Famous for its music, culture, and food, the Home of the Blues is also home to some pretty good bars. From a haunted dive to an adult playground, here are seven of the best bars in Memphis.
Take note to hit these up the next time you’re in Memphis.
The best bars in Memphis
How do these rankings work?
1. Bar DKDC
Live soul music, libations, and international street food in a cosy, funky setting.
Order the Jamaica Ting, made with Appleton Estate Rum Reserve, Ting, grapefruit juice, and lime. And lots of small plates to share!
2. Earnestine & Hazel’s
Historic Downtown burger and beer dive with a ghost-driven jukebox. The 100-year-old building is currently undergoing repairs, but the back bar is still open.
Order a cold one and a soul burger.
3. Mollie Fontaine Lounge
Elegant Victorian mansion in Victorian Village, packed with eclectic decor, antique furniture, and vintage furniture. The lounge offers martinis, tapas, burlesque, and a variety of music including sing-along piano, DJs, and live, local rock and soul tunes from 5pm “‘Til the spirits go to sleep”.
Order a Mollie’s Spirit and lots of small plates, the bar is owned by Karen Carrier of The Beauty Shop fame, after all.
4. Paula & Raiford’s Disco
This Downtown disco features a lighted dance floor. Paula & Raiford’s Disco is cash only; open on Friday and Saturday nights, from 10pm-4am.
Get a bucket of beer and boogie-woogie all night.
5. Peabody Lobby Bar
After the famous Peabody ducks do their daily march at 5pm, the historic Peabody Hotel’s grand, two-story marble-columned lobby lounge becomes a place to see and be seen with a martini in hand and piano music in the background.
During the summer, the Peabody hosts rooftop parties on Thursday nights. By far one of the one best bars in Memphis.
6. Railgarten
This old rail yard in the Cooper-Young district has been transformed into a gigantic outdoor/indoor adult playground, complete with a tiki bar, diner, ice cream parlour, ping-pong, and outdoor games. It’s also one of the best places to see live music in Memphis.
Have a beer or glass of wine by the firepit, or find the absinthe bar on the second floor for a cocktail made with antique absinthe fountains.
7. Young Avenue Deli
Don’t let the Deli part fool you, this lively Midtown bar is one of the city’s best live music venues, featuring an eclectic lineup of regional bands. Plus, Young Avenue’s expansive beer list boasts 36 exotic drafts on tap and 130 cans and bottles!
Claim a patio table, order a beer like the Ghost River Wee Heavy or a Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout and be sure to try the fries!
