Whoa! Coletta’s in South Memphis is KOOL! This Italian restaurant has been in the same location since 1923 and is still remarkably well preserved. Jerry Coletta runs the place, seven nights a week. he’s been there all his life, his grandfather started the place. Lovely guy!
Elvis used to come here and order the barbecue pizza, which is still a staple on the menu. The reason I found the place online was because I had already kind of had my fill of barbecue, so I didn’t try the barbecue pizza. The homemade minestrone soup that Jerry makes himself was delicious, though.
If you go here, request to sit in the “Elvis Room,” the room in the back where Elvis and his Memphis mafia used to dine. They have the Elvis room all done up like a shrine. It’s pretty great.
I just poked my head into the lounge, and it appeared to be pretty lit (it’s Friday night)! If you’re looking for a spotless new place that they redecorated last year with foo-foo charcuterie plates, Coletta’s is not for you. If you’re looking for a hundred-year-old place with a lot of the old Memphis ambience, this place RULES!
I’ve never been so happy to see a non-ironic cigarette vending machine—and I don’t even smoke. Old skool all the way!
See more photos at Deke’s original Facebook post!
