Great bourbon selection (with great prices), friendly bartenders, and a live band the night we were there. We arrived too late to grab a snack from the kitchen but would definitely return for more bourbon pours and a bite. read more

The Cove was an excellent stop on our trip. Low key dive bar feel on a hip side of town with lots of little stores, easy to park and walk around in the area. Stopped in for some oysters and cocktails. The oysters were on happy hour, $15/dozen-- which is not the best price but they were excellent! Clean, salty brine, shucked to perfection. The cocktails are priced around $7-$10+, but they were worth it. This hidden gem is definitely worth a visit. read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Let me start by saying that only Tom E could convince me to leave my warm, cozy house at 11:15 on a Tuesday night when I'm falling sleep...and go to a bar. And not only was I tired, but I was rockin' sweatpants, Uggs, a North Face jacket, no makeup, a ponytail, and glasses...let me put it another way...Evan, the bartender, who has met me twice before, mentioned later that he wasn't sure if it was me. Yikes. Definition of rough I guess...or hot mess. Anyways, I haven't been to the Cove in years and Tom is always raving about this place, plus I heard they have good oysters (which I'm a sucker for) so I finally bit the bullet and met him at 11:20. First impression? I couldn't believe how crowded this place was. I've always associated the Cove with a dive bar that survives on a few regulars. Well, I was wrong. This place is thriving and I caught the tail end of their trivia game. Most bars see a swarm of people leaving as soon as the game is over, but they all stuck around...I was impressed. Well, I was impressed until I realized their large quantities of cigarette smoke caused my eyes to burn and would also require me to take a shower before bed. But I digress, this place is cool. Real cool. And like others have said so often...it is a pirate bar with a ship inside. We all know how I feel about kitsch and themes...I was in love. I hadn't eaten dinner and was a little bit hungry so I ordered the raw oysters...and the rumors are true. They have some dynamite ones. Perfect with my two glasses of merlot. I was feeling pretty good with that warm feeling washing over me. Glancing at the menu made me hungrier and thirstier but I'll save that for another time or two. It will take quite awhile to get through their extensive drink menu. So why 4 stars instead of 5? The smoke. It made my eyes burn and after an hour and a half I couldn't take it anymore. Tom mentioned that the bar is normally empty when he goes and that there isn't smoke...but he arrives at like one in the morning and I'm in bed by then. No biggie but next time I'll definitely try to steer clear of the people smoking! read more

Came after work for a drink and some early dinner. It's the perfect dive bar, complete with classic crafted cocktails, unique menu choices, and warm, friendly staff serving the regulars sitting at the bar stools. We had the bruschetta trio, stoner pie, and Binghamton pizza. All were great! I especially love the sweet pickles on my pizza! Just to note - Wiseacre is on tap and there are quite a few specialty cocktakls to choose from- including $12 bottles of wine and $3.50 well drinks during happy hour - plus $14/dozen oysters. read more

The Cove - Hemingway Daiquiri - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great little bar in the former 'Beer Joint' location. They brought the 'pirate ship bar' from Anderton's East on Madison (bastards! I wanted it for my den). I guess I'll just have to visit it. Good selection of beers, a growing selection of spirits and a menu of munchies: pizza, shrimp cocktails, etc. I was there for a birthday party, so I was paying more attention to liquid refreshments than food. Great place! I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it - "As You Like It", Act 2, Scene 4 Update-They have Wednesday night special on oysters. If you dig shellfish, check it out! read more

Okay now I absolutely love this place. It's a pirate bar on broad street, just east of E. Parkway. They specialize in oysters and mix up some fantastic drinks as well. They have live bands of all kinds and, well...it's just a very cool place with an eclectic blend of patrons. But then, that's midtown, folks. Gotta love it. If you go, and if you're somewhat brave, ask the bartender to mix up his specialty. Whatever you end up with will be fantastic - and if it's Colby behind the bar, you can bet it will be strong! . read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Affordable & rare (Pimm's Cup!) drinks in portion-controlled glasses, friendly, laid-back bartenders (did not see any wait staff), intimate place to see a local band. The bar extends beyond the restrooms to a little patio in the back, making conversation possible even on band nights. Cover charges are always reasonable. I have not eaten the food, but this is not a gastropub, nor a place I'd plan to go for dinner. Strictly an after-dinner stop! Free parking available on Broad or on cross streets. read more

Currently at the Cove. Single black female dining alone. I have been overlooked by FOUR different people to serve the booth in front of me (sorry I forgot, a waiter came and threw two menus at me after I had to ASK for them even though I told him I was dining alone). I WAS HERE BEFORE THEM. I am currently getting up and walking out. I just wanted some oysters and a drink. Doubt if I'll EVER be coming back. Great job management. read more

Drinks - 4 or 5; spinach dip - 4; allowing dogs, especially barking ones - 1. Given that, regretfully I won't be back. I'm allergic to dogs and with several there shaking their dander and barking....no thanks read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Everyone should come to The Cove. I felt like I was in the belly of a ship ! It is so nice inside. I was there for cocktails and the wait staff really appreciates customers. I will definitely go back. read more

The Cove - Real nice happy hour ! . I'm here to meet a friend. Love the TV and it feels like I'm a pirate ! All the ship decor. Great wait staff too. - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Great hummus! I went here earlier this month to hang out, and was there when the Doors tribute band was playing. They were AWESOME!!! so talented. Loved the energy and the atmosphere in this place. Thanks guys! read more

One of my favorite places in town..and it doesn't hurt that we live so close. Their music nights and bartenders are great. I love that they play movies at the bar also. When you go, try the Old Fashioned..it's my favorite! read more

Im here to fact check, i previously worked in the kitchen at the cove and still visit all the time, the staff there is not racially bias and there are most definitely not rats or roaches there. I've known Mary since I've been to Memphis and she has become a work mom of mine. Its shameful for people to lie because they cant have there way read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Loved the atmosphere and the music that night was Great (Skritch?) Food and Service was good. we will be back.

I went to The Cove for a private party, and found it to be a very cool place. The ambiance is indeed dark and piratey. I like dark. I like pirates. I win. The food was buffet style for the special event, so I loaded up a plate with not wings, pizza and shrimp cocktails. The food was unbelievably flavorful and yummy. I've come not to expect much from bar food, so this was a nice surprise. The bartenders were very friendly and super quick. A great place for a party, and probably an awesome hang-out for those just looking to chill. read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Absolutely stellar cocktails from a very knowledgeable bar staff. Fun atmosphere and laid back. Great beer and spirits selection. Does include Miller High Life. read more

The Cove - Mezcal Old Fashion - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

If you're a whiskey fan, add this place to your must-visit list. They have an extensive whiskey selection. Among other drinks, my friends and I had manhattans and old fashioneds. Besides the many options of whiskeys, I loved that they used brandied cherries in their cocktails because let's face it: maraschino cherries are a sad appearance when you're drinking a great whiskey! The bartenders were skilled and attentive and super fun. My only wish would be that karaoke happened on Saturday - not just on Wednesdays. Oh, and did I mention that the bar is a ship? Yeah, that's pretty awesome too! read more

I visited this place on a Sunday evening after reading the reviews. I was looking for a real craft cocktail which is so hard to find in memphis. It was not packed at all but it seems the bartenders felt that way as it was hard to get attention/service. They had no personality or displayed any of the fun energy you expect at a bar which surprised me based on the reviews. Also my cocktail was not very craft. I noticed the have bottled mixes which "craft" cocktail places do not have. Needless to say it's not a place I would try again and would surely not recommend taking out of town guest. read more

Unbelievable drinks, awesome service and the best oysters I've ever had in Memphis!!! According to Mary, the owner, they are cold water oysters only! Absolute gem in Memphis!!! read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Cozy little local bar. Very good bartenders. Amazing drinks well made. Dog friendly. I had a glass of Blanton's which is hard to find. Worth checking out. read more

Cool dive bar that is pirate themed. They also play old movies at the bar. Pretty neat spot to hang out with friends and enjoy a drink. We only shared a Negroni and it was tasty! read more

The Cove - Dive Bars Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Listen to me. And I am begging any person of color to please listen. We are not welcome here. The owner would not and I mean WOULD NOT let me sign our check. The food is not good and the staff is RUDE. Please, stay away from this place. The rat infested building is not worth your money. Go to Maxinos or someone else who respects their customers. read more

This sea-worthy dive bar is a must. The bartender, who has the air of a washed-up pirate marooned from his ship, makes amazing drinks. I had my first Mezcal cocktail here called the Paloma, and I don't think I'll ever find one to match it. The Cove also boasts a lovely, snack-y menu with flatbreads and wings, much better than the hardtack in your sea-salt soaked pocket. Sea captains and landlubbers alike are sure to leave this hide-out feeling satisfied. read more

The Cove is the epitome of a dive bar and tops it off with a pirate theme. Don't get me wrong, none of this is a complaint. I've walked by many times and never questioned what was behind their mysterious door. Now I know it's the home of strong drinks, the perfect secluded patio, and a pretty diverse crowd. My only complaint was the incredibly slow service. We were one of two parties on the patio and there were maybe four people inside, so I'm not quite sure why we waited so long. However, our server was awesome and despite my lack of confidence in his remembering six drink orders without writing anything down (servers doing this always makes me nervous and my order tends to be wrong more times than not when they don't write it down) every order was correct and he was super friendly. I'll be back for sure. The patio is calling. read more

Knocked 1 star because of the smoking indoors. I realize that this is the south and people like smoking indoors; I'm still not the biggest fan and I still do not care for the smell or the feel. Having said that, the drinks are great! The bartender is incredibly nice. They have a laundry list of drinks for you to choose from that are all catered towards the crowd. It's a pretty older, hippy, southern beard type crowd that come here. I sat at the bar, and I really really enjoyed them having the Grizzlies game on (they have a huge clear flatscreen!!!). When you walk in, it's dark and dim lighted. Its decorated just like a Pirate's cove and has a fake ship's masthead and everything like that around the room. I really did enjoy the decor and the service! My bartender was great and friendly. I asked what was the best seller, and what I liked ( super sweet where you can't taste the alcohol) and he made me this cucumber drink which was delicious! Good place to go if you want to chill and just try different sorts of drinks. Reminds me of a New York version of a speakeasy, but a lil bit grungier and a lil bit more... eclectic. read more

This is a pirate bar. A p-i-r-a-t-e bar. There is a real honest to goodness pirate ship inside the confines of this bar. Are you still reading this? Hell fire. I really don't think I need to say much more! For those of you who weren't sold on the "pirate bar" portion of my review (seriously what is wrong with you?!) I'll go on. The bartenders here are fabulous. I loved each and every one of them, though I could not tell you their names if I wanted to. Not for lack of them telling me, no they gave me their names, I just had much trouble remembering anything that happened that night without my trusty camera for photos. These drinks are strong! Not only do the bartenders have a strong hand when dolling out your liquor, but they make some mean old timer drinks. Sazeracs, mint juleps, manhattans, gimlets, whiskey sours- when I said old timer drinks I meant it. Sure, they can be a bit pricey, but ya know what's even pricier? Trampling all over God's green earth looking for a bartender who actually knows how to make any of those drinks...properly. The atmosphere here is my dream bar. It is a little bit dive and a little bit Cheers (where everyone knows your name- except here they don't) What I mean by that is that the Cove is comfy. Comfy in that favorite pair of sweatpants way. It just feels right sitting inside this place. It can get crowded, especially when there are live bands playing, but it is oh so worth it. read more

I came, I saw, I conquered....I guess. At least I am able to write a very kind yelp for The Cove....one of, I figure, Memphis' gems. Heres why: I had an overnight stay at The Peabody enroute to Europe from the West Coast; I had met another couple, also venturing on to another destination, across the Pond. Delta offers such service. I am selfishly pleased that I picked MEM as my onward hub. ' The Cove is curious and provoking. You can ask the bartenders to make your favorite bev or sample the local fare: I did whatever such that my mind is a blur. OK, call me sloppy....at least we all got back to The Peabody. Shrimp cocktails and oysters at least helped wash everything, delitefully down. The flatscreens, with classic movies ongoing, were a bit amusing yet distracting. I think I finished the night with a Whiskey Sour.....at least my morning after was recollective. The Wings with blue cheese was a part of my morning-wake up. Fantastic, even though I forgot to brush before bed time. Once back at The Peabody - I re-clensed in the hotel pool and jacuzzi with my new friends - then we went onward, eastward, as prescribed. What a memorable visit to Memphis - I won't forget The Cove. read more

I called tonight asking if they had availability for 2 people and the lady that answered responded "I don't know you'll have to come in!" then hung up on me. When I called back she yelled more. Yikes. It was extremely rude and unprofessional. I get we all have bad days but don't answer the phone if you're going to be rude to customers. We were very excited to try this place and now never will! This lady should not be dealing with customers in any capacity. read more

You never know if you're going to find Spaceballs on the TV or a good local band playing or perhaps even a 90s-themed trivia night going on when you walk into The Cove. And that's kind of what I like about it. They have an extensive menu of fabulously fancy cocktails that will run you up a fabulously fancy tab, too. And hey, I had a few of them to celebrate my last big occasion (landing a new job), and it's nice to be able to drink something called a Woo Woo when you're feeling, well, WOO WOO! They're all tasty, but what keeps me coming back is that the well drinks at The Cove are some of the most affordable in town. I like to drink vodka sodas, and they were $3. You just don't see that anywhere else. I love sitting at the bar (since it's a big ass pirate ship) but I also like tucking back in a booth and spreading out. Warning: It's pretty smokey in here, especially on the weekends and late nights. read more

Have been here a few times while traveling for work, and have always had an amazing experience. Can't go wrong with any of the food(chicken gyro is damn good). Also, the best bourbon list in town, and fairly priced. Great bartenders. read more

Wow. What a great dive bar. Incredible Bourbon & Whiskey selection, enjoyed a delicious Manhattan. The band I listened too was great - Silver Seven. Freeman is a Memphis gem. read more

What did I miss here? The bf and I headed here on Saturday night hoping to escape the tourist trap that is Beale Street. What we found: Yeah the atmosphere was kind of cool, but not as impressive pirate-wise or dive-bar-wise as I would have expected. It kind of reminded me of an old Red Lobster that got lost in the 1970's. While we were there, an extremely loud hipster band was playing. I'm a fan of live music and normally don't have a problem with volume, but when the band is only okay and it's so loud that my boyfriend and I have to cup our hands and scream into each other's ears to be heard, it's a bit excessive. Like, my boyfriend doesn't have very good hearing and even he thought the music was too loud. Drinks were good, service was quick, and it was pretty cool that they had an old James Bond movie on in the background. The scene was very hipster, and you could tell very much a local's spot. This place would be fine for a drink if you're nearby, but by no means a destination worth heading to from another part of town. That is, unless you like not being able to hear (let alone talk with) the people you are with. read more

Excellent cocktails and a laid-back, indie feel at this out-of-the-way bar in Memphis. (Well, out-of-the-way for a road-tripping tourist such as myself, perhaps not for the locals.) The bar itself is shaped like a ship, and the TV screen over it shows random movies instead of sports. I started with a Sazerac, based on several recommendations, and it was excellent. Delicious and slightly fruity without being syrupy sweet. I also had a mint julep, which was not bad. The kitchen was already closed when we got there, but I'd love to try the oysters. Next time I'm in Memphis, I'll be back. One tip for out-of-towners (I'm looking at you, New York): Show up on the early side if it's a weeknight. The first time we tried the place at 11:30 on a Monday it was locked up tight. read more

Divey-feeling bar with good cocktails, non-creepy but chatty patrons, and a friendly bartender? YES PLEASE, SIGN ME UP. I knew I was going to enjoy this bar once I walked in and saw that not only did they have purse hooks (when I am President of the world, I will require every bar to install purse hooks. Until then, I'll just list them all on Yelp), but they had a drink menu that actually indicated they knew how to make a decent drink (listings of classics like a Gimlet, but also their own twists on old favorites). I was here during happy hour, and I think they had something like $3 well drinks, but I was feeling fancy. I settled in with an Aviation, because I'm something of a gin girl. The drink was just fine. I was here by myself at this bar, and since I often have a quiet drink to enjoy my own company, one of my major evaluations of bars is how comfortable I feel as a solo lady bar patron. Places that I feel comfortable at will earn my business for life. Usually I bring a magazine to read, but if someone is non-creepy, I'm happy to have a friendly conversation. I'm pleased to report that the night I was there, the Cove passed with flying colors. A very chatty but very polite patron and I had a funny conversation, and the bartender was very nice and we talked about New Orleans and traveling by train. read more

This place is very cute inside, and it is a well hidden secret place. BUT it is a certain crowed kind of place. When i go in there i feel as if I'm not welcomed. The drinks are l ways served in these very very small glasses and they are over priced. I feel as if it needs a spice and i can't put my finger on it. But I can see why certain people would LOVE it. It's a very chill, more mature but semi-young crowed. I took 2 stars away because it does not have a friendly atmosphere and the drinks. read more

I love a good dive bar, but this is a shithole trying to charge $15 for a pour of Old Weller Antique Bourbon that is $8 even in the overpriced Overton square district ($23-25 a bottle retail). Unfortunate. Had high hopes. read more

Cool Dive Bar with a great pirate theme. The bartender doesn't go around in a pirate outfit so don't worry about it being "cheesy" in that manner. On a Tuesday around 8pm it was pretty quiet. They have a patio in the back that you won't know about unless you know about it. Drink prices for basic items were ok. They are a bourbon bar, so have fun with their 42 different Bourbons ranging from $5-$75 a pour. There was only one person taking orders (the main bartender), so service was really slow even for the bar being close to empty. We had a very mixed group of people at our table, including LGBT individuals. Some of the patrons were uncomfortable being on the patio with them. Nothing happened directly, but they did get up to leave after seeing a couple holding hands. May not be the a very LGBT friendly establishment, but will find out more on another visit. Overall: A good low-key hideout for hanging out with friends. read more

I like The Cove and it's cool but the prices have been at the extreme limit HOWEVER they've just announced new lower prices on everything so we may be going back soon :) read more

This is great true "Hole in the wall" place and the reviews on Yelp was 100% why we chose it. The reviews were very high on the food and the cocktails. Unfortunately Stoner Pie, bacon onion pizza, not wings did not live up to he hype they were given online. The bartenders were awesome. I ordered the Moscow Mule and it was amazing. If you love Fritos corn chips, cool vibe and a friendly staff then this is the place for you. read more

This place was, is, and probably always will be one heck of a bar From the food to the music to the drinks they have their act together 110%. If anyone wants to see a bar in action...that know what they are doing... Go observe the staff at the Cove. Great place. read more