Belle Meade Social: New East Memphis restaurant puts contemporary spin on classic dishes

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal

May 16, 2023 at 6:02 AM·4 min read

East Memphis restaurant Belle Meade Social opened its doors on May 9.

Expect an elevated, contemporary spin on classic American favorites, from shareable starters and salads to entrees and sides served in an inviting dining room and bar.

Belle Meade Social was founded by Jules Jordan and Paul Stephens. The new restaurant, located in the former Strano by Chef Josh space at 518 Perkins Ext., is open for lunch and dinner.

“We are so excited to bring a new fun energy to the corner at Poplar and Perkins,” Jordan said. “We’ve been working hard to make an incredibly unique space for everyone to enjoy at any occasion. The only thing we’ve been missing is our guests, and we are so excited to invite everyone into our new home.”

The entrance to Belle Meade Social can be seen on May 9, the day the East Memphis restaurant officially opened.

Jordan said she hopes the restaurant will fill the gap between fast-casual and fine dining. “Belle Meade Social is upscale, but approachable,” she said.

Belle Meade Social's name is a nod to the surrounding Belle Meade residential neighborhood.

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What to expect at Belle Meade Social

Jordan and Stephens have updated the 5,700-square-foot space, creating a modern and inviting restaurant with a variety of dining areas.

Guests can dine in the more traditional “The Garden Room” or at tables in the spacious bar room. I predict the banquette tables that line the bar side of the restaurant will be sought-after seats for those wanting to be part of the action at the new East Memphis eatery, which I visited for lunch on opening day.

The Tuckahoe Room at Belle Meade Social can be seen in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

For those just wanting a drink, grab a seat at the bar or in the lounge-like “Tuckahoe Room” (named for a street in Belle Meade). The bar menu features a creative list of signature cocktails, including a handful of alcohol-free libations. The wine and beer lists offer a wide variety of options.

It’s one of those restaurants that I think you could be comfortable going to in jeans with a nice top, or dressed up for a special occasion.

What’s on the menu at Belle Meade Social?

We started with the Spicy Tuna Stack ($18) and Honey Whipped Feta Dip ($14). The Ahi tuna dish was a bright and tasty spin on tuna tartar. The whipped feta was a nice shareable dish served with warm pita wedges, toasted nut and mixed olives. The Parmesan Truffle Fries ($8) served with a house-made tarragon aioli at the table next to us looked very tempting — and will be an appetizer I order next visit.

The Steak & Noodle Salad at Belle Meade Social in Memphis, TN.

The Steak & Noodle Salad ($28) was a surprisingly light and tasty entrée salad. New York strip cooked a perfect medium-rare is tossed with fresh greens, soba noodles, basil, mint, fresh mango and spicy vinaigrette. It was a generous portion.

Our server recommended the Kung-Pao Salmon ($26) — and we were glad he did. A tender piece of salmon is served with a sweet and slightly spicy kung-pao glaze.

There is a something for everyone on the menu — with items like pizzas, burgers, steaks and roasted chicken also available.

The Spicy Tuna Stack at Belle Meade Social restaurant in Memphis, TN.

Eric Ingraham is the executive chef at Belle Meade Social. Ingraham has run multiple restaurant kitchens, both in Memphis and Florida, as well as served as a restaurant general manager. He has been with the Pimento’s brand for the last decade.

"I recognized his untapped, underutilized talents in the kitchen and wanted to bring him along to lead the menu curation and back of house here," Jordan said.

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Who's behind Belle Meade Social?

Jules Jordan is the daughter of Holiday Ham and Pimento's founder Trey Jordan. Like Jules Jordan, Stephens also worked with the Jordan family business.

Jules Jordan and Paul Stephens, the founding partners of Belle Meade Social, pose for a portrait in the Tuckahoe Room of the restaurant in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

"I essentially grew up in the restaurant business,” Jules Jordan said. “In fact, my mom was pregnant with me when my dad opened his very first Holiday Ham in this very building.”

That was 29 years ago.

“You know he was 29 then, and I am 29 opening my first restaurant in the exact same building," she said. "Isn’t that crazy?"

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.

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