Hog & Hominy: Where Southern Traditions Meet Italian Flair in Memphis
Discover Hog & Hominy—a vibrant Memphis eatery blending Southern comfort with Italian creativity in a lively, open-kitchen setting.
Hog & Hominy: A Culinary Landmark in Memphis
Nestled beneath the Clark Tower in Memphis’s vibrant Brookhaven Circle, Hog & Hominy has become an essential stop for food-lovers seeking the perfect marriage of Southern tradition and Italian creativity. Revered by publications like GQ Magazine, Southern Living, and Bon Appétit, Hog & Hominy stands out not only for its innovative menu but also for its energetic, community-minded spirit.
The Visionaries Behind the Restaurant
Chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, both Memphis natives and James Beard Award semifinalists, are the creative powerhouses behind Hog & Hominy. Their culinary journey is rooted in a deep appreciation for their Italian heritage and Southern upbringing. This duality is at the core of their approach, producing food that’s familiar yet unexpected, comforting yet daring. Ticer and Hudman’s portfolio includes several acclaimed Memphis eateries, but Hog & Hominy holds a special place as an ongoing love letter to both cultures.
Atmosphere and Setting
Located in a converted ranch-style house, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that is simultaneously lively, youthful, and relaxed. Guests are welcomed by the inviting scent of wood smoke from the open kitchen, and the communal vibe is accentuated by spirited playlists and animated conversation. The outdoor patio, a favorite spot in warmer months, offers a cozy place to gather with friends. While the vibe perfectly suits festive group outings, it can be boisterous—diners looking for intimate, quiet meals or a first-date retreat may want to look elsewhere.
- Open kitchen encourages interaction between chefs and patrons
- Quaint outdoor patio ideal for group gatherings
- Lively, homey décor with playful artwork and rustic accents
- Hip playlists contribute to the energetic soundscape
A Menu Bridging Southern and Italian Traditions
Hog & Hominy’s menu is firmly anchored in Southern comfort food but boldly pushes boundaries by threading Italian ingredients and techniques throughout. Diners are enticed by a rotating selection of seasonal dishes, but several mainstays have earned cult status among locals and visitors alike.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
The restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas are stars of the menu, interpreted with Southern ingredients in whimsical ways:
- The Red-Eye – Topped with pork belly, eggs, and espresso barbecue sauce, paying homage to Southern breakfast traditions
- Margherita – A classic take, yet with tomatoes sourced from local farms
- ‘John’s Ham’ – Tennessee country ham, fresh mozzarella, and arugula complete this popular pie
Memorable Mains and Small Plates
- Burger – Frequently hailed as one of Memphis’s best, featuring a juicy patty, smoked bacon, and house-made fixings
- Poutine – Hand-cut fries, sausage gravy, and cheese curds, fusing Canadian and Southern flavors
- Gnocchi with Pork Ragu – Lush potato dumplings bathed in a robust, slow-cooked pork-and-tomato sauce
- Fried Bread with Ricotta – A house favorite, golden and comforting, often served with preserves
Vegetarian and Seasonal Options
The menu always features vegetable-heavy sides and inventive seasonal salads, highlighting the region’s bounty and echoing the importance of fresh produce in both Southern and Italian kitchens.
Drinks and Desserts: Southern Spirit, Italian Finesse
- Cocktail Program: House cocktails balance classic Italian aperitifs (like negronis) with Southern influences, using local spirits and fresh infusions.
- Beer and Wine: Curated selections emphasize Italian and Southern regional wines, alongside a rotation of Memphis-area craft beers.
- Desserts: End the meal with Italian-inspired sweets—think olive oil cake and cannoli—alongside deep-South classics like pecan pie.
Hospitality and Service
Diners consistently praise Hog & Hominy’s warm hospitality. The staff are attentive, conversational, and willing to guide both regulars and newcomers through the frequently updated menu. Accommodations for allergies and preferences are easily handled—a reflection of the restaurant’s focus on community and comfort.
Reservations, Hours, and Accessibility
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for groups of three or more, as the bustling dining room fills quickly.
- Peak Hours: Expect the atmosphere to be most lively during weekend evenings.
- Accessibility: The converted ranch house is accessible, but outdoor patio space may become limited during busy weekends or private events.
A Gathering Place for Memphis Locals
Beyond the food, Hog & Hominy has become a social hub for the community. Its ethos—welcoming, experimental, yet grounded—has won loyal fans across Memphis and attracted diners from far beyond. With its team-oriented open kitchen, jovial playlist, and approachable staff, the restaurant delivers a dining experience where every detail reinforces a sense of place and togetherness.
From Fire to Fresh Start: Resilience and Renovation
In early 2020, Hog & Hominy faced a formidable setback when an electrical fire caused significant damage to the original ranch house venue, temporarily shuttering the restaurant. The Memphis community rallied behind the beloved eatery, supporting a complete renovation and creative refresh. When the doors reopened, diners found the same beloved flavors in a rejuvenated space, embodying both the resilience of the city and the determination of its owners. The redesign drew on Italian coastal motifs while keeping the Southern roots intact, featuring brighter décor, reclaimed materials, and expanded patio dining.
Key Features of the Renovation:
- Expanded outdoor seating with lush landscaping
- Modernized interior with coastal-inspired colors and textures
- Enhanced kitchen facilities for creative menu evolution
Recognition and Awards
- Named one of the top new restaurants by GQ Magazine, Southern Living, and Bon Appétit
- Repeated inclusion on Best Restaurants lists across regional and national publications
- Award-winning burger and wood-fired pizzas lauded by critics and local diners alike
The Cultural Meaning Behind “Hog & Hominy”
The name “Hog & Hominy” honors two cornerstones of Southern food heritage: pork (“hog”) and corn (“hominy”). This pairing is more than literal; it symbolizes the inventive, resourceful cooking traditions of the American South, influenced over centuries by West African, Indigenous, and European foodways.
The phrase resonates with a history of survival and adaptation, echoing the resourcefulness of enslaved Africans and working-class Southerners who transformed humble, often neglected ingredients into sustaining, soul-nourishing dishes. The blend of these elements in Hog & Hominy’s menu is a tribute to the rich, sometimes painful, always creative tapestry of Southern culinary history.
Community and Philosophy
More than a restaurant, Hog & Hominy reflects a philosophy of hospitality rooted in shared meals and inclusive spirit. From its collaborative staff culture in the open kitchen to the communal buzz of full dining rooms and patios, it encourages diners to linger, celebrate, and return.
The restaurant often hosts special events, pop-up tastings, and collaborations with local producers, strengthening its role as a vital neighborhood gathering place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is Hog & Hominy located?
A: Hog & Hominy is located at 707 West Brookhaven Circle, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
Q: What type of cuisine does Hog & Hominy specialize in?
A: The restaurant offers a fusion of Southern and Italian cuisines, celebrated for innovative wood-fired pizzas, award-winning burgers, and creative small plates.
Q: Is a reservation necessary?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for parties of three or more or on weekends.
Q: Are vegetarian options available?
A: Yes, the menu features fresh vegetable-forward sides, salads, and several meatless entrées.
Q: What is the atmosphere like?
A: Guests describe Hog & Hominy as lively, bustling, and community-focused, with a homey open kitchen and spirited décor. Outdoor patio seating is available.
Q: Has Hog & Hominy experienced any major changes recently?
A: Following a fire in 2020, the restaurant underwent a major renovation and reopened with a refreshed coastal-inspired design while preserving its classic menu.
Q: Who are the chefs behind Hog & Hominy?
A: Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman are the chef-owners, renowned for their passion for both Southern and Italian traditions and acclaimed restaurant ventures in Memphis.
Table: Signature Dishes at Hog & Hominy
| Dish | Description | Southern Influence | Italian Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Red-Eye Pizza | Pork belly, eggs, espresso BBQ sauce | Breakfast flavors, smoked pork | Pizza technique |
| Gnocchi with Pork Ragu | Potato dumplings in savory pork-and-tomato sauce | Pork, slow-cooking technique | Gnocchi, ragu |
| Fried Bread with Ricotta | Golden fried dough, creamy ricotta and preserves | Southern fry bread tradition | Italian cheeses, pastry |
| Burger | Juicy beef patty, smoked bacon, house toppings | Southern burger, BBQ bacon inspiration | Italian condiments |
| Poutine | Fries with sausage gravy and cheese curds | Sausage gravy, fried potatoes | Adaptation of Canadian comfort food |
Essential Tips for Your Visit
- Book ahead during peak dinner hours to avoid a wait
- Ask staff for the day’s specials or seasonal offerings
- Don’t skip the signature cocktails and desserts
- Try an assortment of small plates to experience the menu’s creativity
- Outdoor seating is especially popular—request a patio table on arrival if weather permits
Final Thoughts
Hog & Hominy captures the heart and soul of Memphis dining, where Southern roots and Italian inspiration come together in a burst of creativity, flavor, and conviviality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, each visit offers a chance to experience something fresh while savoring the comforts of tradition.
