Guidebook for Memphis

Geoffrey
Guidebook for Memphis

Food Scene

Go before 3:30/4p or call it in to go, or plan to wait a LONG time. This place is literally world-famous and has started franchising as far as Los Angeles. Locals don't really think much of their sides, so order those accordingly, but whatever chicken you get will be a good choice. It's a little spicy!
159 habitants recommandent
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
310 S Front St
159 habitants recommandent
Go before 3:30/4p or call it in to go, or plan to wait a LONG time. This place is literally world-famous and has started franchising as far as Los Angeles. Locals don't really think much of their sides, so order those accordingly, but whatever chicken you get will be a good choice. It's a little spicy!
I keep it simple here: egg biscuit with sausage (or veggie sausage), and a cup of granola with yogurt. They have a lot on the menu, but sometimes the quality varies. That said, for a breakfast/lunch option down the street, this can't be beat.
65 habitants recommandent
Café Eclectic
603 N McLean Blvd
65 habitants recommandent
I keep it simple here: egg biscuit with sausage (or veggie sausage), and a cup of granola with yogurt. They have a lot on the menu, but sometimes the quality varies. That said, for a breakfast/lunch option down the street, this can't be beat.
Classic Italian that's been there for a long time. Not Little Italy, but worth it if you feel like Italian within walking distance.
11 habitants recommandent
Dino's Grill
645 N McLean Blvd
11 habitants recommandent
Classic Italian that's been there for a long time. Not Little Italy, but worth it if you feel like Italian within walking distance.
Upscale eclectic American; highly recommended for a "nice" night out.
102 habitants recommandent
The Beauty Shop
966 Cooper St
102 habitants recommandent
Upscale eclectic American; highly recommended for a "nice" night out.
There are a large handful of bars and restaurants in this area. If you have time, you can get there and walk around before you decide. It's pretty touristy now, but it was a ghost town a few years ago. Babalu Tacos is okay (ask them to make the guac in the kitchen--trust me), and the Memphis Pizza Cafe is an old favorite.
177 habitants recommandent
Overton Square
2101 Madison Ave
177 habitants recommandent
There are a large handful of bars and restaurants in this area. If you have time, you can get there and walk around before you decide. It's pretty touristy now, but it was a ghost town a few years ago. Babalu Tacos is okay (ask them to make the guac in the kitchen--trust me), and the Memphis Pizza Cafe is an old favorite.
Burgers done well, includes black bean, Beyond, and turkey options. Many other non-burger options as well.
50 habitants recommandent
Huey's Midtown
1927 Madison Ave
50 habitants recommandent
Burgers done well, includes black bean, Beyond, and turkey options. Many other non-burger options as well.
Located inside Crosstown Concourse which was recently an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse. I always have their Beyond burger with sweet potato fries and a kale salad.
Farm Burger Memphis
1350 Concourse Ave
Located inside Crosstown Concourse which was recently an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse. I always have their Beyond burger with sweet potato fries and a kale salad.
Juice and granola bowls. Great for a light breakfast or snack. Inside Crosstown Concourse which was an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse not long ago.
Juice Bar - Crosstown
1350 Concourse Ave
Juice and granola bowls. Great for a light breakfast or snack. Inside Crosstown Concourse which was an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse not long ago.
Coffee and beer. Inside Crosstown Concourse which was an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse not long ago. Worth the trip just to visit the concourse. Check out the gallery at Crosstown Arts while you're there. Past the coffee shop and up the red spiral stairs.
10 habitants recommandent
French Truck Coffee
1350 Concourse Ave
10 habitants recommandent
Coffee and beer. Inside Crosstown Concourse which was an abandoned 1,000,000 sq ft Sears distribution warehouse not long ago. Worth the trip just to visit the concourse. Check out the gallery at Crosstown Arts while you're there. Past the coffee shop and up the red spiral stairs.
Our newest brewery. We have a lot. They all try, bless their hearts. But if you're from a beer town, like Portland or Denver, we're still trying to catch up.
28 habitants recommandent
Crosstown Brewing Company
1264 Concourse Ave
28 habitants recommandent
Our newest brewery. We have a lot. They all try, bless their hearts. But if you're from a beer town, like Portland or Denver, we're still trying to catch up.
New location for a brewery that’s also located close to the apartment (look up: Wiseacre on Broad Ave.). I haven’t been to this one, but the photos look cool.
13 habitants recommandent
WISEACRE Brewing Company HQ
398 South B.B. King Boulevard
13 habitants recommandent
New location for a brewery that’s also located close to the apartment (look up: Wiseacre on Broad Ave.). I haven’t been to this one, but the photos look cool.

Drinks & Nightlife

A mix between a dive and something more unique. Great if you've been to The Beauty Shop or walking around the Cooper-Young neighborhood. You'll rub elbows with Memphis's most current and original artists and musicians here--even if you can't tell who's who.
44 habitants recommandent
Bar DKDC
964 Cooper St
44 habitants recommandent
A mix between a dive and something more unique. Great if you've been to The Beauty Shop or walking around the Cooper-Young neighborhood. You'll rub elbows with Memphis's most current and original artists and musicians here--even if you can't tell who's who.
Decades-old dive bar that's seen many changes over the years. Highly recommended for the local dive experience. Beer-only, but you may BYO bottles of wine and the hard stuff.
8 habitants recommandent
Lamplighter Lounge
1702 Madison Ave
8 habitants recommandent
Decades-old dive bar that's seen many changes over the years. Highly recommended for the local dive experience. Beer-only, but you may BYO bottles of wine and the hard stuff.
I hear their wings are incredible. But Alex's is most known for staying open--and serving--until the sun comes up! Last I checked, smoking was allowed inside.
15 habitants recommandent
Alex's Tavern
1445 Jackson Ave
15 habitants recommandent
I hear their wings are incredible. But Alex's is most known for staying open--and serving--until the sun comes up! Last I checked, smoking was allowed inside.
Younger crowd, lots of beers on tap, late night food. I haven't been in years but lots of people love it.
74 habitants recommandent
Young Avenue Deli
2119 Young Ave
74 habitants recommandent
Younger crowd, lots of beers on tap, late night food. I haven't been in years but lots of people love it.

Parks & Nature

Sunsets on the Mississippi can be quite stunning. East of Tom Lee are the bluffs. Climb the stairs for a birds eye view.
67 habitants recommandent
Tom Lee Park
Riverside Drive
67 habitants recommandent
Sunsets on the Mississippi can be quite stunning. East of Tom Lee are the bluffs. Climb the stairs for a birds eye view.
In the 70s the state tried to run the highway through the park. A group of old ladies in tennis shoes stopped it. The largest old-growth urban forest in TN. You can play frisbee in the open area, or walk through the trails--or play golf!
160 habitants recommandent
Overton Park
1914 Poplar Ave
160 habitants recommandent
In the 70s the state tried to run the highway through the park. A group of old ladies in tennis shoes stopped it. The largest old-growth urban forest in TN. You can play frisbee in the open area, or walk through the trails--or play golf!
Recently renovated, there's a large lake and lots of trails. A huge park!
223 habitants recommandent
Parc Shelby Farms
6903 Great View Dr N
223 habitants recommandent
Recently renovated, there's a large lake and lots of trails. A huge park!

Arts & Culture

This is an obvious one. Dense, with a lot of reading, but a huge favorite.
174 habitants recommandent
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
926 E McLemore Ave
174 habitants recommandent
This is an obvious one. Dense, with a lot of reading, but a huge favorite.
Check out their listings. Wednesdays are FREE!
124 habitants recommandent
Brooks Museum
1934 Poplar Ave
124 habitants recommandent
Check out their listings. Wednesdays are FREE!
I don't know if it's a museum, shops, or what. It's really all of those. Locals don't think much of it--but if you're an Elvis fan, it's obviously a must.
260 habitants recommandent
Graceland
260 habitants recommandent
I don't know if it's a museum, shops, or what. It's really all of those. Locals don't think much of it--but if you're an Elvis fan, it's obviously a must.
Heavy. Powerful. Essential.
319 habitants recommandent
Musée national des droits civils - Motel Lorraine
450 Mulberry St
319 habitants recommandent
Heavy. Powerful. Essential.
A new and contemporary gallery located inside Crosstown Concourse. I find myself at events and openings there about twice a month.
10 habitants recommandent
Crosstown Arts
1350 Concourse Ave
10 habitants recommandent
A new and contemporary gallery located inside Crosstown Concourse. I find myself at events and openings there about twice a month.

Shopping

Goner is run by locals. If you're in town for Memphis music, it's a must.
23 habitants recommandent
Goner Records
2152 Young Ave
23 habitants recommandent
Goner is run by locals. If you're in town for Memphis music, it's a must.
Shangri La is run by locals. If you're in town for Memphis music, it's a must.
11 habitants recommandent
Shangri-La Records
1916 Madison Ave
11 habitants recommandent
Shangri La is run by locals. If you're in town for Memphis music, it's a must.
Well-curated vintage. Not my style and I hear a lot of it is small, but also highly recommended.
FOX+CAT VINTAGE
2153 Central Ave
Well-curated vintage. Not my style and I hear a lot of it is small, but also highly recommended.

Sightseeing

I can't make a list and not include Beale. The history is incredible. Now it's mostly neon and bars. Lots of bars, restaurants, and live music that they think tourists would like. I go maybe once or twice a year. You can have an open container on the street and I think they serve til 5 or 6 AM. It's fun to walk with a drink in your hand. LOTS of great souvenir shops.
245 habitants recommandent
Beale Street
128 Beale St
245 habitants recommandent
I can't make a list and not include Beale. The history is incredible. Now it's mostly neon and bars. Lots of bars, restaurants, and live music that they think tourists would like. I go maybe once or twice a year. You can have an open container on the street and I think they serve til 5 or 6 AM. It's fun to walk with a drink in your hand. LOTS of great souvenir shops.
Call Tad Pierson at American Dream Safari and schedule an off-the-beaten path tour in his 1958 Cadillac. Probably the opposite of Beale St.--in a good way. The name and address are incorrect in this listing, as he does not advertise. His number is: 901-428-3602
Stop 345
345 Madison Avenue
Call Tad Pierson at American Dream Safari and schedule an off-the-beaten path tour in his 1958 Cadillac. Probably the opposite of Beale St.--in a good way. The name and address are incorrect in this listing, as he does not advertise. His number is: 901-428-3602