Headed to Beale Street? 6 must-visit sites that have everything from blues to BBQ to goats

Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·4 min read

One of the most iconic streets in the United States, Beale Street is a legendary Memphis entertainment destination.

It's filled to the brim with great choices for live music, Memphis-style barbecue, drinks and good times, all a short walk away from FedExForum.

Planning a visit to Beale Street? Here's a look at six of the most frequented spots. If you're looking for more options, visit bealestreet.com for details on all 15 bars, clubs and breweries that call Beale Street home.

B.B. King's Blues Club

Tony Holmes, from right, Jonathan Ellison and Darryl Cooper perform with the P.S. Band on June 17, 2020, at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street in Memphis.
Tony Holmes, from right, Jonathan Ellison and Darryl Cooper perform with the P.S. Band on June 17, 2020, at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street in Memphis.

143 Beale St.; bbkings.com

Possibly the most iconic establishment on Beale, B.B. King’s Blues Club is the perfect place to experience Memphis’ culture. Named after legendary blues singer, songwriter and guitarist B.B. King, the club hosts live music every day, from soul to R&B, rock and, of course, blues. Visitors looking for even more Memphis flavor can try their specialty ribs, as well as other Southern-style dishes like barbecue pork tater tots, shrimp and grits, and burgers.

Silky O' Sullivan's

Silky O’Sullivan's, at 183 Beale St., offers live music every day of the week.
Silky O’Sullivan's, at 183 Beale St., offers live music every day of the week.

183 Beale St.; silkyosullivans.com

Take a trip to Ireland at Silky O’Sullivan’s. This Beale Street spot features a large bar inside a more than 100-year-old building, as well as an expansive outdoor patio space. Enjoy a plentiful selection of bottled and draft beers, as well as specialty drinks like Beale Street tea, the Memphis Mary or Silky’s specialty, The Diver, a yellow bucket filled with a secret combo of drinks.

Try some of Silky’s Memphis-style barbecue while listening to week-round live music such as the “dueling pianos” show or sing-along piano show, as well as more traditional bands and solo artists. Before you leave, be sure to say hi to the goats. Yes, there are live goats at Silky's.

Alfred's on Beale

Alfred's on Beale, at 197 Beale St., offer food, music, a dance floor and much more.
Alfred's on Beale, at 197 Beale St., offer food, music, a dance floor and much more.

197 Beale St.; alfredsonbeale.com

Alfred’s on Beale is more than just another club. Take a sip of Alfred’s specialty cocktails with a full view of Beale from above on the second-floor patio. Its central location on Beale is perfect to watch the action below. Don’t forget to try a bite from their extensive menu, featuring a wide selection of appetizers for the table, and main courses like catfish, chicken fettuccini, sandwiches and, of course, ribs. When you’re finished, head inside and enjoy live music on the dance floor.

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A. Schwab

A. Schwab was founded in 1876 and moved to its current address at 163 Beale St. in 1911.
A. Schwab was founded in 1876 and moved to its current address at 163 Beale St. in 1911.

163 Beale St.; a-schwab.com

Established all the way back in 1876, A. Schwab is an old-fashioned store with a little bit of everything: knickknacks, books, hats, jewelry, old school toys and candy, music and household items, just to name a few things. Being the only original business left on Beale before it was transformed into an entertainment district, it’s like looking into the past. On the way out, order a soda with homemade syrup from the old-fashioned soda fountain, or gelato in a freshly made waffle cone.

Withers Collection Museum & Gallery

The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery is located at 333 Beale St. and features the work of photographer Ernest C. Withers.
The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery is located at 333 Beale St. and features the work of photographer Ernest C. Withers.

333 Beale St.; thewitherscollection.com

A place like no other on Beale, the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery showcases the work of Ernest C. Withers, a photographer whose work spans more than 60 years. Withers documented sports, music, politics and everyday life, as well as the Civil Rights Movement, his most well-known work. Besides the multitude of photographs up for public viewing, the museum has digitized Withers’ collection of more than 1.8 million images he took in his lifetime. If you’re looking to see a one-of-a-kind view of history, stop by the Withers Collection.

Rum Boogie Cafe

Audience members watch from the second floor as The Sean McKee Band performs at Rum Boogie Cafe in the first round of the quarterfinals during the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis on Jan. 17.
Audience members watch from the second floor as The Sean McKee Band performs at Rum Boogie Cafe in the first round of the quarterfinals during the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis on Jan. 17.

182 Beale St.; facebook.com/RumBoogieCafe

Another great choice on Beale, Rum Boogie Cafe is a staple of the area. Rum Boogie is undoubtedly a great place to listen to live music, which is played all week long. Take a look at Rum Boogie's collection of more than 200 autographed guitars from performers like Elvis and Bon Jovi, alongside other memorabilia. When you’re done admiring the collection, try the seafood gumbo, a two-time winner of the International Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival in Memphis, as well the usual catfish, ribs and pork shoulder.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What the best places to visit on Beale Street during March Madness?

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