Automatic Slim's Tonga Club - Memphis, TN

Named for a Beale Street bluesman and a teen hangout popular in the rockabilly era, this tongue-in-cheeky tiki bar is not at all silly when it comes to food. Combining Caribbean and Southwestern spice with the soul of the South, it creates such luscious meals as coconut mango shrimp with orange pico de gallo, adobo-rubbed double pork loin chop, and voodoo seafood stew.

57% Approval Rating (7 votes)

Overall: Worth driving from anyplace

Must Eats

Screaming Mimi Salad ($7.00)

Sate Shrimp a la Plancha ($20.00)

Bread with Pesto Olive Oil (N/A)

Pasta with Shrimp & Mussels ($20.00)

Tonga Martini ($5.00)

Pasta with Seafood ($20.00)

Duck Breast ($20.00)

Tobacco Onion Rings ($4.00)

Written Reviews

Michael Stern

" After a week of barbecue at least three times a day, we arrived in Memphis craving something modern to eat. Staying at the Peabody Hotel, our choice was easy, and was just across the street: Automatic Slim's Tonga Club. Named for a Beale Street bluesman and a teen ..." [Read More].

bearcuisinenm

May 19, 2009

"I think this is the only time that a recommendation from the Sterns has failed me. This was absolutely some of the worst food I have ever tried to eat. We quizzed our waiter, who was the only bright spot in this dismal place, and found out that Automatic Slim's had ..." [Read More].

Logbooks

4/8/2009 - bearcuisinenm, $40
2/13/2004 - Michael Stern, $30

Map & Directions

83 2nd St., Memphis, TN
901-525-7948

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Lunch, Dinner
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	Yes
Alcohol Served:	Yes
Outdoor Seating:	No
Reservations Accepted:	Yes
Delivery Available:	No
Takeout Counters:	No

"The Screaming Mimi Salad. We're not sure how it got named, but we love this great big hunk of ultra-crisp iceberg lettuce draped with blue cheese dressing, scallions, and tomatoes."
Michael Stern

"This nice, tender length of bread comes to the table first, along with a bowl of pesto olive oil. With or without Tonga martinis, it's a great way to start a meal."
Michael Stern

"Here's a view of the bar from a banquette in the downstairs dining room."
Michael Stern

"'Basmati rice, lemongrass shrimp butter broth, slivered pineapple, and cilantro pesto goat cheese crispy dumpling.' You can eat this delicious meal almost as fast as you can say its ingredients."
Michael Stern

"Automatic Slim's is favored by locals, but it's a handy place to know about if you are visiting Memphis and staying at the Peabody Hotel, just across the street. (And no, this picture was NOT taken after several Tonga martinis. It is an ARTISTIC camera angle!)"
Michael Stern