It wasn’t that long ago when you ordered a cocktail it was a gin and tonic or a rum and Coke. But just as food has become more inspired, so have cocktails . . . especially in Memphis, where locally owned establishments, from chef-driven fine dining favorites to beloved dives, take care to craft authentic experiences. Whether you want to gather with friends around artisanal bourbon drinks and tapas, or order a cold one with a basket of fries, we’ve got bars, lounges and speakeasies for you.
It wasn’t that long ago when you ordered a cocktail it was a gin and tonic or a rum and Coke. But just as food has become more inspired, so have cocktails . . . especially in Memphis, where locally owned establishments, from chef-driven fine dining favorites to beloved dives, take care to craft authentic experiences. Whether you want to gather with friends around artisanal bourbon drinks and tapas, or order a cold one with a basket of fries, we’ve got bars, lounges and speakeasies for you.
Grab a Drink in Downtown Memphis
Grab a Drink in Downtown Memphis
Absinthe Room
166 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103
Grab your pool cue and sip on a glass of absinthe, all while overlooking world-famous Beale Street at the Absinthe Room. This bar sits atop Beale Street’s King’s Palace Café, creating a classic Memphis experience. With posters lining the walls and games offered throughout the bar—like skee-ball, billiards and darts—the Absinthe Room is playful and fun.
BarWare
276 S Front St., Memphis, TN 38103
Taste the magic of mixology at BarWare. The mixologists and chefs here put together seasonal food-and-drink menus that pair excellently. Enjoy small-plate apps and mouthwatering sandwiches while sipping craft concoctions like the Law Dog. Plus, enjoy in the really chic vibes this spot has to offer.
Bar Hustle
477 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Tucked inside the ultra chic lobby of Arrive Hotel, Bar Hustle offers signature and classic cocktails plus mocktails. Pull up a seat and enjoy a Hemingway (he'd approve of this spot--we're sure of it) or an espresso martini.
Photos from left to right: Old Dominick Distillery rooftop, The Peabody Hotel lobby, Itta Bena, and BarWare
Beck & Call
33 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Memphis' largest rooftop bar featuring panoramic views of Beale Street and the Mississippi River located at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street hotel. This rooftop lounge offers signature cocktails like a Smoky Paloma and Passion Fruit Margarita.
Belle Tavern
117 Barboro Alley, Memphis, TN 38103
Stroll down Barboro Alley (between Union and Gayoso) and find yourself at Belle Tavern. Featuring one of the best happy hours in Memphis—best known for their bourbon selection and delicious Old Fashioneds—you’ll get why this one’s a downtown favorite.
Catherine & Mary's
325 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103
Housed in the historic Chisca building, Catherine & Mary’s offers an elegant mix of Italian-inspired cuisine and crafted cocktails. Their bar menu features both timeless classics like a Pimm's Cup and Monte Carlo or one of their inventive creations, like the Powerhouse. They were one of the first spots to perfect the espresso martini in Memphis too. The upscale ambiance makes it perfect for date night or a celebratory evening.
Eight & Sand
545 S Main St., Memphis, TN 38103
Tucked inside Central Station Hotel, Eight & Sand offers a refined atmosphere that pays homage to Memphis's rich music history surrounded by a one-of-a-kind, Memphis Inspired vinyl record collection. Savor the Memphis sound as you never have before, while sipping on fine craft cocktails named after Memphis neighborhoods llike Summer Ave. and Castalia Heights. Pro tip - enjoy your cocktail in their music listening room!
Itta Bena
145 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103
B.B. King’s Blues Club commands attention at the high-profile corner of Beale Street and Second Street. But look for the nondescript staircase around back that leads to Itta Bena, an intimate spot tucked away atop the popular club. With upscale twists on Southern classics—like tender shrimp and locally milled grits spiked with white wine—and libations such as the Blues Berry martini, Itta Bena offers you an authentic Memphis fine dining experience.
Old Dominick Distillery
305 S. Front St., Memphis, TN 38103
Tour this distillery to learn the story of a brand that dates to the 1800s. Then stop by the distillery bar to sample craft concoctions made with house gin, vodkas and whiskeys. Because the spirits are made here, this is one of the most affordable spots for a cocktail! They have a wide variety of signature Old Fashioned plus signature creations like the Toddy Highball and Bourbon Cider Punch. They also offer flights of their spirits.
Peabody Hotel Lobby
118 S 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103
Before modern mixology came into vogue, one of the best places to find a proper cocktail was the classy (usually oak) bar in your city's upscale old-school hotel. For Memphis, that was, and will always be, the Peabody Hotel Lobby Bar. Expertly located next to the famous Peabody Ducks fountain (hint: let the kids watch the parade while you post up), the Lobby Bar is the grand dame of Memphis cocktail bars. Here you’ll find all the classics, as well as an excellent wine menu.
Drink with the locals at Midtown Memphis bars
Drink with the locals at Midtown Memphis bars
Alchemy
940 Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104
Alchemy’s Memphis-themed cocktail menu and large U-shaped bar fit the vibe of the surrounding Cooper-Young neighborhood: They all have a nice way of bringing people together. Signature drinks include The Hound Dog (bourbon, fresh peach, lemon, ginger, mint) and the Boss Crump, a Bluff City-twist on the Manhattan. Pro tip: Alchemy serves delicious small plates, too.
Art Bar at Crosstown Concourse
1350 Concourse Ave #280, Memphis, TN 38104
So you want to see what Crosstown Concourse, Memphis’ vertical urban village, is all about? Stroll and shop on the main level, then wind your way up the red spiral staircase that leads to the second floor. Among the galleries, look for an opening in the walls that reveals Art Bar. Slip inside for a house concoction or something from the exclusive wine list, and pair it with delicious finger foods. The bar displays work from a different artist each month, giving it an ever-changing creative vibe.
Bar DKDC
964 Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104
DKDC stands for Don’t Know, Don’t Care, but don’t let the irreverent spirit fool you. This jewel in Karen Carrier's empire of food and fun takes great care with the cocktails (and food) it serves. With an international twist, the cocktail menu focuses on putting the world in a glass. Start with the Jamaica Ting (rum, grapefruit, seltzer, lime zest).
Cameo Memphis
1835 Union Ave. Suite 103 Memphis TN, 38104
One of this writer's favorite spots for a cocktail. Cameo offers one of the most extensive list of cocktail creations from seasonal creations to classics plus low and zero proof options. They even have cocktails on draft and frozen drinks like Battle Cries at Starbucks. All the cocktails are sorted to find the perfect pairing for your tastebuds.
Memphis Whistle
2299 Young Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
A charming and intimate cocktail bar inside what was once a home in the Cooper-Young neighborhood. This gem has unique cocktails alongside prohibition style libations. Try the Beretta, a classic revolver with a twist, or a barrel aged Negroni. You can't go wrong with any choice.
Photos from left to right: Bar DKDC, Cameo, Restaurant Iris, and Alchemy
Best East Memphis spots for A DRINK
Best East Memphis spots for A DRINK
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
712 W Brookhaven Cir., Memphis, TN 38117
Yes, you'll find several dining and drinking establishments downtown from acclaimed Memphis chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman. But Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen in East Memphis was the duo's first concept. Like its celebrated cuisine, Andrew Michael's cocktail program exquisitely modernizes tradition. Sip anything in season, as this cocktail offering evolves.
Restaurant Iris
4550 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117
Chef Kelly English's refined restaurant offers an elegant dining experience or a more casual option with the separate bar dining room. No matter the setting, you can enjoy one of their perfectly crafted cocktails. The Philosopher with corsair red absinthe is one of the most unique cocktail offerings in the area among other great options like their Harlequin Dream or Manhattan Noir.
SOB East
5040 Sanderlin, Memphis, TN 38117
This downtown Memphis bistro takes its name from its original location "South of Beale," but the drinks, eats and atmosphere are so popular, the concept expanded to East Memphis. With Sunday brunch or daily lunch and dinner service, pair wine, local beer or a creative cocktail like the Bittersweet Symphony, featuring Juke Joint whiskey from local maker Blue Note Bourbon.
