Mollie Fontaine Lounge in the Victorian Village in downtown Memphis is a small craft cocktail bar in an 1886 mansion with red velvet walls, jazz piano nights and a candlelit upstairs.
Tip: Open Thursday to Saturday. Jazz piano runs from 20:00 most weekends.
Address: 679 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
The Pumping Station on Poplar Avenue in midtown Memphis is the city's longest-running LGBTQ+ bar, with a leather and bear focus, weekend drag nights and a back patio.
Tip: Open daily. The back patio is the seat in summer; drag nights run Friday and Saturday.
Dru's Place on Madison Avenue in midtown Memphis is a long-running LGBTQ+ neighbourhood bar, with karaoke nights, drag brunches and an inclusive midtown crowd.
Tip: Karaoke runs Thursday and Sunday. The kitchen runs a small bar menu.
Metro Memphis on Madison Avenue in midtown Memphis is a long-running gay nightclub with drag shows, dance floor and a leather bar in the back, open Thursday to Sunday.
Tip: Drag shows Friday and Saturday at 23:00. Cover charge on drag nights.
South Main Sounds at 550 S Main downtown Memphis is the city's defining listening room for singer-songwriters, with intimate acoustic shows in a 60-seat venue.
Tip: Small room; reserve through the website. Sets usually one hour.
Railgarten on Central Avenue in midtown Memphis is an outdoor entertainment complex with three bars, live music stages, ping pong tables and a beer garden by the rail line.
Tip: Live music most weekends. The Central Avenue patio fills at 18:00; covered seats with a roof.
Art Bar at Crosstown Arts in Memphis runs occasional listening nights with curated vinyl and live acoustic sets, paired with natural wine and small plates in the Crosstown space.
Tip: Listening nights are scheduled; check the Crosstown Arts calendar. Closed Sundays.