Location: Memphis
Top Things to do in Memphis
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Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee (TN): The Best Blues Clubs & Bars
Memphis is a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the birthplace of the blues, of soul and of rock 'n' roll. On Beale Street, W.C. Handy put down on paper the first written blues music. Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all recorded at the historic Sun Records, which is now a museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, welcomes visitors from around the world who yearn for a peek into the life of "the King." Beyond the music, Tennessee's largest city also offers much more. It has more sunny days each year than Miami, and combines southern tradition and hospitality with modern amenities. You'll enjoy great dining (be sure to sample the barbecued ribs), art galleries and exciting nightlife.
Restaurants in Memphis
1. Blues Hall Juke Joint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By 904lynned - Anderson, United States
Been here several times traveling from SC. When we got married in Memphis on January 3rd, we knew we had to revisit for a celebration. Our favorite place to hear the blues! A small music spot on Beale to hear some of the very best bluesy bands. Vince Johnson is our fav!
2. Blues Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Rum Boogie Cafe's Blues Hall is the last real juke joint on the street. It's small, it's old, and once you squeeze your way in you won't ever want to leave. Located next door to and connected with Rum Boogie Cafe, Blues Hall hosts some of the best local blues artists nightly. Dr. Feelgood Potts and his band hold down the house gig Friday through Monday. The good Doctor is an encyclopedia of blues history and will tell you all about it in between singing and blowing harp. Smaller than most of the other clubs on the street, the walls are adorned with historic family photos from the W.C. Handy family and other blues memorabilia. At Blues Hall though, the draw is the music, and for musicians, it seems to be a lucky place. Watermelon Slim got a record deal after Fred Litwin from the Northern Blues record label heard him play there. Shortly after, Slim was nominated for a record tying six Blues Music Awards including Artist, Entertainer, Album, Song, Band, and Traditional Album of the Year. Several years prior to Slim's fortuitous gig the North MS All Stars caught the ear of Tone Cool Records in Blues Hall and went on to, among many other accolades, a Grammy nomination. So stop in, grab a seat (if you can find one), enjoy a Beale St. Big A** Beer, and listen to the best blues on the street 7 nights a week!
Reviewed By curror13
Great bar, great music, good cocktails. Yes, there's a cover charge but it's only $5 and it gets you next door too. If you go to one bar on Beal...
3. B.B. King's Blues Club
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 466 reviews
Chow down on some fried pickle chips while listening to some of your favorite blues music.
Reviewed By 198tomf198 - Lemont, United States
It was the first time my wive was in Memphis. I looked for somewhere with a live band and found it. BB Kings has an excellent house band that plays a number of different music genres, no just blues. They are excellent musicians. They play reduced hours, so you need to get there early, because they are off stage at 10:00pm.
4. Rum Boogie Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 143 reviews
Laid back blues bar featuring live music nightly.
Reviewed By BigMS - Staten Island, United States
Queen Annie and the Memphis Blues were terrific. Lucky enough to get front table and to hear the group. Travis was the server but was split between two rooms so definitely needs improvement but food was good.
5. Blues City Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 266 reviews
Blues City's world famous menu has drawn attention of presidents and celebrities alike. Check out the best food on Beale with live music nightly in our world famous Band Box.
Reviewed By LLSouthernTrvlr - Beebe, United States
Our hotel recommended we try Blue City Cafe and it was phenomenal. We ordered the ribs, shrimp, cheese fries, catfish, and two locally made beers. The service was great! The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was relaxed and upbeat.
