Best Memphis, TN Nightlife
Silky O'Sullivan's
An Irish dueling piano pub with beer-loving goats? Nothing quite compares with what awaits you at Silky O'Sullivan's. Located in the heart of Memphis...
Beale Street Historic District
Once the center of black-owned businesses and nightclubs, Beale became the home of the blues at the turn of the 20th century - a waypoint along the trail...
Rumba Room
The first salsa club in the city, Rumba Room is a little bit of a love letter to Latin culture. There's a swanky bar area, a colorful mural, a menu full of...
Peabody Lobby Bar
The historic Peabody Hotel is widely regarded as the place to stay when you're visiting Memphis; the grand hotel is elegant and sophisticated, with a huge...
Young Avenue Deli
Don't be thrown by the name; this cavernous space is indeed a deli (and a tasty one, at that) but it also doubles as a live music must-hit for...
Paula & Raiford's Disco
This is one of those spots your mom warned you about - and is, as we say in the South, a hot mess. And that's why we love it so much! For years,...
Earnestine & Hazel's
This gritty club (a former bordello and hotel), is the local go-to for late night drinks and an alcohol-soaking Soul Burger - a tasty concoction of greasy...
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
When they say food / spirits on the Mollie Fontaine Web site, spirits has a double meaning - as in, the kind your drink and the kind who haunt old,...
Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
Find Your Groove at Memphis' Best Dance Clubs
Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
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About Memphis, TN Nightlife
As can be expected from a city that claims to be the birthplace of rock n' roll and the home of the blues, the emphasis of nightlife here is live music.
Beale Street, home of the most popular bars and restaurants in town, is always crowded with locals and visitors alike soaking up the sounds of the city. While some of the stops can be a little touristy with neon signs and cover bands, you can't visit Memphis without having a drink and listening to a set on Beale. The clubs are open until 5am and covers are rarely more than $10. Some of the most popular joints are B.B. King's, which consistently offers up the best blues bands - and it has a killer house band - and the Band Box, where there's an Elvis cover band that really brings the soul of the King without being kitschy.
Cooper-Young has a few live music options, including Celtic Crossing and the Young Avenue Deli. If you're in the mood for a more eclectic, high-energy scene, don't miss Memphis' rowdiest nightclub, Paula and Raiford's Disco - the original Hollywood Raiford of the former eponymous disco and his daughter have re-opened his namesake nightclub on South Second Street.
About Sally Walker Davies
Sally Walker Davies is enchanted by Memphis' music, history, and characters. From the artsy South Main Historic District to the grittiness of her favorite live music clubs to the sophisticated style of the eastern edge of the city, there’s a Memphis for every mood, and she loves every part of it. Walker Davies is an experienced broadcast, print, and online journalist... Read More
Explore Memphis
10Best Nightlife by Type
Expert Tips for Memphis Nightlife
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Max's Sports Bar: "For Tigers and Grizzlies games, Max's opens early - making game days even better."
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Lafayette's Music Room: "Most evenings there is no cover, but occasionally and for special concerts, expect to pay $5 and up."
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Hooters: "Arrive early on days when the Grizz or Tigers are in town and playing at the FedEx Forum."