trip to Memphis one to remember! I wish you all the best!
(4)Tiffany L.
Deja Vu is a small restaurant in the industrial section of down town Memphis. Labeled as a creole and...vegetarian (and we don't get many vegetarian options in this city) eatery, Deja Vu has many traditional New Orleans options and the prices are extremely reasonable. Only open for about a year, Deja Vu gets most of its business from people working downtown. A popular lunch spot, this restaurant only has six four-top tables within its bright yellow walls. Come early or arrive late to aviod missing one of these coveted spaces. The hubby and I decided to check out Deja Vu one weekday afternoon not too long ago. We arrived right at 11:00am and were the first to arrive. I ordered the honey roasted chicken (dark meat, of course) with candied yams and oven roasted potatoes and Tom ordered the crawfish etouffe with smothered okra and citrus spinach. My honey roasted chicken wound up being fried and the covered in a sweet, tangy honey glaze. I got two legs and one thigh along with my two sides and a piece of cornbread for only $6.99. The chicken was tender, juicy and the sauce was to die for. I wish the potates were a little crispier, but the flavor was delicious. The yams were standard fare, but didn't fall into the trap of being too sweet like some preparations can tend to be. Tom's etouffe had a nice spicy flavor. It was incrediby well-seasoned, chunky and thick, like it should be. It was served over perfectly cooked, fluffy white rice, and was well complimented by his choice of sides. The okra was covered in tomatoes and onions and was a nice derivation from the usual fried option. I found the spinach to be a bit bland, but he liked it a lot. To finish off our meal, we decided on the bread pudding, which was my only real complaint of the entire meal. While the bread pudding itself had a nice texture, the inclusion of unconventional fruit (pineapple and peaches to name a couple) were a bit off-putting and there was an overwhelming flavor of cinnamon and cloves that was just not tasty. It tasted like tree bark. Final Impressions: Go early to avoid the lunch rush, and avoid the bread pudding all together. If you're jonesing for dessert, I hear the peach cobbler is very good. I will take that route on my next visit. Otherwise, the food is well-prepared (cooked to order), well-seasoned and definitely authentic.
(3)N. P.
From the outside, I wasn't expecting such a nougat center of place. Dang, the food is good. I think this is what real soul food must taste like. Please try the greens, they're amazing. And I don't usually find that to be the case for greens, save for a couple of places in Memphis, this being one of them. I do have to join the chorus and applaud the addition of a vegetarian section to the menu. It's a nice change from being bombarded with only a selection of catfish, catfish, or catfish to choose from. The honey-roasted tofu is surprisingly better than it sounds. And I've had a bite of the veggie rolls. Whoa nelly -- a weird, but interesting combo of raisins, cabbage, carrots, greens, and some other things. Very good. Expect to spend at least $10, but you can keep it under $20 fairly easily.
(4)Jessica M.
ohmygod. ohmygod i seriously agree with the other yelper who said eating here should be law! ok so it's pretty sketch around this area.. like boarded up buildings, burnt down building, etc etc. but don't let that stop you from going here!! we knew it was a good sign that despite it being in kind of a desolate area, there were so many cars parked out front here. the restaurant is kind of small. when we got in, the place was packed and all 7 or so tables were full. the hostess asked us if we wanted to share a table, but none of the caucasian folk were willing to. after placing our order to go, tables did open up and we decided to share a table with a couple of very nice memphis folk. ok i'm not trying to be racist, but i imagine this is more of a cultural thing right?! i'm neither caucasian not memphis native, but in my culture, we also share tables! they have a whole vegetarian/vegan menu!! at a bbq place wtf?? well that's why we went there bc we read the veggie reviews on yelp! so i ordered the "tofu your way" honey roasted with side of red beans and rice and fried plantains. my eating companion ie bf ordered the gator sausage po boy. OHMYGOD. this was literally THE BEST tofu i have had in like 10 years!! the honey roasted sauce was amazing, sweet but not overly sweet. the tofu... mmmmMMMM... crispy on the outside and SO TENDER ON THE INSIDE! melt in your mouth delicious. the red beans and rice were also perfect, but the fried plantains could have been sweeter. i tried to proclaim that my tofu was the best thing on the menu, but my eating companion said his gator sausage po boy was better. harumph! i decided to get a mushroom hoagie roll to go, for some reason i thought there was tofu on there as well and i was so sad when i saw that it didn't, only mushrooms. i was just in the area visiting my bf who is moving away from the area soon, but i will seriously be making a trip to memphis JUST to go to dejavu again!!!!
(5)Madeline S.
The food was good. The gumbo was very rich and the alligator stew was very tasty. The okra was good, but I preferred the other stews. The bread pudding was unremarkable but tasty. They were a little inflexible about their dishes though (wouldn't give smaller portions or pay extra for just the gravy/sauce of a dish).
(4)F J.
This is our go to lunch spot and whenever I am there I have to order a second plate to take away for my husband. Gary and the staff do a fabulous job with real New Orleans recipes with authentic sides, think Big Shot drinks and Patton's sausage. I love the selection of veggies and the tofu offerings as well. Get there fast and early, space is limited but it makes the whole space homey; just liked you passed by your neighbor's house for a meal!
(4)Trevor T.
i had a great lunch today with great conversation from someone sitting at my table. i had the vegetable plate. Keep up the great work Gary
(5)Jason W.
Don't be scared of the location just be scared of the flavors that are about to explode in your mouth. This is by far the best cajun food in Memphis and Chef Gary is not afraid to come out of the kitchen to say Hello. I haven't had a bad meal here yet. My only reason for a 4 star rating is the lack of seating and the hours of service. If they were open evenings on the weekend and had more than 8 tables this place would be a slam dunk. All that being said good luck finding a table anytime you go. The place is packed because the food is straight from the gulf and super fresh.
(4)Rachael B.
My friends and I were on a long road trip from Austin, TX to NC and we planned to stop through Memphis for lunch, choosing Deja Vu. BEST. IDEA. EVER. One of my friends is Vegan and the various options for her were fantastic! I ended up sharing the New Orleans Creole Sampler (gator stew, gumbo, shrimp Creole, crawfish Étouffée & a bowl of rice) and an order of sweet potato fries with another friend AND if that wasn't enough we managed to find some room for bread pudding. Having never been to Memphis before, we had no preconceived notions about the location (despite what we read online) and even then we took those with a grain of salt. The most important qualities I look for in a restaurant are food and service and Deja Vu surpassed our expectations. Our waitress, a young enthusiastic lady, was welcoming and attentive--the chef even greeted us after the food arrived! I'm glad we had such an authentic dining experience on the road and we left Memphis that day will full bellies and a new found appreciation for Cajun/Creole soul food!
(4)Carissa P.
My husband and I found DejaVu on Yelp and decided to try it out after reading all the wonderful reviews. I have to say that those flattering words did not exaggerate in the least! Every bite we ate was phenomenal; My tilapia smothered with crawfish and shrimp in a creamy sauce, candied yams, greens, cornbread muffin, my husbands gumbo, the taste of gator stew and étouffée, the bananas foster....... WOW. I honestly can't describe how good all of it tasted! And the service...... Amazing! Every employee made us feel welcome and our food and drinks were all delivered promptly. The atmosphere is inviting with warm and friendly staff....... A meal at DejaVu feels like hanging out with good friends. We will most definitely return! This place feels like home except I didn't have to cook or clean up.
(5)T-Squared S.
Excellent food and good service Went for lunch.
(5)Mich D.
First getting to this place is a little intimidating ( going thru some crazy neighbourhoods) but if your willing to take the drive the food is worth it. Don't be put off by the exterior of the building once you go in the atmosphere will change your mind. People very friendly, constantly busy. Don't be surprised if the waitress asks if another person(s) can sit with you , everyone's welcome. Food came quickly considering the amount of people in a small place. My only regret is husband and I shared our Big Keith's dish, we each could have eaten a plate ourselves and then some......so good! We saw police, business folks and neighbourhood people this food appeals to everyone. The owner himself came around several times to make sure we were taken care of and happy. So glad we drove back into Memphis to eat here before going to Nashville definitely worth the drive.
(4)Jon F.
Do not pass this place. Incredible! Better than New Orleans itself. Amazing!!!!
(5)Kerry C.
Deja Vu is definitely of the way, but it's totally worth the trip. It's a favorite with good reason - the gumbo I had was seasoned perfectly and was full of big chunks of sausage, chicken and shrimp. It came with rice and three big slices of French bread. There are a lot of New Orleans favorites on the menu - alligator stew, gumbo, shrimp and sausage pasta and bread pudding are all represented. DeJaVu also has plenty of offerings for vegans - the fake chicken salad and mushroom hoagies sounded great. All of the food is less than $15, and you get a ton of it. DeJaVu is a bit hard to find, though. It's on Florida, just south of Crump, in an unremarkable yellow brick building that you'll miss if you aren't paying attention. There are a few parking spaces, but if they're full, it's fine to park on the side street.
(4)Hannah U.
Do not let the small size and humble exterior deter you from this gem of a restaurant. The hospitality is great and the food speaks for itself. We wholeheartedly enjoyed our experience and meals. They did not have the AC on so if you are planning on eating here, I recommend leaving your sweater at home but bringing your appetite!
(5)Oscar D.
Another one of the local gems that should not be missed(!). Outside if very unpretentious, however, inside is cozy, warm and friendly, and the food is literally to die for(!) The 4 of us had the seafood platter, shrimp etoufe' and two orders of the jambalaya, all excellent prepared and seasoned to perfection. The seafood was fried but very light, flavorful, and delicately seasoned. The file' seasoning in the etoufe' was like it was straight outa Bourbon Street. Sides were ample and tasty as well, and the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had (my spouse, the dietitian, said that getting sweet potato fries to be crispy on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside, is no mean fete....). Capped it all off with an exquisite bread pudding that could only be shared among the 4 of use, due to the generous portions of our dinners. Very highly recommended, if you can make it here, do so, you will NOT be disappointed(!)....
(5)Megan T.
My husband and I had heard through friends that DejaVu was an excellent place for vegan options and man did they deliver. I'm an *aspiring* vegan while my husband is an omnivore. DejaVu had an exciting menu with plenty of options for both of us. I tried the Veggie Rolls with a side of plantains and smothered okra -- all delish! And my husband tried their hotwings which he loved. It's so refreshing to go to a restaurant that gives vegetarians/vegans more than just a few options for an available meal and DejaVu supplied many options. We can't wait to go back and try out more on the menu! Great service, great atmosphere, great food. The location is indeed a bit random, but that's no excuse not to go!
(5)Jacky A.
I was in Memphis for a conference and we found this place on Yelp. It was the most amazing experience. Great food...I had the Jumbalaya Pasta with garlic bread and peach cobbler hot outguys of thethe oven! Our servicer Iris rocked and the chef came out and chatted and joked with us. It is definately a feel good restaurant. It is a tiny corner building off the beaten path but don't let it fool you, both the food and the service are full of heart and soul!
(5)Don K.
Excellent Food and a fantastic friendly Staff. Thanks to Erica and Gary and all the staff we loved our first of many visits!
(5)Evelyn W.
I'm not Louisiana native, but I can say this place is authentic. Why? The chef is a LARGE african american man with a giant belly. His resume, as he put it. I've had fried alligator bites in many places, and Deja Vu gets it right! Not dry or chewy. The boudin is fantastic, they serve it to you sausage style, not the lame fried boudin balls in NYC. We got the sample platter and it included gumbo, étouffée, gator stew, and jambalaya. My favorite was the gumbo and gator stew. Étouffée was too tomatoey for me and I was way too full for the jambalaya. Best part? (and the part you MUST leave room for)... the Beignets!!!! This place is walking distance from the Peabody hotel as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
(5)Jeri R.
The food here is excellent! I've never tasted anything here that I don't like. If you haven't tried it it's definitely worth the trip. Although the food is "southern/creole" those who are health conscience can find great food that doesn't blow their diet. My favorite is the blackened tilapia, grilled cabbage & smothered okra. My friends & family all rave about the fried catfish. I even tried some fried plantains which I wasn't really sure about and they were great, though that was more like a dessert for me than a side. Anyone living or visiting Memphis MUST try this place. It's small but the staff is super friendly & I know it will be love at first bite!
(5)baz s.
Found this place from the Travel Channel (or Food Network) airing Best BBQ in the South specials. Hidden in a alley and easy to miss from the main street, but a true treasure. Huge amounts of history inside, great decor, loyal and extremely knowledgeable wait staff (and some of the friendliest), and a dry rub rack of ribs that a man would slap his momma for! Dry rub done right, every single time. You won't be disappointed. I think I'll retire near Memphis just so I can go on a weekly basis.
(5)Natalie M.
Stopped in here on a road trip based on the high reviews. We got the gumbo, grilled cabbage, red beans and rice, blackened tilapia, and smothered okra. The gumbo wasn't the best I've had, but pretty standard. The okra was a little tough, but tasty. Everything else was great! It's definitely a hole in the wall type of restaurant, which usually isn't an issue, but the ac was out today... Bummer. The atmosphere was mismatched with their pricing. I assume based on popularity their prices are much higher now than previous yelpers have recorded. Veggie plate (2013) used to be $6.99 and is now $12, that's a big price jump and too high in my opinion. The LUNCH entrees ranged from $10-$16, and at a place with no ac or real flooring, this is a bit high. Overall, atmosphere could use some work but food was great!
(4)Tanya C.
I was simply blown away by my experience at Dejavu. I'm vegan and it was so wonderful to have all the items separated on the menu clearly. I ordered the spinach and mushroom quesadilla and omg it was so so so good. I loved every single bite. The owner and head chef made an appearance and I was able to tell him how much I enjoyed everything. The staff was so friendly and the environment is so lively. I highly recommend this place! I can't wait to go back again the next time I'm in Memphis.
(5)David D.
From the time we walked in we were guests. Greeted with smiles, we were taken upstairs. The server was kind and attentive. I went with the Arkansas Outlaw. This was by far the best catfish I've ever eaten. They were huge filets, lightly breaded and fried. They were then covered with an amazing Cajun gravy. The sides were nothing to rave about but the main course was enough to get them a five. If you haven't been you've got to check out this place.
(5)Janice G.
Don't slap yo mama go and eat here. The food was so so good. I will be back really soon. If you like New Orleans food this is the place for you. Service was excellent.
(5)Leon P.
Good food service not too shabby thank you guys. unfortunately the male staff was too busy gossiping about girls then actually paying attention to the customers. Ill give it a try again some time
(3)Darian M.
I'm from Louisiana so this place had a lot to look up too. I'm talking down to the most simplest of things aka Gumbo. Boy Let me tell you?! I was impressed. The gumbo and the chef were authentic. He even came out and introduced himself to us which is a cool thing to do as a business owner. My wife had the shrimp & grits which had to be good because she was silent thru the meal.
(4)Keith K.
You really can't go wrong with most items on the menu. The seafood is great and make sure you leave some room for desert.
(4)Sean D.
As a vegetarian that is in love with savory, spicy food full of flavor this place is the ultimate. I may be the primary market for BBQ tofu, but it was BOMB. That being said the service was whomp whomp. My sister and I called in to ask if they had a table for two. They said they would hold one- when we showed up 10 minutes later there was no table and we ended up waiting 40 minutes! Given that we already had brought our BYOB we felt forced to wait instead of going to our next option. Then when we sat down and didn't immediately know our order in the first 10 seconds the waitress exclaimed "Well then what were you doing while you waited???" so much for southern hospitality. After that the service picked up a bit and, like I said, my food was capable of vanishing negative feelings. We also had the cajun spring rolls which were awesome! I think maybe I'll be ordering out next time, but frequently.
(3)Matthieu K.
I generally do not like "Southern food." This place is a gem though ... Chef Gary is the reason for 5 stars. Thanks chef. Great cozy atmosphere.
(5)Frank C.
Friendly place, great food. I'm always happy every time I eat there!
(5)Marc S.
This is the first time my wife and I have had this type of food and Im glad I tried it here first. We went to the downtown location and the food was delicious, service was alittle slow not because it was crowded but our waitress was busy chatting with a fried I guess. Definitely try and get here, I don't think youll be disappointed
(4)Amanda H.
This place never disappoints!!!! Love love love the Arkansas Outlaw and the Boudin is great too! Some of the best authentic Cajun in Memphis!!
(5)Elise H.
I absolutely loved it! The staff was friendly and the food was delicious! We got the veggie sampler of collared greens, sweet potatoes, the okra, and the rice with beans. I got the jambalaya and sweet tea and I forget what my friend had but it was all so good! I had never had southern food before but they had and they absolutely loved it too! The only slight downside that I could note was poor ac or other cooling system, it was really warm inside but I think that added to the ambiance. Next time I'm in the area I am definitely stoping by!!
(5)Teresa L.
After reviewing the menu, I was so excited about visiting the restaurant. When we pulled up, my friend didn't want to go in. She was scared of the location and the building. I begged her until she finally surrendered. We were both happy that we did. Jennifer was our server and she was fabulous. She has such a bubbly and caring personality, as does Tony. Everyone in the restaurant is so nice. There is something for everyone on the menu. All of the sides are vegetarian. The collards are delicious. The fried catfish was some of the best I have ever had. It was perfectly fried with a light cornmeal batter. My friend had shrimp creole. I had bread pudding for dessert and she had peach cobbler. Everything was perfect. I just wish DejaVu would move to Atlanta. It isn't often that I give a restaurant 5 stars, but the food is so good that I would give it 10 stars if I could.
(5)Ashley H.
As I drove to DeJavu, the old Elvis tune "In the Ghetto" started playing in my head. (Really, being a true Memphis girl, the neighborhood wasn't that scary.) When I walked in the door, I felt like I was supposed to flash my girls or yell "throw me something Mister!" When I took the first bite, I felt like I had died and gone to foodie heaven, otherwise known as New Orleans. To be more specific, I had the tilapia with crawfish and shrimp cream sauce, candied yams and fried cabbage. It was all good. I will say I've never known anyone to fry cabbage like that. It wasn't just white oily mush. It was perfect. My hubby had crawfish étouffée, and I'm so jealous of their roux! It was dark and rich and there was plenty of it. The same for my son's gumbo, which did have a whole crab in it. The service did not disappoint! The chef came out to greet the customers, and I proudly showed him the roux burns on my arm for roux that wasn't anywhere near as dark and rich as his. We chatted for a minute and he told us his mother taught him to cook. When he was growing up in NOLA, he cooked for his siblings while she worked. We are all lucky for that because that man can cook can cook up some authentic Cajun food! We finished our entrees off with a bread pudding that rivals any restaurant in New Orleans. My son had bananas foster, which was actually served in a wine glass. It wasn't lit on fire at our table, but was still the authentic recipe. The price, it can't be beat! Less than $70 for 4 entrees and 2 desserts. I like to think that when I die, I'll get into heaven. Now I haven't been good enough to earn a palace. I'll probably just be stuck in a little shack in the back by the storm clouds, but my shack will be full of great food and beer, and good friends. This is exactly what DeJavu reminded me of. Thank you Yelpers for turning me onto to this little corner of heaven in da ghetto!
(5)Lauren R.
Awesome food, friendly staff, great price! We left there miserably stuffed and incredibly satisfied. I ordered the Mock Chicken Salad sandwich with fried plantains and cabbage. The boyfriend opted for the whole order of crawfish étouffée. Most vegetarians/vegans know that "mock" meat can be either good or really awful, this mock chicken salad was fantastic. Seasoned with a little yellow curry, it has amazing flavor. The boyfriend quote regarding the étouffée was "oh my god, I could drink this, it's so good!" Even if you think you're full, stick around for dessert! We tried the bananas foster cheesecake and the bread pudding. The cheesecake was light and delicate which paired well with the well of whiskey syrup and pecans that it floated in. The bread pudding was piping hot and the whiskey glaze was the perfect addition. I am still coming out of my déjà vu food coma, and I'll definitely be back for another round!
(5)Liz H.
Very flavorful food. I'm fairly certain the chefs eat their own cooking. Between the four of us we had a sampling of the seafood and alligator, catfish topped with étouffée, gumbo, and a veggie plate for me, the vegetarian. I could eat at Deja Vu every day and not grow tired. Too bad it's an 11 hour drive. All four of us loved it! The restaurant is in a modest building in a run down neighborhood. Do not be deterred. Inside you will feel comfortable in the 30-seat dining room. I suspect waits are common. The service was terrific. Very nice people.
(5)Howard B.
Forget memphis BBQ..get some of this instead! I lived in New Orleans for four years, so I think I have a fairly reliable opinion when it comes to creole food. This place hits all the great flavor notes authentic creole should provide. I had crawfish étouffée and my wife ordered the fried catfish. I couldn't decide which was better. sides we ordered were collard greens, smothered okra and red beans and rice. all to perfection and fresh and hot out of the kitchen. Don't be turned off by the location and simple exterior; nothing simple about the food. This location is probably not in the greatest section in town, but that's kind of you get when you're in New Orleans too. Can't be shy.
(5)Ebonye B.
Everybody says this place is amazing. Everybody is right. I stopped in here and got a vegetable plate. It was VERY tasty. The greens were good. They were not as spicy as I like mine, but there was Papi's pepper sauce to make up the difference. The yams were cooked to perfection, not mushy, just right. They were also seasoned appropriately. The grilled cabbage was great also. I ordered the red beans and rice, but I thought it was terrible. My dining companion loved them and scraped the bowl clean. So I guess you have to see for yourself, although I'd skip this option. I noticed that another young lady at an adjacent table barely touched hers, she asked for a takeout plate and did not take the Red beans and rice home. So that's 2-1 in my opinion. I also ordered the boudin with low expectations since Louisiana is six hours away. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavorful pork/rice sausage. They even threw the thinly scallions on top like they did when I was in NOLA. This experience was really tasty. While we were waiting for our food, the owner came around spoke with each table of customers. He did not hurriedly breeze by as a formality, he seemed genuinely interested in what his customers had to say about their food. The only reasons I did not rate 5 stars: Parking is ultra-limited. The A/C was cool but not cold. Don't let the two preceding sentences stop you from dining at DejaVu. This food is good.
(4)K S.
The service was really great. We had 4 different folks talk to us and it was comfortable being there. But I'm pretty sure every vegetable I ate came from the freezer isle. They were spongy, watery, and cut the exact same way that my microwave dinners were. One of the dishes I tried was 100% fresh tasting and I enjoyed it. The rest were mediocre, really. My family shares - I tried 2 sides and 2 main vegetarian dishes
(3)Lucy N.
Good food! Good drinks! Good service!
(4)Veronica X.
I dare you to find another place that serves sautéed fresh spinach (still retaining its bright green color) as a side for a meal under $10. You will appreciate it even more considering the fact that this restaurant is located in an underserved area. Deja Vu also serves up the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. The blackened catfish was a little bland, and the jambalaya, though seasoned very well, might have more rice than we desired. It may just be our preference, and we just have to try other main dishes next time. It's a small restaurant and fills up quickly at lunch time. Go early or late so you can get a table and reduce the possibility of feeling being rushed at the end. Memphis needs more places like Deja Vu serving REAL VEGETABLE sides.* * I don't consider either sweet potato or fries as REAL VEGETABLES, but they deserve to be mentioned for the taste alone.
(4)Trey P.
It is always a pleasant surprise when a random yelp search finds such an awesome place. The menu has a little something for everyone - it's amazing so much variety can come from such a small kitchen. Don't judge by location if you want food made with love and true southern flavors come on in....had the gumbo with a couple of sides and was excellent. I will be back.
(4)Michelle W.
I am fearful I can not relay in words how good the food is at DejaVu. Four of us headed down for lunch a few Saturdays ago. The place was packed, but the tables turned over fairly quickly. The atmosphere is fun and lively and the service was fantastic! For an appetizer, we shared an order of the hot wings. They were delicious. For my meal, I had the blackened catfish, greens and yams. The food had incredible flavor and was not salty or over seasoned. One of my friends had the oyster poboy and he said it was better than anything he's had in New Orleans. I should note that he is from New Orleans. I highly recommend visiting DejaVu. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Andy S.
For my birthday, my parents wanted to take me out to a restaurant. I, of course, wanted to go to a restaurant that I have never visited, so I chose DeJaVu. I had read and heard good things about it, but had never managed to get down there. It's located near downtown Memphis. The outside of the building looks average, but the inside atmosphere, food, and service were much better than average. The restaurant has creole, soul food, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. For an appetizer, we shared some wings and fries. The wings weren't spicy, but they had a good flavor. I had to try something new, so I ordered the alligator stew. It was so filling. I ended up eating all the stew and leaving a lot of the rice. I enjoyed it and would order it again. For my sides, I ordered greens and grilled cabbage. It came with cornbread. All three were good. I particularly enjoyed the grilled cabbage, which was shredded. I don't think I've ever had grilled cabbage before (only boiled and baked). My dad had the seafood platter, which included fried catfish, shrimp and oysters. For his side, he ordered red beans and rice. It all tasted good. (Yes, I sampled it.) One person ordered the blackened catfish, which he enjoyed. (I did, too.) My mom had the smothered pork chop. I thought it was really good. We ordered the check and the waitress tried to sell us dessert. My dad told her we were having dessert at home, because he had made me a cake for my birthday. Then she said that I got a free dessert, and no one can pass up a free dessert. I had the bread pudding and it was amazing, which says a lot, because bread pudding is not my favorite dessert. I will definitely revisit, and you should, too!
(4)Sarah S.
Fantastic food so glad we stopped in here a few,weeks ago the service was quick and all the employees were friendly and gave us some really good recommendations for,food to try! Definitely going back
(5)Riana Elizabeth E.
I'm going to have to plan another road trip just so I can eat here again! Super close proximity to 55, so a great place to stop on a cross country trip. Rather unimposing building, both outside & in, with a handful of tables that stayed consistantly filled while we were there. The dining room walls are adorned on one side with various awards and magazine articles about Chef Gary and his restaurant. The other side is devoted to photographs of him with celebrities (Rosa Parks, David Bowie & Iman, et al). The restaurant definitely has a Southern homey feel, because these people are friendly! We barely had a foot in the door before we were greeted by every staff member in sight. We were seated immediately and a waitress bustled over drawling, "Now what do you want to drink, Darlin'?" Chef Gary split his time between the kitchen and the dining area, chatting with new vistors and regulars alike. I thought the sweet tea was just on the edge of too sugary, but not enough to sway my 5 Star rating. Food is prepared and arrives quickly. If you can't make up your mind from the extensive menu, as a couple of our group couldn't, get the New Orleans Creole Sampler ($22.95) to share. Though it looks small when it arrives, it was a filling lunch for a couple of athletes who can put away a good amount of food. It comes with unlimited refills of rice and side cups of: Alligator Stew - Sautéed gator tail meat with a house blend of Creole seasoning in a rich New Orleans stew Seafood Gumbo - Blend of chicken, sausage, shrimp, blue crab, chicken gizzards, hot sausage, and fresh lump crabmeat in a rich New Orleans roux ("There's no telling what else we might add...") Shrimp Creole - Sautéed shrimp with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and other New Orleans spices in a tomato base sauce Crawfish Étouffée - Sautéed crawfish tail meat with a special blend of fresh seasoning in a rich stew-like sauce One of our party said the Gator Stew was the best thing they'd ever eaten. I'm arguing for the gumbo - that roux was dark, savory, and rich and everything tasted fresh. This is REAL gumbo, not the sanitized version where people dump in processed seafood; I pulled half a crab out of my portion! On that note, curb yourself from just inhaling the plate...make sure to check for shells. I ordered a side of Grilled Cabbage since I saw it mentioned in so many reviews. I like cabbage and haven't ever tried it grilled - I was a bit disappointed by the hype, though there was nothing wrong with the dish. It was just...cabbage. The side of Fried Plantain, though, make sure you order that! Thick slices of plantain, fried naked (no breading) and served in a lush honeyed sauce, made a perfect cap to my meal. I probably could've eaten another dish if I hadn't been overstuffed from everything else. There's an entire section devoted to Vegan entrees, so meat eaters can bring their vegetarian/vegan friends & both sides can eat happily. One of our party ordered the Mock Chicken Salad, served on a wheat hoagie with lettuce, tomato, and sides. The menu didn't give much of an entree description, but she said it tasted like a good curried chicken salad. Solitary co-ed bathroom in the back. The floor could stand a coat of paint, but it was spotless and the toilet looks to be brand new. You know how you can read a sign & then just kindof disregard it? DON'T do that for the hot water warning sign in the bathroom - it will scald your hand! (Please don't ask how I know this.)
(5)Corey E.
Awesome food. This is one of the best Creole/Cajun/Louisiana style restaurants that I have ever been to and even better than some I've visited in NOLA. The Big Easy Pasta is my absolute favorite however the New Orleans Crawfish Etouffee and Shrimp Creole are mouth watering as well. The Banana Foster's Cheesecake should be illegal in every state. It is just that good. The staff here is awesome and Chef Gary shows his great appreciation for your business every time you visit. 4 stars in my book. The only negative is that it is very small and you may have to share a table with someone from another party. Being the social guy that I am, I don't mind this but others may not like it. I am looking forward to the larger restaurant that will open in downtown Memphis.
(4)Kyle T.
I will never again leave Memphis without stopping here FIRST! It's a small 6 table old building that appears to border some industrial areas and a shady area of town. WHO CARES!? The people are very friendly and Chef Greg is an artist. BBQ shrimp appetizer has fresh shrimp and a great way to pass the time waiting on your meal. I had the Bayou Rolls and they were awesome with a side of collard greens and grilled cabbage. The wife had shrimp and grits. For a little hole-in-the-wall venue it has amazing food. I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Peach cobbler was good, and they brag about the bananas foster, but we didn't try it....
(5)Craig W.
délicieux! Pulling up to this restaurant, my buddy and I were a little worried. The neighborhood is not good. But once parked, you walk in and are greeted with authentic New Orleans kindness. The waitresses know their menu and love their jobs. The food is perfect. I just got back from NOLA, and I am excited to say, this is a contender. I got the sampler plate. It was perfect. I ended the meal with the Bananas Foster Cheesecake... do it. for real... I also ordered the bread pudding togo... It was tasty, but the BFC was memorable
(5)Andrea T.
We were driving to Memphis set on a restaurant in our tour guide, when my friend said hmm double check that they are open. Thank goodness I did! Well we were set on creole food, so I used the power of yelp, and found Gary and his DejaVu! Gary greeted us in the parking lot, he came to our table to check up on us and he even gave us tips on our supper later on. Gary and his crewe are from New Orleans. They serve some of the finest creole I have ever had. Make sure you leave room for bananas foster and bread pudding! Also a great place to bring vegan friends!
(4)Lindsay P.
Love Deja Vu! The service and food are fantastic. The ladies are very benevolent and want to make sure you have a good experience.
(5)A Kate H.
Literally perplexed at all the great reviews for this restaurant. We had a friend recommend this one and gave it a try last night. The place was packed- which was reassuring since there was no host when you walk in. At 8:15 pm on a Saturday We waited about 15 minutes to be greeted after sitting which was okay since we just had apps at another restaurant and were in good conversation, but we eventually noticed the absence of service and started looking around to make eye contact for ANY server to stop by. We ordered beers and everything to complete our dinner at the first sign of a waitress and received our beers quickly. After 40 minutes we received our food. I know this because I am in the industry and after about a half hour I checked my time of my last text sent and it was literally 43 minutes before when we ordered beers. - I don't mind a kitchen wait either, but the product I'm waiting for better be on point. With no one checking on us during that time to see if we wanted another round, to offer the supposed cornbread or even acknowledge the ticket time was long, that's just bad for business. However, we just sat and enjoyed the music and checked out the other dishes being served around us. My husbands shrimp po boy was smothered in mayo and my shrimp and grits were about two hours overcooked- they must use a premade container that sits in a warmer and spoon it out for each order. I gave the two stars because the flavor in the shrimp and grits sauce was great- the texture was not. Can't tell you about the poboy other than the bread was tough to bite, may have been easier to chew if they toasted it or warmed it up- you lost me at mayo (that wasn't mentioned on the menu). Our food came out together, but I watched several other tables get their food by piecemeal. Half the table staring at the food and the other half waiting on their food. I wouldn't recommend trying this place, but if you are convinced by the other reviews, at least have low expectations going into it. Last thing I'd like to mention was it didn't seem like we were the only table in this situation, we did watch two couples come in, sit, order, drink, and get full entrees served to them before ours- it may have to do with our server but I don't want to name names.
(2)Elle S.
I'm taking away 2 stars because everyone says this place is amazing, and what I had was decent but not amazing, so I was disappointed. The catfish had a lot of potential, but it had too much black pepper. Dessert was good, the banana cheesecake was good but the sauce was grainy. Will I come back yes, is it the most amazing meal, no. I think I must make another trip to see what the 5 stars are about.
(3)Rebecca S.
This review is negative. Please read why. We went with another couple and had high hopes. After all, it has a lot of good reviews. I left thinking, did we go to the wrong Déjà Vu? I was so underwhelmed. I ordered several sides including mixed veggies, grilled cabbage, potatoes, and something else that I can't remember (it was THAT good ;). Husband ordered a mock chicken salad sandwich. Can't remember what friends ordered. I knew we were in trouble when the food came out 5 minutes after we ordered. Either they have a magic oven that cooks 4 orders fresh in impossible time, or they have a lot of food already prepared and sitting in tubs waiting to be scooped out and plopped on a plate. I'm going with the second. It just tasted like cafeteria food. Even the cornbread was bad. It was so dry and had probably been made several days ago. The beer selection was miserable. Essentially just Coors Lite and Bud Lite. Won't be returning.
(1)Patrick M.
This review is way overdue. I actually wrote it once already but accidentally erased it all and then the system did that neat little auto save right when it happened. So I decided to wait before I do it again. (yep i was frustrated) Every review you read about the location of this place is correct. It is in an area that looks seedy at best and darn right scary at worst. I would have to think twice before I actually brought friends to this section of town. I am not from Memphis so I do not know if this is a bad neighborhood or a place that is just pretending to be a bad neighborhood. But driving to the restaurant you feel sorry for the people around and the living conditions and possibly locking your car doors or checking your glove box to make sure you are packing. When you get here there really only 4 maybe 5 parking spaces close to the building. I doubt that many people would park much further then that because of the way the neighborhood appears. I actually found this place on yelp before I went to Memphis. Then my uncle decided to treat me to lunch and just happened to picked the place I had already bookmarked to check out. As soon as we arrived I realized my uncle was a regular because he started a verbal game of dozens with the waitress that was really funny. (and cute) I haven't been to New Orleans yet, but with everyone saying that this is about as authentic as you can get to food in New Orleans I decided to try the Gumbo. Yes it was delicious. This was back in March when I was here and this Gumbo made me start to make my own... even sitting up on the stove making the roux and trying to keep from burning it. lol So it was a life changer in that regard. The Peach Cobbler was phenomenal! The best I've ever had and that is saying something. I have had my share of cobbler and this was ranked #1 for me. It was a surprise because usually a restaurant quality cobbler is basic and either too sweet and mushy or too thick and flavorless. Chef Gary is a funny dude. Wasn't a lot of people here during the time we visited and he had time to come out and joke and kid with us during and after the meal. His personality makes this place what it is. Along with his cooking he could clearly have this place as a 5 star sitting on Beale where many more tourists would get a chance to try the wonderful food. (I see there is a location on Main St. too. I didn't know this back in March. I would only go to the site if he was currently in cooking though. From reading the reviews I think their might be an issue with the food being cooked and heated. This would make since if he is doing all the cooking. I think if he haven't already done it he needs to teach someone his wonderful craft of cooking if this is an on going issue.) With my uncle living in Memphis and my mother not living too far from the place, I will be back in Memphis and visiting this place once again!
(5)Steven R.
My wife, three teenage age kids, and I found DejaVu on Yelp when looking for a good soul food restaurant while vacationing from Minnesota. Wow. Amazing food, service, and friendly bantering with Chef/owner Gary Williams. Each dish was incredible. Superb seafood, fried chicken, collard greens, red beans and rice, fried plantains, and bread pudding. Thank goodness we paid no heed to the sketchy neighborhood remarks. Not at all scary. Industrial, yes. Dangerous, no. One of the best restaurant experiences ever.
(5)Rachel D.
Chef Gary came to Memphis from New Orleans when Katrina hit and thankfully, he never left. The best AUTHENTIC Cajun/Creole food in Memphis. Don't be intimidated by the location or the building itself. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. P.S. It's spelled "Deja Vu" :)
(4)Doug D.
This place reminds me of the numerous great hole-in-the wall restaurants around New Orleans. As you drive by, the appearance may not grab your attention, but the food sure will. Our party of 4 walked into a relaxed, friendly room with about 8 tables, and some willing couples shared a table. The place was full for lunch on a Thursday. The decor and music will make transplanted New Orleaneans nostalgic. The waitress met us with a bright and welcoming smile, and was attentive and helpful throughout our lunch. The oysters for the po-boys were light, crisp, and perfectly fried. Sides came with the sandwiches: the candied yams were like dessert, the red beans and rice were creamy and well-seasoned. The gumbo was tasty with a good amount of heat, and just the right amount of seafood. The catfish was perfectly battered, light, and fresh. The owner stopped by our table to chat, and added a very friendly touch to an enjoyable meal. If you love New Orleans food, this is the real deal.
(4)Jennifer W.
Run to DejaVu!! Don't walk and don't wait! Love it and love Gary!
(5)Gabe M.
We stopped by on our through. It was def worth the stop! The Hospitality was great and the food was even better! A def stop on future stops through Memphis!
(5)Tim M.
Outside of restaurant scared me, but my friends forced me to go in. Boy, am I glad I did! I just came from a whirlwind tour of Memphis eating at all of the legendary top rated restaurants and this was my favorite. From our awesome waitress to eating phenomenal alligator stew, this was a highlight of our vacation. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
(5)Ben H.
Off the beaten path, but worth it. We went at lunch time and the place was slammed. Only waited about 5 minutes for a table. There is no real waiting area, so it was a little congested. I had the oyster poboy, which was very good, but I probably should've been more daring. My wife had the gumbo and it blew us away. I can't stress enough how great it was. We were both too full for dessert but we will definitely be going back. DejaVu has an extensive vegetarian selection....and since my wife and I are giving up meat for lent so we will be returning very soon.
(4)Alan P.
Oh, the food is wonderful, the service is splindid. Limited seating and parking, but oh it was worth it. I will become a regular, if not an investor in this resturant.
(5)Michael S.
Had the alligator stew, grilled cabbage, smothered okra, candied yams, and collard greens. Pure awesomeness
(5)Joe S.
It's Deja Vu. Super good Creole/Cajun food. I had a bite of my dining companion's gumbo, which was delicious (the sausage is incredible), but I went for the veggies. I posted a picture of my vegetable plate: red beans and rice, collard greens, grilled cabbage, and fried plantains. Excellent! For you folks who haven't eaten collard greens, they have the consistency of construction paper, and never seem to cook up quite tender enough, but the taste is great when prepared correctly. Deja Vu has the technique down. If you visit, don't miss the the grilled cabbage (must eat to appreciate). The plantains were perfect. As Rachel said, don't locate the location scare you. I love this place!!
(5)Miki W.
There is a full section of vegan options clearly labeled on the menu. Everything I ate was pretty amazing! My main reason to review, however, is to make people aware of the VAST differences between the 2 locations, as I ate at both when I visited Memphis. This one on Florida is in a slightly sketchy area, and the restaurant is very small (maybe 8 tables), has no A/C, has *zero* atmosphere (plain card tables, pay at the counter). It's worth it for the food, and I would go there again, but some people may be put off by it. However, the other location on Ridgeway is the complete opposite... very large, nicely decorated, A/C, servers wearing professional clothing, etc. To sum it up, I would have no problem taking my elderly parents to the new location, but there is no way I would want to bring them to the original one! And since this is the page for the Florida location, I have to give it for stars, since it's just not as nice as the Ridegway location. But at either location, the staff is great and the food is not to be missed!
(4)Andrea H.
Only veg friendly place in Memphis. Super good food, nice owner and staff. We enjoyed everything we ate at this place, and were impressed by the prices and portions. The owner was from New Orleans, and was extremely friendly and welcoming. I wish he would come back home, so that I could eat his food everyday, because he is extremely talented! I was disturbed by the fact that some reviewers called the location a "bad neighborhood".. It's just a more industrial area, and neither of us felt that we were in any danger. This place was the best part of our trip to Memphis, that's for sure.
(5)Matt H.
Excellent food, very friendly service. The collards were easily the best stewed greens I've had. The veggie rolls were also delicious - my only complaint about them is that the sauces sell them short - something simple would suffice - the sweet chili sauce nearly overwhelms them. In the future I think I'll get the veggie plate and save room for desert - they look great. If you're looking for a formal dining experience you should probably order your food to go - the atmosphere is very down home like you're in your uncles kitchen. If you're vegan they're very conscientious and were quick to note that since most of the food we ordered was vegan we should know that the corn muffins were not.
(4)Ricco D.
This place reminds me of home. I love it!!!!
(5)Tiffani G.
All i can say is that the Arkansas Outlaw is lethal! As a former New Orleans resident (XU baby) i was extremely pleased with food. Great service. I look forward to attending brunch at the new location.
(5)thezda g.
This place is HEAVEN! Chef Gary Williams really knows what he's doing!!
(5)Jordan W.
This place is great! Amazing food and service! Being a tourist, it's a bit intimidating to walk into Deja Vu...it's in a maybe-not-so-nice neighborhood and it looks like a locals-only joint. But once you're in the door, it couldn't be more welcoming. It's a small place, and the service is beyond attentive. They are incredibly helpful and friendly. The Chef (owner?) came out to welcome and to check up on us. We were there for vegan chow: we had the spinach mushroom quesadilla and the mock chicken salad sandwich. Both were INCREDIBLE! And we got a TON of food. We couldn't pass up the dessert, but we had to take the carrot raisin bread to go because we were stuffed. We'll be back for sure on our next rip to Memphis!
(5)Jolynna M.
First let me say that Cajun is one of my all time favorite types of food, but unfortunately, there hasn't been anything in Memphis that really compares to the Big Easy. That is, until now. It was a bit of a drive for me, and not in the best part of town for sure. But it was well worth the effort. I found the place to be clean, and the service fast and friendly, but all of this was overshadowed by how delicious the food was. I had the Crawfish Etouffe, which was absolutely smothered in crawfish and enough food to make two meals for me. My friends went with the Shrimp Creole (also really loaded with fresh seafood) and the Smothered Chicken, which showcased the fact that not only that they can do Cajun right, but soul food as well! My only complaints was the lack of beer or wine, and the sweet tea was mediocre, but those are minor complaints. I'm just happy that Memphis finally has some good Cajun cooking.
(5)Melissa A.
Best food dive in Memphis. Comfort food, super friendly and welcoming staff. I've tried nearly all of the veg options, and all were phenomenal.
(4)Reagan E.
While driving cross-country, we considered a southern route via New Orleans but opted instead for a path via Memphis. We were thrilled to find Deja Vu and such amazing food so that we could still get our Nawlins fix. The owners were incredibly kind, VERY focused on ensuring a wonderful experience for all (including our young children), and an absolute blast to talk with. They opened their arms and their kitchen for extended dining to another group of diners who had traveled from afar (Australia!) to taste the legendary cornbread, jambalaya, gumbo, and grilled cabbage. Everything we ordered was wonderful and we left smiling and sated. The only downside is that there aren't more tables to serve hungry patrons. The fact that it's nestled into an out-of-the-way neighborhood helps keep the crowds at bay -- for now. Go while you can enjoy the intimate setting, and help support the wonderful staff in expanding to bring their southern hospitality to more lucky guests in a larger setting in the future.
(5)David M.
The ONLY Soul Food restaurant with a Vegan section on the menu. That's right, VEGAN soul food. I'm told the selections are quite good, by my veg-head friends. I'm a fan of the crawfish etouffee, the tilapia is some of the best that this pill-o-pino has ever had, and the grilled cabbage is not to be missed!
(5)Delanya G.
i have visited Deja Vu a couple of times and both were awed. It has been awhie and cannot remember the names of the items I got but I remember they were tasty. Darn guess I will have to go back so I can write a more specific review. I do know the sweet potato fries are about the only ones in Memphis worth eating. I typically do not like them because they are always kinda soggy and not crisp like a fry should be. Somehow Chef Gary fixed that. They are a perfect crispiness. I also know I ate the cabbage that everyone raves about and understand why they do. Oh my goodness this stuff is yummy. I could probobly eat a whole plate of just cabbage. Well if he didn't have so many other tasty things I want to try. The chicken wings I know were amazing. My husband isn't a big chicken wing fan and he was in love. I wish I could remember the name of the seasoning we got on ours but I know it was awesome. It is hard for me to find people with the time to make it down to this part of town and I am not sure I would venture down there alone although once inside everyone is the same. I talked with a couple of other patrons as I was checking out their plates while pretending to look at things on the wall. Again I say inside these walls we were all equal as things should be. It was refreshing. My husband is a rather picky eater and was having a hard time finding something on the menu until Chef Gary came over and spent probobly about 10 minutes helping him decide. Who does that? I do wish it was more accessable so I could go more but then it probobly wouldn't have the same charm.
(5)Thomas O.
Yes it's a dive. Yes it could be in a better location. But it is all about the food and the food is good. My daughter and I finally made the long awaited jaunt to Deja Vu for lunch. We went early to avoid the lunch crowd as the place is small. As we entered only one table was seated. A table of 3 middle aged redneck gentlemen. That spoke to me. If these guys would come here, the food must be good. Others started strolling in but not too busy as it was early. I had my mind set on the Crawfish Etouffee. It was very good but did not hit the 5 stars I was hoping for. It is based on a very dark roux, seasoned very well, but the tails were tiny. Don't let that minor complaint dissuade you. It has been a long time since I left a plate so clean. My daughter had the Smothered Pork Chops which she said to be excellent. I had a sample bite and I agree. For sides we had, collard greens, grilled cabbage and sweet potato fries and all stood out. Collards greens were delicious. Sweet potato fries were perfect, the best I have ever had. Grilled cabbage, how in the heck does Chef Gary take this most simple vegetable and turn it in to a culinary delight. I could eat a gallon bowl of this cabbage and still want more. As to service it doesn't get any better than this. The two young ladies waiting tables were affable and charming. Chef Gary made the point to come out and greet all guest. You could tell he was very busy. The restaurant wasn't that full but the to go orders were stacked to the ceiling and he still made sure to greet all his guest, including the 3 rednecks by name. That said they are regulars and this place crosses cultural boundary's. That impressed me. I will go again and taste the Gumbo or many other offerings. I bet that will bump it up to 5 stars. High on the list of places to try.
(4)Tara J.
Everything about this little restaurant is delightful. I have never experienced friendlier service! I tried the honey tofu and the BBQ tofu and both were completely amazing. I also had the cornbread, beans and rice and collard greens - all delicious. I would eat here weekly if I lived in Memphis. What a sweet place!
(5)Andrew D.
Simply amazing vegan food. The red beans and rice, the greens, the okra, the mock chicken salad sandwich, and the BBQ tofu were all incredible, as was talking with Chef Gary Williams. My partner and I are crossing the country for a move, and this is the best meal we've had since leaving Chicago. The food rivals our hometown favorite, Soul Vegetarian East. The staff were great, super nice, and we ended up chatting with a bunch of locals having lunch. Lots of folk coming in for take out orders, which is always a good sign. A must stop for anybody, but especially vegans and vegetarians.
(5)Kathy R.
Okay, all this talk about the neighborhood.... I wouldn't call it a neighborhood exactly. It's in an industrial area, not a residential area. It seems to be the only restaurant for a long stretch. Most of the businesses seemed to be associated with auto parts, if I remember correctly. So, don't worry yourselves, Yelpers. They have a parking lot and you would only drive to this place anyway. And no, the area isn't pretty. The only "pretty" you'll experience is after you walk in the door of this place. It's nothing fancy, mind you. There are about 6 or 7 tables and the floor is concrete. (It must've previously been an auto parts store or market or something.) It was funky (GOOD FUNKY). There was cool stuff on the walls. The people were fun to watch. The staff was good-looking and colorful. They were also warm and inviting. Gary, the owner/chef was walking around, chatting with the customers. It's obvious that he loves his business and his craft. The food was SO YUMMY!! I ordered "Big Keith's Bayou Classic." OMG! It was so good. Tilapia smothered with a creme sauce that had shrimp, lump crab meat and crayfish in it. My husband had the crawfish etouffe. Yum! Gary does a really dark, rich roux and it is wonderful. The only thing I wasn't expecting was that the bread pudding (with whiskey sauce) had fruit cocktail in it. It was strange, but good. Definitely homemade tasting. Go here. It's a feel good place.
(4)Terra S.
This restaurant is amazing. The food was great and their sides are much healthier AND tastier than a lot of alternatives. We tried the alligator stew, crawfish ettouffe, and shrimp creole. All of them were fantastic, but we particularly liked the alligator stew. Everyone in the restaurant was also very friendly and welcoming. I wish I could go back all the time!
(5)Dustin A.
This is another one of those hidden gems that is off the beaten path and in an area you may not feel comfortable in, but, once you get inside you will be welcomed by a friendly wait staff, a chef who comes out of the kitchen to make sure everyone is enjoying his wonderful offerings, and an atmosphere that brings old New Orleans to Memphis. The Po Boys are on the Top 100 things to eat in Memphis and there is a reason. They are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!! They have the usuals with shrimp, oysters or catfish which are all VERY GOOD! The one to try though is the ALLIGATOR SAUSAGE PO BOY!!!!! It is a little piece of heaven on a plate. The Honey Roasted Chicken?????? SCRUMPTIOUS!!!! Have tried numerous vegetables and you just cant get down home cooking any better than here. You wont be disappointed eating here unless its because you couldn't find a seat and if thats the case, WAIT, it is so worth it!!!!
(5)A L.
Had the too die for alligator stew and the gumbo. Went with a bunch of friends from work everyone was pleased
(5)Jason A.
The place is phenomenal! I've had several of their dishes and none disappoint! The gumbo is my favorite which comes with large chunks of blue crabs that have flavor soaked meat ready to be picked out! The place is heaven. Chef Gary really brought his A game! I bought a gallon of the gumbo to serve when I had a few people over for drinks and it was a gigantic success! Wish they were open for dinner though.
(5)sarah b.
To be able to have red beans and rice, greens, corn bread and not have a bit of meat in any of them is a true culinary feat in Memphis Tn. Deja Vu does it and does it well. Vegetarian and going to Memphis? No need to pack the protein bars...there is hope. Deja Vu will satisfy not only your hunger but somehow it touches that spot deep down that craves that southern comfort food. An absolute must for all those that have a "Restaurants to check out" list!!
(5)S A.
I found Deja Vu when looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Memphis, and this was by far the best restaurant we went to. We ordered a variety of food (both vegetarian and not), and LOVED everything they brought out. The staff and owner were very helpful and friendly, and I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
(5)Dana L.
Great find in Memphis! We went there while in town in hopes to find some good vegan food. Everything we ate was delicious! The staff is super friendly, and the food is cheap. They had a huge menu of items to choose from. Get there early as I believe they were open around 11 and closing by 3 or 4. Not in the prettiest part of town, but don't let that stop you!
(4)Lupe L.
New Orleans don't get any closer in a car than to drive right downtown to Memphis. First time eating crocodile was at this place and it was so good. I have tried a little bit of everything here with no disappointment what so ever. The staff is friendly, the food is good and who doesn't enjoy Madi Gras without leaving Shelby County.
(5)Deen W.
My husband had lunch free and had never eaten at Dejavu, so today I decided to indoctrinate him. Lunch was, as expected, absolutely fabulous. We shared a cup of gumbo, which we agreed was the best we've ever had....ANYWHERE. NOLA included. I enjoyed a big dish of crawfish etoufee. Hubby had the oyster poboy. For sides, we shared the grilled cabbage and candied yams. Service was bar none. Our waitress was super friendly, humorous, and highly efficient. Even though the restaurant is small and we were there at high noon, the wait was only about 5 minutes. Definitely not a place to linger during peak times, as you wouldn't want to deny other patrons from enjoying the deliciousness. My husband (Jeff) was so impressed with our food, he asked to speak to the chef. Gary is from New Orleans and has a great attitude about food. It clearly translates to the plate. Can't wait to go back! Everyone should eat here. For real. It should be a law.
(5)Barbara K.
My daughter and I stopped here for lunch during a very long road trip from Austin to Indiana. From the outside, my girl was a bit wary. It is small and the parking lot was collecting water. When we walked inside, we were greeted by Gary. The staff were so friendly and we felt lucky to get a table in the tiny establishment. After perusing the options, we (both vegetarians) decided on the BBQ tofu, stewed okra and sweet potato fries for me; and the Veggie burger, fried plantains, and fries for my girlie. We were both over the moon when our food arrived. I'm very particular about tofu and this tofu was cooked to perfection and smothered in fabulous tangy BBQ sauce. The stewed okra was flavorful and the liquid was thick and saucy. The sweet potato fries were crispy and oh so fine. We couldn't finish our food, so we took the rest "to go" and snacked on it the rest of the trip. Deja Vu was the high point of a difficult day of driving (rained the entire way from Texarkana to Indiana). I have to drive my girl back up when she starts college. We already know where we will ALWAYS stop when we are hungry in Memphis, TN!
(5)Jeannette L.
Tasty vegetarian options. Small eatery with a home cooking, kitchen feel. Friendly service. Amazing food. It's hopping, so sometimes you may have to wait, but well worth it!
(5)Shaina G.
Mmm Mmm Mmm! DejaVu has so many delicious items to choose from...where to start... well first off, I am no tofu eater, well that is until I had DejaVu's bbq tofu for lunch. Everything on the menu is great: Salad, Shrimp Pasta, Red Beans and Rice, Bar B Que Chicken and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce are among my favs. If you haven't tried this place yet, DO IT!
(4)Caroline V.
This place is a hidden treasure, tucked away in a tiny building just beyond the inhabited stretch of downtown (and with a downtown location reportedly coming soon). Chef Gary is a master of his trade, which is fresh Cajun cooking. In the true style of "home cookin," Chef Gary spends half of his time in the front making good will with the customers, then dashes off to the kitchen to perfect one of his long-simmering stews or to touch up one of the fresh vegetable sides. His welcoming, easy-going personality make eating here more than a purely culinary experience. It's not that common for my inlaws and me to agree on a restaurant, given that they're from New Orleans (fans of crawfish and andouille sausage) and I'm vegetarian (not a fan of crawfish and andouille sausage). Not only did we all agree that this place is fantastic, they were tempted by my delicious vegetable dishes. I got the curry tofu, with grilled cabbage and fried plantains on the side. By the time the food got to the table, I had gnoshed on the (vegetarian) red beans and rice delivered to my 16 month-old, so I barely even touched the tofu until the next day (it was yummy - the mild yellow curry adopted for all manner of Southern cuisine from curried chicken salad to country captain). We finished everything off with a slice of bananas foster cheesecake (split between 6 people, and I think we still had some left over). It is VERY rich and best shared after you're full of healthy vegetables so that you don't eat the whole thing. I'm looking forward to the new and improved downtown location, but until it opens I'll happily trek down to Florida St to have my fill of DejaVu!
(5)Steve W.
My favorite place to eat Louisiana style food in Memphis. Very consistent and the selection of dishes are great. The bandannas foster cheesecake for dessert will put you to sleep. The atmosphere is great with the servers and we always enjoy going there whenever we are in the area. See for yourself.
(5)Adam S.
I am from los Angeles and I have been having a hard time finding a vegetarian menu or even a health conscious restaurant. Dejavu is the true meaning of a great hole in the wall find. Food was great and service was sooo friendly!!! Felt like I was invited into their home. Had a mushroom spinach quesadilla.... had gumbo with no meat. Everything was great. About to try the banana fosters cheese cake.
(5)Stacy E.
Good vegan/vegetarian food among all the soul food! Not a great area, but don't let that deter you from trying it out! It's also very small, but worth the wait!
(4)Clay S.
We loved every vegetarian item out of the ten we tried. Can't go wrong!
(5)Liz J.
The cajun food served here is 10x better than anything I ate while in New Orleans! And the friendly service (with the "honey"s and "love"s) just add to it! I ordered a dish recommended by the waitress when she heard it was my first time visiting. It was tilapia with shrimp and crawfish, and it came with 2 veggie sides and cornbread. Very, very tasty! I'd definitely order it again.
(5)Walter E.
Honey roasted chicken with red beans and rice and cabbage!!
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