High Ground's signature "On the Ground" series embeds a team of journalists and photojournalists in a Memphis neighborhood for 1-6 months of intensive, hyper-local coverage. 

While we're there, we eat. A lot.

We chose a different neighborhood restaurant every Friday for team lunches. We also like to hit up restaurants before we pen a profile on the business.

It's a tough job, but we're always ready to step up. 

In "Destination Eats," we're rounding up some of the best restaurants we've covered in our 14 On the Ground neighborhoods.

This fifth installment takes us to Binghampton. Check out the rest of the series here:
"Destination Eats: Hickory Hill has what you you're craving"
"Destination Eats: Madison Heights is Memphis magic"
"Destination Eats: Devour the world from The Heights"
“Destination Eats: University District is a smart choice for good food”

The geographic heart of the city, Binghampton is one of Memphis’ most diverse neighborhoods, with immigrants and refugees from nearly 20 countries in its 2.55 square miles. The neighborhood is also unique for its blend of residential and commercial properties with warehousing, shipping and light manufacturing capabilities.

Binghampton is much larger than many Memphians realize. It runs from East Parkway to the west to Holmes Street to the west and from Summer Avenue on the north to Poplar Avenue on the south. It includes Benjamin J. Hooks Central Library and the Broad Avenue Arts District, which draw Memphians from across the metro area.

Here are some of our favorites local restaurants and cafes to get you started, but we recommend you head to Binghampton and check it out for yourself. Whatever you're craving, it's got you covered. 


Inspire Community Cafe 
510 Tillman Street | 901-509-8640 | website
open Tuesday through Saturday

Inspire Community Cafe's mission is to provide "living wage jobs, life-giving food, and a gathering place that inspires and connects people for the sake of a more just and compassionate Memphis." Check out this quick video for more on how the cafe has continue serving its staff and community throughout the pandemic.


“Video: Making healthy delicious with Inspire Community Cafe”


Mahogany Memphis Restaurant
3092 Poplar Ave #11 | 901-623-7977 | website
open Wednesday through Sunday 

Co-owners Carlee McCullough and Veve Yates describe Mahogany Memphis as "upscale Southern with a dash of Creole." Sous chef Perrie Ware said the ox tails are the restaurant's signature dish; they slow cook them for 12 hours. Ware said customers come from as far away as Texas specifically for that dish. 

Check out this quick video for more on how the Mahogany has continue serving its staff and community throughout the pandemic.

“Video: Fine dining and bold new ideas with Mahogany Memphis”

Society Memphis Skatepark and Coffee
583 Scott Street | 901-218-1882 | website
open daily

Just off Broad on Scott Street is one of Binghampton's best-kept secrets. It's part indoor skatepark, part skate shop, and part cafe. They make a mean chai latte, and their modest selection of baked goods are always delicious. Read the article for more on how the Society team moved an entire skate park from Atlanta to Memphis. 

"Former Binghampton warehouse now home to thriving indoor skatepark"

Broad Avenue Eats, Sweets, and Drinks
The Broad Avenue Arts District in Binghampton is home to shops, food, bars, and entertainment. Here are a few of our top picks:

Broadway Pizza | 2581 Broad | 901-454-7930 | website

Bounty on Broad | 2519 Broad | 901-410-8131 | website

Muddy's Bake Shop | 2497 Broad | website

The Cove Bar | 2559 Broad | 901-730-0719 | website

Maximo's on Broad | 2617 Broad | 901-452-1111 | website

The Liquor Store | 2655 Broad | 901-405-5477 | website

Related: "Broad Avenue power couple expand reach with new bar venture"

Binghampton’s Poplar Corridor 
Poplar Avenue marks the southern edge of Binghampton. Between East Parkway and Holmes Street, Binghampton’s Poplar Corridor has dozens of options for good eats. These are just a few of our locally-owned favorites, aside from Mahogany of course. 

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant | 2600 Poplar, #115 | 901-321-0082 | website

El Toro Loco | 2617 Poplar | 901-458-4414 | website

La Baguette French Bread and Pastry Shop (and cafe!) | 3088 Poplar | 901-458-0900 | website

Pho Saigon | 2946 Poplar | 901-458-1644 

Goodie’s Subs | 2962 Poplar | 901-325-7979 | website