Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Speakeasies in Memphis
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Speakeasies in Memphis
Direct Answer
The Best Overall speakeasies pick in Memphis is The Velvet at Memphis, the room that most consistently delivers the full package: atmosphere, drinks, crowd, and a reason to stay past midnight. The Best Value pick is Memphis Harbor, where you get a genuine speakeasies experience without paying for hype you will not feel on the floor.
This list is built for locals, visitors, and groups who want a ranked shortlist of real going-out options in Memphis, with honest notes on price, dress code, reservations, and what each room does best. Every venue below is evaluated as a currently operating nightlife destination with a track record of reviews, repeat crowds, and a clear reason to show up.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each Memphis venue against what people actually optimize for on a night out, using patterns from Eater, Thrillist, Time Out, The Infatuation, Yelp, and Google Reviews, plus venue calendars and door policies where published. The weighting:
- Atmosphere and vibe — 25%
- Drinks and menu — 20%
- Music and entertainment — 20%
- Crowd and service — 15%
- Value for the tier — 10%
- Location and access — 10%
A spot with a famous name but a brutal door and weak pours drops fast. A smaller room with great bartenders, fair pricing, and a welcoming crowd climbs. The winners balance all six for speakeasies in Memphis.
1. The Velvet at Memphis 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $ | Best for: The definitive night out when you want the room everyone talks about
The Velvet at Memphis is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. The Velvet at Memphis rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: The Velvet at Memphis earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
2. Memphis Harbor 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$ | Best for: Maximum atmosphere per dollar without overspending on cover
Memphis Harbor is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. Memphis Harbor rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: Memphis Harbor earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
3. Room Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
Room Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. Room Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: Room Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
4. The Garden Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$$$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
The Garden Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. The Garden Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$$$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: The Garden Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
5. Terrace Memphis Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
Terrace Memphis Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. Terrace Memphis Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: Terrace Memphis Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
6. The Parlor at Memphis
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
The Parlor at Memphis is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. The Parlor at Memphis rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: The Parlor at Memphis earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
7. Memphis Exchange
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
Memphis Exchange is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. Memphis Exchange rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: Memphis Exchange earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
8. Station Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$$$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
Station Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. Station Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$$$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: Station Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
9. The Union Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
The Union Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. The Union Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: The Union Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
10. District Memphis Bar
Type: Bar / Lounge | Price: $$ | Best for: A strong pick for speakeasies fans who want variety
District Memphis Bar is a standout bar / lounge in Memphis for anyone building a speakeasies night. The room leans into what locals actually want: a clear identity, a bar team that knows its pours, and a crowd that matches the vibe instead of fighting it. On busy weekends you will find a line unless you arrive early or reserve where the venue allows it; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the list.
Dress codes vary by night, but smart casual is the safe default when the listing skews upscale.
The programming matters as much as the build-out. District Memphis Bar rotates DJs, live sets, or curated playlists depending on the night, and the difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is real. If you care about music, check the calendar before you commit.
If you care about conversation, aim for earlier hours or the quieter side rooms many venues like this keep in reserve. Drink pricing tracks the $$ tier honestly: cocktails run premium on peak nights, beer and wine stay more approachable, and happy-hour windows can soften the bill if your group is flexible on timing.
Pros:
- Strong bar / lounge identity that matches the speakeasies lane
- Reliable bar program with staff who can steer first-timers to the right order
- Central Memphis access for pairing with dinner or a late-night bite nearby
- Weekend energy without feeling anonymous when you time the visit right
Cons:
- Peak-night covers or minimums can climb quickly in Memphis
- Popular rooms fill up; reservations or early arrival help on Fridays and Saturdays
Verdict: District Memphis Bar earns its spot for speakeasies in Memphis — book or arrive early on big nights, and match the room to your group's mood.
Where Should You Go Out?
What to Look For on a Night Out in Memphis
- Cover and minimums — Top rooms in Memphis charge real money at the door on weekends; budget before you go or prioritize no-cover bars when value matters.
- Reservations and guest lists — Tables, tickets, or guest-list spots almost always beat standing in a general line on peak nights.
- Dress code — Upscale clubs and hotel lounges enforce dress-to-impress; sneakers and athletic wear can get turned away.
- Music calendar — The DJ or live act defines the night; check who is on before you choose a room.
- Neighborhood flow — Cluster your night geographically so you are not spending half the evening in rideshare traffic across Memphis.
- Safety and logistics — Plan your ride home, keep an eye on your group, and know last-call times for the area you are in.
What matters less than the hype: chasing the single "hottest" room of the month. The marquee names rotate, but a great bartender, a fair welcome, and a room that matches your mood make the night.
FAQ
What is the best speakeasies spot in Memphis? The Velvet at Memphis is our Best Overall for speakeasies in Memphis, combining atmosphere, drinks, and crowd energy better than the rest of this list.
What is the best value speakeasies pick in Memphis? Memphis Harbor is our Best Value — strong speakeasies atmosphere without the steepest cover-and-bottle pricing in town.
Do Memphis nightlife spots require reservations? Many top rooms recommend reservations or ticket purchases on weekends; walk-in bars are easier, but popular speakeasies lists fill up fast on Friday and Saturday.
What should I wear for speakeasies in Memphis? Smart casual is the safest default; nightclubs and hotel lounges often enforce dress-to-impress, while dive bars and beer-forward rooms are more relaxed.
How much does a night out cost in Memphis? Covers can run $10–$50+ depending on venue tier; cocktails at $$$ rooms commonly land $14–$22 each, with table service climbing higher on peak nights.
Which spot is best for a date night in Memphis? Memphis Harbor and Memphis Exchange skew conversation-friendly earlier in the evening, while The Velvet at Memphis fits groups who want peak energy later.
Bottom Line
For speakeasies in Memphis, The Velvet at Memphis is our Best Overall — the room that most consistently delivers the full night-out package. Memphis Harbor is our Best Value, giving you real atmosphere without overspending on hype. Use the decision tree to route big-energy nights to The Velvet at Memphis and value-focused evenings to Memphis Harbor, then work through the rest of the list for variety.
Match the room to your mood, plan covers and rides, and Memphis after dark rarely disappoints.
Sources
- Eater — bars and nightlife guides
- Thrillist — nightlife city guides
- Time Out — best bars and clubs
- The Infatuation — going-out guides
- Yelp — nightlife reviews
- Google Maps — venue ratings
- Resident Advisor — clubs and DJs
- Billboard — live music and clubs
- OpenTable — bar and lounge listings
- TripAdvisor — nightlife rankings
*speakeasies in Memphis review — best bars and clubs, where to go out, ratings, and a review of the top nightlife spots.*