Ryan + Jeanelle’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Really hip and eclectic neighborhood. We lived here for 6 years and loved it. Start at Young Ave Deli and explore from there. Beauty Shop is fantastic for brunch.
83 locals recommend
Cooper-Young
Really hip and eclectic neighborhood. We lived here for 6 years and loved it. Start at Young Ave Deli and explore from there. Beauty Shop is fantastic for brunch.
Start at The Arcade and then grab cheesecake next door. Then head north down Main toward Beale Street to take in the atmosphere and live music.
26 locals recommend
South Main
Start at The Arcade and then grab cheesecake next door. Then head north down Main toward Beale Street to take in the atmosphere and live music.
Food scene
It’s tough to go wrong with any BBQ in Memphis, but this one is really good. If you find yourself wanting more, check out Payne’s or the Bar-B-Q Shop.
173 locals recommend
Central BBQ - Midtown
2231 Central AveIt’s tough to go wrong with any BBQ in Memphis, but this one is really good. If you find yourself wanting more, check out Payne’s or the Bar-B-Q Shop.
Whoa this is some really good chicken! Go to the one downtown on Front St. Afterward, walk west to the end of Vance St. to Vance Park for a great view of the city.
159 locals recommend
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
310 S Front StWhoa this is some really good chicken! Go to the one downtown on Front St. Afterward, walk west to the end of Vance St. to Vance Park for a great view of the city.
Nightlife
It's a really unique house and a great place to grab a drink. Sometimes they have live music in the living room. About the bar, from their website: “Funky, Extraordinary, Eclectic, Soulful, Artsy, Avant-garde atmosphere; like your crazy aunts place, with a fondness for Alice-in Wonderland incongruities.”
55 locals recommend
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
679 Adams AveIt's a really unique house and a great place to grab a drink. Sometimes they have live music in the living room. About the bar, from their website: “Funky, Extraordinary, Eclectic, Soulful, Artsy, Avant-garde atmosphere; like your crazy aunts place, with a fondness for Alice-in Wonderland incongruities.”
Disclaimer: This place is wild. It’s a nightclub w/o the usual crowd. There is a drum set on the dance floor. Tons of fog. It’s so much fun. Talk to us before you go!
67 locals recommend
Paula & Raiford's Disco
14 S 2nd StDisclaimer: This place is wild. It’s a nightclub w/o the usual crowd. There is a drum set on the dance floor. Tons of fog. It’s so much fun. Talk to us before you go!
Daylife
Airbnb describes this place as a restaurant, and although they do have food, that is definitely not the most accurate label. It’s like a big playground for adults, but there is also a cordoned off area for children. It has volleyball, cornhole, ping pong, food, beer, and often live music.
99 locals recommend
Railgarten
2166 Central AveAirbnb describes this place as a restaurant, and although they do have food, that is definitely not the most accurate label. It’s like a big playground for adults, but there is also a cordoned off area for children. It has volleyball, cornhole, ping pong, food, beer, and often live music.
It’s a great venue to watch sports, and just like Railgarten, it is family-friendly.
77 locals recommend
Loflin Yard
7 W Carolina Ave It’s a great venue to watch sports, and just like Railgarten, it is family-friendly.
Sightseeing
The view of the Mississippi River from the sculpture garden is really spectacular. The museum itself has beautiful sculptures and metalwork.
58 locals recommend
Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum DrThe view of the Mississippi River from the sculpture garden is really spectacular. The museum itself has beautiful sculptures and metalwork.
Perfect for sunset. Have a drink and a bite to eat while you take in the view of the river and the bridge. You’ll have to go through Paulette’s to get to the elevator. Worth it!
10 locals recommend
Terrace at The River Inn
50 Harbor Town SquarePerfect for sunset. Have a drink and a bite to eat while you take in the view of the river and the bridge. You’ll have to go through Paulette’s to get to the elevator. Worth it!
There is free admission Tuesday afternoons for Tennessee residents with a TN ID. If you aren't a resident, just keep in mind that it can be a little crowded during this time. It's definitely not a reason to skip out on amazing zoo!
24 locals recommend
Memphis Zoo
2000 Prentiss PlaceThere is free admission Tuesday afternoons for Tennessee residents with a TN ID. If you aren't a resident, just keep in mind that it can be a little crowded during this time. It's definitely not a reason to skip out on amazing zoo!