For locals, visitors and touring performers, Overton Square has been a go-to destination for entertainment and dining since the 1960s. But this midtown Memphis neighborhood is more than an entertainment hub – it’s a vibrant performing arts district where you can complement live theatre, ballet and music experiences with some of Memphis’ most authentic dining and shopping, and even stay overnight in a bold new boutique hotel.
Overton Square is an art-forward district filled with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, live theaters, ballet, shops, and a glamorous boutique hotel.
Located in Midtown Memphis, Overton Square is less than 15 minutes from Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland in South Memphis, and the Memphis International Airport.
Four performing arts venues help make up this district: Playhouse on the Square, Hattiloo Theatre, Circuit Playhouse and Ballet Memphis.
The neighborhood hosts big events throughout the year like the Overton Crawfish Festival while also offering community activations each month from live music and movie nights.
EAT & DRINK LOCAL IN OVERTON-SQUARE
EAT & DRINK LOCAL IN OVERTON-SQUARE
There are so many restaurants and bars on the Square today, you might want help simplifying your choices: When the weather’s right, go wherever you can nab a patio seat. Let the time of day decide for you. Some Square restaurants serve dinner only; some serve late-night; others serve weekend brunch. Listen (or ask): Many Square restaurants feature live music, viewing parties, happy hours . . . they can get loud. Maybe that’s your thing; maybe not, so think before you sit.
Want to decide based on your food and drink choices? Consider this:
It’s possible to eat around the world in one block of Overton Square. Share guacamole—made tableside—at Babalu. Devour a sushi roll (–or three!) at Saltwater Crab or treat yourself to one of the finest prime steaks at Porch and Parlor Steakhouse. The Butcher’s Bacon Rack, where you cut your bacon pieces, is sure to impress any table.
For some cajun food with a Memphis flavor, hit Bayou Bar & Grill and The Second Line for po-boys, muffalettas, and more. Be sure to give Bayou’s signature zydeco wings a try and Second Line’s catfish plate with a side of red beans and rice. Pop next door from The Second Line for their sister space, The Swamp Bar, a beautifully designed space, more delicious eats, and one of the best happy hours.
Savor the tandoori at Golden India or bite into a calzone with a local draft at Memphis Pizza Café.
Pair live music with your bite to eat at Lafayette’s Music Room. Sit up close to the stage on the main floor or head upstairs for the wrap-around seating or the rooftop patio while you enjoy a cajun crawdad wood-fired pizza or an Overton burger.
About that beer: You’ll find several Memphis craft brews on offer around the Square, but Boscos is the pioneer. (Literally—it was the first brewpub in Tennessee.) The award-winning Midtown Brown ale pairs deliciously with Boscos’ wood-fired pizzas.
For dessert, make sure to share at 17 Berkshire so you can try a layered petit four, macarons or truffles at this patisserie. Skip over to Sweet Noshings for homemade ice cream in flavors like whiskey-honey or a scoop from a candy jar filled with gummy frogs or chocolate-covered marshmallows.
Afterward, challenge each other to a game of Cornhole in the Square’s Tower Courtyard or make something together at The Art Project, a studio where kids can follow step-by-step craft ideas or use a treasure of supplies and recycled materials toward DIY creations.
BOOK YOUR OVERTON SQUARE EXPERIENCE TODAY
Make It Dinner And A Show
Make It Dinner And A Show
Calling all theater lovers — Overton Square forms the heart of Memphis’ theater district, where you can see everything from hit Broadway musicals and plays to all-new productions and original performances.
Visit Hattiloo Theater, Memphis’ only freestanding Black repertory theatre, to appreciate the diversity and culture of Black theater. This 501(c)3, non-profit organization works to provide opportunities to Black artists, performers and directors. Look out for original productions by Tony-nominated Memphian Katori Hall and Hattiloo founder Ekundayo Bandele.
Playhouse on the Square is the flagship theater of Circuit Playhouse, Inc., the city’s largest professional theater company. See large-production Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, like “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Memphis,” at this 350-seat theater.
You can’t pass Ballet Memphis' perforated copper wall without checking out the light-filled glass corridor and one of the company's creative seasonal dance performances.
And don’t miss shows at Circuit Playhouse, Inc.’s other two venues: Circuit Playhouse and TheaterWorks @ The Square. Circuit Playhouse, a once-popular movie theater that Elvis Presley used to frequent, is an intimate, 218-seat theater, while TheaterWorks is a “black box” venue featuring original productions and a national playwriting competition.
You could also time your visit around the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival in October to celebrate the local, national and international indie film communities.
Make Time To Shop
Make Time To Shop
The Square has a strong cluster of small, yet well-curated, boutiques for clothing, shoes, and accessories. For active travelers, Breakaway Running and Delta Groove Yoga’s pocket-sized retail shop are spot-on. Try The Wren’s Nest for a curated collection of jewelry, clothing, and home decor.
Just west of Overton Square at South Florence Street and Madison Avenue, pop into Maggie’s Pharm, offering locally-roasted coffee by the pound, essential oils, cheeky cards, and the like. Keep west on Madison and you’ll encounter several more restaurants and the vinyl haven that is Shangri-La Records.
Stay in Style at The Memphian
Check into The Memphian Hotel–one of the newest and most stylish hotels in Memphis–for a boutique stay in the heart of Overton Square. This hotel offers a unique blend of modern luxury with vintage charm.
The hotel’s rooftop bar, Tiger and Peacock is a must-visit, offering stunning views, astronomically inspired cocktails and shareable bites in a stylish setting. Hit their on-site restaurant Complicated Pilgrim for any meal of the day–including brunch! Each meal brings a completely different dining experience and menu.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Slightly more than a mile south of Overton Square on Cooper Street, you’ll find yourself in Cooper-Young, another vibrant neighborhood. Along Cooper Street, you’ll find more dining options such as the elegant and longtime favorite Bari Ristorante.
Less than a mile north of Overton Square on Cooper Street, you’ll hit Overton Park, home to the Memphis Zoo, Brooks Museum of Art, Overton Park Shell, Rainbow Lake Playground, Old Forest State Natural Area, a dog park, and more.
IF YOU GO
Keep an eye out for free street parking along Madison Avenue and in lots that front Madison or Cooper. If you’re in and out by 6 p.m., parking is also free in the garage at 2100 Monroe Ave. After 6 p.m., there is a flat fee of $3 for Monday-Wednesday and $5 Thursday-Sunday. Pay-by-plate at the automated machines in the garage, or via mobile app.
