I read other peoples' reviews of Beale Street before writing my own. And I must agree with everyone. It is a "baby bourbon", or as I was thinking...a "poor man's bourbon street". It's not nearly as big as Bourbon Street. Beale Street is only 3-4 blocks long. It's got the music, bars, eateries, nightlife...the streets are open to walk. It's very lively as you can imagine. When I visited with my father, there was a small park having a concert with live music. There were benches to sit down on and relax and listen to the music. We spent 1-2 hours hanging out, taking pictures, and walking around. Beale Street was a memorable visit and I'm glad I got to experience it. If you are visiting Memphis, absolutely stop on Beale Street to hang out for a little bit. It's worthwhile along with Elvis and Graceland. read more

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Being over 40, I prefer Beale Street in the daylight. However, we had teenagers with us who were dying to see the street light up at night, so that's what we did. Seeing as we had two minors with us, it wasn't like we could go into any of the bars, but it was nice to see most places have walk-up windows to order a beer to go. I really enjoyed the murals and street art during our trek up and down the street. We bought a lot of candy and sodas and mostly just people watched. If you're travelling with a family, Beale Street is a place to go if you have an hour to kill. Nothing more though. read more

I was not able to come here in the evening so this is a Saturday morning review. Nothing was open yet of course but I took a look around and there's not too much to see here. Some restaurants, bars, shops but a lot of them look permanently closed down. Right outside of Beale St is pretty ghetto on one side, and then there are a few stadiums on the other side of it. I'd have to check it out at night but seems underwhelming compared to the French Quarter and Broadway St. read more

A neat town to visit! Loved the jazz atmosphere. I was nervous about the reviews complaining about aggressive panhandlers, but we just stayed in the higher traffic areas. On Friday night we saw one get up in the face of a tourist, but a cop was pretty quick to redirect him. Not a huge area but great for a weekend of fun. Clean and every establishment had the friendliest staff! read more

First time here, don't feel the need to come back. If you've never been here, it's like Fremont Street in Las Vegas, except with more of a vomit smell. It's something that you can say you've visited but that's about it. There is a lot of neon lights and very over priced bars and shops, but that isn't a surprise. You can walk up and down Beale Street and see the lights but you will also be asked for money from homeless people. After seeing the sights, I would suggest checking out some other areas for cheaper drinks and less vomit smell read more

So excited to go here. Was interesting, and no lack of bars and music clubs. Shopping was not that great. There were charity races going on. Fun but not life shattering. But I've been here...done that. Didn't buy a tee shirt, but some of them were funny. read more

Beale Street - Elvis was everywhere - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Beale street is no bourbon but there lots of great music and on a warm summers day I'm sure it's jam packed not like the cold night in April we went. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We were super excited to witness Beale Street! All I have to say is do not go if you are a bachelorette group or a group of young girls, or women! Not safe! Especially on the outside of the security areas. We were terrified waiting for an Uber.... read more

Came in this area on a Friday night. Parked nearby and arrived during still daylight to go to dinner at dyer's burgers (did five star review separately). After dinner it was dark outside reminding me of going to Hollywood or Vegas to people watching. There were cigarette smoking allowed too near of doorway to the place so I smelled second hand smoke the whole meal be warned. Didn't see much handicapping access, healthy selection, kid or pet friendly or kosher foods. I were told by the guards to either finished my Diet Coke in my disposable cup or throw it away because these are not allowed outside the street. Didn't know that neither so also be warned I guess on weekends. Nice to also watch inside clubs including Coyote Ugly. Hope to come again when I have more time to people watch which is interesting. read more

I didn't get to visit last time I was Memphis, so I came out to just check out the vibe this time. Beale Street has live music blaring from tons of the joints down the way. The signs light up and this would be a kicking place to drink, but probably also very crowded with tourists. There are souvenir shops, some restaurants, and obviously bars. I didn't stay long, but I just walked down and back where they closed off the street to take pictures. Nice that it's blocked off so you can walk around and cross without worrying. read more

Beale Street - Beale Street on a cloudy day - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

It was a great experience I would recommend taking a walk through the area. It's a party place for sure. Check out the entertainment and music. read more

Everyone knows that the blues city cafe is a good restaurant for ribs, but you have to, at least a cup, to try the gumbo. The gumbo is soooo delicious. The ribs are good, the coleslaw is fresh, the beans are great. But for me the gumbo got the 5 stars. There is a bar on the back with some tvs to watch sports. I decided to stay in the restaurant and drank some sweetened ice tea that gave the food the perfect flavor. I have the apple dumplings with ice cream, but didn't like it to much. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Beale street is everything Bouborn street is but in Memphis, stores, restaurants and souvenirs shops; Yup even the beads. I happened to be there for the Christmas parade and sure enough they were throwing beads. read more

Loved Beale Street. Was very excited to learn that the bars give you drinks to go. Was comforting to see a police presence as well. Felt less trashy than Bourbon Street. I know it's much smaller than Bourbon but I've been on Bourbon so many times, it lost its appeal long ago. Bunch of fun bars and souvenir shops. I like Silky O'Sullivans (goats in the back) and Absinthe for drinks and Dyer's for food. read more

BBQ & Blues! Beale Street is the main hangout spot in Memphis. It's lined with bars, blues halls, live music venues, and barbecue joints. As you walk down the street, the sweet smell of sweet BBQ sauce and ribs comes wafting from all the restaurants. You'll find a bunch of places to chow down on the famous Memphis style ribs here. There's lots of places to go bar hopping up and down this street, most of the places have live music on a weekend night, but many of them charge cover. There's a bunch of souvenir shops selling Elvis wares and Memphis t-shirts and knockoffs of the Sun Records shirts. You'll be sure to find all your stuff to take back home here. Be sure to pick up some authentic barbecue sauce. I felt safe cruising up and down this street. There's a lot of barkers who stand out in front of the bars announcing the drink specials, and they keep an eye on the activity on the sidewalk. Plus, there's always plenty of cops out here to keep things in check. It's well lit, and I was able to find parking a few blocks away. read more

Nice place to come and have some live fun! Plenty of fun food and liquor. Just wear tennis shoes and come have a good time!

"Walking in Memphis.-walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale". That's what I was singing when I was here! Night time is the best time (for adults) but come early to get into places. Neon signs, great music that you can hear coming out of the bars, lots of live bands, street performers, the smell of Memphis BBQ and just a stones throw from the Peabody but take a cab back at night. It feels pretty safe too, not scary or smelly like Bourbon Street in New Orleans-Don't miss it. read more

I love this place during the day. Weekend or weekday but especially on a weekend day. There is always so much to see and do. The bars and restaurants are all at least decent for an afternoon late lunch with a few drinks while hanging out with some fiends. There are a lot of different things to see nearby. The Peabody, FedEx Forum, AutoZone Park, the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum, Tom Lee Park, etc, I could keep on naming different places all within a decent walk. This is definitely one of the places that goes on my Memphis Must Visit List. I will admit that I have never been here on a weekend night and truthfully, I don't plan on it as I am not a big fan of rowdy drunk crowds. If you like a big party, go for it. Other than that. Don't miss out on a great day on Beale Street. read more

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Filled with the rich history of Memphis and continuous entertainment with the street performers, the plethora of bars and restaurants and the blaring of soulful live blues bands makes this a must visit! read more

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Not too many places left in the country like Beale St. a few short blocks of bars and restaurants, fluorescent signs, and souvenir shops. Ate at BB King's which has some of the best ribs in the country. Modest cover charge for live music. Service was fast and friendly. Walking Beale St on a slow Sunday evening with minimal police presence was somewhat sketchy. While browsing in a souvenir shop we were approached by some young thug who popped off at the mouth a bit for no special reason, but lost interest when he saw I wasn't intimidated. Enter a pack of loud, obnoxious "ladies" who wreaked of skunk, and thought nothing about stepping in front of you or not moving out of your way. As though they wanted us to say something. Lots of sketchy characters hanging around Beale at night, but probably a better experience on busier weeekend nights. We were here when things were winding down and half the shops were closed. In all it is a must see if you are in Memphis. read more

I dont live here - I visit - and thats why I come to beale street. Memphis in May = music and BBQ. Wednesdays on Beale, if you own a motorcycle and live in this area or are on your way through, chances are I will see you on the street showing off your iron. Live music, food, booze, trinkets all over the place - and some fantastic people watching. For example, we were sitting outside yesterday and this little boy (he was 10, we asked) was doing flips up and down the block and collecting money from tourists. Did we give him money? Of course we did, we like to participate in a thriving economy. Were we entertained? Why sure, he was a cute little kid. Would we do that if we lived here? Probably not. But its a nice, clean street. Well maintained, a lot of famous or well known spots to hit up, the police presence is there, the people working on beale are all incredibly friendly - and honestly, where else can I go at 9 am to get grits cooked in chicken fat, drink a beer, and listen to someone playing jazz - for 3 dollars? Not in New York, thats for damn sure. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I am a Memphis local. I love Beale. Sure I don't go here a ton. And sure I scoff at people when they suggest we go here regularly. But in all honesty, I am proud of Beale. I has won awards. It is always bumping and active: live music, open carry, flippers, basketball fans... I always take friends from out of town here. Be proud of your city! read more

This is a short street full of interesting restaurants. Many of them offer live music. There are street performers who often do backflips or blow bubbles in the street. It's family friendly during the day. read more

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Lots of fun people watching with the family with this stop on our road trip. We came during the afternoon so the party crowd wasn't on full swing yet. And no worries because they also enforce a curfew within Beale street for age. We did some fun tourist shopping and had a fun lunch with love music playing. Our youngest loved the tumbling act that was street performing that afternoon. They were amazing!!! And super friendly to the kiddos!! This is another place that we have marked for another return when we don't have any kids with us. Perhaps a full weekend trip with other adults. Woo hoo read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Love Love LOVE Beale Street!!! Certain things you have to just experience for yourself...this is one of those things! If you have ever been to New Orleans bourbon street where there is a bars and clubs literally right next to each other then you know what i'm talking about. Now its no where near the cluster and caos New Orleans offers but being able to walk the strip with alcohol stumbling from bars filled with live music and other drunk locals, visitors or whatever their reason for being there is an adventure within itself. Trust me...check it out! use your trusty Yelp app to find bars and spots off Beale Street you can partake in. Advise if your visiting Memphis to find a place downtown within walking distance! read more

Beale Street can be a delight depending on where you choose to hang out. Fortunately, we chose Alfred's and we made an excellent decision. There were several places that seemed appealing, but this one caught my eye and ended up having a great live band with an amazing special guest. In addition, it was able to accommodate our party of 15 easily. If you love live music, alcohol and people watching, you'll find Beale St appealing. However, if you don't like crowds and loud music this may not be the place for you. I think everyone should experience Beale St while in Memphis, but it doesn't compare to Bourbon St in New Orleans. It's significantly smaller with a completely different vibe. It's a great place for a large group that knows how to have a good time. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

What can you say about this historic site? Blues, barbeque and fun! I was on Memphis for my 45th Class Reunion, took a rare sighting trolley there and walked back twice! The music and parties at night are insane the lunch spots during are more relaxing with live entertainment. Soo much to see, so little time! read more

Honestly, I wasn't super impressed. The "music" scene here was subpar. Most of the bars just play club music anyway. Atleast I can say that I've been here but I probably won't be back. Save your $$ and go to New Orleans! read more

This is authentic- non mainstream old, rustic good times with great people. We went to a few bars/restaurants and had a great experience. If you like live music, meeting people and good energy this is a great place to visit. read more

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Welp, I been there and done that. WTH! I had no idea that Memphis was so much fun. Beale Street is everything they say it is and more. Music bellowing from every crack and crevice along the street. People meandering and stumbling along the street enjoying the tunes. I loved the energy! I loved the food! I loved the Cigars. I loved the people! my Return FActor is 100% read more

I'm surprised at how small Beale Street actually is! Regardless, it's still an awesome and upbeat place. There is a bunch of cool music bars and restaurants. It's quite touristy because they have a bunch of little souvenir shops here and there, but it definitely doesn't take away from the chill and local vibe Beale Street gives out. I went there when it was raining, so it was definitely less crowded, but that didn't mean it wasn't as upbeat. Man, people there know how to unwind and party! I wish I had stayed in Memphis longer so I could experience it all. Definitely a cool place to check out with a few 21+ friends for a weekend (or night, whatever floats your boat). The souvenir shops are pricy ($4 for a can of Monster? Holy crap!!) and the sales tax is pretty crazy (9.25% wow), but hey, it's worth the experience. I'm going to have to come back here for a different kind of experience. Can't wait! Definitely recommending. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

So we came to Memphis for a weekend. We came to Beale Street 3 times. First time we came was a Friday night, wasn't crowded. Only one bar had a coverage charge. That was BB Kings. We went in a couple places and had some drinks. Drinks were quick to get. Listened to some music. Guy was playing Johnny Cash so that was cool. They are a decent amount of homeless people Begging. Some are aggressive. Saturday when we came you had to go through security check point. It was pretty crowded. We just walked for a bit and then headed back to the hotel. Sunday we went back for a walk during the day and it was empty. It did smell like trash from the night before. Our favorite time was the Gay Pride Parade. We happened to be here for this and it was so much fun. Streets were barrier off. So much fun. Great energy. We have been to Bourbon Street in Louisiana New Orleans. Beale Street doesn't compare. Overall we had a good time but wouldn't say we would come back to Memphis. read more

If you ever been to New Orleans, it's known for the culture, food, and Bourbon Street. Bourbon street is just a ton of intoxicated people with a variety of music and food that getting more intriguing the longer you stay. If your a people watcher this place is a full lineup of comedy. So this place is the opposite in terms of smell, cleanliness, food choices, and overall atmosphere! This is completely better than New Orleans. Beale street has the Music (AMAZING TALENT), Food (mouth watering, and atmosphere! I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Some places were reminiscent of Bourbon street but overall Great TIME!!! read more

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It still amazes me that "Beale Street" is recognized around the globe. Everyone wants to come to Memphis & be immersed in Music & BBQ. Indeed it is a one-of-a-kind experience that can make your soul soar. Don't expect Bourbon St. It's not a copy & the vibe is unique. Enjoy it for what it is. Come early & get a prime spot inside ~ the Blues beat can take you away & enthrall your spirit. read more

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I came to Beale Street on a Wednesday night which is Bike Night and it's definitely worth visiting if you love motorcycles. Being that I have owned and ride them I enjoyed checking out all the bikes that came out. The music was great and lots of drinking to be had on this street, you don't even have to go in an establishment to get a drink, they have walk up windows to accommodate you. By far some of the best people watching around, the drinks are strong and I didn't notice anything overly priced. I have tried some of the food at the restaurants on Beale but I prefer to go elsewhere for eating, this street is just for drinking and music. It's easy to park nearby on the street and walk over or in one of the many garages nearby. read more

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We came to Beale Street just because we were already in the area exploring. Since we came around the middle of the day on a weekday, there wasn't much going on at the block save for a couple or three street performers. The block is paved with jazz bars and eateries including the Dyers Burgers which boasts as the best in town and serving burgers fried in 50 + years old oil- we didn't even think of trying that one...hehehe... not too heart-friendly if you ask me. There were neon signs everywhere but of course we weren't able to fully appreciate the view since it was still daytime. The place reminds me of Fremont St in Vegas sans the casinos. There were a couple of police cars and a barricade to prevent cars from driving into the street which clues one in that it might be chaotic at night. Aside from the eateries and restaurants, there were a few souvenir shops as well selling memorabilia. Overall, stopping at Beale St. wasn't a bad experience and will go in my book as having had the opportunity to visit it. read more

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A go-to spot if you are in the area. Came here for NYE for the guitar drop. If you come for NYE make sure you bundle up. I'm from Texas and I was not prepared for the cold AT ALL!!! Once you get going on the shots and alcohol, the cold isn't really a factor. I came back in July for a family reunion. It was hot, but it is summer. Went back to Beale Street and went into a club and walked all down the strip. Good drinks and turnt up for sure if you come at night and the weekends. read more

Beale Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Perhaps I'm just too old, but I wasn't all that impressed with Beale Street. It struck me as a Bourbon Street wannabe with Memphis soul music. There are a couple of blocks, blocked off from traffic where people can wander with drinks and listen to music blasting. A few touristy places. Not great dining options. read more

It was our first time to Memphis and this was one of thing to do on our list. We had a great time walking around looking at all the historic markers. How the Blues got started. Walked around, went in out of the store just to look. Almost every restaurant or bar had a band playing there was good blues music playing and very talented singers. Bought a few T-shirts and some things to take back with me. read more

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the area is historic for many reasons. i've been here the past two years & i went during the southern heritage classic recently. they have so many bars, restaurants & more to choose from. it's one of those areas that if you're visiting, you'd definitely visit multiple times before you leave b/c there's SO much to do there. i'd go mainly for the restaurants & bars for the most part. they do have a few stores for sight seeing, also the lorraine motel in close by as well. most importantly, wear your tennis shoes, it's all on one strip. read more

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