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Beale
Street : Memphis, Tennessee |
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Beale Street in the heart of
downtown Memphis, is the most visited tourist attraction in the
State of Tennessee. This quaint little strip of clubs, bars
and restaurants has been popularized as the "Home of the Blues"
and the "Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll."
Starting its musical history shortly after the American Civil War,
this now popular street was originally named Beale Avenue back in
1841, after a somewhat obscure war hero.
From the 1920's on, it garnered a well earned reputation as a
rough and tumble district with hard drinking riverboat men,
gamblers, prostitutes, pickpockets and other n'er-do-wells.
A stabbing or shooting now and then was to be expected, and the
respectable citizens stayed away from Beale Street.
Legendary bluesmen played for nickels and dimes back then.
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In the late 1970's the City of Memphis made a significant
financial investment to turn a three block stretch of Beale street
into an entertainment district. By 1983 revitalized clubs
started to reopen and the area was transformed into a vibrant and
active area for musical entertainment.
Today, you're going to find some top-notch,
smokin' hot Blues and some amazingly good food. Memphis is
well known for its barbecue ribs, and the food on Beale Street
lives up to the city's reputation.
Clubs are generally open until 3 AM, and about
the only time you won't find a crowd on the street is in a heavy
downpour of rain.
Beale Street outdoor concerts and
festivals can draw very large crowds, so parking may be a problem. There
are several public parking lots in the area within walking
distance.
There is also a fairly significant police
presence at all times and the area feels comfortable and safe,
however common sense is always advised.
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Interesting Attractions
Near Beale Street
 The Orpheum
Theater
The Orpheum Theater is Memphis' primary performing arts center.
Located in downtown Memphis at the corner of Main and Beale Streets it has hosted
the performances of countless well known celebrities.
Once called the "South's Finest Theater," the playhouse on this
corner has risen from the ashes and evaded the wrecking ball
several times in its history.
Built in 1890 as
"The Grand Opera House," the theater rivaled those of New York
City and Chicago. Its primary venue was vaudeville and
over time, the theater became part of what was known as the
Orpheum Vaudeville circuit. As a result it was renamed The
Orpheum Theater in 1907. In 1923 it was destroyed by a
devastating fire. It was rebuilt in 1928
and the new Orpheum was twice as large and twice as opulent as
the Grand Opera.
In 1976 there was
talk of demolition and replacing the old Theater with an office
building. Saved by the Memphis Development Foundation, the
Theater hosted numerous Broadway productions. In the early
eighties the Orpheum was closed for a five million dollar
renovation and restored to its full 1928 grandeur.
Today the Orpheum
is the crown jewel of the Memphis entertainment complex. |
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Sidewalk of Stars
The sidewalk at Main and Beale Street is adorned with 62 gold
stars with the names of the famous entertainers who have graced
the stage of the Orpheum Theater over the last 100 years.
Here you will find the names of hometown greats such as B.B. King and
actress Cybill Shepherd, and other
notables such as Louis Armstrong, Mae West, Cary Grant, and many
more. |
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Memphis Walking Tour Index:
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Dr. Von Zuko's Recommended Travel Guides,
Books and Blues Guitar instruction :
Find other
great books on the Blues or any travel or music topic:
 Following
the mighty Mississippi River through ten states, "The Great
River Road" was established in 1938 as the national parkway of
the Mississippi River. |
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Walking Beale Street
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There is a
lot to see in this little 3 block stretch, here are a few of the
clubs, shops, and restaurants:
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Address: |
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138-142 |
Blues
City Cafe & Band Box |
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143 |
B.B. Kings Blues Club |
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149 |
Memphis
Music |
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152 |
Club 152 |
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153 |
Tater
Red's |
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153 |
Black
Diamond |
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154 |
Psychics
of Beale Street |
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156 |
Alley
Cats |
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156 |
Willis
Gallery |
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162 |
King's
Palace Cafe |
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163 |
A.
Schwab's |
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167 |
The Pig
on Beale |
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168 |
Beale
Street Tap Room |
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172 |
Strange
Cargo |
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182 |
Rum
Boogie Cafe |
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182 |
Mr.
Handy's Blues Hall |
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183 |
Silky O
Sullivan's |
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191 |
Memphis
Rock N Soul Museum |
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197 |
Alfred's
on Beale |
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200 |
Beale
Street Visitors Center |
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205 |
Dyer's
Famous Hamburgers |
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209 |
Wet
Willies |
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310 |
Pat O'Briens |
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315 |
Hard
Rock Cafe |
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323 |
People's
Billiard Club |
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326 |
Coyote
Ugly |
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330 |
New
Daisy Theater |
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333 |
Beale
Street Tattoo |
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340 |
Double
Duce |
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Best Time to Visit Memphis |
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Spring time or early fall is best, summer can be
quite muggy and uncomfortable there in the Mississippi River
valley. |
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Beale Street Favorites:
B.B. King's Blues Club
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The Ribs are 'to die for'
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Music is hot and B.B. King
himself plays here twice a year.
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Wait staff is friendly and
attentive
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Elvis Presley bronze statue near
Beale Street
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Dare to explore exciting cities around the
world.
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