Take a trip back in time at Blind Bear, a speakeasy-style bar in downtown Memphis. Classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule, Manhattan, and Cosmopolitan are featured in the drinks menu. However, the bar snacks have as much draw as the drinks. Try the chicken sandwich, turkey burger, or white cheddar mac and cheese. There's an outdoor patio that's great for people watching, while the interior is decorated in dark hues and dimly lit. The bartenders add to the festive atmosphere by dressing in costumes from the roaring '20s.
One of Downtown's hottest night spots, South of Beale is a casual gastropub known for its innovative cocktails, lively atmosphere and elevated pub eats. Staying true to its Southern roots, the menu features such inspired culinary creations as Jack & Coke bread pudding, catfish and chips, duck patty melt, rueben egg rolls, and creole dog. Locals make drop by for the excellent happy hour menu and the pub is a popular post-work hangout. Spacious, brick-lined and low lit, South of Beale is a great place to relax over convivial conversation and creative drinks.
Dig into incredible sushi creations at Sekisui. The ingenious chefs mix flavors and ingredients to put together an array of highly acclaimed recipes like Hurricane tempura roll, Nashville roll, Pickled Daikon and nigiris. Such is the popularity and steady following of this restaurant, that customers themselves have requested custom made recipes, which hold pride of place on the menu. Try the Debra Roll with tuna, cilantro and ponzu sauce or the Jeni's Roll with lobster, scallions and smelt roe. This is a good place to try some sake and wine during happy hours. The service is professional and prompt, while the welcoming staff makes the experience more special.
Alchemy Memphis lives up to its name by crafting amazing cocktails. Sip on a Hound Dog, made with bourbon, peach, ginger, lemon, and mint, or opt for a Gincident, made with gin, vanilla, lemon juice, and mango. The atmosphere is trendy, featuring a sleek decor. The food here is worth the visit in itself. Dishes like the beef sliders and roasted asparagus with Parmesan are made for sharing, while larger plates like the seared diver scallops and espresso-rubbed pork chop make for a filling meal for one.
Robilio's Sidecar Café is the perfect place to spend an evening watching sports on the large screen TVs, enjoying tasty food, or talking about the latest accessory you purchased for your Harley with biker buddies. The Sidecar has pool tables where you can join in friendly competition with new friends and old. Smoking is permissible in this sports bar. The menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads, soups and entrees. This restaurant is located in Northeast Memphis in the suburb of Bartlett and is the perfect place for singles to meet others or couples to enjoy an evening out. Whether you are in the mood for chicken wings or a sizzling and tasty rib eye, this sports bar has something for everyone. -Ann Baker