Situated in the heart of Tennessee’s largest city, Memphis has long been a cultural hub and shopping haven, offering visitors the best of Southern cooking and entertainment.
From golf to blues music, country to rock, there is a little something for every taste. Whether you are looking for history, art or entertainment, you will find it all in this Southern city.
Beale Street
Beale Street is famous as the “birthplace” of rock and roll. This legendary street was once the main thoroughfare for African Americans moving from the old part of town to the jazzier east side.
Back in those days there were many historic buildings, and places of business, as well as a famous bar that are still run by the original owner.
Many blues musicians like Memphis Blues Guitarist Peppard and other blues performers started out at Beale Street. The blues music bars in Beale Street continue to play a major role in the blues culture in the United States. As you wander around this well-known area of Memphis, you can hear the blues music being played every night.
In addition to being a blues hangout, Beale Street is also popular for its restaurants and other businesses. A trip to this area is not complete without at least visiting one of the many hot spots for food and drinks in the area.
Blues City Cafe
The blues inspired barbecue restaurant that you may visit during your time on Beale Street is the Blues City Cafe. The restaurant makes regular appearances on lists of the best bars in all the world. There have been many celebrities who have stopped by the Blues City Cafe and enjoyed their delicious food and wonderful music.
The Warehouse
A lesser-known blues music bar in Memphis is called The Warehouse. Many people don’t even know it exists, much less know where it is! But when they do, they love it! Built in the early 1900’s as an instrumental blues music bar, the Warehouse has a reputation for serving some great food and drinks. You will find great blues music playing almost nightly. And if you get hungry, you can stop by The Warehouse for some of the best burgers in town.
Bill Monroe’s Famous BBQ
Finally, another blues-style barbecue restaurant that you will want to check out while in Memphis is called Bill Monroe’s Famous BBQ.
Bill Monroe’s is located just off of MLK Drive just off of Beale Street. This barbecue restaurant is one of the few places in town where you will truly find free-range, organic, southern cuisine.
Wrapping Up
Memphis is a place where one can be at home in “the big kitchen”, enjoying soul food, cold drinks, and the best Southern comfort food available anywhere.
But it is also a place where new beginnings are being forged, and where old traditions are beginning to find new homes in a new, evolving culture.
When you visit Memphis Tennessee, you will travel to another dimension, a land still steeped in the spirit and soul of the people who called it home for centuries. These stories, many of which have never been told before, will give depth and meaning to your own appreciation of this beautiful and unique music, food, and oral tradition.