Fun and eclectic, the Crosstown neighborhood in Memphis boasts a rich history. Named for the intersecting trolley tracks at Poplar and Cleveland that connected the area with the wider city, the community grew with the introduction of one of the largest distribution centers in the country. Initially opened in 1927, the Sears, Roebuck & Co. distribution center and retail store grew to an impressive 1.5 million square feet on 19 acres, giving vitality to the surrounding area. But when shopping habits changed, the building shuttered — and what was once a symbol of prosperity told a sad story.
However, thanks to community investors with forethought, the building reemerged as Crosstown Concourse. The mixed-use vertical village at the heart of the neighborhood is one of our city’s brightest jewels, and the surrounding streets are home to some of our favorite attractions. Here’s your guide!
Looking for something in particular? Use these links to skip straight to the category you’re looking for:
*This article is updated annually, with most recent updates by Kate Feinberg in December 2023.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- Abner’s Famous Chicken: This is the go-to place for all things chicken. Whether you’re craving a juicy fried chicken or a healthy salad, Abner’s has everything from wings and wraps to tacos and loaded fries.
- Art Bar: A full-service bar, Art Bar features artful, cutting-edge cocktails using local, fresh, and foraged ingredients, along with a curated list of wines and craft beers.
- Crosstown Brewing Co.: This brewery offers ample indoor and outdoor seating and is a popular local hang-out spot for trivia, live music, and food trucks. Enjoy long-standing favorite brews or the most innovative and new offerings on draft.
- Farm Burger: Your go-to burger joint, Farm Burger partners with local farmers like Homeplace Pastures, Sweet Nothings, and Bonnie Blue Farms, taking pride in their grass-fed beef and seasonal flavors.
- French Truck Coffee: This vibrant coffee shop serves up the best, freshest ingredients, from their freshly brewed coffee to their healthy breakfast and lunch offerings, as well as pastries and grab-and-go treats.
- Global Café: An international food hall, Global Café hosts immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs cooking and selling diverse culinary delights from their home countries.
- Lucy J’s Bakery: This bakery makes everything from scratch, including bread, croissants, cookies, and special event cakes. They partner with Dorothy Day House to hire parents who are in or have transitioned out of a period of homelessness.
- Hi Tone: Just down Cleveland Street, you’ll find a fun and funky dive bar. This beloved local institution serves up cold beer, great bar grub, and live music.
- The Mad Grocer & Deli: The grocery is stocked with unique finds, tasty treats, and grocery staples, as well as a deli boasting a full in-house menu of made-from-scratch sandwiches and sides. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
- Mempops: Visit Mempops for refreshing, hand-crafted, and seasonally-based pops. They even serve chicken broth MEMpups for your furry companions!
- Pop-A-Roos: This gourmet popcorn shop creates more than 30 different flavors of sweet and savory popcorn, from Oreo Cheesecake and BBQ Bacon to Spicy Cheddar, Chocolate Pecan, and so many more.
- Sweet Magnolia Gelato: Scooping gourmet gelatos, sorbets, and more, Sweet Magnolia serves visitors unique flavor combinations featuring local and regional ingredients.
- Wolf River Brisket: Inspired by cooking methods from Texas to South Carolina, Wolf River Brisket offers a modern twist on Southern classics. Dine in and enjoy the signature Prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon.
WHERE TO SHOP
- Bubble Bistro: Each soap bar at Bubble Bistro is safe, luxurious, and unique. In addition to soap, this boutique offers body butter, body oils, and special gifts.
- Mili’s Flowers and Gifts: This florist shop will create beautiful arrangements for you, or you can visit the stem bar and create your own. The boutique is also filled with imported gifts from Mexico, including handmade dolls, children’s books in Spanish, and wooden toys. This is also your one-stop-shop for Crosstown Concourse merch.
- Oothoon’s: A magical gift shop and metaphysical supply store, Oothoon’s features items from local and nationwide artists, including crystals, candles, bracelets, and more.
MORE TO EXPLORE
- Black Lodge: As one of the last physical video rental stores remaining in the U.S., Black Lodge offers a library of new releases, old favorites, and cult classics. It even showcases movie screenings and drag parties and offers a full bar and food menu.
- Crosstown Arts: This contemporary arts organization is dedicated to cultivating the arts community in Memphis. Visitors can enjoy shows in The Green Room, weekly film screenings in Crosstown Theater, exhibits in the art galleries, and artist-led workshops.
- Gloss Nail Bar: This beautifully decorated and upscale salon offers a wide range of mani-pedi services, including acrylics and dip powders that are gentle on your skin and nails. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail during this blissful spa experience.
- Hero and Sage Hair Salon: A full-service hair salon for all hair types, Hero and Sage features stylists specializing in extensions, natural hair, barbershop cuts, and more.
- Memphis Listening Lab: A curated collection of music and music history, the Memphis Listening Lab is a hub for music-related talks and performances, and music education, appreciation, and experimentation, all free to the public. Guests can enjoy the SoundRoom, a listening space that can playback every music medium, complete with turntables.
- WYXR: 91.7FM is a freeform radio station that welcomes volunteer programmers of all genres and interests. From Afrobeat and Neo Soul to Reggae, House, Hip-Hop, and more, each week offers an opportunity for discovery.
COMING SOON
- SriMu: This gourmet vegan cheese shop will serve plant-based, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free high vibrational cheese.
- Vibe Foods Superfood Bar: This bowl and smoothie bar is 100% committed to serving authentic, clean, and delicious food made with superfood ingredients.
Enjoy exploring!
**********
Click HERE for more Memphis City Guides!
