During your visit to Beale Street, you can browse through shops that offer an eclectic and unique assortment of all things Memphis. Music spilling out of Beale Street’s jazz and blues clubs will lure you in. You will not be able to resist stopping by one of Beale Street’s restaurants as the aroma of world-famous Southern fare fills the air. To learn more about Beale Street’s rich history visit Beale Street attractions like the WC Handy Home and Museum or Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame.
Shopping on Beale Street
Shops on Beale Street offer an eclectic and unique assortment of all things Memphis including original and rare vinyl, novelty items, guitars, fine clothing, art and more. Visit A. Schwabs, Beale Streets oldest store, selling all things Memphis from regional art and crafts, to dry goods, to candies, books and famous Memphis merchandise that celebrate Sun Studio, Elvis, Hi Records and Stax. At Beale Street Blues Gift Shop you will find gifts for all of your friends and family from apparel, to coffee mugs, to refrigerator magnets. An incredible selection of nostalgic cookie jars, salt shakers, curios and collectibles are available to purchase at Blue City General Store. Eel-Etc sells clothing for men and women ranging from business suits to sophisticated casual attire. Memphis Music is the largest blues specialty store. Strange Cargo carries everything from predictable souvenir fare to funky art novelties. Tater Reds, featured in national magazines, sells everything from alligator paws to Beale Street souvenirs.
Beale Street Restaurants and Clubs
Restaurants and clubs abound on Beale Street. Indulge in authentic, world-famous Southern fare and exceptional entertainment. Visit the original B.B. King’s Blues Club, the home of American blues, legendary musicians, famous barbeque, historic landmarks and basketball. Blues City’s Café offers all of your favorites with a Southern twist: try a BBQ chopped salad, a Memphis strip steak, golden fried shrimp and delectable desserts including apple dumplings, hot fudge brownies and pecan pie. Beale Street’s Hard Rock Café, housed in a historic building that has been used as a saloon and recording studio over the years, offers a full menu and displays musical memorabilia throughout including items belonging to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and other music legends. Johnny G’s Creole Kitchen is the place to go for good ole’ fashioned home cooking from Louisiana’s west bank. Silky O’ Sullivan’s, where it’s like St. Patrick’s Day all year round, boasts excellent food, live music and great fun.
Beale Street Attractions
Shops, clubs and restaurants on Beale Street are not the only places where history abounds. You can explore Beale Street history at famous Beale Street Landmarks such as Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame, Handy Park and W.C. Handy Home and Museum.
Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame
Brass notes honoring musicians, DJs, songwriters, promoters and other musicians have been embedded in the sidewalks along Beale Street since 1986. The honorees include the well known and lesser known who constitute the rich musical history of Memphis and the Mid-South. Those who have been honored include: Alberta Hunter, Elvis Presley, Ma Rainey, B.B. King, Justin Timberlake, Ruby Wilson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Furry Lewis, Memphis Minnie and W.C. Handy.
Handy Park
Named after W.C. Handy “Father of the Blues,” Handy Park was dedicated in 1931 and is known today as an outdoor performing arts park that hosts live music as well as daily and special outdoor concerts. Wander through the park and see street musicians inspired by the music legends of Memphis.
W.C. Handy Home and Museum
Take a tour of W.C. Handy’s turn-of-the-century home on historic Beale Street. The W.C. Handy Home and Museum offers a look at “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy from his humble beginnings, to being America’s most influential songwriter.
- Beale Street is alive with special events year round. Visit the official Beale Street website to find out more about special events taking place during your visit.
- Do not forget your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your visit to Beale Street.