Cooper-Young is one of Memphis' most vibrant and active neighborhoods. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the neighborhood is packed with historic homes, restaurants, bars, shops and galleries.
Cooper Young is home to some of Memphis’ most unique bars and restaurants, perfect for a night out with or without live music. It’s also known for hidden art gems, like Tennessee’s first rainbow crosswalk and the Johnny Cash statue.
Conveniently located in Midtown Memphis, Cooper-Young is less than 15 minutes from Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, as well as Elvis Presley’s Graceland in South Memphis. The Memphis International Airport is also just a quick 10-minute trip away.
The neighborhood hosts some of Memphis’ biggest events throughout the year, including the Cooper-Young Festival, Gonerfest and Cooper-Young Garden Walk.
Cooper-Young's Biggest Events & Festivals
The Cooper-Young neighborhood is the proud home of several of Memphis' largest and best-loved annual events, as well as a few fun spots to catch live music year-round.
Held annually in May, the Cooper-Young Garden Walk is when dozens of locals open their home gardens for a walking tour around the neighborhood. It's the official kickoff of the city-wide Experience Memphis Gardens event that runs through June.
The Cooper-Young Festival is held on a Saturday in mid-September each year with more than 100,000 people flocking to the area for hundreds of food, craft, art and apparel vendors, plus three live music stages and a kids' area.
Gonerfest's annual celebration of punk, indie and metal music usually kicks off in September with a pop-up concert at the Cooper-Young Gazebo – just steps away from the Goner Records Shop, a local record label and retail store to score hard-to-find tunes and band merch.
The Cooper-Young Beerfest is held in mid-October each year in the parking lot of Midtown Auto Works right near the famous trestle bridge artwork. You can sample dozens of regional beers and meet directly with the brewers at this locally beloved event.
Bar DKDC is the most dependable spot for catching live music in the Cooper-Young area, with local bands performing several nights a week, usually at 10 p.m. or later, with a minimal cover charge. You'll also find bands performing on a regular basis at Young Avenue Deli, Cooper's and Celtic Crossing.
Eat & Drink Local in Cooper-Young
The Beauty Shop is a Memphis classic, with fusion food and amazing desserts in a former beauty shop where Priscilla Presley got her hair done. For one of the best outdoor patios in town – and there are some good ones — have a margarita on the deck of the former Cafe Ole – recently rebranded as Cooper's. The historic corner building now has a renewed energy and vibe with live music every night.
Beloved neighborhood bar, Young Avenue Deli, boasts a big beer list, pool tables and plenty of gastropub grub like their famous cheese sticks and award-winning fries. Vegans and non-vegans alike will appreciate the offerings of Imagine Vegan Cafe. For a trendy setting and some soul food — especially fried catfish and hushpuppies — take the whole family to Soul Fish Cafe. If you're craving Mexican food, try the authentic Maciel's Tortas & Tacos.
Coffee lovers have options in Cooper-Young. If you need a jolt of java and a sweet treat early in the morning, head to Bluff City Coffee & Bakery's Cooper-Young location. Java Cabana is the quintessential coffee house for poets, writers and creative types, catering to a young evening crowd.
Hammer & Ale is the perfect casual spot to try all of Memphis' local breweries in one place, as well as a notable list of wines & bourbons. Their pimento grilled cheese and spicy potato chips are underrated and a solid complement to a flight of beer or glass of vino.
You better believe Cooper-Young has some good barbecue. Local-favorite Central BBQ is back! Visit the recently rebuilt Memphis-style barbecue joint for pulled pork, barbecue nachos and honey gold wings. Bain Barbecue is serving up Texas-style smoked meats in the heart of midtown. Go for brisket, Texas twinkies and jalapeño sausage.
Ashtar Garden is your stop for happy hour bites and sips and weekend brunch in a stylish atmosphere. Order New York-style pizza, Italian meatballs or some mouth-watering garlic knots from the rooftop patio at Aldo’s Pizza Pies.
Planning a date night or night out with friends? Start out with handcrafted drinks and tapas at the bar at Alchemy Memphis, a snazzy cocktail and wine lounge with sophisticated small plates. For dinner, head to Tsunami for Pacific Rim-inspired seafood.
For more local brews, stop into the taproom at Memphis' newest artisanal brewery, Cooper House Project. If the evening doesn't feel quite over, Memphis Whistle's prohibition-style cocktails are perfect for a nightcap. Celtic Crossing is the neighborhood's dependable Irish pub, featuring a large patio, traditional Irish breakfast on weekends and a selection of Irish whiskeys.
Boutiques & Specialty Shops in Cooper-Young
You’ll find all sorts local boutiques and specialty shops throughout this historic neighborhood. Burke's Book Store is more than a hundred years old, and still sells new and used books in its quaint Cooper Street location.
901 Comics offers the best in new and used comic books and comic-related games and merch while 901 Toys is your stop for vintage toys and collectibles. Rounding out the area's "old-school" shopping options is the beloved Goner Records music store, which sells all hard-to-find vinyl, CDs and band merch. Then, check out Memphis Drum Shop, well-known as one of the world’s top drum boutiques.
Ladies will appreciate the extensive selection of lingerie and shapewear at Coco & Lola’s boutique. For the latest in activewear and apparel for your next hike, try Grivet Outdoors. Thrifters and antique lovers will love Flashback Memphis, a browse-worthy location with retro clothing, accessories, vintage glassware, eclectic home decor and more.
Grab a cool gift, souvenir or keepsake from the neighborhood at Cooper-Young Gallery + Gift Shop. Browse a collection of books, art, home décor, candles, stationary and more in a cottage-like space.
While it's not exactly "shopping," everyone who comes to Cooper-Young is compelled to stop by the House of Mews, a cat rescue and sanctuary where cats are curled up in the windows and lounging inside the store ready for adoption. Cooper-Young has a variety of other businesses and services including fitness centers, yoga studios and salons if you need some pampering or a workout while you’re in town.
Be sure to visit the Cooper-Young Business Association website for more exploration and information.
Make a Weekend of It!
Take your Cooper-Young adventures to the next level by extending your trip. Just minutes away, The Memphian, a Tribute Porfolio Hotel, is located on Cooper Street in the heart of the neighboring Overton Square Performing Arts District. Or consider staying at one of Downtown Memphis' lavish big-name hotels or boutique properties just 10-15 minutes west. Traveling with the fam? We've also got you covered for the best kid-friendly stays in town.
Nearby Attractions
Cooper-Young District is centrally located to many Memphis attractions and fun neighborhoods. Overton Square entertainment district is less than one mile to the north, and less than two miles to Overton Park Shell and the Memphis Zoo, while Soulsville USA is just a few minutes drive south west. Downtown and East Memphis are a 10-15 minute drive to the west and east, respectively. Near Cooper-Young, you'll find Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis Sports & Events Center and the Children's Museum of Memphis.
If You Go
If you're coming from a nearby neighborhood, a cab, ride-sharing app or other fun ways to get around Memphis without a car would be ideal for visiting Cooper-Young. Parking can be limited and you may want to plan to enjoy an adult beverage. If you do drive, find a spot for the evening (either along the street or in one of the few paid lots) and then stroll to your next destination. Quite a few of the restaurants offer valet parking for your convenience, as well.
