Guidebook for Memphis

J.R.
Guidebook for Memphis

Food Scene

Green Beetle is one of the oldest pubs in Memphis & serves up some amazing food along with an outstanding beer selection. It's still run by the grandson of the former proprietor. "Have a beer here...your grandfather did!"
23 locals recommend
The Green Beetle
325 S Main St
23 locals recommend
Green Beetle is one of the oldest pubs in Memphis & serves up some amazing food along with an outstanding beer selection. It's still run by the grandson of the former proprietor. "Have a beer here...your grandfather did!"
Chef Michael Patrick has outdone himself with amazing menu of unique Southern fair. You're guaranteed to find something you love on the menu. If it all looks good & you're not sure want to order, just make sure you try the lobster pronto pups. You won't be sorry!
31 locals recommend
Rizzo's By Michael Patrick
492 S Main St
31 locals recommend
Chef Michael Patrick has outdone himself with amazing menu of unique Southern fair. You're guaranteed to find something you love on the menu. If it all looks good & you're not sure want to order, just make sure you try the lobster pronto pups. You won't be sorry!
Everyone knows Gus's! If you don't, you should! And once you've had this chicken, there's no going back!
159 locals recommend
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
310 S Front St
159 locals recommend
Everyone knows Gus's! If you don't, you should! And once you've had this chicken, there's no going back!
The Arcade is one of the oldest continuously-running & family-owned businesses in Memphis. More than your ordinary greasy spoon, get here early, or be prepared to wait for 30-60 minutes for a table.
111 locals recommend
The Arcade Restaurant
540 S Main St
111 locals recommend
The Arcade is one of the oldest continuously-running & family-owned businesses in Memphis. More than your ordinary greasy spoon, get here early, or be prepared to wait for 30-60 minutes for a table.
Aldo's is an amazing local pizza place that blows all the franchise operations out of the water. Stop in for a daily slice or whatever they're serving or try the amazing vodka pizza (there's nothing quite like it)!
33 locals recommend
Aldo’s Pizza Pies - Downtown
100 S Main St
33 locals recommend
Aldo's is an amazing local pizza place that blows all the franchise operations out of the water. Stop in for a daily slice or whatever they're serving or try the amazing vodka pizza (there's nothing quite like it)!
Everybody has their favorite rib joint & this is definitely my choice for the classic Memphis dry rub-style ribs. You might be wondering what you've gotten yourself into as you walk down the alley to main entrance, but trust me: you'll love it!! Be prepared for a wait if you have a large group.
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Alley
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Alley
Everybody has their favorite rib joint & this is definitely my choice for the classic Memphis dry rub-style ribs. You might be wondering what you've gotten yourself into as you walk down the alley to main entrance, but trust me: you'll love it!! Be prepared for a wait if you have a large group.
Blues City Cafe on the corner of Beale & 2nd streets is my pick for the best "wet ribs" in Memphis. These the classic fall-off-the-bone ribs you long for, slathered in sweet BBQ sauce with just the right amount of spice. See if you can spot Tom Cruise's late night study spot from the movie adaptation of John Grisham's "The Firm".
52 locals recommend
Blues City Cafe
138 Beale St
52 locals recommend
Blues City Cafe on the corner of Beale & 2nd streets is my pick for the best "wet ribs" in Memphis. These the classic fall-off-the-bone ribs you long for, slathered in sweet BBQ sauce with just the right amount of spice. See if you can spot Tom Cruise's late night study spot from the movie adaptation of John Grisham's "The Firm".
It ain't cheap & you might not be able to sit anywhere but the bar without a reservation, but Flight is known for consistently great food & unique options. As the name would imply, the menu is full of a variety of food & drinks flights to tempt you.
101 locals recommend
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
39 S Main St
101 locals recommend
It ain't cheap & you might not be able to sit anywhere but the bar without a reservation, but Flight is known for consistently great food & unique options. As the name would imply, the menu is full of a variety of food & drinks flights to tempt you.
A relatively new spot within the Memphis restaurant scene, Catherine & Mary's has an impressive menu of unique flavors both for food & cocktails. Call ahead for a reservation.
44 locals recommend
Catherine & Mary's
272 S Main St
44 locals recommend
A relatively new spot within the Memphis restaurant scene, Catherine & Mary's has an impressive menu of unique flavors both for food & cocktails. Call ahead for a reservation.

Arts & Culture

I have yet to make it here myself, but I've heard amazing things about this museum & the information it provides on the history of blues in Memphis & the surrounding areas.
28 locals recommend
Blues Hall of Fame Museum
421 S Main St
28 locals recommend
I have yet to make it here myself, but I've heard amazing things about this museum & the information it provides on the history of blues in Memphis & the surrounding areas.
If you're in Memphis for even 24 hours, you need to make a concerted effort to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. Recently renovated, the NCRM is moving, impactful & beautiful all at the same time. Whether you spend an hour or five hours, just make sure you go!
319 locals recommend
National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
450 Mulberry St
319 locals recommend
If you're in Memphis for even 24 hours, you need to make a concerted effort to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. Recently renovated, the NCRM is moving, impactful & beautiful all at the same time. Whether you spend an hour or five hours, just make sure you go!
Orpheum Theatre Memphis is a beautiful gem on South Main that hosts touring Broadway productions & smaller concerts.
102 locals recommend
Orpheum Theatre
203 S Main St
102 locals recommend
Orpheum Theatre Memphis is a beautiful gem on South Main that hosts touring Broadway productions & smaller concerts.

Drinks & Nightlife

E&H's is a can't miss stop during your Memphis trip! Many a movie has been filmed here, the jukebox is rumored to be haunted & the late night Soul Burgers are LEGENDARY! Did I mention the upstairs used to be a brothel? Don't believe me? Go check out the bathtubs that are still in the bathrooms. While you're upstairs (if it's late), make sure you grab a drink from Nate. It's a cash-only operation, but he's always good for a great story!
89 locals recommend
Earnestine & Hazel's
531 S Main St
89 locals recommend
E&H's is a can't miss stop during your Memphis trip! Many a movie has been filmed here, the jukebox is rumored to be haunted & the late night Soul Burgers are LEGENDARY! Did I mention the upstairs used to be a brothel? Don't believe me? Go check out the bathtubs that are still in the bathrooms. While you're upstairs (if it's late), make sure you grab a drink from Nate. It's a cash-only operation, but he's always good for a great story!
If you're tired of the same ol' scene on Beale Street, head UPSTAIRS to the Absinthe Room above Kings Palace Cafe. The entrance from the street is easy to overlook, but it's a nice little secret hideaway amidst all the craziness.
6 locals recommend
Kings Palace Cafe
162 Beale St
6 locals recommend
If you're tired of the same ol' scene on Beale Street, head UPSTAIRS to the Absinthe Room above Kings Palace Cafe. The entrance from the street is easy to overlook, but it's a nice little secret hideaway amidst all the craziness.
If it's after midnight on Friday or Saturday night, you have a slight buzz, a $20 bill in your pocket & you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make your way to Paula & Raiford's Disco. Fake smoke, classic hits & Jheri curls abound; order a 40 at the bar...you're night is about to take a turn for the bizarre. Just don't say you weren't warned!
67 locals recommend
Paula & Raiford's Disco
14 S 2nd St
67 locals recommend
If it's after midnight on Friday or Saturday night, you have a slight buzz, a $20 bill in your pocket & you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make your way to Paula & Raiford's Disco. Fake smoke, classic hits & Jheri curls abound; order a 40 at the bar...you're night is about to take a turn for the bizarre. Just don't say you weren't warned!
This is a nice place to grab a drink with a fully-stocked bar & some unique concoctions on the menu. Non-smokers might avoid this stop as it's one of the few remaining smoker-friendly establishments downtown.
44 locals recommend
Silly Goose
100 Peabody Pl
44 locals recommend
This is a nice place to grab a drink with a fully-stocked bar & some unique concoctions on the menu. Non-smokers might avoid this stop as it's one of the few remaining smoker-friendly establishments downtown.
A Memphis classic! Silky's is one of the most famous watering holes on Beale Street. Where else can you listen to foul-mouthed dueling piano players & drink with goats while eating some classic Memphis BBQ or fresh oysters? Order a diver...if you dare!
39 locals recommend
Silky O'Sullivan's
183 Beale St
39 locals recommend
A Memphis classic! Silky's is one of the most famous watering holes on Beale Street. Where else can you listen to foul-mouthed dueling piano players & drink with goats while eating some classic Memphis BBQ or fresh oysters? Order a diver...if you dare!
High Cotton is small, yet fun little brewery in downtown Memphis with a respectable variety of beers that make it a worthwhile stop for a tour or just to grab a pint.
42 locals recommend
High Cotton Brewing Company
598 Monroe Ave
42 locals recommend
High Cotton is small, yet fun little brewery in downtown Memphis with a respectable variety of beers that make it a worthwhile stop for a tour or just to grab a pint.
Loflin Yard is a fun neighborhood beer garden with live music that serves a variety of local beers & offers a small food menu. If the weather is nice, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
77 locals recommend
Loflin Yard
7 W Carolina Ave
77 locals recommend
Loflin Yard is a fun neighborhood beer garden with live music that serves a variety of local beers & offers a small food menu. If the weather is nice, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Ghost River is a great microbrewery with an impressive new tasting room on South Main. You'll find an impressive array of regular & seasonal beers along with a fun brewer's series that always keeps things fresh!
42 locals recommend
Ghost River Brewery & Taproom
827 S Main St
42 locals recommend
Ghost River is a great microbrewery with an impressive new tasting room on South Main. You'll find an impressive array of regular & seasonal beers along with a fun brewer's series that always keeps things fresh!
This beautiful spot atop the Madison Hotel offers the most amazing views of the Mississippi River in all of Memphis. Definitely worth stopping in for a drink & a photo op.
Twilight Sky Terrace
79 Madison Ave
This beautiful spot atop the Madison Hotel offers the most amazing views of the Mississippi River in all of Memphis. Definitely worth stopping in for a drink & a photo op.

Sightseeing

Faced with demolition in 2014, a local developer (& minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies) stepped in to save this Memphis landmark. The Tennessee Brewery is currently under renovation after sitting vacant for decades & will serve the next generations of Memphians as condominiums & a shopping space.
Tennessee Brewery
495 Tennessee Street
Faced with demolition in 2014, a local developer (& minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies) stepped in to save this Memphis landmark. The Tennessee Brewery is currently under renovation after sitting vacant for decades & will serve the next generations of Memphians as condominiums & a shopping space.
If you came to see the birthplace of rock & roll, head straight down Union Ave. to Sun Studio! This recording studio started by Sam Phillips in 1950 has seen more hits than nearly any other place in Memphis & has memories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison & so many more!
217 locals recommend
Sun Studio
706 Union Ave
217 locals recommend
If you came to see the birthplace of rock & roll, head straight down Union Ave. to Sun Studio! This recording studio started by Sam Phillips in 1950 has seen more hits than nearly any other place in Memphis & has memories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison & so many more!
If this is your first trip to Memphis, head on down to Beale Street. Is it a tourist trap? Of course it is. But it's still worth a visit, even if just to say you were there.
245 locals recommend
Beale Street
128 Beale St
245 locals recommend
If this is your first trip to Memphis, head on down to Beale Street. Is it a tourist trap? Of course it is. But it's still worth a visit, even if just to say you were there.
The Peabody is an icon of downtown Memphis. Whether you go to watch the march of the historic Peabody ducks, have a drink at the Lobby Bar, or check out the amazing views from the Peabody Rooftop, no trip to Memphis is complete without stopping in.
126 locals recommend
The Peabody Memphis
149 Union Ave
126 locals recommend
The Peabody is an icon of downtown Memphis. Whether you go to watch the march of the historic Peabody ducks, have a drink at the Lobby Bar, or check out the amazing views from the Peabody Rooftop, no trip to Memphis is complete without stopping in.

Parks & Nature

Home to the Memphis in May music & BBQ festivals, Tom Lee Park is where you can take those cliché pictures of the Memphis bridge or skyline. If you have an hour to kill & want to catch some amazing views of the mighty Mississippi, this is the place!
67 locals recommend
Tom Lee Park
Riverside Drive
67 locals recommend
Home to the Memphis in May music & BBQ festivals, Tom Lee Park is where you can take those cliché pictures of the Memphis bridge or skyline. If you have an hour to kill & want to catch some amazing views of the mighty Mississippi, this is the place!

Shopping

Once a basketball arena for the Memphis Grizzlies & Memphis Tigers, the Pyramid is now home to the largest Bass Pro Shops in the country. Come check out the live fish & alligator displays, the amazing animal taxidermy, or the various arcade shooting games throughout the store. For a fee, you can also take a ride up the tallest free-standing elevator in North America to see some breathtaking views of Memphis!
199 locals recommend
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
1 Bass Pro Dr
199 locals recommend
Once a basketball arena for the Memphis Grizzlies & Memphis Tigers, the Pyramid is now home to the largest Bass Pro Shops in the country. Come check out the live fish & alligator displays, the amazing animal taxidermy, or the various arcade shooting games throughout the store. For a fee, you can also take a ride up the tallest free-standing elevator in North America to see some breathtaking views of Memphis!

Essentials

There's no major supermarket on South Main, but City Market is a great place to pick up some fresh groceries to stock the refrigerator.
20 locals recommend
City Market
66 S Main St
20 locals recommend
There's no major supermarket on South Main, but City Market is a great place to pick up some fresh groceries to stock the refrigerator.