When most people refer to Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, they are usually referring only to a three- or four-block span of the street downtown. Often called the "home of the blues", this area is historically significant to the blues genre, and today "The Beale" attracts many thousands of visitors annually who come to eat Memphis barbecue and hear live Memphis blues and the numerous restaurants and clubs that line the street.
The menu of this first (and original) location of B.B. King's famous restaurant declares this blues joint to be the number one tourist attraction in Tennesee, (See Reference 1) and with good reason. It's well-known for its outstanding nightly live music played by both local and national rock and blues bands, as well as for its classic Memphis barbecue fare. Steaks, seafood, catfish, salads and sandwiches are all on the menu, as well as their world-famous ribs, considered by many to be the best on The Beale. The restaurant is also known for the occasional spontaneous jam session by celebrity musicians, including the King of Blues himself. Entrees average $18 to $20 each. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night; reservations are accepted.
B.B. King's Restaurant and Blues Club
143 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
901-524-5464
bbkingclubs.com
This hopping diner on Beale serves up steaks, seafood, sandwiches, tamales and barbecue ribs in a casual cafe environment. A long list of celebrities and political figures (including President Clinton) have stopped by for a meal, and another list of famous musicians have graced the stage of its adjacent live music room, which regularly showcases rockabilly and doo-wop rock-and-roll music. (After dinner, the cafe invites you to "DYMO"--Dance Your Meal Off.) Dinner entrees vary in price, generally under $20. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and late night.
Blues City Cafe
138 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
901-526-3637
bluescitycafe.com
Definitely not for the health-conscious, but certainly for the taste-conscious, this historic, world-famous burger joint has been serving its deep-fried hamburgers in Memphis since 1912. Also offered are hot wings, hot dogs, baloney and southern-fried chicken tenders, as well as milkshakes, desserts, and beer. Entrees and combos are generally under $10. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night.
Dyer's Burgers
205 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-527-3937
dyersonbeale.com
This restaurant and club on the Beale blends nightly Memphis blues with Cajun-style cooking, and is best-known for its signature seafood gumbo. Other southern-style fare includes fried chicken and catfish, barbecue ribs and "Slap Your Mama Meatloaf", as well as sandwiches, salads and an array of appetizers. The restaurant is also known for its coveted music memorabilia collection, including over 200 guitars autographed by industry icons. Moderately priced, dinner entrees are $12 to $15 on average. Rum Boogie Cafe is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night.
Rum Boogie Cafe
182 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
rumboogie.com
