Pregame Guide: Where to Eat, Drink, and Party before a Grizzlies Game
Basketball season is back in the 901, and before you step inside FedExForum to cheer on the Grizzlies, take some time to explore downtown. Hit up these local favorites for pregame fun, food, and drinks.
Basketball season is back in the 901, and before you step inside FedExForum to cheer on the Grizzlies, take some time to explore downtown. Hit up these local favorites for pregame fun, food, and drinks.
From bars and restaurants to exclusive deals, this guide has everything you need to elevate your game day experience. And these spots aren’t just for Grizzlies games—they’re perfect for Memphis Tigers basketball or concert nights, too.
For away games, consult our guide to bars and restaurants to watch the games at.

But first.. where to park
But first.. where to park
Contrary to the narrative, parking downtown isn’t awful like it’s made out to be. There are a ton of parking garages within walking distance of FedExForum starting with the new Mobility Center at 60 Beale Street. But hey, we get it.. paying for parking isn't fun but it could be a lot worse. Take a look at what it costs to park at a Clippers game.
To make parking easier, the Downtown Memphis Commission maps out garages in all of downtown and you can narrow them down to close proximity to Beale Street here.
Downtown has a lot of great spots to hit before the game. We narrowed this list down to walkable spots so that you can park the car and then hit these spots for some pregame fun.
For those looking to hit Beale Street
*Really all spots are good spots to hit on Beale with big drinks and close proximity to the arena
Alfred's
The rooftop patio is the perfect spot to hang before heading inside. Every Grizzlies home game (& Tigers!), they offer a $4 domestic beer bottles two hours before and two hours after the game.
BB King's + Itta Bena
Enjoy some drinks, Southern food, and great live music every night at BB Kings. Want something a little more formal? Head upstairs to their speakeasy restaurant Itta Bena for an elevated dining experience. There is a small bar too if you want to do a quick stop for a drink. For BB Kings, if you show your Memphis Tigers or Grizzlies ticket, you get free cover!
Blues City Cafe
One of the best spots to eat--not just on Beale! It may look busy but they are quick! The gumbo cheese fries are life but they're also known for their great ribs, fried catfish, and tamales. Open late too for post-game.
Ghost River Brewing Co.
There’s plenty of beer to go around with two downtown locations. You’ll likely want to hit the closer of the two at their Beale Street spot. The outdoor space is truly one of the best in the city with a live music stage and a covered treehouse with TVs. I’ve been known to hang out here after tip off waiting for ticket prices to drop before heading into the stadium.
Silky O’Sullivans
With its location across the street from FedExForum and huge patio and indoor space, it’s no surprise Silky’s is one of THE spots to hit before a game. It helps that the jumbo beers don’t cost that much either.
For those looking for pre-game cocktails
Amelia Gene’s
Hit the bar that now opens at 4:30 p.m. There’s plenty of time for some elevated cocktails and bites. Let them know you’re heading to the game and they can get you in and out.
Bar Hustle
Pop into the Arrive Hotel for cocktails at this delicious sidebar. We highly recommend ordering one of their pizzas to pair with it. Generally, not too crowded, so great for those in a hurry.
BarWare
For more laid back vibes with tasty cocktails, hit BarWare. They have great apps and small plates for those looking for a quick bite too.
Beck & Call
Head up to the rooftop at Beck & Call for the ultimate rooftop vibes. With a great indoor and outdoor space, this is perfect no matter the weather. You can also pop-in to their lobby bar or head next door to Talk Shop.
Belle Tavern
My favorite hidden alleyway bar. Belle Tavern has a great daily happy hour and is the spot for a good old fashioned.
Catherine & Mary’s
This downtown favorite has a long spacious bar that’s perfect to stop in to. Order one of their legendary espresso martinis for those late night games.
The Lobbyist
For a pregame pop-in, The Lobbyist has a beautiful patio space with ample seating. The patio and bar both offer happy hour and bar bites deals. They’ll have the games on the patio too.
Old Dominick Distillery
Memphis’ distillery is too often slept on as a great place to get cocktails at their large wraparound bar. The cocktail prices are some of the best in downtown too. Old Dominick offers happy hour pricing for guests who show their Grizzlies tickets on gameday (this also applies for Redbirds and 901FC games). You can only get happy hour pricing if the game day ticket is for the same day you are at the bar.
Peabody Corner Bar
Knock out a visit to the historic Peabody Hotel and a great happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
For those that love craft beer
Flying Saucer
One of the most expansive craft beer lists in the city and close to the stadium. Happy hour is daily 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 drafts. Monday nights happy hour is all night.
Memphis Filling Station
The newest taproom in downtown, MFS has laid back neighborhood vibes and beers for everyone. Haven’t checked them out yet? They just won CY Beerfest’s best brewery for the second year in a row.
Wiseacre Brewing Co.
With Little Bettie often offering pizza by slices and a plethora of good beers, Wiseacre’s downtown location has become a lively pregame spot. For all home games, they'll have $1 off select pints and Little Bettie will have $7 slices.
For those looking for sports bar vibes
Bardog (21+)
You know it, you love it. Bardog is the spot for laid back vibes, good eats and drinks. If upstairs is busy–just head downstairs to the Underdog.
Birdie’s (21+)
It may be a golf bar but it’s a sports bar at its heart. Get some swings in before the game or enjoy a cocktail or beer at the bar of this welcoming spot in South Main.
Max’s Sports Bar (21+)
The unofficial spots HQ of South Main and downtown for affordable drinks and all TVs dedicated to playing games. Need a quick bite before heading to the game too? Cop one of their hot dogs.
The Green Beetle
Memphis’ oldest tavern is always a good spot to stop in for a beer or drink. Limited bar seating but tons of TVs inside. The outdoor patio is a great laidback spot too.
Local on Main
Back open and reserve to serve you some cold ones before hitting the game. Local has a lot of bar seating and isn’t too crowded for an easy pop-in. Great little outdoor patio with TVs too.
Slider Inn
Every home game you can get $1 off your drinks if you’re heading to the game. Just show your ticket! Between two indoor bars and two patio spaces, you’ll never have an issue finding a spot to sit here on your way to the game.
For those looking for a pregame vibe
Davinichi’s
They always have a lot of good deals and discounts and the music is bumping. Keep an eye out on their Instagram for deals and happenings.
Esco Restaurant & Tapas (21+)
Located across from FedExForum, Esco is the spot for pregame and postgame fun. DJs, cocktails, hookah, and a lot of great food. Happy hour is weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. They're also the official post game spot for the Memphis Grizzlies.
WKND Hangout (21+)
This urban upscale lounge recently underwent a mini makeover making the vibes that much better. Another great spot for music, cocktails, food, and hookah.
For those looking for good eats
Aldo’s Pizza Pies
Sit on their spacious patio or barside and enjoy some pizza or calzones. The nice thing about pizzas, other than being the best food group, is they’re often quick to come out of the kitchen if you’re in a hurry.
Central BBQ
Wings and bbq nachos sound like the perfect pregame meal to me. The food comes out quick and there is always a lot of seating available.
Good Fortune Co.
Chow on their GFC wings or dumplings (we’re partial to the crawfish dumplings) if you’re in a hurry. Good Fortune Co. gets busy but the food comes out quick to keep it moving. Also, a great spot for a cocktail!
Gus Fried Chicken
We can’t say what you don’t already know. Gus Fried Chicken always hits the spot and generally is quick. If there’s a wait and you have the time, head over to Old Dominick across the street while you wait for your table and enjoy a cocktail. You can also order it to go and eat it at OD too.
The Majestic Grille
They offer a range of food items if you’re looking for a more casual bite like their signature flatbreads or hand cut steaks if you’re looking for something a little nicer. They have both a spacious bar, patio, and mezzanine so the seating is ample. Make a resy if you can.
Margies 901 Homemade Ice Cream
Good eats? How about a sweet treat! This family-owned and operated ice cream shop offers a variety of flavors, and different treats for all ages. Enjoy 10% off your order when you present your game day ticket on days the Grizzles play.
Rendezvous
It may be the most popular menu item at FedExForum but why wait until you’re in the arena to order their famous bbq nachos. Rendezvous has service down to an artform and they keep it moving. You should have no issue making the game on time.
For those who love a good happy hour
The Greyhound
Located at Hilton Garden, this cocktail bar. Happy hour runs 5pm to 7pm daily with 1/2 off appetizers, $6 draft beers, $5 house wines and $5 house cocktails.
Kooky Canuck
Casual Southern-inspired with a Canadian twist restaurant. They also have a great long bar with a lot of seating plus great drink specials every day of the week. Weekday happy hour is especially good with: Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm $2.50 Beer, wine & well drinks. $5. Appetizer specials. 1/2 price 34oz kooky specialty drinks on Tuesdays.
Additional Grizzlies Deals
National Civil Rights Museum
Grizzlies Fan Special Offer - Show us your digital or printed Grizzlies home game ticket or receipt and receive $2 off your museum admission prices during the regular season. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Offer expires April 20, 2025.
Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
Free admission day of with proof of Memphis Grizzlies ticket.
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