The atmosphere and food was just what we wanted here in Memphis. The band was amazing and rocked the house! Great experience! The bartender was a great part of the entertainment!! read more

Was with a friend traveling between job sites and happened upon Memphis, he knew just the place & being a weekend they were open until 3AM, good thing they were...we were starving! We both started off with a bowl of turnip greens oh they hit the spot! My friend order shrimp & steak and took 1/2 the steak home to his Lady it was a big steak! Because of dietary requirements I had fish & chicken they were delicious and even though as a younger man I enjoyed beef & pork I'm ok enjoying the chicken & fish these days. That was as far as I know the only time in my life of being in Memphis,TN and we even got to see a group of the National guard just before entering the restaurant, I bet they just got done eating and we're headed off to burn the calories. The waiter answered my menu questions and even made suggestions when aware of my situation concerning food, such nice wait staff and delicious food. Thanks to my friend treating us to a delicious meal. The ambiance was cool and the decorations were exciting too. read more

See all

This is my favorite spot for steak. Service is friendly and fast. Once when we were there we were able to catch a live show on stage . Their steaks are better than any 5 star restaurant hands down. The facility can have 3 different vibes at once. Sports bar, family restaurant and date night all at the same time.. every time we visit Memphis, this is a must. Is you like T-bone steak you will not be disappointed. read more

While traveling through Memphis on our way to another destination in Tennessee, we stopped at Blues City Café for a meal and it turned into a night to remember. This place perfectly captures the heart of Memphis with incredible food and live music that sets the tone for a lively, unforgettable evening. We started with the barbecue pork cheese fries, which were absolutely scrumptious a heavenly combination of cheesy, smoky goodness that's not to be missed. Next, we shared a rack of ribs, and they were everything ribs should be: tender, flavorful, and so good we found ourselves licking our fingers after every bite. The atmosphere is electric, thanks to the fantastic live music that fills the room. Blues City Café showcases local talent, and the music is so vibrant and energetic, it's hard not to find yourself swaying along. While the servers are extremely busy, they're hustling hard to keep up with the lively crowd. Give them some grace they're working hard to add to the overall great experience. If you're looking for delicious food, amazing music, and a true Memphis vibe, Blues City Café is the spot. It's not just a meal; it's an experience you'll be talking about long after you leave. Don't miss it! read more

Blues City Cafe - Pulled pork fries - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

It was great vibe very friendly staff order my food and it came quickly to me taste was good I love good hot and ready fish read more

Blues City Cafe - Catfish platter - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I love BBQ and I want to try all the best around. Stepping into Blues City BBQ on Beale Street feels like diving headfirst into the heart and soul of Memphis. The moment you walk in, the rich scent of hickory-smoked ribs wraps around you like a warm Southern welcome. The atmosphere hums with the energy of live blues music spilling from the Band Box next door, creating the perfect soundtrack to a meal that's as soulful as the city itself. I settled in with a full rack of ribs that were tender enough to fall off the bone but still packed a smoky punch that made every bite sing. The fried catfish was crispy and seasoned just right, pairing perfectly with the sides that tasted like they'd been cooked with a whole lot of love and tradition. Between bites, I caught myself soaking in the lively vibe--fellow diners chatting, musicians pouring their hearts out, and the buzz of Beale Street just outside. It's more than just barbecue here; it's an experience that captures the spirit of Memphis, one smoky, flavorful plate at a time. read more

Delicious food and great service! We had collard greens, seafood stuffed mushrooms, BBQ pork fries, garlic butter Cajun shrimp, ribs, catfish, Memphis strip steak, pork BBQ, potatoes and Texas toast. It was all so amazing! John Joe was the best server and so attentive. We will definitely be back! read more

Blues City Cafe - BBQ pork fries - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Great music playing and the food was tasty! Try the gumbo cheese fries, and ask for Shaq as your server; he made my daughter and I feel like we were royalty. read more

I called the day before going to find-out if the band performing as posted on website was an actual Mississippi Blues Band, they said Yes. I walked around Beal street for 2 hrs. to wait for the performancr. When I got there the Band was-not A Blues-Band, Very disappointed! read more

First time as an adult in Memphis. Of course had to hit Beale street and why not just hit the corner of it and start there. To be very honest the smell is what made us take that position. Blues City Cafe had the best smells on the block. We were originally seated at a booth but I noticed two seats at the bar and a stage where the band was getting sat up. Called an audible and made the second best decision for the night. Bartender was a one man show and ran a tight ship. Very colorful and hilarious!! After being told I could just holler hey asshole several times I discovered his name was Keith. If it was so busy in there Keith would be one to sit and listen to some stories about his 46 years as a bartender I'm sure! Keith was on point with his recommendations for food and we ended up splitting the dinner for 2 with a sausage add on. Coming from KC and loving a more spicy style bbq sauce the ribs are still legit. Perfectly cooked not competition style but literally fall off the bone tender with a great bark. A tad sweet for me but not a knock. Now everything that came with it was just as good. Likely the best catfish I've ever eaten! Great BBQ beans and I don't usually eat beans. Killer slaw recommend a hit of black pepper to cut the mayo a bit. Even the fries were good and I do not like steak fries. These were also perfect out side crispy and seasoned well per Keith I added some city Cafe dust their BBQ spice blend from a Shaker and they even got better. Prices were good especially when you factor in the speed they deliver the food and the absolute flavor with each item we had. Sausage was good but again just a little sweeter than I like. They had a good flavor profile and texture but I bet it was rolled in brown sugar or molasses when they sauced them for the final cook. We rounded out the night with several healthy poured drinks and listened to the "Rockin' 88s" again per Keith you're going to kick yourself if you leave before hearing them. They play there 7 to 11 at least every Monday night and so does Keith. Well worth your time to visit during that time. I understand Memphis has a bunch of great acts and singers but these fellas get after it!! And they take requests almost like a piano bar they didn't turn anyone down maybe a member had to step out but the keyboard player knew every song as well as the drummer. But dont sleep on the stand up bass or the guitar they are great at their craft and singing too. Excellent blend and songs I haven't heard in a long while. Added bonus the they take turns giving a bit of history about most of the songs they play. The nerd in me was very happy. Remember to bring some cash for band tips they do not charge a cover. We are back for business in a month I'm coming back here on Monday again and I will be getting the gumbo fries and side of catfish. Because that looked amazing and those who ordered it were very vocal on how good they were. Excellent job Keith, Rockin' 88s, and Blues City Cafe!!!! read more

See all

We came here for lunch on the weekend. I think it's the best time to go, not very busy and we got sat right away. Staff is very nice, there is a host stand right in the front. The inside was a typical dinner, not super fancy but they offer plenty of seating and there is a bar in the back of the restaurant. Now the food, hands down the best ribs and catfish we had in Memphis. We got the dinner for 2 and split everything, plenty of food we were stuffed after. We loved the ribs and the catfish was awesome, seasoned perfectly. I would say a must in Memphis when you are there. read more

Blues City Cafe - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

The chili cheese fries were tasty, though I prefer chili without beans. The ranch dressing was delicious and complemented the dish well. The sausage and cheese plate was flavorful, but I wasn't expecting the sausage to be served in barbecue sauce. While live music is usually available, there was none playing during our visit. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, consistently checking on our table. read more

See all

Oh my gosh .... I'm not a barbecue person.... BUT....This place was unbelievably delicious.... The ribs fell off the bone... the chicken tenders were the largest most tender chicken' I've ever had... the dessert was soooo good.... A definite must.... The servicer was very efficient and friendly.... read more

Blues City Cafe - Guess - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

This restaurant does a 5 stars. It is located in downtown Memphis. They customer service was great and friendly. The restaurant looks like a restaurant from the 70, very historical and clean. The ribs were falling off the bones. I had to eat them with a fork. It was definitely enough for two. I met 2 celebrity stars Golden Brooks from Girlfriends and Gary from the group Silk. I will be returning soon. read more

See all

Food came out in a flash, and the service was very kind. The ribs were the best I've ever had--tender, crispy ends, and good-tasting sauce. The potatoes were pretty dry, and the baked beans had too much sauce for my liking, but I loved the cole slaw. read more

Blues City Cafe - Half rack ribs meal with potatoes - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Omg this food was so tasty and cooked hot and fresh to order! My shrimp was huge!! Like amazing! Hubs loved his catfish as well. It was super busy so we were concerned about the service but was seated right away and our order was taken pretty quick. The service was a little of a wait for the food, but it was Lunchtime in downtown Memphis and def worth the wait. The ambiance is causal and is a bar in there too so you can hang there as well! Very nice and we will be taking our son up soon to eat there read more

See all

Big diner feel. Service is no-nonsense but not unfriendly, and they got the job done; the food was served super fast. We ordered seafood gumbo--very good flavor and filled with seafood, side of Texas toast; and 1/2 rack of ribs--fall off the bone, finger-licking yum, with delicious beans, regular coleslaw, fries, and Texas toast. Super filling! Good for all of the walking we did in Memphis. read more

Well the tour That Lady selected included a lunch. Well we ended up on a Beale Street corner at the Blues City Cafe. The Cafe showed its age with wear and tear. It obviously had been around for some time. and boast a limited menu. The lunch offerings were ribs,, chicken and catfish. We were directed to a dark rear room for the lunch, which obviously spent its nights as a club, replete with a small bar. When it came our turn we opted for catfish and local beer (amber for me and a lager That Lady). After a little wait our plate arrived. Hush Puppies, fries , two large chunks of Catfish and a roasted slice of bread. Well with the first bite of catfish, we were converts. It was absolutely delicious, light, flaky, sweet and right out of the fryer. Everything was marvelous delicious. read more

Blues City is a classic; we love it.. My husband and I go out of our way to drive down and get those gumbo fries. If you eat nothing else, try them! Overall, always a great experience. We have never had to wait as the restaurant sits A LOT of people. Servers are attentive and friendly. Food comes out fast. If we are going to be near Memphis, we will always detour for this. read more

See all

My family and I visited Memphis on a weekend getaway. We walked Beale street and decided to stop here for lunch. There is no indoor waiting. A small line was formed outside and the server seats parties once tables are available. The line moved fairly quickly. My party of 6 waited about 15 minutes. The restaurant was busy and packed. Our server was a nice young lady. We all got the ribs and one person had the fried fish. The portions are pretty big. The food didn't take long to come. While I've had better bbq, this wasn't bad. Nothing to write home about but it was filling and got the job done. Now my ribs were fatty under the bottom which I don't care for. The beans were pretty good and the fries were good as well. read more

See all

Stopped in for a late lunch. I had the Fried Shrimp Platter and will have to say it was the best fried Jumbo Shrimp I've ever had! The steak fries were abundant (couldn't finish them!). Boyfriend had the Chicken strips. He said they were good. read more

See all

This place was perfect as we were leaving the strip of Beale Street in Memphis. We were hungry after a few drinks and listening to bands so we ducked in here. They had several areas to choose from to sit; the dining room, the sports bar area, or the back area where the band was playing. The dining area was well lit where the other two areas had more of the dark bar vibe. We first went to the band area but it was a little crowded and a little loud, so we ended up sitting in the dining area. This area reminded me more of a diner than a bar. The waiter was super friendly and helpful, as I tend to ask questions at new restaurants. We ordered a bowl of gumbo, and the loaded chili cheese fries that came with onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. We shared both dishes and loved them. The gumbo was very tasty and the chili fries were perfectly messy and yummy. We will come back here to eat when we return to Memphis! read more

See all

Ella was delightful and fun, even though she had a million tables! But she handled it with style. A true Memphis gem! Skip the tourist BBQ spots and enjoy some amazing ribs. Plus, there's live music. So glad this was my choice for my one night in Memphis. read more

Super fast service. My meal was great and leftovers didn't even fit in a to-go box. Staff could have been friendlier. I got eyes rolled at me for asking questions about the menu. But, the food made up for it. read more

Blues City Cafe - Gumbo cheese fries - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Muy buen servicio! 100% Recomendable! La comida muy rica y el ambiente es muy bueno! read more

The place is neat enough inside and service was good on the day. They had the neon sign that said "chili and tamales"...so I had them: Tamales: These tamales have a sweet corn muffin casing. Never had them that way. I did eat all (3)) and I couldn't get used to this style of tamale. I like sweet corn muffins...but (not) as tamales (at all). Chili: the chili today was quite thin and watery base. The flavor wasn't too bad...and it's different...but I liked it well enough. May be an adobo chili powder being used, as there's a distinct front end taste that comes into your mouth, right off the bat. Almost a coffee flavor kinda. But, the chili wasn't too bad. read more

See all

My travels have finally taken me to Memphis, TN. I've been looking forward to hitting Beale Street for some BBq and music. I love the blues. Now I know there are places off the strip here that probably are amazing,, but you do have to watch where you are in Memphis... plus the places on Beale are legendary! I chose Blues Cuty Cafe. Immediately walking in, you are hit with blues music that fits the vibes of this BBQ establishment and area around it. I was sat immediately. The woman that sat me was very friendly. Unfortunately, this is where the service ended. I never had anyone come by to ask how the food was or refill my drink. I had to flag them down to pay the bill and get a box... after waiting 10 minutes. Now that the negative is out of the way, let's talk about why I came here! They have classic southern bbq choices... ribs, chicken, etc. sides include hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, greens, etc. I chose the half rack rib and breaded catfish platter. It comes with a side of coleslaw, hushpuppies, slice of buttery toast, fries, and baked beans. There is a side of tartar sauce for the catfish. I loved the coleslaw. I love vinegar based coleslaw over thick mayo loaded slaw. It was delicious! The baked beans were the thinner style. What I suspect was either molasses or brown sugar... or both exploded in my mouth! So good! The fries were crispy on the outside but not dried out at all in the inside... perfect, with really good seasoning. The ribs.... Wow! I could debone the whole rib slab by effortlessly pulling the bones out! In fact, I had to use a knife to cut each rib out if I wanted eat them on the bone... because the meat literally is so tender it slides right off. Perfection!!!! The Memphis bbq sauce was lathered on but not too thick. It complimented the charred exterior of the ribs perfectly. But here is the kicker about this place... I'm not a big catfish person, so I came for the ribs. Man.... The catfish stole the whole show!!!! The catfish isn't "fishy" at all. The breading was delicious, and it was greasy. Sometime the grease is overwhelming on deep fried fish. The fish was amazing! I'd come back just for that! Do not come here and pass on the fish. I guarantee you will be missing out! Overall, the food was 5 stars easily!! I'll be back next time I end up in Memphis for sure! The only ding against them was I was sat alone and I felt like an afterthought... maybe a little forgotten. I won't let that stop me from tasting this awesomeness again though!!!!! Check Blues City Cafe out!!!! read more

Blues City Cafe - One of THEE classic bbq joints on Beale Street! Been waiting to try their Memphis BBQ ribs and catfish! - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Blues City Cafe has been on my radar for a while, so I'm glad to check the box of this historic restaurant on Beale. Fantastic Memphis strip prepared medium with new potatoes. The steak was flavorful and juicy. read more

Blues City Cafe - Memphis strip - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My wife and I were traveling back from Chicago after our daughter's boot camp graduation and stopped in Memphis along the way. It was around 10:20 pm, and we were honestly just happy to find a place that was still open. I wish I could remember our server's name because she was incredible. She kept calling us "my dears," which made us feel right at home, and she even made me a Thin Mint shot (Rumple and Baileys). After a long day of traveling, that was exactly what I needed. We shared the ribs and the fried catfish plate, and both were outstanding. The ribs fell right off the bone -- tender, juicy, and not dry at all. The dry rub was great on its own, but the BBQ sauce paired perfectly and really enhanced the flavor. The meat could easily stand alone, but the sauce took it to that next level. My wife loved the catfish -- juicy inside with a perfectly crispy outside! She also enjoyed the hush puppies (I'm usually not a fan, but these were good). Overall, if you're in Memphis and want a great late-night meal, this is the spot. Great vibes, excellent service, and a welcome change from Chicago. Also grateful for the breakfast recommendation -- another win! read more

Visited Tennessee and was underwhelmed with the food until we got to Memphis and this place totally turned it all around. Ribs were amazing, Gumbo was FIRE, and catfish was perfect!! My only regret was we didn't get to try it all. The steaks and shrimp platter looked hella BOMB!!! I'd come back to Memphis just to eat her again. read more

Fried catfish was 5 stars! The chili and tamales were tasty and the service was outstanding. Food delivered very quickly. Decor is diner kitschy. read more

The place is rustic and mostly like a diner type atmosphere. Has a bar area and multiple eating areas. The food is okay. Not as good as you can get an average place. Probably because it is way too touristy. The service was not unfriendly but certainly not friendly. Recommend BB King's first if you're coming to the Beale Street. read more

Stopped here for lunch after the Memphis Music Hall of Fame... it was the perfect choice. Love the local beer selection... I had gumbo and collared greens and my husband had the brisket. Best meal of our trip. Great service, loved our waitress... wish I could remember her name. We visit Memphis for work annually and will make this an annual stop! read more

Our group of friends all in town visiting wanted to try as many things from as many places as we could over the weekend. This resulted in us ordering a lot of shared and/or small plates. At this cafe, I landed on the seafood stuffed mushrooms. They came in a piping hot skillet which kept them warm the entire time which was nice. However, I barely found any seafood in the stuffing. It seemed to be mostly cream cheese and a little seasoning. Two friends got the Cajun garlic shrimp and both gave mediocre reviews. The seafood gumbo fries the table adjacent to us received convinced one couple to order those but the order that came to them looked to be about half the size, and again, without much seafood. The cafe is just a standard cafe you'd find anywhere with furniture that is aging and not much cohesive decor. The server was very nice, and he did stay on top of refilling glasses; however, we had one party who needed a gluten free meal, and since nothing was marked GF or suggested options for making items GF, she asked the server. He basically told her the only real safe item would be a salad, so that's what she got. Later in the day, another couple we knew went in with another GF need, and their server gave them several options including the catfish. It was disappointing to hear that the staff aren't better trained on what they can offer for allergens. It was a mediocre meal for all and I am not sure we'd make a trip out of the way to eat there again. read more

Blues City Cafe - Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Shrimp was delish. Tamales not bad as group is from AZ. Loved the coleslaw. Waitress was the on the ball.

The ribs are amazing. We had the stuffed mushrooms, they are so good. Rib plate with coleslaw and beans are some of the best I have ever had. We had fries, and sprinkled the special seasoning on them, everything was amazing. I wish I could have saved enough room for the apple dumpling. I saw a neighbor table with it, looked good. read more

Great service the ambiance was awesome. Awesome greens , catfish, gumbo and chili/tamales. Who would have thought LOL.

I believe I had a cup of etouffee. It was small but delish. The ribs were outstanding. I could have eaten another slab! The sides were good, filling, tasty, all made on premises. There were seven of us and everyone enjoyed what they ate. Our server was an absolute pleasure, she put up with our shenanigans, she was knowledgeable, gave good recommendations, and we had fun with her. You can tell that the folks at Blue City Cafe really understand the dining and entertainment experience works together. read more

See all

Despite some high recommendations, this was a very disappointing meal. Gumbo was super salty, couldn't finish it. " worlds best" Tamales arrived within 1 minute of ordering, a red flag worth heeding. Dry and tasteless. Won't return. read more

If you asked me yesterday, I would have said I don't like ribs. Turns out I just haven't had good ones! I cleaned the ribs at Blues City Cafe and wanted more! Their restaurant has fun colorful window paintings outside, and inside it's larger than it appears. I went for "the best meal on Beale Street" because I wanted to try the ribs and catfish. It's a huge meal, and even though they sell a larger one for two people you could easily split one. The ribs were the star of the show- cooked perfectly, they really did fall off the bone. The sauce was amazing too. The catfish was great, but I'm a sucker for hush puppies, and theirs are fantastic. I also loved the boiled new potatoes. If I lived in Memphis I think I would gain 20 pounds because I would eat ribs from Blues City Cafe at least once a week! read more

Blues City Cafe - Exterior - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all