Looking for restaurant and music venue suggestions for upcoming visit on the weekend of Fri April 3. We depart Memphis Monday morning. We are aware that Sunday in Easter.
In terms of music, our preferences are blues and jazz. Not country.
( Memphis is our first stop. From there, Highway 61 to Cajun Country and NOLA. )
I know some say it is touristy, but I really enjoyed Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous BBQ last year. Rum Boogie Cafe’s Blues Hall was recommended to me, but I was there for such a short time that I didn't make it.
Tennessee, or Egypt?
Arcade Restaurant for breakfast or lunch. Central BBQ is really good.
Sun Studio tour is a must.
review from Nov. 2025
36 Hours Memphis
Earnestine & Hazel’s has live soul, blues and jazz playing deep into the night in a dive that reflects the gritty spirit of Memphis.
Absinthe Room in the King’s Palace Café is a late-night hangout on Beale Street hidden up a staircase behind a nondescript door.
B.B. King’s Blues Club is a Beale Street mainstay founded by the blues legend.
Lafayette’s Music Room features bands playing soul, rock, country and bluegrass in a spacious venue in Overton Square.
Bar DKDC is a snug spot with an eclectic vibe and mix of performers.
Nixit. Thnx. Sun’s on the agenda.
Going. Thnx for the reminder about the NYT story and all the night spot suggestions there. 🎼🎹🎸
Fred, I can't help you with Memphis, but I hope you enjoy NOLA. Have you been there before? It's such a wonderful city, and one of my favorite places in the US. I used to go there regularly when I was working, but it has been about seven or eight years and I need to rectify that.
Here's some short (~6 minutes) videos of quite a few Memphis attractions. Some of the videos are older and might be out-of-date. (from Nashville PBS)
https://tennesseecrossroads.org/search/Memphis
or here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TennesseeCrossroads/search?query=memphis
