After nearly a dozen years of maintaining my 200-plus pounds in East Memphis (it’s hard work, really), I’m an expert. Really. I can’t promise you these are in the right order. But they all belong–in my belly, and on this list. Would I lie to you? Not about food.
#10 Combo Vermicelli, Pho Saigon
#9 Alambre, Las Delicias.
#8 Reuben, Bogey’s Delicatessen
#7 Huey Burger w/ fries, Huey’s
#6 Ching’s Wings “Original Seasoned” (dry) wings
#5 N. Y. Strip Steak Sandwich, Half Shell
#4 BBQ Chicken Pizza, Memphis Pizza Cafe
#3 Baja Santa Fe Pizza, Old Venice Pizza Company.
#1 (cop-out tie) Veal Piccata and Elfo’s Special, Gristanti’s.
This is something of a middle-class list: all but three of these dishes are less than 10 bucks a head (assuming you share the pizzas). But with choices like these, why pay more?
Honorable mention: Some of these aren’t quite big enough to be a full-blown dish: Lobster Roll, Bangkok Alley. Brother Juniper’s, anything. Queso at El Porton. Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Buckley’s and Houston’s. Central BBQ, BBQ nachos. Dan Dan Noodles, Crispy Honey Shrimp, and Mongolian Beef at P. F. Chang’s. Buckley’s Filets. Corky’s dry rack of ribs.
Tell me where I’m wrong, people, or give me your top three in comments.
Go At A Walking Pace 
Each to his own, but I would put Corky’s dry rub ribs at 5 or higher (and what about the o rings).
Did you overlook Castle gyros? At least top 10. But not a big fan of BBQ pizza: just the name is
incongruant.
Ok Jason, pretty good for an “East Memphis” list, but I did expect the Castle at least as an honorable mention! Swanky’s is still to new to the neighborhood to make the list, but their grilled fish tacos deserve a voice somewhere.
I can’t believe East Memphis doesn’t include something from Casa Grill – expecially schwarma with hummus (did I spell all that correctly?) My mouth waters just thinking about it.
And my Midtown pick would be Greek Lemon Soup and Diablo Wrap (spicy + cream cheese = ooooooh so good) at Cafe Eclectic.