You’re standing inside a 32-story steel pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s huge. Honestly, the scale of the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is hard to wrap your head around until you’re physically looking up at the cypress trees and the indoor swamp. But let’s be real: most people aren't just here to buy a fishing lure or stare at an alligator. They’re here to ride the world’s tallest free-standing elevator to the top. Once the doors open at the peak, you're at The Lookout. The views of the Mississippi River are incredible, but the lookout at the pyramid menu is where things get interesting. Is it just overpriced tourist food, or is there actually something worth eating while you dangle over the Memphis skyline?
It’s a weird mix. You’ve got high-end appetizers sitting right next to casual sandwiches. It’s not quite fine dining, but it’s definitely trying harder than your average boardwalk shack.
Breaking Down the Lookout at the Pyramid Menu
When you first sit down, you’ll notice the menu leans heavily into "elevated" Southern comfort. Think catfish, but make it fancy. Or bison, because nothing says Memphis pyramid like a large land mammal from the plains.
The appetizers—or "starters" as they call them—usually feature a heavy hitter like the Blue Crab Cakes. These aren't the bread-heavy pucks you find at a grocery store. They’re mostly lump crab meat, served with a remoulade that actually has a bit of a kick. If you’re into sharing, the Spinach & Artichoke Dip is the safe bet, though it’s arguably the least "Memphis" thing on the list.
People talk a lot about the Fried Green Tomatoes. It’s a Southern staple for a reason. At The Lookout, they often layer them with pimento cheese or some sort of spicy aioli. It’s crunchy. It’s salty. It’s exactly what you want when you’re looking at a sunset over the bridge.
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The main courses are where the price point jumps. You’ll find things like the Bison Burger or the Blackened Catfish. The catfish is arguably the star of the lookout at the pyramid menu because it feels authentic to the region. It’s served over white cheddar grits that are actually creamy, not grainy. That’s a low bar for Southerners, but you’d be surprised how many places get it wrong.
What about the drinks?
You can’t talk about the menu without mentioning the bar. It’s a circular bar right in the middle of the restaurant, and it’s massive. They have a solid selection of local Memphis brews—think Ghost River or Wiseacre. If you're a cocktail person, the "Pyramid Punch" is the stereotypical "I'm on vacation" drink. It’s sweet. It’s blue or bright red depending on the seasonal fruit. It’ll give you a sugar rush before the elevator ride back down.
The Reality of Dining 300 Feet in the Air
Let's talk logistics. You have to pay to get up there. Unless you're staying at the Big Cypress Lodge (the hotel inside the pyramid), there's a fee just to ride the elevator. This is a sticking point for a lot of people. You’re essentially paying a cover charge to access the restaurant.
Does the food justify the extra cost?
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Maybe. If you view it as a "meal," it’s pricey. If you view it as an "experience" where the food is the secondary character to the 360-degree glass observation deck, it feels more reasonable. The service is generally what you’d expect from a high-volume tourist spot—it can be a bit slow on Friday nights, but the staff knows the menu inside out.
Why the Bison Burger is a polarizing choice
The Bison Burger is often the most recommended item on the lookout at the pyramid menu, but bison is lean. If you go in expecting a greasy, fatty Wagyu experience, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s gamey. It’s hearty. It’s a "hunter’s" meal in a building dedicated to hunting. If you prefer a traditional burger, stick to the standard beef options, but if you want to say you ate something unique at the top of a giant metal pyramid, the bison is the way to go.
Navigating the Crowds and Seating
The seating at The Lookout is designed to maximize the view, but not every seat is created equal. There are tables right against the windows, and then there’s the bar. If you’re a party of two, try to snag a spot at the bar or the high-tops. You get the same view without the awkwardness of being shoved into a corner booth where you’re staring at a wall of camouflage gear.
Lunch is a completely different vibe than dinner. During the day, it’s bright, loud, and full of families. The lookout at the pyramid menu for lunch is a bit more streamlined—more salads and quick sandwiches. Dinner is when the "signature" entrees come out. The lighting gets dim, the bridge lights up outside, and the whole place feels a bit more sophisticated.
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A Note on the "Wahlburgers" Confusion
Some people get confused because there is a Wahlburgers located on the ground floor of the Pyramid. Don't mix them up. If you want a quick burger and a shake, stay downstairs. If you want the sit-down experience with the view and the blackened catfish, you have to take the elevator to the peak. The menus are entirely different.
Is the Food Actually Good?
Honestly? It's better than it needs to be. Usually, restaurants with a "view" rely on the scenery to do the heavy lifting while the kitchen phones it in with frozen chicken tenders. The Lookout actually puts effort into the plating and the flavor profiles. Is it the best meal you’ll have in Memphis? Probably not—this is a city of world-class BBQ and James Beard-nominated chefs. But for a "destination" restaurant, it holds its own.
The seasoning on the shrimp and grits is surprisingly bold. The catfish isn't oily. The desserts, particularly the Key Lime Pie or whatever seasonal cobbler they’re running, are massive. You could easily split one between three people.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep these points in mind to make the most of the experience:
- Check the weather first: If it’s foggy or pouring rain, you’re paying for a view of a gray cloud. Save the trip for a clear evening.
- Time it for sunset: Check your weather app for the exact sunset time and aim to be seated 20 minutes before. The transition from daylight to the glowing "M Bridge" is the best part of the meal.
- Skip the Peak Hours: Saturdays are chaotic. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, you’ll actually be able to hear your seatmates talk.
- Validate your parking: If you're driving, make sure you ask about parking validation or use the massive lot right in front of the Pyramid. It’s one of the few places in downtown Memphis where parking isn't a total nightmare.
- Explore the observation deck first: Don't just sit down and eat. Walk out onto the glass-bottomed observation decks. It’s terrifying for some, but it’s the whole point of being up there. Do the scary part before you have a stomach full of bison burger.
The lookout at the pyramid menu serves its purpose. It provides a solid, Southern-inspired meal in one of the most unique architectural settings in the United States. Whether you're there for the novelty of eating inside a Bass Pro Shop or you genuinely want to see the Mississippi River from 300 feet up, you won't leave hungry. Just be prepared for the "elevator tax" and the fact that you're dining in a building that used to host NBA games but now sells duck calls and camouflage socks. It's uniquely Memphis.