Once known as Auto Row, downtown and midtown collide in the historic Edge District. The epicenter of where the sound of rock ‘n’ roll was born is the focus of revitalization, dining, and drinks with a walkable neighborhood feel. Close your eyes and hear the sounds of automobiles roaring to life or the jam session of the Million Dollar Quartet through the immersive museums.
HISTORIC EDGE DISTRICT: AN OVERVIEW
Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll was opened in 1950 by Sam Phillips with the goal of capture the pure, raw energy of Beale Street. It was here where the first rock ‘n’ roll single was produced: Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats' version of "Rocket 88".
In 1954, an unknown Elvis Presley, grabbed a mic and sang his heart out making Sun the most famous recording studio in the world.
Located just 600 feet west of Sun Studio, The Edge Motor Museum is Memphis' home to "American Speed" - an exhibit featuring the evolution of the American Sports car. The museum’s location was known as Auto Row where car showrooms and maintenance shops once dominated the area.
Edge District Museums
Sun Studio
The trailblazing recording studio that blended gospel, rockabilly, and soul to create the rock ‘n’ roll genre and birth the careers of legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis while influencing thousands more music artists over the last 70 years. The iconic sounds come to life during a tour of the iconic Sun Studio.
EDGE MOTOR MUSEUM
The area once known as Auto Row is on "The Edge" of cool, with its own Edge Motor Museum, highlighting the rise and fall of the American sports car. Come up close and personal to the variations of the sports car throughout the decades from a Rocket 88 to a 1975 Bricklin.
Step back into the late-1800s when you tour the historic properties and mansions of Victorian Village, including the James Lee House, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, Mallory-Neely House and Woodruff-Fontaine House.
Where to Eat & Drink in The Edge District
Ready for a taste of the Caribbean? Head over to Sabor Caribe and enjoy the only Venezuelan cuisine in Memphis. From delicious and gluten-free arepas to dulce de leche and Nutella churros, you will definitely do a happy dance while you’re eating.
Previously High Cotton, Flyway is a fusion of both the Arkansas-based brewery while keeping the beloved High Cotton classics. Grab a pint of Flyway's award-winning Bluewing Blueberry Wheat or Nine Killer Imperial IPA and enjoy it in their charming taproom located in a historic old building. Flyway expanded the taproom to include a restaurant space featuring tasty bites, like cheese curds, bbq nachos, and goat cheese venison sliders.
Another local brewery, Memphis Made, recently moved to The Edge from midtown. Enjoy favorite year-round brews, like Fireside, Junt and Cat Nap, as well as a selection of seasonal beers and seltzers in their new digs at the Ravine.
For a rotating menu of inventive cocktails and a selection of snacks, spend an evening at Bar Limina. JEM specializes in approachable fine dining, and this spot nails it! Start with a craft cocktail and bacon-wrapped chicken liver pâté before digging into a plate of homemade gnocchi or matzo ball-stuffed chicken. End with a helping of bread pudding and French-pressed coffee from Boycott Coffee.
Lunch? Head to Hard Times Deli for a lineup of hot and cold sandwiches, from turkey bacon ranch to eggplant parm, or grab a slice of pizza, wings and a house-made brew from Rock'n Dough Pizza & Brewery — stick around for a round of bowling on one of four onsite lanes. If you need a pick-me-up, grab freshly roasted small-batch coffee from French Truck.
Where to Shop & Find Local Art in The Edge District
Next to Hard Times Deli, The Slowdown Shop offers a variety of gifts, books, apparel, pottery, art and more Slowdown Dry Goods. Browse works from local art collective, The Ugly Art Co., by touring their gallery space in The Edge. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for special events, including art shows and district-wide art crawls.
You’ll spot public art all over The Edge District, thanks to Paint Memphis’ annual festival. Check out our blog’s rundown and take a self-guided tour of some of the city’s best street art right here in The Edge District.
