South Main Sounds at 550 S Main in downtown Memphis is an intimate listening room for singer-songwriters and acoustic acts, established in 2015 in the South Main district.
Tip: Small room, book ahead. Reservations through the website; show schedule online.
Address: 550 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Alfred's on Beale at 197 Beale St in Memphis is a 35-year music venue and bar with rooftop patio, live blues and bands and a kitchen that runs late.
Tip: Cover charge on weekend nights. The rooftop patio is the seat on warm evenings; live music from 21:00.
Growlers on Poplar Avenue in midtown Memphis runs live music seven nights a week from local rock, blues and soul acts, a midtown alternative to Beale Street's tourist run.
Tip: Open daily from 17:00. Tickets at the door; check the calendar for touring acts.
Purple Haze Nightclub in downtown Memphis on Lt George W Lee Avenue runs the city's largest dance floor, with DJ nights, hip-hop and R&B until 03:00.
Tip: Friday and Saturday peak. Bottle service on the upper levels.
Paula and Raiford's Disco at 14 S 2nd St in downtown Memphis is the city's most-loved 1970s-style disco, mirror balls, vinyl and the Raiford family hosting.
Tip: Open Thursday to Saturday. Cash bar; arrive after 23:00 for the right crowd.
Club Spectrum on Whitten Road in East Memphis is a long-running dance club with electronic and Latin nights, two dance floors and bottle service in the back.
Tip: Open Thursday to Sunday. Cover charge varies by event night.
Hu. Roof on the 17th floor of the Hu. Hotel downtown Memphis runs Friday and Saturday DJ nights with Mississippi River views and a small dance floor for hotel-bar dancing.
Tip: Friday and Saturday DJ sets from 22:00. Cover charge sometimes on big-name DJ nights.