“Home of the blues”
The music and entertainment pulse of downtown Memphis, Beale Street at the turn of the 20th century served as a haven for African Americans migrating from small towns. Legendary greats such as W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, Willie Mitchell and Isaac Hayes have showcased their talents on Beale. Beale Street offers three blocks of nightclubs, specialty shops, galleries and restaurants. For over 150 years, Beale Street has hosted blues music and entertainment. Beale played a pivotal role in branding Memphis as one of the most musically rich cities in the world, and was prominent in hosting some of the first black business owners in the south. In between, the street was host to the birth of blues music, the civil rights movement, rock 'n’ roll, racks of ribs and bands. As thousands of bands, fans, major blues players, entertainers and reporters (including the American blues scene) descend on Beale, the street once again takes a party atmosphere as only the blues can provide, colliding a searing helping of original Memphis soul with dozens of different styles, takes and interpretations of hundreds of artist’s blues music and dedication. Most of the buildings that exist on Beale are the same buildings that have been frequented by the great many music lovers and great musicians that came in the 100 years before, providing a proprietary sense of history to the legendary street.
Better than Bourbon Street! More authentic feel and less of a corporate vibe, with marvelous local and international acts at a variety of venues that have an aged patina that only history can create. This is the heart of the Blues scene with some great rockabilly thrown in, too There's always plenty to do, shop, see, hear, drink and eat. Our favorite destination spot. Hit up Bourbon Street in NOLA or Broadway in Nashville, BEFORE you come here, because afterward they'll pale in comparison!!
A local person recommended this place. I was expecting close to a pier 39 feel or an old Sacramento vibe but blues themed (pardon me, we’re from cali). I was disappointed that this place is pretty much a normal street in San Francisco. If you like that, that’s awesome..for me? I don’t want to see people begging you for money every 5 feet that make more than me in a day or week. One person sees you give money and the rest latch on like piranhas (it’s the same in San Francisco). It was trashy and barely anything was going on. Maybe we were here too early in the day but I would not label this as “family friendly “ by any stretch. We were planning to move close to here and I don’t ever really want to come back.
Really cool street!! Great music, fun unique stores, and the food.. oh, my gosh. The food is amazing! It made me want to move to Memphis! Loved Beale Street.
So much fun! The only thing I can say is I have to go again... Without the grand littles! I could sit and listen to the music all day!
Nasty Dirty . We kept driving!
A MUST SEE if you’re in Memphis! Not all that big but full of music, good, and drinks - quite the experience
Great to drive thru early in the morning to see the strip with kids. Very quite and lots of free parking and picture opts
Gotta go! We went on a Thursday night so it was very tame. Beautiful with all of the lights and walking past the various places. A must do!
Never been to bourbon street though I'm sure its simular. Went on a Saturday early evening w/ my 13 yr old. We enjoyed just walking the streets and trying a couple local eats. We didnt stay too late, we were leaving about 830, but that was probably best as I'm sure it turns a little too adult for my young teen later into the night. We were glad we went and even though he hates walking and shopping he wasn't complaining and was enjoying the "Memphis atmosphere". We recommend stopping by and checking it out for sure!
Stop for a night, it’s worth it... Enjoyed our night.
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Beale Street Historic District
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Good for Partiers and Cultural travelers. Has a Energetic vibe.
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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