8 Best Bars in Memphis (Where to Drink Right Now)

best bars in memphis

Memphis is a drinking destination. Whether it’s a swanky, speakeasy bar or a fun, dive bar, there’s plenty here for the bar hoppers! These bars offer the best of nightlife, some great live music and are visited by an eclectic crowd from all over. So the next time you feel like in need of a drink, get into one of these bars that we have listed and experience the drinking scene of Memphis at its very best! Here are some of the best bars in Memphis, TN.

8 Best Memphis Bars

B.B. King’s Blues Club

Southern hospitality with great food and even better drinks

The illuminated B.B. King's Blues Club sign at night in Memphis
(photo: Pierre Jean Durieu / Shutterstock)

📍 Address: 143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 524-5464
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 1 am Fri & Sat

This place is located at the top of Beale Street in Memphis. This is one of the best bars and restaurants in the neighborhood. Their signature drinks will leave you content, they have a great barbeque, and the classic soul, rock and roll music will make you groove!

The signature cocktails are numerous and there is a nice beer and wine selection too. The ambience is classy, and if you are a tourist to Memphis, you shouldn’t miss out on this place. The food is not far behind either- they serve some of the best barbeque in the South, with huge portions! So, dig right in, have a signature drink and listen to the wonderful live music. Nice little painting on the tables and the decor adds appeal to the place.

Kooky Canuck

Canadian inspired food and drinks

View of the blue cocktail with lemon peel on it

📍 Address: 87 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 578-9800
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat

The place has an incredible selection of signature cocktails, Local and international beer, draft beer, premium wine, Canadian whiskeys. The food is pretty great too with some authentic and hearty Canadian food like Maple Bread Pudding, Poutine and Tourtiere.

Get tipsy on Tuesdays, with prices of drinks slashed by half! The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with dim lightings and it’s great for dining out during a romantic date. A great place to satisfy those late-night cravings for food, dessert or drinks.

Lafayette’s Music Room

Wonderful music

📍 Address: 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 207-5097
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Sun-Thurs, 12 am – 1 am & 11 am – 1 am Fri, 11 am – 12 am Sat

Nothing like a great live band that plays some non-stop hits to keep you hooked. Lafayette’s offers exactly that- an experience unlike any other. This is a great place to kickback and unwind with some great food, drinks and music. The service is prompt and attentive. They offer a great selection of beer, wine and whiskey.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Mainly for the beers!

📍 Address: 130 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN 38103 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 523-8536
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat

They have around 200 beers on tap! So you will find something that you will absolutely love. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and helpful and will help you with a selection if you are indecisive.

They have TV screens too, so it’s a nice spot to grab a great beer and watch some sports. Happy hours are amazing, with some great deals at dirt-cheap prices. The place has a quirky vibe to it and it’s full of energy, so a great spot to hang out with friends and indulge in some great beer and fun conversations.

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Itta Bena

Charming Southern Hospitality

Black and white photo of Itta Bena
(photo: Abe Curland / Shutterstock)

📍 Address: 145 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 578-3031
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm daily

Itta Bena is a little hidden gem located above BB King’s Blues Club that whips up a cool libation to go with the Southern cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, with the touch of unmatched Southern hospitality.

The cocktails are delicious and refreshing. And the whiskey selection is good as well. Both are reasonably priced.

You will experience some speakeasy vibes with the side door that goes up a metal staircase that’s on the outside of the building to enter Itta Bena. As you would expect, the place is dimly lit, with some nice background music that adds to the vibes. The blue tinted windows block the sunlight, while giving a great view outside.

Whether you want to hang out with a group or for a date, Itta Bena will not disappoint and there’s something for everyone. Great place if you’re celebrating a special occasion as well!

The Second Line

📍 Address: 2144 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 590-2829
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Wed-Fri, 11 am – 10 pm Sat, 11 am – 1:45 pm & 4 pm – 8:30 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue

Lovely, warm and inviting ambience of The Second Line will make you feel right at home. The outdoor patio option is a great place to dine out and enjoy a drink. Bourbon and whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, vodka, and unique cocktails are on offer.

The cocktails are unique, tasty and well-balanced. This place offers an authentic, New Orleans experience right in the heart of Memphis. Nice, charming little place that is classy, without the frills and good for groups or date nights.

Bardog Tavern

Your friendly neighborhood bar

View of sandwiches and fries on a wooden board

📍 Address: 73 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 275-8752
🕐 Hours: 8 am – 3 am Mon-Fri, 11 am – 3 am Sat & Sun

The place has a very chill and casual vibe that will remind you of old school traditional bars. As you enter, you will be greeted by the sight of a wood bar and towards the windows to the front row of backed stool with drinks on shelves and tables and booths against walls to eat and dine.

It can get pretty loud in here, and the music selection is great too. The vibe of the place is welcoming and chill and will instantly put you in a good mood. They have a full bar with a well thought-out selection of local beers and special mixed drinks along with some bubbly choices. Enjoy this cool, Dive bar for some great drinks, food, service and atmosphere.

Alchemy

One of the best Cocktail bars in Memphis

📍 Address: 940 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (901) 726-4444
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Wed & Thurs, 4 pm -1 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue

Alchemy’s mixologists serve up some of the best, hand-crafted cocktails in Tennessee. They have a monstrous signature drinks list, huge selection of beer, whiskey, bourbon and wine. The Beer includes local specialties along with canned and bottled imported ones. There are plenty of European wine selections and their signature cocktails are simply mind-blowing.

Weekday Happy hours last for 2 hours with 50% off their seasonal and signature cocktails. The place is great if you want to impress your first date or hang out with friends. The outdoor patio is lovely, and very enjoyable, if the weather allows for it. The ambience is trendy and classy, and the service, impeccable and spot-on.