Historically Hip: Your Updated Guide to Cooper-Young
Memphis's vibrant Cooper-Young neighborhood is home to fabulous bars, restaurants, shopping, and even a new hang-out spot that you won't want to miss. Here's your updated guide! Image: Facebook / Cooper-Young Gallery & Gift Shop
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By
Katelyn Caughron
Updated May 2026 by Ariel Taranski
The words “eclectic” and “unique” immediately come to mind when you ask Memphis locals to describe the Cooper-Young neighborhood. The tight-knit community is home to century-old houses, family-owned businesses, local bars, and innovative eateries. If you haven’t experienced this vibrant area, you’re overdue! Here are some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and play in Cooper-Young.
Table of Contents
WHERE TO EAT
Cooper-Young is known for its array of delicious dining spots, many of which are among the most well-known restaurants in the Memphis area. Cooper-Young has a flavor for every palate, from Korean BBQ to pizza, sandwiches, and fine dining.
- Aldo’s Pizza Pies: Great pizza and craft beer; what more can you ask for? With outdoor seating, Aldo’s is a fantastic place to take out-of-town guests.
- Bain Barbecue: Enjoy the taste of Texas BBQ right here in Memphis. Bain is known for its “Texas Trinity” of brisket, full pork spare ribs, and house-made sausage.
- Beauty Shop Restaurant and Lounge: “Look Good, Eat Good” is the name of the game. This trendy restaurant is housed in the former Atkins Beauty Salon — rumor has it Priscilla Presley was a regular!
- Boba Boba Life: Stop here for some milk tea, fruit tea, and other tasty drinks. They also offer ramen and small bites for a quick lunch or snack.
- Central BBQ: An award-winning barbecue restaurant since 2003, there’s no denying this joint is the real deal. Our recommendation? Go for the nachos and an order of smoked hot wings.
- Cooper’s: This restaurant and bar offers a menu of delicious bites that pair perfectly with its craft beers and cocktails. Locals know it’s the best spot to catch your favorite games or live music.
- Fawn Memphis: “Elevated meets approachable” dining at Fawn, a wonderful place to catch up with friends over dinner or drinks. With seasonal ingredients, there’s always something new to try.
- Imagine Vegan Cafe: Owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, this vegan cafe offers compassionate food choices with Southern flair.
- Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint: Does it get much better than burgers and beer? Jack Brown’s selection of more than 100 craft beers and daily Happy Hour specials make this joint a must.
- Kitchen Laurel: The menu of seasonal ingredients and simple yet well-crafted dishes makes this a great choice for a morning or midday pick-me-up. Enjoy breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday.
- Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos: If you’re in the mood for authentic tacos, tamales, soups, and fajitas, then this is the spot for you!
- Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant: Stop here for your fix of street tacos, fajitas, and, of course, some margaritas. Be sure to check out the daily specials or visit during Taco Tuesdays.
- Nagoya House: In the mood for Japanese food? Nagoya House is your go-to spot in Cooper-Young for Ramen, rice bowls, and more.
- Soul Fish Cafe: This is the place for soul food, with tasty fried catfish, po’boys, smoked chicken, and more of your Southern favorites.
- Stella’s Ice Cream: Stella’s has everything to help cool you down, from classic scoops to push pops. You can even grab a pint to go or pupsicles for your pet.
- Taco-N-Ganas: With multiple locations around Memphis, you’re never far from a Taco-N-Ganas. But this convenient spot in Cooper-Young is great for favorites like birria ramen or street tacos.
- Young Avenue Deli: Grab a delicious bite to eat, listen to some live music, and catch up with friends here. The deli also offers 36 draft beers and 130 bottled and canned options. Cheers!
WHERE TO DRINK
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or toasting a special occasion with friends, Cooper-Young has so many different places to grab a cocktail or beer, you’re sure to find just the spot to suit your needs.
- Bar DKDC: This intimate music club is where you can let loose and drink a local brew. If beer isn’t your thing, they also house a huge rum selection and a craft cocktail menu. Hungry? They’ve got international street food you can grab at the bar, too.
- Celtic Crossing: Grab a pint, listen to great music, and catch up with friends at this local pub. But the drinks aren’t the only good thing; be sure to try one of the authentic Irish dishes.
- Cooper House Project: This artisanal brewery and taproom serves craft beer, Neapolitan pizza, coffee, and tea. Try some house exclusives while you’re there.
- Hammer & Ale: Hammer & Ale has an ever-changing selection of 24 draft taps and limited-release brews — this spot is ideal for beer enthusiasts.
- Java Cabana Coffeehouse: This retro coffeehouse has fair-trade coffee, espresso drinks, and milkshakes. They also host live music, poetry, and art exhibits. Check the website to see what’s happening!
- Memphis Whistle: In the mood for local cocktails? Check out one of the neighborhood’s newest hot spots and wet your whistle.
- No Comment Wine Bar: Though they’re known for wine, No Comment also offers snack boards, flights, cocktails, and more. It’s the perfect place for a girls’ night out or cozy post-work meal.
WHERE TO PLAY
Coming soon to the area, Stomping Grounds (previously Railgarten) will offer 1.5 acres of pure fun. Parents can mingle while kids play in the indoor and outdoor spaces. There are plenty of food and drink options, including self-serve taps for coffee, kombucha, tea, and soda.
WHERE TO SHOP
With a variety of retail options throughout the area, if you can’t find it, you probably didn’t need it! Books, vintage clothing, and handmade soaps are just a few of the treasures you can get your hands on. Our suggestion? Make a day of it. You never know what you might find.
- 901 Comics: This is your resource for all things comics. You can find other must-have collectibles and graphic novels here, too.
- 901 Toys: Offering new and vintage toys, this is the perfect spot for kids and kids-at-heart — because you’re never too old to play.
- Burke’s Book Store: Burke’s is nationally known as the place to buy, sell, and trade new, used, and rare books. Perfect for the collector and the curious.
- Buff City Soap: Each bar of soap at Buff City is handcrafted in-store. Their all-natural products contain only good-for-you ingredients like petals, lemon zest, hemp seed oil, and shea butter. No harsh chemicals here.
- Coco and Lola’s: Coco and Lola’s is Memphis’s top lingerie shop, winning the Best of Memphis Award several years running. They offer a wide array of sizes and styles for all occasions.
- Cooper-Young Gallery and Gift Shop: The ultimate stop for Memphis gifts, here you’ll find one-of-a-kind items from local makers. Grab a souvenir for yourself or someone else.
- Cooper Young Community Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday, you can stock up on essentials while supporting local farmers and artisans. Browse aisles of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more, knowing that your purchase helps the community.
- Flashback: Here, you’ll find items dating back to the 1920s through the ’80s. From funky ’50s to modern art, you’ll have a ball exploring the eras.
- Graham’s Lighting: Known for its charming chandeliers and perfect kitchen lighting, this is the place to go when you’re ready to take your home lighting to the next level.
- Grivet Outdoors: Ready for your next adventure? Grivet Outdoors has everything you need for running, hiking, camping, and more.
- Goner Records: This is your spot if you’re into vinyl. The vintage and collectible selection spans soul, blues, funk, and other genres to add to your stash.
- Halford Loudspeakers: If you need something to play those new records on, head to Halford for new stereo equipment or loudspeakers. Whether you get your old pieces repaired or purchase something new, you’ll be rocking out in no time.
- Memphis Drum Shop: It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, semi-pro, or professional drummer — Memphis Drum Shop has what you need to make some noise. With acoustic and electronic drums, along with hand percussion instruments, there’s something for every skill and interest level. They also have a repair shop if you get too carried away.
- Midtown Bramble & Bloom: Elevate your home or next event with locally grown flowers and arrangements. You can also brighten your day (or someone else’s) with home delivery for special occasions. Or just because.
- Midtown Nursery: This outdoor nursery covers all your floral and garden needs with houseplants, vegetables, gift items, and assorted plant containers. Not sure where to start? They also offer landscape services.
- Ounce of Hope CBD: Trying to relax? In search of better sleep? Here’s a shop with sustainably sourced products, from CBD gummies to THC seltzers that will get the job done.
- The Soap Factory: Consider this your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, all-natural, handmade home and body products. From bar soaps to laundry soaps and candles, you’ll be surrounded by good scents.
WHERE TO RELAX
When it comes to pampering yourself, Cooper-Young is the place to be. Whether you’re in the mood for a massage, manicure, or a hair makeover, you’ll find it all within walking distance.
- Eva Salon Boutique: Come for a fresh cut or color and leave with confidence. This salon is a must for extensions and other luxury hair appointments.
- Glo Medical Aesthetics & Hair Spa: This luxury medical aesthetics practice is also a hair spa. In addition to injectables, medical-grade skincare, and laser treatments, you can get full hair services, and expert makeup applications. You can book them for your wedding and event looks, too.
- Midtown Massage and Bodywork: Whether it’s barefoot, therapeutic, or Thai, Midtown Massage offers a variety of options for relaxing and refreshing tired muscles.
- Pavo Salon: An Aveda Lifestyle Salon, Pavo offers the latest cuts, styling, and color, along with facial and body waxing. Be sure to make an appointment before stopping by.
- Rejuvin8: The name says it all. Pamper yourself with a massage, waxing, or a facial at this local spa. Go ahead, you deserve it!
- The Healer’s Touch: With a holistic approach to wellness, a massage here is both therapeutic and relaxing. While you’re there, ask about the ionic foot detox, ear candling, and more.
WHERE TO GET ACTIVE
Yes, there are plenty of places to get your sweat on in Cooper-Young. Whether you’re into kickboxing, yoga, or you’re looking for a one-on-one workout with a personal trainer, you’ll find something to get you moving in this bustling neighborhood.
- Berserker Jiu Jitsu Club: This spot offers self-defense, competition training, and daily fitness classes. They even have a kids’ program for ages 6-12.
- CAIRN Strength & Physical Therapy (previously Inbalance Fitness): If group fitness isn’t your thing, Inbalance Fitness may be the option you’re looking for. This facility is dedicated to personal training for a focused one-on-one experience.
- Mind/Body HAUS: You don’t have to be a yogi to get a workout at Mind/Body HAUS. In addition to heated and non-heated power flow and vinyasa, they offer fitness classes including boot camp and cardio dance. Their objective? Move your body, clear your mind, and share in love and health.
Happy exploring!
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For more neighborhood highlights, click HERE!
Katelyn Caughron
Katelyn is a Memphis-based freelance writer and certified fitness trainer. She loves fitness, the Memphis Tigers, and a good brunch.