About
Welcome to Mr. Rusty's Taste of Chicago, your destination for authentic Chicago flavors right in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Located at 1859 Winchester Rd, this charming eatery has been a beloved staple in the community for nearly three decades. With a commitment to quality, Mr. Rusty and his team deliver an unparalleled experience that transports you straight to the Windy City with every bite.
At Mr. Rusty's, every dish is crafted with passion and authenticity. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of grilled sausages and fried dough. The menu boasts a variety of Chicago classics that will leave your taste buds singing.
But the main attractions don’t stop there. The customer reviews consistently rave about the gyros, which feature fresh meat off the spit and exquisite tzatziki sauce. It’s often described as the best in Memphis, embodying authentic flavors that rival any gyro from the streets of Chicago. Stephen eloquently stated, "Absolutely everything on Mr. Rusty’s menu will be one of the best versions of that food item you will have ever eaten.” This sentiment is echoed by many patrons who find themselves returning time and again.
The extensive sides menu includes perfectly crispy fries, okra, and onion rings, all reasonably priced between $2.00 to $2.50. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the portions are generous, making it easy to share and sample different dishes.
Mr. Rusty's Taste of Chicago isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about offering a friendly environment where customers feel like family. Each visit promises not only fantastic food but also exceptional customer service reminiscent of a bygone era. John Mestemacher perfectly captured this by saying, "The food was amazing. I had the gyro, and my wife had the Chicago dog. Will definitely be stopping in for lunch more often." This warmth and dedication to customer experience make Mr. Rusty's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
If you’re in Memphis and craving a genuine taste of Chicago, look no further than Mr. Rusty's Taste of Chicago. With delicious food, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, you won’t just stop by; you’ll keep coming back for more. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem that brings the flavors of Chicago to life!
“ Wow! Food was incredible. Locally owned ”
“ This may be the most difficult review I’ve written. Mr. Rusty’s Taste of Chicago has been my go-to for seven years of living in the Memphis area and as such, I’d hate to see this owner-operated business inundated with newfound traffic and become a different version of itself but after speaking with Mr. Rusty himself for quite a while today, I’d be remiss to not offer the Memphis area my candid take on my favorite restaurant in the city. Chicago is top three in weekend getaway cities for my wife and me, Mr. Rusty’s is not a taste of Chicago, this food is Chicago. The hot dogs taste like a better version of the ones you get walking to the pier and about half the price. Before I’m even able to take a bite, the nostalgia is overwhelming. At under five dollars, this is an absolute must especially with two or more people dining. The peppers are fresh, the hot dog is substantial, not the bologna-esque cheap ones that some restaurants attempt to pass, and the sesame-covered buns merge and you’re taken back to that first Chicago hot dog you ever ate. The Italian beef is untouchable. This isn’t good for Memphis, I would pit any one of the at least fifty I’ve eaten from this establishment against any Italian beef in Chicago. I stand by that and my full name is in the review. The giardiniera is unlike any I’ve ever had with each flavor married but somehow distinguishable. I prefer mild with a touch of hot oil for a very manageable kick. Good lord, the tacos were otherworldly. You’re given three choices for meats but I’ll never be able to get anything other than the steak. I’ve personally never seen any flavor combinations like the tacos so this review stands on its own, try the tacos for yourself. In the same vein as movie spoilers, I’ll leave it at that. Absolutely everything on Mr. Rusty’s menu will be one of the best versions of that food item you will have ever eaten but the one in my mind that will forever remain synonymous with Mr. Rusty is the gyro. The meat is fresh off the spit, something I rarely see in restaurants specializing in gyros. It’s perfectly marinated and flavored exquisitely. They are incredibly generous with portion sizes so I order an extra pita and have two gyros every time. The tzatziki is phenomenal and that’s coming from a Greek man. This single dish has been the opportunity cost I couldn’t miss out for years and delayed me trying others on the menu. If you have two or more people dining, get the gyro just for a bite or two, there isn’t a better one in Memphis. With everything else so masterfully done, Mr. Rusty would get a pass on a subpar burger but even that is amazing! If you want a no-frills burger with fresh ingredients, this is it. I have left tons of items out but I hope I have included enough to help at least one or two people decide to stop in for the friendly environment, amazing food and a version of customer service that died around twenty years ago everywhere else. This is without a doubt one of the best eateries in Memphis, thank you to Mr. Rusty for being a staple in the community for almost three decades. ”
“ The food was amazing. I had the gyro and my wife had the Chicago dog. The gyro was one of the best I've had. Will definitely be stopping in for lunch more often. ”
“ Food was AMAZING!! I've been to Chicago a few times and I love the food there. This gem in West Memphis DID NOT disappoint. Authentic Chicago foods and everyone there was very nice and pleasant. Too bad this was the last day of vacation and headed home because I would DEFINITELY eat here again! ”
“ So Far I've tried the Philly steak , okra, and beef hot Dog .. I've been hooked on this place ever since ... taste like family made it ... I'm going for the wings and burgers next .... ”
“ Best Chicago style food in Memphis! Stamped and approved by real Chicagoan’s. Food so good you would think you’re on the west side of Chicago. The only downside is that they are closed on weekends and close at 3 o’clock on weekdays. ”
“ This place is right beside the airport. I was lucky to find this place. The reviews dont lie. I had 3 hours till my flight and starving. I had the Hot Italian Beef loaded. Amazing! ”
“ We drove from Muscle Shoals, AL to go to this place. The Italian Beef was the best I’ve had! I got it “wet”, which was totally dunked in au jus. It was fabulous! My Dad loved his and thought their onion rings were the best ever! I highly recommend you visit them and support small wonderful businesses. ”