With so many of the Black-owned establishments in Memphis centrally located in midtown and downtown, it can be quite seamless to bar hop. While I don’t believe myself to be a bar hopper, I did enjoy experiencing Memphis nightlife because most of the locations have great food, even better vibes and sing-along music. Here is my list of my favorite nightlife spots in Memphis; some located within just a few blocks or miles from each other. Go explore Memphis at night.
The Genre – 200 Poplar Ave, Suite 105
Owners Bernard Chambers and Lenard Chambers (twins) want you to enter into an intimate musical journey where the menu is flavorful, like Memphis. Real catfish is their top selling item on the menu; while other favorites include their wings dipped in 201 a hot sweet sauce, their cheeseburger sliders and the orange mimosa.
ww.thegenrememphis.com
Inkwell – 631 Madison Avenue
The bartender and I sang Erkyah Badu as he made my drinks in this great spot to chill and listen to sweet R&B. The Inkwell offers the right vibes in a delicately simple yet pleasing atmostphere that’s perfect for a late-night or early evening chill session.
www.drinkinkwell.com
Mahogany Memphis – 3092 Poplar Avenue, Suite 11
A rich, dark and beautiful rarity in Memphis, Mahogany offers a generous dining experience with a superb lineup of musical artists that are perfect marriage of melody and culinary.
www.mahoganymemphis.com
Paula & Railford’s Disco – 14 South Second Street
The music never stops at Paula & Railford’s Disco, a two-story nightclub that features chandeliers and leather couches, fog machines and of course a disco ball.
Salt Bar & Bistro, 3101 South Mendenhall Road
The owners of SALT Bar has the grown and sexy crowd in mind when creating the atmosphere. Their top brunch menu include catfish and shrimp and grits and for dinner, lamp chops and lemon drops.
www.saltmemphis.com
Sage – 94 South Main Street
Staying true to its mission of embodying the heart of downtown Memphis, SAGE is the best of both worlds of cocktails and soul food. Their menu consists of friend chicken, mac & cheese, and turnip greens in an egg roll wrapper.
www.sagememphis.com