There’s nothing that gets me through a long work week quite like the prospect of going to a good cocktail bar with my girls, having a drink, and taking in all the glorious moments and potential memories that come with it.

The cocktail bar is a time to get dressed up. It’s a time to let loose. It’s a time to be in the center of your city and enjoy yourself and your community with a wonderful ambiance, good playlist and the people who make it all feel special.

Here are some cocktail bars downtown that simply aren’t to be missed:

From historic mansions to boutique hideaways, these unique stays pair romance, comfort, and breakfast for an unforgettable getaway without leaving town.

When life’s leash is too short for travel, but the occasion calls for more than just dinner, sneak away to one of these authentic hotels for an indelible experience.

From legendary performers to Chicken S#!t Bingo, this honky tonk turned community hub keeps the soul of old Memphis alive with every show, story, and song.

I felt it the first time I walked into Hernando’s Hideaway. Bathed in dim lights of red, blue, and green, tiger print fabric on the ceiling and nods to Memphis history at every turn, it’s the kind of place that’ll have you feeling like it's Saturday night, even on a Sunday afternoon. 

As I took it all in, I was struck by a burning question. “Why didn’t somebody tell me about this place sooner?”

These venues don’t just host shows, they nurture Memphis’s music scene night after night.

I saw a reel the other day that inspired this post and reminded me just how real and raw Memphis’s local music scene is. We’ve got underground gems and more established spots that continue to uplift the city’s next big stars.

What does it mean to be on this list? These venues are consistently booking original local talent, sometimes nightly, and helping keep Memphis music alive and well.

Memphis’ newest hangout blends game show energy with living room comfort for the ultimate group gaming experience.

When’s the last time you belly-laughed your way through a game night with friends or family? A brand new spot in Overton Square is here to bring that joy back on a whole new level.

Use promo code 'ILoveMemphis' for 15% off now through August 30, 2025. 

It’s hot, you’re sweaty, and plain old water just isn’t cutting it. Enter the adult slushie, your frozen, boozy reward for surviving Memphis summer. 

Whether you’re into fruity daiquiris, frozen whiskey, or something a little fancy, we’ve rounded up the best spots around town to grab a grown-up frozen drink.

Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Downtown Memphis is officially hopping with the first-ever Downtown Brew Hop Week.

From June 9–15, Downtown Brew Hop features nine local taprooms and breweries are joining forces for a week packed with limited-edition beer releases, food pairings, live music, free Brew Bus transportation, workout classes, karaoke nights, and more.

The Edge District is on a roll lately, and the newest addition keeps the momentum going: Bar Limina, a cocktail-forward lounge with a focus on collaboration and good vibes.

Bar Limina is the kind of place that feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood for years, even though it’s brand new. It’s got that intentional vibe with every detail thought out, every element connected to the folks around it.

Get ready to turn up the volume and vibe out to the sounds of the city’s legendary hip-hop scene. Shangri-La Records is back with Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi: Season 2, and it’s all going down at B-Side in the Minglewood Hall complex starting this April.