Back in the day, South Main was a flourishing hub of Memphis. When construction on Central Station ended in 1914, the area became a bustling thanks to railroad traffic, which produced the need for hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and more. But when railroad travel began to decline in the 1950s and ’60s, and after Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in 1968, the neighborhood fell into decay. A South Main rebirth began in the 1990s, soon after the National Civil Rights Museum opened at the former Lorraine Motel. Now, the neighborhood is bustling once more, full of great food and exciting experiences. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a day on South Main!
The National Civil Rights Museum still bears traces of its past as a hotel that serviced African Americans during segregation. Image: The National Civil Rights Museum
Where to Eat on South Main
Breakfast
Sitting at the corner of Main Street and G.E. Patterson, The Arcade has been serving filling breakfasts and other deliciousness since 1919. This is the place to go if you are craving bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and the like. Other great breakfast spots like Bedrock Eats and Sweets (where you can find the best waffles ever) and Bluff City Coffee (for your caffeine and pastry fix) are also winning options.
The Arcade has served loyal regulars, including Elvis Presley, since 1919. It has also appeared as the backdrop in numerous movies. Image: The Arcade
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch, there is South of Beale, a gastropub that serves complimentary popcorn to every patron, amazing sandwiches, and sumptuous bread pudding. McEwen’s offers sophisticated Southern cuisine with a creative European influence in a laid-back atmosphere. SB TIP: Try the popular saffron lobster risotto, buttermilk fried oysters, or BBQ duck confit enchiladas!
And don’t forget the other culinary delights on South Main like Pearl’s Oyster House, The Blue Monkey, Happy Mexican, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Central BBQ, Renee’s Sandwich Shop, Max’s Sports Bar, South Main Sushi, The Green Beetle, Good Fortune Company, The Vault Gastropub, Memphis Soul Cooking (formerly 99 Cent Soul Food Express), New Wing Order, and Catherine and Mary’s in the Chisca Hotel.
Catherine and Mary’s serves up a seasonal menu. Image: Catherine and Mary’s
Something Sweet
Grab a macaron or donut from Primas Bakery, a slice of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Corner, or a batch of the iconic homemade butter cookies from Makeda’s.
Grab a macaron at Primas Bakery! Image: Primas Bakery
Bars and Breweries on South Main
South Main also offers options for thirsty folks. If you’re in the coffee mood, there’s Bluff City Coffee, which offers hot and cold drinks, smoothies, and pastries. When you’re out on the town, pop in for a drink at the bar at Old Dominick Distillery, or enjoy the day at Ghost River Brewing Co.
Grab some wings from New Wing Order, located inside Ghost River Brewing Co. Image: Ghost River Brewing Co.
At The Green Beetle and Max’s Sports Bar, folks can snag a beer and watch sports. South Main’s legendary juke joint, Earnestine and Hazel’s, is a great place to sip some brew, listen to music, and grab a “Soul Burger.” You can also grab a drink at The Vault Gastropub, which features a “frost rail” — an area on the bartop with dry frost designed to keep your drinks chilled.
Enjoy a soul burger and a one-of-a-kind ambiance at Earnestine and Hazel’s. Image: Earnestine and Hazel’s
Where to Shop on South Main
There is an eclectic mix of shops on South Main, one of which is South Main Book Juggler, owned by Jean Williams Andrus. The store is across the street from Central Station, which still sees railroad passengers but is currently undergoing construction — a hotel will open there later this year.
Downtown Candle Company is an eco-friendly company that features soybean wax candles and cedar sticks. Stock & Belle, a lifestyle retail boutique, sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and an array of fun and unusual trinkets. Walking Pants Curiosities is a gift and general store perfect for finding “little happys” for friends and family!
Located in Salon 387, you can find Stock & Belle. Image: Stock & Belle
For all things ceramic, check out Paper & Clay for one-of-a-kind pieces for your kitchen and home.
How cute are these coffee cups?! Image: Paper & Clay
For the art lover, Sue Layman Designs is home to one-of-a-kind paintings by local artist Sue Layman Lightman. The gallery features paintings of all sizes that showcase her signature style, vibrant colors, and bold shapes, creating undeniably striking contemporary abstracts.
If you fancy yourself a fashionista, check out Silk N Honey, a boutique with the hottest trends. Bike enthusiasts will want to head to Trek Bicycle (formerly Peddler Electric Bike Shop), which offers bike rentals perfect for exploring the neighborhood. Lastly, don’t forget about Big River Market — the ultimate grocery shopping experience.
Enjoy a cup of coffee while you shop! Image: Big River Market
More to Do on South Main
Perhaps the most prominent historical site in South Main is the one that changed the neighborhood, the city, the country, and even the world. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel, is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Opened in 1991, the museum was remodeled in 2015 and features an extensive history of African American life from slavery to the present day.
Just across the street is the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, part of the Blues Foundation, which opened in 2015. This quaint museum features an in-depth history of music, interactive exhibits, and blues memorabilia, and it even has a neat little reading nook.
For more history and learning, there’s Jack Robinson Gallery and the Memphis Railroad and Trolley Museum,
This bluesy gentleman sits outside the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Image: South Main Association
For a fun film-related outing out with the family, check out Malco’s Powerhouse, where you can watch the big screen in reclining chairs while snacks are delivered to your seat. If you’re not feeling a movie, catch a performance at Orpheum Theatre, where you can enjoy everything from orchestras to comedy shows. When the weather warms up, you’ll want to spend all day at Memphis River Parks soaking up the rays and picnicking by the water.
Feeling adventurous? The Rumba Room offers free salsa classes to brush up on those dancing skills.
Cruise around South Main on the famous trolley. Image: South Main Association
On the last Friday of each month, South Main hosts Trolley Night, during which shops are open late, and many restaurants offer specials. It’s the perfect time to hop on the trolley, South Main’s best mode of transit, and cruise around the area.
Whether looking for a quiet stroll through the city or an exciting night on the town, South Main blends history with modern culinary dining and one-of-a-kind experiences.
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