Harry’s Detour

Not going to write a bunch of detail. Below average experience in all ways. Just not good food, service, atmosphere, etc. With Café 1912 across the street I don’t understand why anyone would go here. Harry’s was something much better when Harry was around.

Unilocal does it again! I was recently out in midtown, and searching for a place where i could have dinner in an intimate setting. Initially we went to Bari Ristorante, but they were apparently unwilling to take our money. We did encounter a lovely lady who offered to move to the bar so my girlfriend and i could have a table, (I’ll buy her a round if i see her again) but that was the highlight of our experience there. We finally Unilocaled and found out about Harry’s Detour, and I could kiss every Unilocaler who reviewed it. On the lips. With tongue. It was that good.
The restaurant is very inconspicuous. I drove past it twice. Its right off cooper after the «New Theater District.» The parking lot might hold 3 cars (4 if you drive a smart car), but there are plenty of parking options close by. The ambiance is confusing because it is in this ramshackle old house with Chili’s-style flair on the wall, yet it has candles on the table, cloth napkins, and a pricier menu. They asked if we had a reservation, which must be a running joke because there were literally 7 people in the restaurant and three of them worked there. We were quickly seated, and were quickly served. The waitress was attentive, but not overbearing, and made sure my frosted glass of Stella stayed topped off. I ordered the special seafood chowder and the shrimp and grits; my girlfriend had the pork chops. We had the bread pudding with raspberry drizzle for desert. I normally hate bread pudding, but we scraped the plate in this circumstance. Each dish was delicious.
I can’t say enough positive things about this place. Go. Take your wife, girlfriend, husband, boyfriend, significant other, pet, whatever.

This is my favorite restaurant in Memphis. I love their food, love the owners and staff, love the prices, and love BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine)! You can’t ask for anything more in a restaurant. If you haven’t been to Harry’s, do yourself a favor and go by there. Best meal per dollar in Memphis!

Harry’s just flat out has good food. I had gone in thinking we were going to have more of a Greek experience, but it turns out that Greek influences are limited.
We started with a Mahi Mahi Spread, which was delicious (served with olives, sliced apple, and toasted bread). I wish they had an option for more Mahi Mahi spread!
For the main course, I had the Chicken Newport, which is according to the waitress we had, the most Greek experience they have available. The Chicken Newport was excellent, but I wish there had been more sauce on it (since the sauce was delicious). My wife had a Thai dish, the name of which escapes me. It was also good.
For desert, we had a wonderful bread pudding.
If you get a chance, try this restaurant out. Parking seems quite limited, and I’m sure this is the reason Harry’s does not stay more full. However, there is ample parking nearby at closed businesses, none of which have «no parking» signs.

Harry’s has a great variety of flavor and prices are fair, but the atmosphere and décor are pretty bland. Also, i’ve had cold rolls on several ocassions.

If there was EVER a reason to avoid the mega chain restaurants, Harry’s would be the classic example of why to eat local. I like the quirky atmosphere. I love the food. Examples are their filet mignon with either the blue cheese topping or their special home made sauce. I went in to the kitchen and watched the chef and heard how the sauce takes about 24 hrs. to prepare. The chicken newport is an always there item that is fantastic. Salmon usually comes with a light creamy dill sauce but likely they’d make it however the heck you want. They have great appetizers as well. I prefer the BBQ sausage with a deep rich sauce.
I’ve never been able to figure out why there’s not always a crowd there. Maybe it’s the no liquor license. I’m cool with that since I can bring in my favorite wine for about ¹⁄₃ the price. They do serve beer.
The wait «staff» (it’s usually one waitress) is very friendly and treats you like family (in a good way). I’ve been there at least a dozen times and have never been dissapointed.

My husband and I love going to Harry’s. Both locations are great. We live in the Cooper-​Young area, so we go to the Cooper location more. Between the two of us, we have had most items on the menu and its all wonderful! We both love the mussels! There is a $ 5 or $ 10 corkage fee for wine (not bad). Also,
has a gift certificate you can buy for Harry’s! Definitely a steal!

I am getting convinced Memphis still has a ways to go to become a foodie destination. Why I was the only diner there on weeknight baffles me. The value is terrific. For a bit more than $ 10 I had the chicken newport. A lot of bird smothered in garlicky (a bit too much) beige sauce. Nice warm bread.

Last week was the first visit to this restaurant on Cooper for my wife and me. I visited another Harry’s On Tour on Madison many years ago when Harry was alive. His legacy for excellent food lives on through the menu items and the excellent food, preparation, value and service. The interior was roomy and down home with lots of photographs and wall art. The menu was varied and the prices good. We took our own bottle of wine and was charged $ 5 for set up, glasses and an ice bucket. The waitress was attentive and interested in answering our questions. We each had steak, a filet with bleu cheese sauce served with potatoes and the hanger steak braised in a dark, rich sauce made from tomatoes and served over whipped potatoes. Large rolls were served with the main course. Both steaks were flavorful, tender, well prepared and nicely presented. For appetizer, we had the grilled Diablo (spicy) chaurice sausage served with a Cajun spiced cole slaw and toasted French bread slices; a perfect appetizer item that came with a mild and tasty BBQ sauce which avoided being either sweet or vinegary. This appetizer was a perfect combination of ingredients and flavor. This restaurant deserves a loyal following of diners to reward its cooking and service. We rarely eat out because of the cost but this place and its cook and staff were really appealing to both of us. We will go there again this week.

As far as Memphis dining goes, this is one of my favorite restaurants. When we go it usually isn’t super crowded and it is not the most romantic atmosphere, but do not let that discourage you! You can BYOB and the food is excellent and the prices are extremely reasonable. I usually get one of the specials of the night, but the Chicken Newport, which is a mainstay on the menu, is an absolute winner. This is a great place that is definitely worth a try.

Other reviewers have mentioned the fact that Harry’s isn’t much to look at, but I disagree. Yes, it’s in an old, rambling Midtown house, but for me, that’s part of what makes it special.
The place has charm.
But more importantly, Harry’s has great food. The Chicken Newport is divine. It’s prepared with a Greek-​lemon sauce, mushrooms and three cheeses. I have a hard time even trying other items on the menu, because I like this dish so much. But the Amberjack Marie is also an excellent choice. It’s pecan wood smoked Amberjack with a sauce made from Granny Smith apples and fresh herbs. It’s both unique and delicious.
They only offer beer, so if you want wine, bring your own bottle. The corkage fee is nominal.

I do not understand why this place is not more crowded! My husband and I go to Harry’s all of the time as it is seriously our favorite restaurant in Memphis. We waltz in, grab a table and have our food within 15 minutes. Delicious, mouthwatering food, by the way.
Harry’s midtown is so tranquil and laid-​back. The décor is not as fancy as many of the other restaurants in town, but the food is outstanding. We usually try at least one of the specials (steak specials are awesome), or order faves like Neptune’s Nirvana (angel hair pasta with lobster sherry cream sauce, shrimp and scallops). The whole wheat muffins are yummy and I always go for some spanikopita.
The service is good, even though there is usually only one server for the whole restaurant. Prices are reasonable, and there’s an outdoor patio for weather-​permitting days.
Always a great dining experience, Harry’s is my number one choice for a quiet date night or a fun group outing.

We took advantage of the good weather and finally tried Harry’s Detour. The food was good, the patio wasn’t packed, and the service was great!
I’d definitely recommend it for some good porch drinking! They only have beer but if you can bring a bottle of wine and pay the small corkage fee. I had the flat iron, cooked the way I liked and it came with roasted potatoes and sauteed zucchini. A friend had the chops and another had the portobella sandwich. We all had a good time sipping wine and enjoying our meals! For a non-​packed patio, it can’t be beat!

Harrys food is awesome.
The Filet is my favorite diner entrée and usually comes with a demi glacé, cranberry sauce or herbed butter on the top… chef’s choice. The cranberry sauce was my favorite… however, i only got it once, so i don’t know if I’m tricking myself. They are all great.
The restaurant is a hole in the wall but I don’t care… I’d eat there even if it was in a tent. It’s actually comforting to know that the food is the priority and not the décor.
I used to frequent the South Main location for lunch with my boys and it was great too. Cliff (our server) was awesome and always knew exactly what each one of us wanted.
The scallops are also favorites and I don’t even like seafood.

Such a great find. Driving cross country with a dog and finding good food is really hard but we came across this place randomly. There is outdoor seating so good for the dog. I never looked inside but my husband said it was cute. The menu was great. I got the portabello sandwich and it was great! The food was fancy but the prices were really great (I’m from LA so I’m used to getting rapped for food) I was there at lunch so I wanted something light but the dinner food was looking good. The waiter was really nice and I just got a good vibe from the place.

Harry’s is not much to look at both inside and out but the amazing food and friendly service make you forget that you’re dining in a crappy, old midtown house. It’s never too busy to be seated right away (usually a bad sign for business however, not in this case) and Harry himself will hang out with you and shoot the breeze until your food comes– very cool guy.
Try the Tequila Mockingbird, Dave’s Rap, the scallops w/​polenta, & the white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Looking at the menu for the first time I thought the prices were high but after I ate the meal I realized that I was paying for the quality food– not the ambiance.