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Blues City Cafe

4.8
4.8
168 Reviews
$30 and under
Barbecue
Top Tags:

Enjoy the Best Meal on Beale at the Blues City Cafe in beautiful Memphis, Tennessee.

The Blues City menu includes such favorites as our Famous BBQ Ribs, Southern Fried Catfish, Broiled Steaks, and the World's Best Homemade Tamales. Our friendly staff and world famous menu has drawn the attention of presidents and celebrities alike.

We have been featured nationally on Travel Channel's "A Taste of America", Food Network's "Bobby Flay Show", Bon Apetit Magazine's "BBQ Issue", and HDNET's "Drinking Made Easy".

Blues City Cafe also features nightly live entertainment in The Band Box; everything from Blues with Earl "the Pearl" Banks and Blind Mississippi Morris to Rock-A-Billy with Hillbilly Casino and Brad Birkedahl. Come on down to Blues City Cafe and have a great meal and dance the night away on Beale Street.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Barbecue, Steakhouse, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–4:45 am

  • Phone number

    (901) 526-3637

  • Website

    http://www.bluescitycafe.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Larry Crawford

  • Catering

    If you're looking for incredible food, outstanding service and world class entertainment, you're at the right place! Blues City Cafe offers both in house and off site catering and event planning. <br />We accommodate groups of all sizes on site in our world famous restaurant, Cadillac Room and Band Box, or off site in one of our large catering facilities! <br />We provide food, beverage, entertainment, security, etc. If you can dream it, we can take care of it!<br />Please contact Richard with all inquiries and requests at 901.526.3637

  • Private party facilities

    We have the ability and experience to professionally cater to the private needs of any size party up to 1000 people with the use of our different venues. We also have off-site options for parties larger than 1000. Just give us a call and we will get you set up with a once in a lifetime Memphis Style Dining Experience.

  • Private party contact

    Richard Magevney: (901) 526-3637

  • Location

    138 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

  • Neighborhood

    Memphis

  • Cross street

    2ND STREET

  • Parking details

    We have multiple parking lots and parking garages within a very short walking distance.

  • Public transit

    Bus and Taxi pick up and drop off are done directly across the street from our front door along with a Trolley Stop about one block away.

  • Entertainment

    Blues City Cafe offers nightly live entertainment in our famous Band Box. Dance the night away in our live music room located right next to our restaurant! The fun is just beginning when you finish your meal at Blues City Cafe.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 168 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. KS

    KendraS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, quick service and friendly staff. Easy!

  2. DS

    DonnaS

    Nashville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first time to eat here. The menu selection was great. The food was very good. We had the ribs and catfish - very good. The service was also very good. The restaurant was crowded, so I was glad we had gotten a reservation. We would go back, for sure.

  3. JV

    JeannieV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Even though this restaurant was very busy, and they were shortstaffed, the service was exceptional. The food was outstanding. And, the atmosphere was wonderful. There was no loud yelling. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I made reservations, which I highly recommend, if you don’t want to stand in line to eat! Lol.

  4. G

    Ginhay

    Memphis/West TN

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food as always. Enthusiastic staff. Love to come here before the Orpheum

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lonnie was a fantastic server! The food was excellent and plentiful. No complaints whatsoever!!

  6. TB

    ThomasB

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent place to eat dinner. Be sure to not eat a large lunch before however.

  7. S

    Shipp

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Snowbirds… After 13 hour drive - stopped in Memphis for late night stay at eats! After striking out at Baddog Speakeasy / found Blues City. Fabulously Great ribs! Separate bar section and “family section”. Can watch chefs at work! Great service/ right on Beale Street for good late night music, too.

  8. I

    Ilspecialoccassion

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went during the week, although we made a reservation just in case as we were from out of town. Very casual laid back atmosphere, but you do not need fancy if you want great fall off the bone ribs! Side dishes were also very good.

  9. S

    Sparky

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Enjoyed our first experience here. Easy place to just lay back and enjoy good food. The ribs were delish, the service fast and the atmosphere fun.

  10. DD

    DavenDeb

    San Antonio

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Recommend by locals as some of the best gumbo in town. The ribs were awesome, moist and tender and falling off the bone.

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious !!!!

  12. SH

    SteveH

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2019

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Great music. Best ribs in Memphis. Atmosphere soulful.. staff efficient and super friendly. Only criticism... cook thin fries !! Or sweet potatoes fries. Not frozen steak fries. Love this place ✊🏿❤️❤️❤️

  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Great location & cool ambiance.

  14. p

    peterf

    New York Area

    83 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The food was decent and our server was pleasant. I had a major problem with the front of the house host. I informed the host that I had a 7:30 reservation through Open Table. He is response was don’t worry and he sat us. I doubt he checked us off as arrived. In fact I didn’t see a computer at all.

  15. MD

    MariaD

    San Antonio

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    was disappointed that we could not sit near the live music. French fries were not hot, but food was good.

  16. HD

    HeatherD

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    There was a line out front and at first we were told our reservation didn't matter, but once we talked to someone else we got a table right away. It is noisy but that's part of the fun. Food and service were both great.

  17. A

    Allen

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Ribs and sides were very good and similar to many of the rib places in Memphis. Many tables not cleared making it look unkempt.

  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The atmosphere is laid back. The beans were the bomb!

  19. SS

    ShaneS

    Austin

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2019

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Had a reservation. Was sat in the hallway. No Bueno. Hostess was s but rude. Nevertheless received my Opentable points because she never checked us in. Fried Catfish was excellent. Ribs were So-So.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    The food & service was just OK! If you are going for the best ribs in Memphis you will be disappointed. The thing our table of 11 had was the grilled chicken. Would not return.

  21. KS

    KathyS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Fantastic ribs! Chicken like you make at home! Good food.

  22. RT

    RichardT

    Austin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Best ribs we ever had. Fast service. Classic Beale St. atmosphere.

  23. MH

    MelissaH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2019

    overall2food3service2ambience1

    Had a reservation but they seated us before we could tell them. When I did tell host, she wanted the name, but that did not effect where were seated. We asked for another table and server refused. They forgot our salads entirely. Food was ok but very overpriced. Band had an obnoxious singer. Neighborhood was very dangerous. Never again!!

  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome. Though I visited there alone, I really enjoyed great ribs and gumbo with fun music live!

  25. EP

    EricP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. The ribs and catfish are amazing! The service was excellent. The beers were cold. The music was awesome. Was it too loud? Hell no, it's supposed to be loud!

  26. AC

    AnneC

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2019

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Food was good, but wasn't as warm as I expect . I didn't ask for them to warm it up, but I think it would have been much better if warmer. The service was quick, though and the dessert was very good and large. The entertainment was Ok, but could have used more music and less chit chat.

  27. OH

    OHFoodie

    Columbus

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    As always the ribs are to die for. Best baked beans ever. The place to be on Beale Street.

  28. L

    Lesley123

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Food especially the ribs were delicious. Definitely need to book at popular times but will need to show booking on phone to get in. Otherwise will be told to stand in line.

  29. RA

    RoyceA

    Memphis/West TN

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We came here specifically to see Brad Berkedahl. Enjoyed his show very much. The food was mediocre, and the drinks were OK. We happen to have a very good waitress, but we witnessed another waitress being extremely rude to a visitor from Denmark. She chased him out of the business and continued to stomp around for quite some time after the event. I don't know if there was no member of management around to witness this behavior, or they just didn't care. We travel frequently overseas and alway try to represent the United States in the best possible way. We are sorry that a visitor to our country had to experience what he went through.

  30. CB

    CharlesB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Yes, I had a GREAT time at Blues City Cafe! Not only was the food delicious, but the service and atmosphere was perfect! Blind Mississippi Morris was a OUTSTANDING musician! I would recommend this stop for anyone that is in the area!!

  31. D

    Debi

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2019

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    We came here for the music, not the food. That said the food was fine. The music was great. Service was good too. We really enjoyed our visit.

  32. AB

    AshleyB

    Atlanta

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The gumbo cheese fries were amazing! Ribs and catfish were also very good. Tamales just so-so. We were seated in the back with the bar and live music so the ambience was a great Memphis vibe

  33. A

    Anna

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great food, great atmosphere! Our server was very efficient, but he wasn't very friendly. He didn't "fit" with the atmosphere! But I would recommend going here anyway....you won't regret it. Good southern cooking.

  34. JM

    JimM

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Great service. Great Music!!! The ribs were some of the best I have ever had.

  35. PC

    PeterC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It had been a few years since my last visit but it was as good as always. Already looking forward to next time.

  36. RC

    RalphC

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Very nice ribs and beans... wasn’t too sold on the cat fish. I would like more fresh cut fries in places like this.

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2019

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    Average at best

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2019

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    Waitress was awful. Had just one refill and it was put in a to-go cup in an effort to get us out in a hurry. She disappeared for 10 minutes at a time. Very off-putting and disappointing. I had high hopes for this place. The tamales and chili were both average.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    On our way to Florida. Stopped on Beale street per tradition. First time to eat at Blues City Cafe. Made a reservation on Open Table. Too easy. Best ribs in my lifetime.

  40. AB

    AndrewB

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2019

    overall1food1service5ambience1

    The service was great, however, the food was very poor. I will be going to other places in Memphis going forward.

FAQs

Blues City Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Blues City Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (901) 526-3637.

Blues City Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 168 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Cross street

    2ND STREET

  • Neighborhood

    Memphis

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–4:45 am

  • Cuisines

    Barbecue, Steakhouse, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    We have multiple parking lots and parking garages within a very short walking distance.

  • Public transit

    Bus and Taxi pick up and drop off are done directly across the street from our front door along with a Trolley Stop about one block away.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Larry Crawford

  • Entertainment

    Blues City Cafe offers nightly live entertainment in our famous Band Box. Dance the night away in our live music room located right next to our restaurant! The fun is just beginning when you finish your meal at Blues City Cafe.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.bluescitycafe.com/

  • Phone number

    (901) 526-3637

  • Catering

    If you're looking for incredible food, outstanding service and world class entertainment, you're at the right place! Blues City Cafe offers both in house and off site catering and event planning. <br />We accommodate groups of all sizes on site in our world famous restaurant, Cadillac Room and Band Box, or off site in one of our large catering facilities! <br />We provide food, beverage, entertainment, security, etc. If you can dream it, we can take care of it!<br />Please contact Richard with all inquiries and requests at 901.526.3637

  • Private party facilities

    We have the ability and experience to professionally cater to the private needs of any size party up to 1000 people with the use of our different venues. We also have off-site options for parties larger than 1000. Just give us a call and we will get you set up with a once in a lifetime Memphis Style Dining Experience.

  • Private party contact

    Richard Magevney: (901) 526-3637

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