Midtown Memphis and the Cooper-Young neighborhood are two of Memphians’ favorite areas to grab great food, drinks, and catch some live music. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal, an upscale experience, or something in between, the neighborhood offers a plenty of restaurants that are perfect for every vibe. Here are ten must-try spots in Midtown and Cooper-Young that should be at the top of your list!

The Public Bistro

The Public Bistro brings an elevated yet approachable dining experience! This cozy bistro offers a menu filled with modern American and Southern dishes that feature bold flavors and beautiful presentations. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch or dinner, The Public Bistro is perfect for a relaxed, intimate meal in the city. One of our favorite dishes has to be the shrimp scampi pasta!

Alchemy + Salt | Soy

If you’re looking for creative cocktails paired with inventive small plates, Alchemy + Salt | Soy is the place to go. Located in the heart of Cooper-Young, this popular bar and restaurant delivers expertly crafted drinks alongside a menu of delicious Japanese dishes including sushi, dumplings, and more. With a lively atmosphere and a stylish interior, Alchemy is the ideal spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening.

Knifebird Wine Bar

Railgarten

Railgarten is one of Midtown’s most popular hangouts, offering a little bit of everything in a sprawling indoor/outdoor space. With multiple bars, a diner, live music stages, and even a volleyball court, Railgarten is the go-to spot for a casual night out or a laid-back afternoon with friends. Their menu includes classic comfort foods like burgers and sandwiches, perfect for enjoying while listening to live music or hanging out in the yard.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies

For pizza lovers, Aldo’s Pizza Pies is a Midtown staple serving up delicious New York-style pies with fresh toppings and creative combinations. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni or something more adventurous, Aldo’s has something for everyone. Their spacious dining area and fun atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

Cameo

A newer addition to the Midtown scene, Cameo is one of the city’s favorite cocktail bars, but that’s not all. From themed events and decor to drag brunches and karaoke nights, Cameo is more than a great spot for a drink. Not to mention, their burger is the perfect dish to soak up all of the “fun” you’re having!

Slider Inn

A neighborhood favorite, Slider Inn is known for its signature sliders, Jameson slushies, and one of the most iconic patios in the area. Slider Inn is the perfect spot to kick back with friends over a couple tiny burgers and a local beer.

Second Line

Located just off Overton Square, Second Line brings the flavors of New Orleans to Memphis with dishes inspired by chef Kelly English’s Southern roots. From poboys and gumbo to fried oysters, this lively spot serves up authentic Cajun and Creole fare in a casual yet beautiful setting. Whether you’re in the mood for brunch or dinner, Second Line delivers bold flavors and a true taste of Louisiana.

Ecco

For a taste of European-inspired cuisine, Ecco is the place to be. This charming bistro, located near Overton Park offers a menu featuring fresh pastas and other savory dishes and an impressive selection of wines. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for an intimate dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. Ecco’s dedication to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation has made it a beloved spot in Midtown.

Complicated Pilgrim + Tiger & Peacock

Located in Overton Square, Complicated Pilgrim brings a unique and thoughtful approach to New American dining with a menu that blends comfort food classics with modern, elevated twists. The restaurant is known for its beautifully presented dishes and use of locally sourced ingredients, offering everything from creative small plates to hearty entrées. With its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, Complicated Pilgrim has quickly become a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated meal in the heart of Midtown.

Perched atop the Memphian Hotel, Tiger & Peacock is a chic rooftop bar that offers breathtaking views of the city alongside a refined selection of craft cocktails and small bites. The vibrant, upscale atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a stylish night out, whether you’re enjoying a sunset drink or gathering with friends for a special occasion. With its stunning decor and expertly crafted drinks, Tiger & Peacock is a must-visit destination for those seeking a luxurious yet laid-back rooftop experience in Memphis.

Whether you’re craving casual comfort food, craft cocktails, or a more refined dining experience, Midtown and Cooper-Young have something to offer everyone. These ten restaurants highlight the incredible diversity of cuisine in Memphis and make it easy to see why this area is such a foodie destination. So, grab your friends, pick a spot, and enjoy some of the best eats Midtown has to offer!

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Midtown, Cooper-Young, and Overton Park

Being unique isn’t a trend here, it’s a way of life. Midtown is where you’re free to be yourself and sure to find a crowd where you fit in.

Midtown Memphis is one of the most desirable places to live in the city. It’s currently a seller’s market, so to snag that house for sale or sign the lease on a rental, you better act fast!

Midtown is also full of popular and locally owned pubs and restaurants: The Beauty Shop, James Beard Award-nominated chef Kelly English’s two restaurants, Second Line and Swamp Bar, The Bar-B-Q Shop, Aldo’s, Central BBQ, Ecco, and so much more.

Centrally located in Midtown Memphis is Overton Park. At 342 acres, the park is home to the Memphis Zoo, which is consistently ranked as one of the top five zoos in the country, the Brooks Museum of Art, the Levitt Shell which features yearly free concert series, and the 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area for biking, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Midtown also has several theatres and performance spaces: Theatre Memphis, Hattiloo Theatre, Ballet Memphis, and Playhouse on the Square. And annual block parties like the Cooper Young Fest that draws thousands of people from across the mid-south to enjoy the vibrant area’s amenities.

Binghampton

Binghampton is where diversity thrives. It’s one of the most multicultural parts of Memphis with strong immigrant communities living right next to families who have been there for generations.  The Binghampton International Festival had their inaugural celebration in 2017, and there’s always something happening on the beloved Broad Ave that celebrates the diverse cultures of that community.

There are strong non-profits working to improve the lives of every Binghampton resident. Non-profits in the area include Service Over Self, Agape, the Center for Transforming Communities, Memphis Immigration Advocates, Refugee Empowerment Program, and many more.

Broad Avenue

Broad Avenue is where creativity and community come alive. This vibrant area in Memphis is a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and families, all contributing to a unique and thriving cultural scene. The avenue is lined with eclectic shops, local businesses, and art galleries, celebrating the diverse talents of the community. Annual events like the Broad Avenue Art Walk bring together residents and visitors to enjoy live music, street performances, and art installations, showcasing the dynamic spirit of the neighborhood.

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One such place in Memphis, a favorite of many students attending nearby universities and book lovers alike, is Burke’s Book Store. While there is certainly a wide variety of locally owned stores in the Memphis area, Burke’s is one of those classic Memphis gems that has become a staple in the Cooper-Young neighborhood as well as the broader community. Having occupied four different locations around the city since it opened in 1875, Burke’s Book Store has certainly seen its fair share of beginnings and endings and even close calls as brick-and-mortar book stores continue to be phased out by online retailers and e-book readers.

Well known for both its collectible books (signed copies, first editions, rare books, etc.) as well as its wide collection of many of the latest, most popular titles, Burke’s Book Store carries an impressive collection of Memphis-focused literature. From a strong collection of history books on the city of Memphis to recently published works authored by Memphians, Burke’s masterfully curates a literary reflection of the mid-south appealing to both newcomers and lifelong Memphians.

Burke’s also hosts a variety of events, one of which included a conversation with international best-selling author John Grisham (who, in case you didn’t know, wrote a book about Memphis that was made into a movie that was later filmed in Memphis and starred Tom Cruise!). Of course, you’ll find the usual bookstore staples of postcards, notebooks, artisan book marks, and other knick knacks, all with a uniquely Memphis flair.

Ready for more ways to get connected with Memphis? Read up on our city’s history from a handful of perspectives you might not have considered before. For even more information about Memphis’ best bookstores, check out this article by our partner, Choose901.

You may also be interested in: The Mane Wildling – Memphis floral studio 

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