Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee (TN): The Best Blues Clubs & Bars

March 1, 2022 Milan Banda

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

174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

Blues Hall Juke Joint

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

182 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714 +1 901-528-0150 http://www.eatdrinkboogie.com
Excellent
71%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Blues Hall

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

143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3713 +1 901-524-5464 [email protected] http://www.bbkings.com
Excellent
51%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 466 reviews

B.B. King's Blues Club

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

182 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714 +1 901-528-0150 http://rumboogie.com
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 143 reviews

Rum Boogie Cafe

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

138 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3712 +1 901-526-3637 [email protected] http://www.bluescitycafe.com
Excellent
49%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 266 reviews

Blues City Cafe

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.

6. Alfred's

197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3128
Excellent
28%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
28%
Poor
13%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 40 reviews

Alfred's

Swinging bar featuring live rock music.

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