Memphis Nightlife • A Complete Guide


Welcome to Memphis’s #1 nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Memphis. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

Among the world’s best attractions are the music, history and culture, and ambiance of Memphis. Musicians and singers of all genres can be found there. The past and present of a cherished musical tradition. Soul food at its best. Get a taste of the city’s unique culture through music, barbecue, and its passion for music.

There is more to Memphis than barbecue. From attractions to restaurants, there is something for every visitor! “), great places to stay, upcoming special events, and several things to do. Memphis has been named one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2021.” Explore the Memphis Pyramid, take a stroll down Beale Street, see the locally owned stores, and venture into the great outdoors.

A little about Memphis

In extreme southwest Tennessee, Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County (1819). Memphis is located at the confluence of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee on the Chickasaw Bluffs above the Mississippi River. 

A sprawling metropolitan area lies around Memphis, Tennessee’s largest city. On the Mississippi River’s bluff, downtown Memphis rises. Metropolitan Nashville, northern Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas are included in the city-metropolitan area sprawled out through suburbanization. 

There is a humid subtropical climate in Memphis. Located in the heart of the East Coast, Memphis is one of the United States’ most important distribution centers. International cargo traffic at the airport is second only to Hong Kong‘s (after the latter’s). A notable feature of the country is its inland river ports. 

Railways and highways are extensive, and many transportation companies have their headquarters in this industry. Memphis is an essential market for cotton in the world, as well as a leader in hardwood production and trade. 

Culture in Memphis

According to data, Memphis surpassed Atlanta to become the top metropolis for African-American-owned businesses based on lower unemployment and a higher number of businesses owned by blacks. 

In addition to its size, Memphis is also a small town. The city is expanding, and the population is growing, yet there are no overcrowded venues or restaurants. There will always be a place where you know everyone, whether your favorite watering hole, bar, or café.

Large but small cities are the only places where this is possible. So, it’s a wonderful place to live. An open environment that reflects your cultural background.

Memphis Nightlife

 

Memphis’ nightlife is synonymous with Beale Street. Bourbon Street in Nola can only be compared to Beale Street in terms of nightlife. You can satisfy the creatures of the night on Beale Street and off Beale Street in downtown Memphis. In all of Tennessee, only Beale Street allows you to walk between places while carrying a drink (the only place that allows you to do so). See what places are buzzing by the water as the night progresses. After-party options in Midtown include Overton Square. There aren’t as many late-night venues as on Beale Street, but you can still find some gems. 

Best Bars and Clubs 

Silky O’Sullivan’s

Silky O'Sullivan's

Are there goats who love beer in an Irish pub featuring dueling pianos? Silky O’Sullivan’s has something unique to offer everyone. Silky’s is a raucous college bar in the center of the Beale Street nightlife that serves Southern pub food and ice-cold beer. It won’t be long until you’re buying beer for the goats on the porch, who enjoy it greatly and will drink it down. 

The show takes place in the evenings at Silky’s, where you can also catch local bands. Every day is like St. Patrick’s Day. It offers excellent food and entertainment, with a kitchen that is open 24/7. You’ll find everything you want here, as well as great live music. Three o’clock is the start of the music. Barbara Blue performs at 7 pm every Wednesday-Friday, and 5 am every weekend for the early shows.

Address: 183 Beale Street, Memphis TN 38103, United States

Timing: Mon: 4 pm – 10 pm, Tue-Thurs: 12 pm – 10 pm, Fri: 12 pm – 1 am, Sat: 11 am – 1 am, Sun: 11 am-9 pm

Contact Details: (901) 522 9596

Website: https://www.silkyosullivans.com/ 

The Silly Goose Spirit Lounge

The Silly Goose Spirit Lounge

Despite it being a hip bar, Silly Goose is a late-night dance club with themed events now and then. With its dark, chic interior, this space transforms into a club for late-night dancing on weekends – think men’s club (not that other kind of men’s club). They consider Thursday to be part of the weekend for more fun. So after Peabody’s rooftop party, Thursday nights at Goose are usually after parties.

Address: 100 Peabody Pl, Memphis, Ten 38103, United States

Timing: 12 pm – 1 am, all through the week (From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, enjoy wood-fired pizza from their gourmet menu along with Happy Hour pricing).

 Contact Details: (901) 435 6917

Website: https://sillygoosememphis.com/ 

B.B. King’s Blues Club

B.B. King's Blues Club

If you are planning on spending any time in Memphis, you must visit B.B.’s. It is one of Memphis’s top nightlife spots. It’s a popular tourist destination because of its great food and beer and it’s amazing nightly blues repertoire. However, locals are pleasantly surprised by their band, and they count themselves among the band. 

It is always a real hometown treasure that they didn’t expect to find. Most young blues musicians wind up here, which is far removed from the New York scene. Locals, however, know to head to Lucille when they hear Billy’s in town (with his girlfriend). These occasions don’t occur regularly anymore, but they’re always a treat.

Address: 143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Sunday – Thursday 11 am-midnight; Friday – Saturday 11 am – 1 am; an early show begins at 5:30 pm daily and 12:30 pm on Sundays.

Contact Details: (901) 524 5464

Website: https://www.bbkings.com/memphis/ 

Mollie Fontaine Lounge

Mollie Fontaine Lounge

It’s the kind you drink and the kind that haunts old Victorian homes that they describe on the Mollie Fontaine website as food/spirits. A Victorian mansion has been transformed into Mollie Fontaine, covering the insides in vintage-style furnishings, including vintage chairs, oversized lounge chairs, and luxurious light fixtures, such as chandeliers and Edison lamps. 

There are times when a professional sits playing the old piano in the front parlor – occasionally, a customer stands on the piano to say he’s cool – and occasionally, a DJ plays some music. The house is stocked with a full bar, and most drinks come straight from the refrigerator behind the bar, which is always cold and wet. 

There are always tasty small plates on the menu at Karen Carrier’s lounge, such as fries with Fontaine cheese, crunchy duck rice rolls, and creme brulee, which changes daily.

Address: 679 Adams, Memphis, TN 38105, United States

Timing: All week 5 pm – 3 am

Contact Details: (901) 524 1886

Website: http://molliefontainelounge.com/ 

Paula & Raiford’s Disco 

Paula & Raiford's Disco 

There is a hot mess here, or a blazing mess, as your mom warned you about. But, it’s still one of my favorites! The Hollywood Raiford Theatre was located on Vance Street, close to downtown Memphis, and it provided entertainment for years to Memphis residents. Raiford’s performance was the principal attraction, followed by the light-up dance floor from ‘Saturday Night Fever.’

It has been a few years since the club reopened after refurbishing a two-story building. In addition, Raiford himself will appear in conjunction with the fog machine, disco ball, and other crazy decorations. 

In addition to Paula, there are a few well-heeled Memphians and suburban white folk mixed with hipsters and med students. Cash is king here, and the beers are still served in buckets.

Address: 14 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 30103, United States

Timing: Open every Friday & Saturday from 10 pm – 4 am

Contact Details: (901) 521 2494 

Website: https://paularaifords.com/home.html 

Peabody Lobby Bar

Peabody Lobby Bar

Known for its elegant and sophisticated lobby and two-story columns, the luxurious Peabody Hotel offers an elegant and refined setting when visiting Memphis. It is true that the hotel’s lobby fountain, which is home to ducks who spend a lot of time there, is one of the most famous sights in the area. 

During the evenings, you can witness the ducks entering their home at 5 pm. In the evenings, when there is less crowding (and kids are gone), the Lobby Bar becomes a chic, upscale spot to enjoy cocktails. While enjoying a good martini as piano music drifts in the background, Memphis socialites, celebrities, and sports figures gather in the bar.  

Address: 149 Union Avenue, Memphis TN 38103, United States

Timing: Opens daily; 10 am – 12 am

Contact Details: (901) 529 4000 or (1800) 732 2639

Website: https://www.peabodymemphis.com/?utm_source=local-directories&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=travelclick-localconnect-featured 

Alfred’s On Beale

Alfred's On Beale

Alfred’s is one of those places you must stop in if you want people to know you went to Memphis (corner of Third and Beale), in the heart of Memphis’s nightlife scene. Alfred’s has one of the best cover bands so that you can grab a drink and dance. Kevin and Bethany Paige perform on Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to 2 am. 

The after-hours crowd comes to the party with a DJ. On weekends, acoustic guitarist Jim Wilson often sets up in one corner of the upstairs outdoor patio when it’s not too crowded with dancers.

Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Friday Hours – 11 am to 5 am

Contact Details: (901) 525 3711

Website: http://www.alfredsonbeale.com/ 

The Green Beetle

The Green Beetle

This place has a great history. As a speakeasy during Prohibition, it was open in the 1930s. And today, it’s a hip bar. Unfortunately, a speakeasy won’t work, as the Green Beetle was established in 1939 (according to the construction contract), defeating the purpose of such a place. 

Today, it’s a worn-down, run-down small spot where you can listen to local bands while eating large quantities of home cooking while paying homage to the secret drink hiding spots of the past. On weekend nights, local musicians take to the stage until midnight or later and serve delicious dishes such as homemade lasagna and mashed potatoes with horseradish.

Address: 325 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Mon – Thurs (11 am – 11 pm); Fri – Sat (11 am – 12 am); Sun (11 am – 11 pm)

Contact Details: (901) 527 7337

Website: https://www.thegreenbeetle.com/ 

Earnestine & Hazel’s

Earnestine & Hazel's

An old boarding house, this gritty club serves greasy burgers with onions and Soul Burgers, which help you get the hangover under control after a long night of drinking. It is always fun to see celebrities in E&H, especially when they’re in town – not that often, anyway. 

Watching people is always entertaining, with East Memphis socialites, young doctors, and high school students mixing. In its upper level, the club features a smaller dance floor and counter seating, while its lower level features a more dimly lit, jazzy atmosphere, with more space for conversation.

Address: 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Friday Hours 5 pm – 3 am

Contact Details: (901) 523 9754

Website: https://www.earnestineandhazel.com/ 

Bardog Tavern

Bardog Tavern

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the neighborhood bar, which is approaching its 10th year of business. There isn’t a single person who hasn’t visited here at least once. A reputable and highly rated bar, it’s one of very few in the United States. In Bardog, the restaurant is connected to the bar. 

Customers usually come back to the restaurant for the excellent staff and fun atmosphere, and of course, the food is the main reason. Weekend brunch is served as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner until 2 am nightly. There is also a homemade Italian menu that features dishes like Grandma’s meatball spaghetti and vodka penne and steaks and chops. 

It can be enjoyed by everyone, though not by everyone of every age. Guests must be 21 or older to enter Bardog Tavern. There are two levels, one for dining and one for drinking. Smoke them upstairs, and don’t smoke downstairs.

Address: 73 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 12 am; Sat – Sun: 11 am – 12 am

Contact Details: (901) 275 8752

Website: https://www.bardog.com/ 

Beck and Call

Beck and Call

There is an upscale rooftop lounge at the Hyatt Centric in downtown Memphis, located on the top floor. The lounge offers incredible views of the river. Sit at one of the small tables inside the lounge or explore one of the outdoor lounges. They feature a menu of small plates and a special cocktail menu. 

The summer will be filled with more DJs and live music as DJ Alpha Whiskey spins on Saturday nights. The hotel is located on Front Street, and you should enter by going to the lobby on the ground floor. As you reach the elevator, turn left and follow the path. Dress casually or in cocktail attire, nobody has a dress code, but people usually dress up.

Address: 33 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Timing: Thurs – Sat: 6 pm-midnight; Sun: 3 pm-midnights.

Contact Details: (901) 444 3232 

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/tennessee/hyatt-centric-beale-street-memphis/memct?src=vanity_hyattcentricbealestreetmemphis.com 

Tiger and Peacock

Tiger and Peacock

In Overton Square, the Memphian hotel has a rooftop lounge called Tiger & Peabody. While you sip craft cocktails or dine from the small plates menu, explore Midtown’s entertainment district and the new street murals on Cooper. 

In addition to an outdoor space, there are lounge-style seating areas and bars. A vibrant and lively atmosphere characterizes the interior, and the atmosphere is upscale. Before you go, make sure to read the “dress to impress” policy. Through the lobby elevators, you can reach Tiger & Peacock.

Address: 21 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, United States

Timing: Wed – Thurs: 5 pm – 11 pm; Fri – Sat: 5 pm-midnight.

Contact Details: (901) 276-9311

Website: https://www.tigerandpeacockmemphis.com/ 

Live Music Venues

Blues, soul, rock, and roll. It doesn’t end there. The Mississippi River may have something to do with it. So let’s get tucked in some tangy Southern hospitality and gritty determination. You can also look at the very talented individuals who have lived here-Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Justin Timberlake, and Three 6 Mafia, to name a few. 

In Memphis, music is not the same as anywhere else. Discover it at legendary recording studios, legendarily great venues for live music, lush green spaces, as well as festivals and music events on Beale Street and in the suburbs.

Lafayette’s Music Room 

It was the venue for several legendary performers in the 1970’s, including Billy Joel, Kansas, Big Star, and Kiss. Since Lafayette has reopened, live music has returned to Overton Square. The music each night consists of two sets. The smooth sounds of jazz and blues will be heard in the first set, and it will get a little louder in the second – with local musicians contributing.

A beautiful setting in which to enjoy the music and delicious New Orleans-style barbecue from the Mississippi Delta. Among the specialties at Lafayette’s Music Room are beignets, shrimp & grits, oysters steamed in a colander, and wood-fired pizza.

Address: 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States

Timing: Fri – Sat 11 am – 1 am

Contact Details: (901) 207 509

Website: http://lafayettes.com/memphis/ 

Levitt Shell at Overton Park

Midtown Memphis in Tennessee is the site of the Levitt Shell, which can be seen in Overton Park, which is a vast green expanse. With 50 free concerts scheduled each year, Overton Park has been a Memphians’ favorite place for generations. Miles of trails wind through the park, and there is also a golf course. The park is an excellent location if you’re looking for creative inspiration since it is home to the Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis Zoo. 

This performing arts center has been around since the 1930s and hosted Elvis Presley’s first rock and roll concert. As a new era of Levitt Shell’s long history begins, the venue is now ready to open. Up to 3,000 people can be accommodated in this amphitheater with state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

Address: 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States

Timing: 6 pm – 10:30 pm

Contact Details: (901) 300 3011

Website: https://www.levittshell.org/ 

Frequently asked questions

What is the nightlife like in Memphis?    

Downtown Memphis has some of the most exciting nightlife, including nightclubs, rooftop bars on several hotels, and late-night clubs. There are no doubt two Midtown neighborhoods – Cooper-Young and Overton Square – that would qualify for the title of “hippest neighborhoods per capita.”

Are parties a big part of Memphis’ culture?

Musicians flocked to Memphis and Beale during the jazz era, which lasted from the 1920s to the 1940s. As a result, there is always something going on in Memphis. Every night of the week, there is something to do, even if you’re not looking to party.

Is there a good time of year to visit Memphis?

April and May and October and November are the best times to visit Memphis. Seasons like these are brief respites between uncomfortable and long summers and winters. A summer’s average high often exceeds 90 degrees with high humidity.

What is the safety of Beale Street at night?

Tourists generally feel safe in Memphis. A significant police presence can be seen downtown (especially near Beale Street). However, caution is recommended in tourist areas when panhandling is in evidence.

Conclusion

Among Memphis’s many great features, there are four that deserve a visit: museums, attractions, entertainment, and dining. Many visitors come to Memphis solely for Graceland, and you can understand why since it is a nicely run attraction. 

A world-famous music destination, Memphis’ nightlife is as sophisticated and exciting as you’d expect. Locals in the city are friendly and welcoming, and they are always up for sharing their favorite bands and watering holes.

If you’re planning a night out in Memphis, be sure to check out some of the above destinations, which have some of the top jazz and blues clubs in the country. Explore Memphis beyond the downtown area, however, and you’ll find some of the best places mentioned above for your nightlife options, including independent theatres and breweries as well as bars and clubs. So party the night away in Memphis and have a great time.

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