I’ve traveled across these states over my life, but when my boyfriend took me to Beale Street in Memphis for a three-day weekend last year, it was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I loved it so much. I begged him to take me there again this year.
Being the amazing boyfriend that he is, he agreed. I am writing this after returning home last weekend from another three-day weekend on Beale Street. While I still feel like I need at least one more trip to experience it all (hint hint), I think I can pretty much grasp the highlights of things you have to do while you are there.
The first thing you need to do is listen to the blues, and there are endless choices for that while on Beale Street.
Silky O’Sullivan’s
One of my favorite places to do that is at Silky O’Sullivan’s. They have an outside sitting area that always has a band playing. You can listen to the blues while watching the goats run around. You heard me right, goats. Barbara Blue has been the headliner both times I’ve been here. We all know how much I love seeing a woman do her thing, and she is great. I haven’t been brave enough or thirsty enough, but if you are, their signature drink is called “The Diver.”
Favorite Food: I am a huge fan of oysters on the half shell. If you are, then you won’t find them better than here.
Check out Barbara Blues CD Fish in Dirty H2O.
B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill
No trip to Beale Street is complete unless you go to BB Kings at least one time. The first time here, we couldn’t get in at night because it was so packed, but we went in for lunch and fell in love. This trip was even better; we went in before the first band started playing and got a table. We heard Memphis Jones, who was fantastic. If you get a chance to see him anywhere, you definitely need to. He even told my brother, who kept dancing, that he had more “heart” than anyone else in the bar. Everything I’ve eaten here has been delicious.
Favorite Food: BBQ nachos and loaded tater tots.
Miss Polly’s Soul Cafe
Miss Polly’s Soul City Café. I love coming here simply because they are so friendly. The food is great too! They are known for their chicken and waffles. However, I can’t give my own food pick for this one, or my man will be disappointed. Each time we come here for breakfast, he gets the BBQ pork omelet. I spend half our breakfast with my fork in his plate, getting bites of it. If you’ve never had eggs with BBQ, you must come to try it.
Favorite Food: BBQ Pulled Pork Omelet (Breakfast) Fried Green Tomato Sandwich (Lunch)
Pearl’s Oyster Bar
While not directly on Beale Street (but close enough), you need to visit this place if you like seafood. Everything we had here was good, but as I’m writing this, I’m craving their char-broiled oysters. I could have sat there the rest of the night enjoying those delicious oysters!
Favorite Food: Charbroiled Oysters, of course!
Rum Boogie Cafe
The first time we came, we listened to Eric Hughes and fell in love with the place. Guitars hang from the ceiling, and it was a fun place to have drinks and listen to the Blues. This time, we went in, and a table in the back had just opened. They told us to head that way, and we did, only to get kicked out of the table by the waiter a few minutes later, telling us he had it reserved. He offered no other solution for us or wasn’t friendly about it at all, we left. While that always is a bummer, I wouldn’t hold it against the entire establishment. If I’m ever back, I will definitely come to visit Rum Boogie Café.
Favorite Food: Key Lime Pie and Gator Gumbo
While I did not eat any BBQ ribs on either trip, I questioned the locals where you can find the best ones. The Rendezvous and Blue City Street Café were the top two places we heard about. Guess my boyfriend will have to take me there one more time so I can try them out.
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