Your Updated Guide to The Pinch District, Memphis’ First Neighborhood
The Pinch District is recognized as the very first neighborhood AND the first commercial district in Memphis. Check out our updated guide to this unique part of town!
The Pinch District, known as Memphisβ first neighborhood, began as a melting pot, its population made up primarily of Irish immigrants escaping the potato famine of Ireland in the mid-1800s. The area got its name because of the appearance of a βpinched gutβ on the hungry residents who lived there. In addition to being the first Memphis neighborhood, it was also the cityβs first commercial district.
Today, the Pinch District is a vibrant neighborhood, packed with plenty to see and do β hereβs a guide to some of our favorites, updated in January 2022!
WHERE TO EAT
The Lookout at Bass Pro Outdoor World
1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 620-4630
Uncle Buckβs Fishbowl and Grill
1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 291-8000
Located inside Cypress Lodge, aka the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid, this is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Uncle Buckβs Fishbowl and Grill will have you feeling like youβre swimming in the deep, blue sea. Not only is the food delicious, but their cocktails will blow you out of the water!
Westyβs
346 N. Main St, Memphis, TNΒ 38103 β’ (901) 543-8646
With a menu that ranges from sandwiches and burgers to gumbo to steak, Westyβs has something on the menu for just about everyone, and theyβve been around for decades, so the menu is tried and true. Westyβs also offers βblue plate specials,β serving up a taste of country fare. Their best seller? Catfish nuggets.
Alceniaβs
317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 β’ (901) 523-0200
Chicken. And. Waffles. Need we say more? Open for breakfast, lunch, and Saturday brunch, Alceniaβs serves up some solid soul food. From chicken and catfish to veggies, beans, and homemade desserts, Alceniaβs is a must for comfort food. *UPDATE: As of January 27, 2022, Alceniaβs is temporarily closed for renovations. Be sure to check their website for updates!Β
Ferraroβs Pizzeria and Pub
111 Jackson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103 β’ (901) 522-2033
Offering homemade pizza with fresh ingredients, Ferraroβs Pizzeria and Pub feels authentically Italian. Not in the mood for pizza? Give their stromboli a try β itβs made fresh every morning. *UPDATE: As of January 27, 2022, Ferraroβs is temporarily closed for renovations. Keep an eye on their website for updates!Β
ACCOMMODATIONS & EVENT SPACES
Big Cypress Lodge
1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 620-4600
Thereβs nothing quite like staying inside the pyramid at Big Cypress Lodge β especially one that offers tons of activities, a Bass Pro Shop, a hotel, spa, and two restaurants. The Big Cypress Lodge is the only hotel of its kind in Memphis. It combines the great outdoors with an elegant twist that features fireplaces, screened-in porches, and handcrafted furniture. If youβre hosting a private gathering, stay in the Governorβs Suite, which has a full kitchen, wrap-around balcony, and breathtaking view. Worth noting, Big Cypress Lodge also offers meeting spaces.
Balinese Ballroom
330 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 β’ (901) 522-1144
Constructed in 1876, Balinese Ballroom is filled with character and can adapt to any type of celebration. Whether your event aesthetic is chic, rustic, or modern, this is the Pinch Districtβs go-to. Host a wedding, reunion, work function, anniversary, or birthday party β they offer three different spaces to suit a variety of party sizes and styles.
WHERE TO DRINK
Comeback Coffee
358 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 β’ (901) 860-4215
Comeback Coffee first started as a way to give back to Memphis. Their motto, βStay awhile,β is a genuine invitation. Grab a cup of coffee, a pastry, and settle in for anything from conversation with friends to catching up on work, to diving into a good book.
Pyramid Wine & Spirits
120 A.W. Willis Ave, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 578-2773
In business for over a decade, the Pyramid Wine & Spirits vision is to bring you the best wine and spirits at an affordable cost. They also offer a Growling Station, where you can taste and try some of Memphisβ craft and local beers. Whatever your poison, theyβve got you covered.
CULTURAL SITES
The African Palace
581 N. 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ 901-524-0800
The African Palace offers a wide variety of African imports including clothing, personal care products, spiritual supplies, prints, jewelry, and more. They also have a cafe and rental venue!
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
Β 826 N. Second St., Memphis, TN 38107 β’Β (901) 527-3427
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum features a secret cellar and trap doors that offered refuge to runaway slaves. The tour provides information on the horrors of the slave trade and the workings of the Underground Railroad.
GET PAMPERED
Big Cypress Spa
1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 620-4600
Enjoy a single treatment or a full luxury spa day with all the bells and whistles at Big Cypress Spa. They offer traditional services like manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and facials, plus a selection of skincare products for purchase.
Epiphany Salon and Gallery
726 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 406-3026
Epiphany Salon and Gallery has one goal: to make you look and feel your best. Whatβs not to love about that? From the time you arrive, youβll be made to feel comfortable and pampered, and youβll leave with shiny, silky-smooth locks.
SUPPORT
St. Jude Childrenβs Research Hospital
62 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 β’ (901) 595-3300
Thereβs a special place in the heart of each Memphian when it comes to St. Jude Childrenβs Research Hospital. Host to various fundraisers throughout the year, including the famous St. Jude Marathon, we are grateful this world-renowned healthcare facility is right here in our backyard. Founded by Danny Thomas, St. Jude Childrenβs Research Hospital is a hospital unlike any other. Theyβre dedicated to curing childhood cancer, and they refuse to turn any child away. While youβre taking a tour or driving through the campus, stop by the St. Jude Gift Shop!
Get out and explore this historic neighborhood that means so much to Memphis!Β
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Want to see more neighborhood highlights? Click here!Β
Katelyn Caughron
Katelyn is a Memphis-based freelance writer and certified fitness trainer. She loves fitness, the Memphis Tigers, and a good brunch.