Downtown Dining Week: The Archives Bar & Bistro

This past week, the Downtown Memphis restaurant community came together for the Annual Downtown Dining Week, celebrating the vibrant culinary scene and the incredible people who make it all happen. I took the opportunity to visit several restaurants and had a phenomenal time exploring the flavors that make our downtown dining scene the best in the region. One of my stops was The Archives Bar & Bistro, an inviting all-day café nestled in Hotel Napoleon.

The Archives Bar & Bistro boasts an airy, relaxed atmosphere, with large windows running the length of the dining room, creating an open and welcoming vibe. It's a perfect spot for date nights, girls' nights out, and solo dining alike. During my visit, I indulged in the Downtown Dining Week special: Pan-Seared Scallops served with wild mushroom risotto, saffron beurre blanc, and grilled asparagus. Each bite was a delight—the scallops were tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the creamy risotto. I paired my meal with a glass of Seven Ranchlands Chardonnay, which enhanced the flavors beautifully. The artful presentation added to the experience, making it a meal to remember.

My friend opted for the filet mignon, served with a red wine reduction, haricots verts, and garlic-herb fingerling potatoes. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. One detail to keep in mind when dining at The Archives is that gratuity is included on all checks, and the restaurant does not offer itemized splits; instead, checks are split evenly among parties.

Overall, my experience was delightful, and I highly recommend giving The Archives a try if you're in the area. For more information, visit Hotel Napoleon's The Archives.

Pan-Seared Scallops served with wild mushroom risotto, saffron beurre blanc, and grilled asparagus

Filet mignon, haricots verts, and garlic-herb fingerling potatoes

Memphis, TN