Memphis, TN: Beale Street Nightlife

Beale Street in Memphis, TN on a Saturday night couldn't be more alive with energy, music, food, and celebration. In many respects, it seemed much like Fremont Street in Las Vegas, with the same level of neon, street performers, live acts, and the mass of humanity.

But in Las Vegas, people expect sex and gambling, while in Memphis it's about music and food. And that dynamic plays a huge part in the spirit of Beale Street. People seem more friendly, more willing to talk, more courteous along the famed stretch of pavement. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is full of Californians, some of the meanest people on Earth, and somehow that adds to the animosity I've often found there.

Every bar and restaurant had live blues playing, and the smell of fried catfish and oysters wafted outdoors, catching my nose and turning my head.

The famed "Coyote Ugly Bar", depicted in the movie of the same name, however, seemed far removed from Beale Street, even though it's right there. No food, no live band, and mostly full of college aged white kids and fat guys riding Harley trikes, ordering up belly shots and hitting on the bartenders. And they music they play is 80's rock.

Every other establishment on Beale Street, however, was all about the Blues, the BBQ, and everything else that makes Memphis famous.

If you want to eat on Beale Street, go in the day time because most of the restaurants have live bands playing at night and will charge you a $5.00 cover. Or, you could try Johnny G's Creole Kitchen, which doesn't have live band.

Police presence is heavy on Beale Street, heavier than in Vegas. They barricade the street so that cars can't come in, and they frisk all people who enter. Get there before sundown if you don't want to get hasseled by the Man.

As for parking, use the nearby Parking Structures.  It's $10.00 all night, and late at night the attendant is usually gone, and you can slip your bike past the parking arm.

Restaurants with southern-style cooking on Beale Street

This couple complimented Sash on her looks, so we took their photo.

Inside Coyote Ugly Bar, Beale Street, Memphis

Sash dancing on the bar at Coyote Ugly

I thought about ordering one of these.

Sash doing her Sash-thing

Hard Rock Cafe was dead because they don't know how to make turnip greens and gumbo

People eating BBQ inside this place.

Cute girls in their cowboy boots

Highway getting lost in the crowd

Sash paid $5.00 to this gal for her photo, was it worth it?

Fried oysters and shrimp at Johnny G's Creole Kitchen, Beale Street.

Posted by Anonymous at 11:47 PM

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Labels: Tennessee

Location: Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA