Blues City Cafe is a renowned restaurant and live music venue. Established in 1991 as Doe’s Eat Place, it rebranded to its current name in 1993. The cafe is celebrated for its mouthwatering barbecue ribs, succulent steaks, fried catfish, and gumbo. The Band Box, the adjoining music room, offers live performances nightly, featuring both local and notable artists. Over the years, Blues City Cafe has hosted celebrities such as President Bill Clinton, Robert Plant, and Tom Cruise. Its late-night hours make it a popular spot for locals, tourists, and celebrities seeking authentic Southern cuisine and vibrant entertainment.
This old-school juke joint/eatery specializes in the blues music & soul food of the Delta region.
Blues City Cafe – Memphis
“Blues and barbeque, smoke and sauce. In Memphis, they all meld beautifully. Just like heaven.” – Bon Appetit Magazine -. CONTACT US. 138 Beale St, Memphis, TN …
Cindy Pealstrom
Beale Street in Memphis is a tough one for food. It’s all around the edges but within the road blocks, where all the lights are, it’s a tough one! We found Blues City Cafe because the line outside of BB Kings was too long and it was too cold. So very thankful we did, it was amazing! I will forever crave those little paper wrapped tamales and chili and am kicking myself today for not getting a few orders to go!! The ribs are phenomenal, best we’ve had anywhere in a long time and BBQ is usually our go to. Steak fries, hot and crispy and a pork chop smokey and tender. Everything about our meal was top notch and our server Shaq made sure the entire experience was one to remember! We’ll be back for sure, the tamales are calling my name! Oh, I left a little 3D print keychain, if you find it, let me know on FB at #3DFind!
… moreSeth Hoza
We walked here from the crowne plaza hotel about a 15 min straight straight shot walk.
We had the seafood stuffed mushrooms which were fantastic and we also had the chicken tenders with fries. The tenders were great but just a simple fried tender no seasoning or anything just simple.
This was first time in and first meal while being here for a convention I was satisfied. I also had there coffee it was great.
… moreNorma Arnold
The food here is over priced (I assume it’s due to the location) and overall was just “okay.” The steak honestly was really delicious. It was juicy and flavorful—hands down, the best thing we ordered. The catfish was just okay, though. It had a nice crunch, but lacked flavor. Chef Larry’s greens were mostly vinegar and not much other seasoning. Not worth an extra $8, for sure. No doubt this place gets packed since it’s directly on Beale Street, but there was no wait when we went. The service was on par and the staff was friendly, I just expected better quality at this price point.
… moreJames Cobbs
This place was amazing!!! We love blues and good food!! The band was popping and the atmosphere was incredible!! I’m truly grateful we made the trip here!! It sucked to stand in the rain to get in but it was worth it. ❤️
… moreHe Wi
Good food, great service, fun place. We were just around for some light food so we ordered a piece of chicken tender and a side portion of pork BBQ, both of which tasted yum. Portion was perfect for the price. Not too expensive. Just right. Our server Ella was very friendly and chatted with us before we left. Other customers weren’t too loud but maybe because we were there so late, around 11 pm. But even then, the atmosphere was still fun.
… moreChris Chamberlin
We went at an odd time (230 on a Mon) so they were basically empty so it felt a little odd. But the service was friendly and quick. Came for the catfish/ rib combo and it was exactly what we were craving. Wet ribs were delicious and fall of the bone tender – catfish was perfectly seasoned and cooked (there was not a hint of grease in the basket). Loved it!
… moreT. Lynch
While visiting Beale St , I opted for lunch at Blues City Cafe. The service was great alojg with to the food. I chose the combination plate with ribs and catfish. The ribs were a little overcooked but the catfish was on point. As the day went along, the restaurant started to get busy but the servers were on top of it.
… moreNatural Solutions (TheBodyBar)
Adventures in Memphis… on the world famous Beale street I finally found a catfish that caught me, hook, line and sinker! Our server was so sweet with southern hospitality at 1000! She said they had the best Catfish, ribs and “turn-up” greens… and I ain’t never known her to tell a lie! Crispy cornbread laid cried catfish cooked to perfection. Sweet spicy ribs that feel off the bones and had me lickin’ my fingertips! Whooooooeeee. Drinks were strong and she went to the basement to get me a cup full of cherries ! Cuz who can drink bourbon without them?
And Hush down on the HushPups… I’ve never been a fan, but the way they tasted, all buttery sweet with just the right crunch! Ummm! Drool! Couldn’t stay for dessert or the live band, but that only gives me another reason to come back again!
… moreNicolewalker The TWOGETHER Group
Blues City Cafe on Beale Street – My Favorite Spot for Ribs in Memphis!
Located right in the heart of Beale Street, Blues City Cafe is my go to place for mouthwatering ribs in Memphis. Every dish I’ve tried from tamales and chili to shrimp and anything else on the menu is incredibly tasty. The lively atmosphere and unbeatable location make it a must visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Memphis flavor and Southern hospitality. Definitely a top pick when you’re on Beale Street!
… moreBilly
4.5 tweener, round up for serving after midnight.
Got catfish and half rack. Catfish had nice old bay like seasoning served with tartar sauce.
We dropped in past midnight and still had decent ribs. Tender with hints of smoke.
Steak fries crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside.
Food comes out quick after ordering.
2 visits, 1 server was lethargic until the bill and tip time came, but 2nd server was upbeat even at 1 am.
Buddy got tamales and chili, said it was excellent.
Overall portion size is large for one person.
… more