Your Updated Guide to Overton Square
Memphis's historic Overton Square is home to a wide variety of restaurants, retail, event venues, and more. Here's your updated guide to this beloved Midtown destination! Image: Facebook / Tiger And Peacock
There’s a little spot between East Memphis and Downtown that delivers dining, arts, and charm in spades. Known as Overton Square, this beloved neighborhood offers plenty to see and do — whether you want to spend a relaxing afternoon exploring or enjoy a night on the town! Make sure you check out The Memphian, a beautiful boutique hotel perfect for out-of-town visitors and Instagram-worthy photo ops. Here’s your guide to this vibrant neighborhood!
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
Overton Square has several hotspots perfect for lunch, dinner, dessert, or drinks. You can enjoy everything from brunch in the morning to dinner and a show in the evening, without ever leaving the area.
- Babalu: Where Southern cuisine meets Latin flair! This restaurant recently revamped its menu (but don’t worry, it kept plenty of the classics)! Daily specials include $2 off Baba Ritas on Mondays or $2 off house-made sangria on Thursdays.
- Bari Ristorante: This is your stop if you’re craving authentic Italian and cheese delicacies. Don’t forget to pair your appetizer and dinner with wine, as the knowledgeable staff is ready to help you pick the right one!
- Bayou Bar & Grill: Gumbo, po’boys, and shrimp pasta, as well as deals on mimosas, bloody Marys, and screwdrivers at brunch. Need we say more?
- Boscos Squared: If you’re craving a burger or American cuisine, we recommend this neighborhood favorite. Pair your dish with an award-winning, handcrafted beer for the full Boscos experience.
- Complicated Pilgrim: Located inside The Memphian, this restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. They also operate as Overton Square’s only full-service coffee shop and double as a bar.
- Dog & Bone: One of Overton Square’s newer additions, this restaurant brings flavors from across the pond. The pub offers classic recipes from bangers and mash to sticky toffee pudding.
- Golden India: This spot offers an extensive menu featuring classic Indian cuisine, including curries, biryanis, tandoori dishes, and various chef’s specials.
- LaFayette’s Music Room: This historic hangout has been brought back to life after years of closure. LaFayette’s now boasts live bands seven nights a week, so you can enjoy good music and good food.
- Lennys Sub Shop: Lenny’s handcrafted deli sandwiches are piled high with the best quality ingredients, including freshly sliced meats and cheeses, and served on freshly baked bread.
- Madison Tavern: Looking for the perfect karaoke hang? Look no further than Madison Tavern, where you can enjoy breakfast to late-night snacks between songs. Try their selection of house cocktails and beers on tap, along with classic bites like the famous Tavern burger and meat-and-mac casserole.
- Memphis Pizza Cafe: This is our recommendation for a casual lunch. The BBQ chicken pizza is a 901 staple if you’re showing out-of-town guests how it’s done.
- Petals of a Peony: Petals has a few locations around town, including Overton Square, where you can find all your favorites, from the peony chicken to mapo tofu and twice-cooked pork.
- Porch & Parlor Prime Steakhouse: For a bit of nightlife and yummy dining, check out this Southern steakhouse. We recommend ordering the Butcher’s Bacon Rack or Sloan’s Loaded Fries.
- Saltwater Crab: You can look forward to shrimp baskets, oysters, and more sushi than you can eat. This is a can’t-miss if you’re feeling seafood!
- Sweet Noshings: The bourbon ice cream is amazing, but if you’re looking for something else to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can grab a bag and fill it to your heart’s content with candy and other goodies.
- Tiger and Peacock: Located atop The Memphian, we’ve got one word to describe this cocktail bar: ambiance. Sip on a Zodiac-themed cocktail and take in the sights of the carefully crafted space overlooking the Square.
WHERE TO SHOP
While Overton Square isn’t necessarily a retail hotspot, there are two unique storefronts you can shop in the area.
- Breakaway Running: Your “Memphis Running Family,” Breakaway’s staff is trained to offer personalized shoe fittings and sells the latest running and walking shoes, apparel, nutrition products, running accessories, and fitness technology.
- The Wren’s Nest: This sustainable, environmentally conscious store features textiles, clothing, and home decor from around the world.
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy a live performance or pamper yourself at a spa. With so many ways to spend a day in Overton Square, it’s hard to know where to start.
- The Art Project Memphis: This art studio has been at Overton Square for the past decade, but it will move to its new home inside Stomping Grounds this fall. You will still find plenty of classes for kids, workstations, and more in its new location.
- Ballet Memphis: This studio offers something for everyone with classes in dance, Pilates, and fitness, as well as live performances. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events.
- Gould’s Salon Spa: Treat yourself to a fresh new look, a revitalizing facial, or one of the spa packages. It’s the perfect place for a spa day!
- Hattiloo Theatre: This is the only freestanding Black repertory theater in five surrounding states. Visit for a bit of history and high-quality, free programming and performances staged throughout the city.
- Malco Studio on the Square: Catch the hottest new movies and hang out with friends! Check out the schedule for Throwback Thursdays to catch your favorite classics.
- Playhouse on the Square: Part of Memphis’s largest professional theatre company, Playhouse on the Square brings the arts to life with a variety of performances.
- TheatreWorks: This non-profit organization offers theater space for up-and-coming artists around the 901. It’s the perfect spot for rehearsals, workshops, offices, and other needs for anyone in the performing arts.
Cheers to exploring Overton Square!
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Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.