Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Memphis, Tennessee, is widely recognized for its barbecue and as the home of blues music. Lined with restaurants, bars and clubs, Beale Street is the prime tourist area, stretching almost two miles through the heart of the city's entertainment district. Live music is featured nightly in many restaurants and clubs, which can stay open as late as 5 a.m.
The Pig on Beale opened in 2002 and quickly established itself as a local favorite. The restaurant offers homemade barbecue and side dishes, with Memphis-style smoked pork shoulder and ribs serving as the featured items. The dining room is styled in 1950s decor, complete with vintage movie posters, a jukebox and authentic furnishings. A lineup of local and regional blues, country and rock bands enhances the atmosphere on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Group diner packages are available; and guests can take home the recipes for every dish made at the restaurant.
The Pig on Beale
167 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-529-1544
pigonbeale.com
The Rum Boogie Cafe offers authentic Southern fare with a Cajun influence. Rum Boogie is widely known for its nightly live music from local and regional acts as well as the restaurant's house band. The cafe opened in 1985 in the heart of Beale Street and is now famous for its award-winning seafood gumbo and Mississippi Delta-style vegetables. Visitors enjoy looking at the more than 200 guitars on display, each donated and signed by popular musicians like Bo Diddley, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carl Perkins and Booker T and the MGs. Tours are available to learn more about the memorabilia on display. The cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Group rates for 25 or more people are available.
Rum Boogie Cafe
182 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-528-0150
rumboogie.com
B.B. King's Blues Club in Memphis is the cornerstone of the six clubs around the country owned by legendary blues musician B.B. King. The menu offers a selection of contemporary Southern comfort foods influenced from New Orleans to the Mississippi Delta. Known more for its musical attractions, the venue features legendary international musicians and local up-and-comers when the two house bands take a night off. A second exclusive dining area is also located on the premises and is designed after the early 1900s speakeasies.
B.B. King's Blues Club
143 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-524-5464
bbkingclubs.com