Updated February 2024 by Addyson Crosby
There’s a little spot in between East Memphis and Downtown offering 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 make a night of it! Plus, it’s home to a beautiful boutique hotel, The Memphian, which is perfect for out-of-town visitors and Instagram-worthy photo ops. Here’s your guide!
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EAT + DRINK
When it comes to Overton Square, there are several hotspots perfect for lunch, dinner, dessert, or drinks. Enjoy dinner and a show at LaFayette’s Music Room, or stop into 17 Berkshire to work from home while sipping coffee and indulging in sweets. Bayou Bar & Grill is the ideal brunch spot with drink specials. Complicated Pilgrim, located inside The Memphian, features dishes ranging from kung pao Brussels sprouts to mushroom cavatelli. Read on for a complete list!
- 17 Berkshire: This quaint spot is great for macarons and a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, you can hang out here to get some work done if you want a little escape.
- Babalu: Southern cuisine meets Latin flair at Babalu! The daily specials here are hard to beat, but we’re partial to the Baba Rita (that is $2 off on Mondays!)
- 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 (which the knowledgeable staff is ready to help you pick!)
- 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? This is a must-try the next time you’re in Overton Square.
- 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, Complicated Pilgrim offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that feature the region’s bounty. They also operate as Overton Square’s only full-service coffee shop and double as a bar.
- Golden India: This spot offers an extensive menu and features classic Indian cuisine, including curry, biryani, tandoori dishes, and various chef’s specials.
- LaFayette’s Music Room: This historic spot has been brought back to life after many years of being closed. LaFayette’s now boasts live bands seven nights a week — from local and touring acts playing rock ‘n roll to jazz and everything in between. Enjoy good music and good food at this small but influential venue.
- Lenny’s Sub Shop: Lenny’s handcrafted deli sandwiches are piled high with freshly sliced meats and cheeses and authentic cheesesteaks, made with the best quality ingredients on freshly baked bread. Mouth-watering doesn’t even begin to cover it.
- Memphis Pizza Cafe: This is our recommendation for a casual lunch spot. In addition to pizza, they also have calzones, salads, and sandwiches — all of which are superb. The BBQ chicken pizza is a 901 staple if you’re showing out-of-town guests how it’s done in the M-town.
- Porch & Parlor: For a bit of nightlife and yummy dining, check out this Southern steakhouse (we recommend ordering Butcher’s Bacon Rack.)
- Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar: At Robata, customize your ramen dish or select from the Yakitori menu. Or, join them for brunch, where you can try an array of flavors during the most enjoyable meal of the week.
- Saltwater Crab: Shrimp baskets, oysters, and more sushi than you can eat. This spot 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 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.
WHERE TO SHOP
While Overton Square isn’t necessarily a retail hotspot, there are a couple of unique storefronts you can shop. Breakaway Running has everything you could need for fitness footwear and athleisure wear. Or, mosey over to The Wren’s Nest for a selection of handmade goods. Their clothing, home textiles, and jewelry make lovely gifts.
- 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 and environmentally conscious store features textiles, clothing, and home decor from all around the world!
WHAT TO DO
There are a plethora of ways to spend a day in Overton Square! Catch a show at Playhouse on the Square or Ballet Memphis. There are also options if you’re looking to break a sweat or pamper yourself, like Delta Groove Yoga and Gould’s Salon Spa. Check out this list to round out your Overton Square itinerary.
- The Art Project Memphis: This art studio for kids offers classes, workstations, and more to let little ones’ imaginations run free. While visiting, check out Art Free Play, an art-making and creative experimentation and exploration experience available to all ages (though we recommend you make a reservation ahead of time!)
- Ballet Memphis: For dance lovers, this studio offers classes in ballet, Pilates, dance, and fitness, as well as live performances. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events.
- Delta Groove Yoga: The studio offers traditional yoga classes, workshops, and training. They’re also running a new student special: $22 for 2 weeks, which means unlimited yoga classes for your first 14 days!
- Gould’s Salon Spa: Treat yourself to a fresh new look or a revitalizing facial right in Overton Square.
- Hattiloo Theatre: This theatre is the only freestanding Black repertory theatre 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! This theatre is the perfect addition to the neighborhood.
- Playhouse on the Square: Part of Memphis’s largest professional theatre company, Playhouse on the Square brings arts to life with performances like The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Prom. Check out their website for a schedule of their current shows.
Cheers to exploring Overton Square!
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