8 Top Memphis Restaurants with Live Music & Entertainment

Originally opened in 1991, B.B. King’s Blues Club remains a favorite for visitors and locals. The club pairs blues, soul and classic rock 'n' roll with Southern dishes such as ribs, shrimp and grits, barbecue chicken, burgers and po'boys. Signature cocktails, beer and wine round out the menu, while the energetic dining room gives guests a front-row feel for Memphis music.

• Cover charge or ticketing: The venue currently lists a $10 music admission fee that is valid throughout the day. Special-event policies may vary.
• Parking: Public garages and paid lots are available near Beale Street. Allow extra time during concerts, festivals and other Downtown Memphis events.
• Age restrictions: The venue describes its regular experience as family-friendly, but guests should confirm policies for late-night or special events.
• Best time to arrive: Seating after 5 p.m. is first come, first served, so arrive early when a specific band is on your itinerary.
• Music schedule: Travelers searching for live music in Memphis tonight can review the club’s official lineup before visiting. Hidden Restaurant in Downtown Memphis

Discover Itta Bena, a hidden speakeasy above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street. A blue canopy, narrow metal staircase and unmarked entrance lead to an elegant dining room with subdued lighting and blue-tinted windows. The restaurant, named after the town where B.B. King was born, serves contemporary Southern cuisine with a Delta twist, including Cajun pasta, braised short ribs and grilled lamb chops. A rotating music calendar adds to the refined atmosphere.

• Cover charge or ticketing: Dining reservations are recommended. Check the official music calendar for any performance-specific details.
• Parking: Guests can reserve parking in the Second Street garage through the restaurant’s website.
• Age restrictions: Confirm age policies directly when making a reservation, especially when visiting for a scheduled performance.
• Accessibility: The restaurant notes that its upstairs location is not wheelchair accessible.
• Best time to arrive: Arrive before your reservation to allow time to locate the discreet entrance and climb the stairs.
• Hours: The restaurant currently lists nightly hours from 5-10 p.m.

First opened in the 1970s, Lafayette’s Music Room helped launch the careers of artists including Billy Joel, Barry Manilow and KISS. The venue later returned to Overton Square as a restaurant and prominent live music destination. Today, Lafayette’s stands out among restaurants with live bands, serving Southern comfort food, wood-fired pizzas, homemade macaroni and cheese and made-from-scratch desserts alongside local and touring acts.

• Cover charge or ticketing: A cover charge applies to regular performances, while ticketed shows have separate admission.
• Parking: Use public lots, garages or street parking around Overton Square and allow extra time on busy evenings.
• Age restrictions: Policies may vary by show and performance time. Confirm directly before bringing younger guests.
• Best time to arrive: Reserve a table and arrive before the scheduled set to order food before the room becomes busy.
• Music schedule: Review the official calendar because artists, showtimes and ticket requirements can change.
• Current schedule: Lafayette’s currently lists service Thursday through Sunday and is closed Monday through Wednesday. 

Loflin Yard combines a restaurant, bar and event venue across an expansive Downtown Memphis property. Visit the Coach House for a full-service bar and porch seating, then explore the Safe House, decks, yard games, outdoor bars and a creek that runs through the property. Seasonal live music, house-smoked barbecue and casual seating make it an easy choice for groups, families and visitors traveling with leashed dogs.

• Cover charge or ticketing: Admission policies vary by concert or special event. Check the venue calendar and social channels before visiting.
• Parking: Review event instructions and nearby Downtown Memphis parking options before larger shows.
• Age restrictions: The venue welcomes family outings, though age policies may differ for individual events.
• Best time to arrive: Arrive early for outdoor seating when the weather is pleasant or live music is scheduled.
• Pet policy: Leashed dogs are welcome in the venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Music schedule: Live music is often scheduled on weekends during spring and summer, but dates can change. 

SugaShack serves soul food favorites such as fried catfish, yams, fried okra, cabbage and Suga Hot Chicken. House cocktails, wine and beer complement the intimate, relaxed atmosphere, while recurring live entertainment brings extra energy to the eastern end of Beale Street.

• Cover charge or ticketing: Check the venue’s event listings or contact the restaurant for current admission details.
• Parking: Paid lots are available near the eastern end of Beale Street, including options along South Fourth Street and Peabody Place.
• Age restrictions: Confirm current dining and performance policies directly before visiting with younger guests.
• Best time to arrive: Reserve ahead or arrive before the evening performance window for dinner and seating.
• Music schedule: The venue promotes recurring Friday and Saturday entertainment, but confirm the current lineup before visiting. 

Bar DKDC pairs Chef Karen Carrier’s globally inspired street food with specialty cocktails, eclectic décor and sweet soul music. The intimate Cooper-Young District venue changes its food menu regularly, drawing inspiration from regions including Mexico, Israel, Spain and the Caribbean. Check the calendar for local performers, touring acts and themed music nights.

• Cover charge or ticketing: Review the official calendar for show-specific admission or ticket details.
• Parking: Look for street parking and public parking options near South Cooper Street, allowing extra time on busy Cooper-Young evenings.
• Age restrictions: Confirm entry policies directly, particularly for late-night performances.
• Best time to arrive: Arrive before the scheduled set if you plan to order food in the small performance space.
• Hours: The venue currently lists daily hours from 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; verify before publication or travel.