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.
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 selected vinyl and live acoustic sets, paired with natural wine and small plates.
Tip: Listening nights are scheduled; check the Crosstown Arts calendar. Closed Sundays.
Lamplighter Lounge on Madison Avenue in midtown Memphis is the city's defining smoke-stained dive bar, with cheap beer, a pool table and a relentlessly local.
Tip: Cash preferred. No food; the 03:00 close draws midtown when other bars shut.