13 Spots to Grab Dinner at the Bar in Memphis
From craft cocktails to crave-worthy bites, these 13 Memphis restaurants prove that some of the best seats in the city are at the bar. Image: Instagram / @jemdining
Grabbing a spot at the bar for a meal can be a sweet spot — a shorter wait and less formal service, without missing out on the ambiance of a night out. These Memphis restaurants pair great food with cozy vibes and tempting drink specials, making for an experience that’s as satisfying as it is relaxed. Even better, the bartender is never far away!
Bog & Barley Irish Pub
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: bogandbarley.com
Everything from the menu to the decor hails from the Emerald Isle, making it feel like you’ve stepped right into an Irish pub without leaving Memphis. Bog & Barley uses fresh ingredients and authentic Irish recipes with a bit of modern flair. A seat at the bar offers that real pub feel of watching a soccer match, with a world of options for whiskies, cocktails, wines, flights, and of course, Guinness.
Loflin Yard
Neighborhoods: South Bluffs & Downtown
More Info: loflinyard.com
Loflin Yard considers itself a haven in downtown, and with its bar, restaurant, and green space, it definitely lets you escape the daily grind. A meal at the bar offers snacks, burgers, shareable sides, and a drink menu featuring frozen favorites. Be sure to check out the seasonal cocktail list for something new, but hurry — as the name suggests, the seasonal drinks only stick around for a limited time.
Ciao Bella
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: ciaobellamemphis.com
Bar seating at Ciao Bella means being first in line for delicious cocktails, from a pomtini to a Maple Tree Manhattan, and even a few mocktails (like the peach tonica). With an array of Italian and Greek cuisine, you won’t be missing out on an upscale experience when you dine at the bar and lounge. We recommend sharing a bowl of lobster ravioli and finishing off your meal with tiramisu.
Silly Goose Lounge
Neighborhoods: Peabody & Downtown
More Info: sillygoosememphis.com
Sure, the 901 is famous for the Peabody Ducks, but what about the Silly Goose Lounge? This intimate space serves wood-fired pizzas just steps away from the iconic Peabody hotel, and you can indulge in other snacks while you’re here, too. Try the cacio e pepe pasta, spicy shrimp, or even a Nutella dessert pizza for something sweet. A seat at the bar means getting to watch the bartenders at work on craft cocktails, all while sitting beneath their dazzling chandeliers for cozy-meets-elevated vibes.
The Lobbyist
Neighborhoods: South Main Arts District & Downtown
More Info: lobbyistatchisca.com
The Lobbyist, featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide, is a can’t-miss establishment in the Arts District. Pull up a seat at the bar for award-winning flavors made with fresh, local ingredients. The aesthetic (both from a decor and a culinary standpoint) is elegant with a contemporary spin, something you can taste with selections such as the tomahawk ribeye, charred okra, or espresso-glazed donuts. And dining at this U-shaped bar is perfect for mingling with other foodies or even for a girls’ night out.
Libro at Laurelwood
Neighborhoods: Belle Meade & East Memphis
More Info: libroatlaurelwood.com
Tucked away inside the bookstore Novel is a dining experience you won’t want to miss. Libro has an upscale menu of tasty favorites, from shareable crab cakes and burrata bruschetta to Wagyu burgers and short rib ravioli. Make it a true date night by shopping for your next page-turner before dinner. Bar seating lets you chat with other book lovers, but it also cuts your wait time for a table if you’re having a more mellow date night.
The Green Beetle
Neighborhoods: South Main & Downtown
More Info: thegreenbeetle.com
Known as Memphis’s oldest tavern, this cozy spot is perfect for a late-night bite or drinks at the bar. Try Southern classics like a catfish plate, fried green tomato BLT, and a hot chicken sandwich, or indulge in something different like their fried gnocchi and El Diablo burger. The atmosphere is just as inviting as the friendly staff, and you can stop by on Wine Wednesdays for laidback vibes and discounted drinks. The bar is both inviting and eclectic, with views of the TV and some knick-knacks they’ve collected over the years.
Tiger and Peacock
Neighborhoods: Midtown & Overton Square
More Info: tigerandpeacockmemphis.com
There’s a place atop the Memphian Hotel you might be missing out on. Tiger and Peacock offers astrology-inspired cocktails and shareable meals from around the globe, in an atmosphere best described as maximalist-meets-retro. It’s a must for a lighter dinner or more casual date night, with dishes including poke tacos and chicken shawarma. Sip a drink based on your zodiac sign, or go for standard choices like a daiquiri, a Moscow mule, or an old fashioned. A seat at the bar means you’ll always have a view of the panoramic windows, too.
JEM
Neighborhood: Medical District
More Info: jemdining.com
Here’s a not-so-hidden gem: JEM on Madison Avenue. This restaurant considers itself “fine dining made approachable,” and the bar seating makes it easier to get refills on cocktails like the cleverly named Dirty JEM (Gin) Martini, sparkling wines, sake, and more. Top off dinner with some Boycott Coffee, a local shop just down the road. The community-style bar features plush high-top seating and artwork you’ll enjoy while you drink, dine, and chat.
The Majestic Grille
Neighborhoods: South Main & Downtown
More Info: majesticgrille.com
Once an old theatre, the Majestic Grille still projects movies onto its walls while you dine. Bar seating here is a must for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with the perfect view for catching the black-and-white film of the day. With a mix of Southern fare, like handmade beignets and cheddar grits, it’s no wonder this downtown staple is a popular choice before shows at the nearby Orpheum Theatre.
Bayou
Neighborhoods: Midtown & Overton Square
More Info: bayoubarmemphis.com
Take your taste buds to NOLA at Bayou, a Cajun-style eatery in Overton Square. A spot at the bar guarantees you a selection of drinks and eats, all inspired by Bourbon Street favorites. Plus, bar seating has plenty of TVs to watch, with a selection of sports and other events, so you can enjoy the game with your friends or significant other. Get adventurous with breaded alligator bites, or stick to classics like blackened chicken, po’boys, jambalaya, and dirty rice.
Amelia Gene’s
Neighborhoods: Front Street & Downtown
More Info: ameliagenes.com
If you want fine dining in a more low-key environment, Amelia Genes’s bar offers a great balance. This spot has upscale tastes and vibes (housed in a historic blacksmith shop) for a unique experience. Dining at the bar lets you bask in the luxe space while making it a little easier to secure a seat during happy hour or the dinner rush. Pro tip: don’t sleep on the cheese cart. With selections of three or five cheeses, it’s just the right amount to share!
Tug’s Casual Grill
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More Info: Facebook
For a view overlooking the Mississippi River while you dine, try Tug’s in Harbor Town. This casual eatery is great for an afternoon date or watching the game at the bar while enjoying classic appetizers like southwestern egg rolls or wings. They even offer a selection of local craft beers like Ghost River and Wiseacre on tap, so you’re supporting Memphis breweries with each sip! Sit at the bar for a peek at vintage Memphis photos and a stunning glass mosaic.
Dig in, Memphis!
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For more must-try dining spots in Memphis, visit our restaurant archives!
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.