The Archives Bar & Bistro

4.4 (7)

$31 to $50

American

179 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Great for brunch

Welcome to The Archives, a casual, but elevated bar and restaurant located inside Hotel Napoleon in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee.

Owned by renowned Chef Phillip Dewayne, the establishment serves craft cocktails and creative dishes with Southern charm in a “Downtown savvy” environment.

The name “The Archives” pays homage to the Hotel Napoleon building’s history as the former home of the Memphis Press-Scimitar daily newspaper. In a newspaper office, the library where microfilm or printed copies of past editions are stored is called “the archives.”

Whether you are dining solo or sharing a meal with friends, The Archives invites you to gather, savor, and enjoy.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

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Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
Phone number
(901) 526-0002
Website
https://hotelnapoleonmemphis.com/the-archives
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Phillip Levy

Location
179 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Area
Downtown
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options

Seasonal SaladUS$14.00
V
Charcuterie FeteUS$23.00
imported cheeses • artisanal meats • seasonal accompaniments
Lobster Mac & Cheese HushpuppiesUS$22.00
lobster knuckle • chive oil • truffle • cheddar
Duck DumplingsUS$19.00
duck confit • ginger • cilantro • scallions
Caviar Deviled EggsUS$28.00
hackleback • chive • crème fraîche
Oysters on the Half Shell
GF
Half DozenUS$11.00
oyster • champagne • lemon • radish
Full DozenUS$22.00

Entrees

Sweet and Sour LobsterUS$62.00
GF • poached lobster • spinach • truffle • chive
Scallop DelightUS$43.00
atlantic scallop • sweet potato • asparagus • cilantro
Slow-Braised Short RibUS$40.00
short rib • potato • spinach • paprika
Pan-Seared Farmhouse ChickenUS$32.00
airline chicken • carrots • risotto • saffron
New Zealand Rack of LambUS$36.00
lamb • pesto • herb • brussels
The Archives BurgerUS$24.00
GF • grass-fed angus beef • arugula • aged white cheddar • sun-dried tomato
Cauliflower SteakUS$23.00
V • cauliflower • chimichurri • mushroom risotto • haricot verts

Seasonal Sweets

Bread PuddingUS$10.00
Crème BrûléeUS$12.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Archives Bar & Bistro.

4.4

(7)

4.7Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

7 Reviews

T
Teneshia
Atlanta3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 May 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I went to this fabulous restaurant for Mother’s Day, with family, and again today, and I have to say, everything was amazing, the food was incredible , I had an amaretto sour, it was the best, I ever had, this service was without a doubt, impeccable, we never had to for one thing, the waitress, came to ask us, if we needed anything, so many times, you would have thought, we were her only customers, she was awesome, I will be going back in the very near future, they most definitely deserve 5 stars.
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B
Brooke
Nashville1 review
5.0
Dined on 11 May 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I took my mother here for the Mother’s Day. From the second we walked in, the service was impeccable! Everyone was so incredibly kind and spoke. They made conversation and were friendly. We never had to even ask for a refill or anything else we might need. They were very attentive. The food was incredible. Such a good variety and everything was fresh and extremely delicious. The owner even came over to speak and we received flowers and had the absolute best experience. The ambience and decor or the place was so neat and very well done! I would eat here again over and over! I don’t have a single complaint and we talked the entire ride home about how we were so impressed with every aspect of it!! You don’t get service like that much more these days!!
The Archives Bar & BistroResponded on 12 May 2025
Thank you so much for celebrating Mother’s Day with us! We’re glad everything from the service to the food made your experience special. Can’t wait to have you back again soon!
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E
Earnest Gold
Memphis / West Tennessee13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Hidden gem in downtown Memphis. Historic hotel bar and restaurant with great food and service. Lamb chops and lobster mac n cheese hush puppies are must try.
The Archives Bar & BistroResponded on 12 May 2025
Thank you for the love! We’re glad you enjoyed the lamb chops and hush puppies — two of our favorites too. Come see us again soon!
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A
Alicia
Memphis / West Tennessee1 review
2.0
Dined on 29 March 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The server was sweet! The bartender had the NASTIEST attitude. At shift change, he passed the attitude to the next bartender and she sucked too. They did not work as a team or help the server. The flow was not cohesive AT ALL. They ran out of lobster but failed to communicate that. The wait for libations was ridiculous and it was not a busy night. I would be remise not to mention the serving size. It was minuscule compared to the egregious price. 3/10 do NOT recommend
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L
Linda Gold
Toronto / Ontario28 reviews
4.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent. I had the airline chicken which was moist and very flavorable. The Chef's take on Creme Brulee was a little different but it was delicious. The service was a little uneven but everyone was very friendly.
The Archives Bar & BistroResponded on 12 May 2025
Thank you for the thoughtful feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the airline chicken and our twist on crème brûlée. We appreciate your note on the service and will work to tighten things up — hope to welcome you back soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had one of the best experiences. The staff and the owner showed excellent customer service.
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J
Julie
Las Vegas1 review
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef Phillip does amazing things to scallops. Our waitress A’Niyah was kind, funny, and gave excellent service. The food had so much flavor packed into every bite. Great atmosphere, especially the bathroom. 5 stars across the board!
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Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
Phone number
(901) 526-0002
Website
https://hotelnapoleonmemphis.com/the-archives
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Phillip Levy

Location
179 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Area
Downtown
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

The Archives Bar & Bistro

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Menu

Tastes

Seasonal SaladUS$14.00

Charcuterie FeteUS$23.00

Lobster Mac & Cheese HushpuppiesUS$22.00

Duck DumplingsUS$19.00

Caviar Deviled EggsUS$28.00

Oysters on the Half Shell

Half DozenUS$11.00

Full DozenUS$22.00

Entrees

Sweet and Sour LobsterUS$62.00

Scallop DelightUS$43.00

Slow-Braised Short RibUS$40.00

Pan-Seared Farmhouse ChickenUS$32.00

New Zealand Rack of LambUS$36.00

The Archives BurgerUS$24.00

Cauliflower SteakUS$23.00

Seasonal Sweets

Bread PuddingUS$10.00

Crème BrûléeUS$12.00

Reviews

Additional information

Not available on OpenTable