South Main Arts District - Memphis Guide

I have lived in Memphis my entire life. I remember when I graduated high school in 2012, my dad took me to South Main and it was virtually empty besides Green Beetle, Earnestine & Hazel’s, and Arcade…

If you visit now, you will be flabbergasted at how vibrant this little corner of Memphis is. It is thriving and is probably my favorite part of the city to play.

Initially, I was going to write this as “A Day on South Main,” but quickly realized… there is just so much to do on this one little street.

Wings at Good Fortune Co.

Things to do

My number one recommendation on South Main is the National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel, the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, this museum tracks the history, heritage, and culture of Black Americans from the slave trade through the Black Lives Matter movement. I spent 4 hours during my first visit here and it is truly one of my favorite museums I’ve ever visited. It’s also a Smithsonian Affiliate, so you know it is well-done. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for children, and $16 for seniors.

Listening Room at Eight & Sand is a great vibe for late nights, date nights, and music lovers. Eight & Sand is a bar within the Central Station hotel and train station. They have music playing nonstop - all connected to Memphis in someway. Their listening room is also quite an experience. “Experience what it’s like to hear music as it is intended to be heard. With every detail from the shape of the room, to the acoustical ceiling and walls, to the placement of the furniture and speakers, prepare for an educational audio experience like no other. Your moment of discovery awaits in The Central Station’s private listening studio.”

The Downtown Farmers Market is also such a great Saturday morning activity. Neal goes almost every Saturday to grab a breakfast burrito and will sometimes bring me flowers :) They have great local vendors for produce, meat, flowers, food trucks, etc.

Malco Powerhouse is my favorite theater in Memphis. Fitted with a full bar, barbecue nachos, and your typical movie theater offerings, I love walking from Neal’s apartment to this cozy theater.

If you love to dance, check out the $12 Salsa and Bachata lessons at Rumba Room. Neal and I did the Salsa lessons and had an absolute blast! They also have a full bar and food menu.

Dancing at Earnestine & Hazel’s during Trolley Night

Trolley Night is the best time on South Main! On the last Friday of every month, all of the shops, bars, restaurants, and art galleries open their doors and offer discounts, live performances, and more for this monthly street festival. We try to make a point to go every month as it really is so much fun.

Big River Crossing is technically off South Main, since it is a walking bridge that crosses the Mississippi River over into Arkansas; however, it is a great activity for the entire family.

View from Big River Crossing

Where to Eat

This is so hard to narrow down because I usually never have a bad meal on South Main… These are in no particular order:

Grecian Gourmet is a family-run gem on South Main. I love their lamb gyro, Greek salad, and Avgolemono (lemon, chicken, and orzo soup) in the cold months. Their house-made sangria is also such a treat. I’m embarrassed to say how often I eat here :)

If you visit Slider Inn Downtown on the weekend, and don’t see me, I’m either on my deathbed or out of town lol. Their Jameson Slushies are probably in my top 3 favorite cocktails ever. The majority of their menu is filled with slider options - and all are great. I love their Original Memphis and the falafel. They have great wings, and a decent vegan/vegetarian menu, as well!

The Vault is so underrated! I love their cheese curds and their salmon. The drinks are also really well done! They have quite a lot of seating both downstairs and upstairs - and each booth has its own TV - great for game day!

Good Fortune Co. is new-ish to the street and is already becoming a staple. I personally don’t eat wings, but I’ve heard from numerous people that they are the best in the city of Memphis… which is high praise! I love their Big City ramen, pork dumplings, and edamame. Everything is made from scratch and made to eat in the restaurant fresh, so you can’t get it to-go. However, the ambience and 1990-2010s rap music makes it so enjoyable.

Bishop is Neal’s favorite nice restaurant in Memphis. It is my second favorite, only because I deeply love the next restaurant on this list. I have never had a bad experience, meal, or drink here. We love the beef bourguignon, onion soup, and seasonal cocktails. I’d highly recommend coming here for dinner, then having a nightcap at the listening room or Eight & Sand next door :)

Catherine & Mary’s is my favorite restaurant in the United States. The entire restaurant group (Enjoy AM) is just phenomenal. I’ve been to every.single.restaurant of theirs - including the one in New Orleans (Josephine Estelle). Their main menu changes seasonally, however, their pasta is what keeps me coming back. Freshly made noodles and sauces, this place is just truly incredible. I get their rigatoni and lumache. Also, be sure to ask for their espresso martini (ideally from Lili or Zack as they are some of the best bartenders in the city!). If I were on death row, this would be my final meal.

Where to Drink

While Longshot also could fit under What to Do and Where to Eat, their bar really is something special. Their martinis are great, I’ve heard their Manhattans are also delicious, and they have a wonderful craft beer selection. The middle of the entire bar has maybe 5 or 6 shuffleboard tables - which is fun and easy to play with one hand as your other will have your drink of choice in it :) I also have to recommend their birria tacos.

Eight & Sand has been mentioned twice already, but they also have great cocktails. I love the vibe in the seating area as the lights are down low, the music is always great, and there is usually enough room for a larger group to all sit together.

Neal and I love to bring board games to Wiseacre

Wiseacre Downtown is also technically off South Main, but this is definitely one of the more popular breweries in the city. I love their Tiny Bomb and Iruzu beers. Make sure to get a pizza from Little Bettie (my preferred pizza is the Table 55 - a somewhat spicy pepperoni) or the pretzel nuggets.

Finally, you need to end your night at Earnestine & Hazel’s. This iconic dive bar is one of the most haunted bars in America and truly feels like you’ve been transported in time. Live music on the weekends, and a haunted jukebox during the week - I’ve ended plenty of nights here. Fun fact: Neal and I had our first kiss underneath the ginkgo tree out front :)

Where to Shop and Stay

Details @ Central Station

There were only 2 hotels on South Main as of last year, but now there are 4! I have stayed at Central Station and Arrive and would honestly recommend those 2 over the 2 new ones (nothing against the other two - just not my vibe).

Arrive has Hustle & Dough in the lobby and they have the best sourdough you’ll ever eat in your life.

Central Station is a Hilton brand, which yall know I love. Both hotels are very clean, unique, and fun.

Stock & Belle is my favorite boutique in the city! The owner, Erika, is the coolest person on earth and you can tell she has thoughtfully looked over every piece she offers here.

Prima’s Bakery + Boutique is such a cute shop with some amazing pastries! Run by 2 cousins, this place is sure to brighten your day with their delicious cakes and bright clothing.