East Memphis

To many minds, Memphis [1] dining gets no better than Erling Jensen, The Restaurant (1044 S. Yates Rd., 901/763-3700, daily 5–10 p.m., $30–50). Danish-born Erling Jensen is the mastermind of this fine-dining restaurant that has consistently earned marks as Memphians’ favorite restaurant. Understated decor and friendly service are the backdrop to Jensen’s dishes, which are works of art.

The menu changes with the seasons and based upon availability, but usually includes about six different seafood dishes and as many meat and game choices. Black Angus beef, elk loin, and buffalo tenderloin are some of the favorites. Meals at Jensen’s restaurant should begin with an appetizer, salad, or soup—or all three. The jumbo chunk crab cakes with smoked red-pepper sauce are excellent. Reservations are a good idea at Erling Jensen, and so are jackets for men. Expect to spend upwards of $80 for a four-course meal here; $60 for two courses. Add more for wine.

Memphis’s [1] premier steakhouse is Folk’s Folly (551 S. Mendenhall Rd., 901/762-8200, $30–70), located just east of Audubon Park. Dinner is served nightly beginning at 5:30 p.m., when diners start flocking here for prime aged steaks and seafood favorites. For small appetites, try the 8-ounce filet mignon for $28; large appetites can gorge on the 28-ounce porterhouse for $57. Seafood includes lobster, crab legs, and wild salmon. The atmosphere is classic steakhouse: The lighting is low, and there’s a piano bar on the property.