This club features vintage rock on the weekends, often with Memphis favorite Kevin Paige as the star, On weeknights, catch up-and-coming musicians at Alfred's. The menu features ribs and barbecue pork along with steaks and chicken dishes. The lunch plate special offers the day's meat choice and three vegetables. There is also a full bar, with wine and beer. A large double-decker outdoor patio gives you a great view of the strollers on Beale Street while you dine or have a drink.

Cafe Ole is one of the best places in Memphis to eat outside. Located in the Cooper-Young Historic District, an area of restored houses and antique shops, it is perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a casual dinner with friends. The salsa served with chips is outstanding. Other specialties include the vegetarian enchiladas and the black beans and rice. Standard Mexican combination plates are also popular, and the margaritas pack a potent punch. Inside, the decor is a bit rough-and-tumble, with a few colorful Mexican objects scattered about.

West Indies-style ribs, jerk chicken and Jamaican grilled chicken wings are intensely flavorful at this island-themed restaurant, Bahama Breeze. The paella and the Jerk Chicken Pizza are less authentic but just as well done. One of the best and most popular dishes is the Yucatan-Style Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi in a sour cream sauce. There is a little Asian fusion influence, too, in the seared tuna with soy-sesame dressing. The décor has a Caribbean theme—palm trees and all. You are likely to have a 30-45 minute wait for your table, but you can spend that time listening to reggae music and sipping a frozen drink at the lovely outside bar.