Tonight’s the opening night for rooftop parties Downtown, so I figured I’d publish sort of a “rooftop party orientation guide” for those new to Downtown or to Memphis, or who’ve never attended the rooftop parties before, and are considering it.
The Peabody Hotel will have weekly parties every Thursday from 6 to 10 PM. Tonight they will have Lord T and Eloise as their headliner, with Free Sol performing earlier in the evening and Shinedown opening things up. Admission to these parties is $5, with ladies getting in free before 8 PM.
(Note: Tonight’s Peabody party has been moved to their Grand Ballroom due to the fact that they expect a huge crowd. Future parties will be on the roof.)
The Madison Hotel kicks off their rooftop party season tonight as well. Elmo and the Shades will be tonight’s featured entertainment there.
For those new to Downtown, which should you choose, Peabody or Madison? The Peabody is a larger rooftop, about 4 times the size of the Madison. Average age is 20s and it’s a see-and-be-seen atmosphere with many of the ladies putting on their hottest outfits. Bands tend to be party/cover bands. The Madison is a more mature crowd, with average age probably 40s, although it attracts all ages from 21 to 70s. Musical acts are selected to appeal to the older crowd, and to accommodate the smaller space.
Me personally? When I go to either of the rooftop parties, I tend to go to the Peabody. Younger, more fun. I have to be in the mood to deal with the crowd, though, some of whom give off a “trying way too hard to impress” vibe. The Madison usually books the Dempseys a couple of times per season, which is enough to draw me that direction.
By the way, the Peabody and Madison are only 2 1/2 blocks apart, so there’s no reason you can’t try both without having to park the car a second time.
What if you want to stay out after the rooftop parties, which are over by 10? A lot of places have opened, closed, or changed ownership since last year’s rooftop season, so it’s hard to figure out what to do. Here are my top recommendations:
If you want to go to a nightclub and dance, my top pick would be the Red Rooster, on Second just south of Beale. Great place to hear live music, and the DJ spins good tunes when the bands are on break. Big club, good food in huge portions, good drinks, lots of TVs, friendly staff. They do Ladies’ Night on Thursdays, where ladies get in free and enjoy $2.50 Rooster Booster Punch Bowls in their Ladies’ Night cups. There’s also a “You’ve Got the Look” contest, where the winner will receive a designer filled Coach purse.
If you want more of a lounge-type setting with good cocktails, I have two recommendations. One is Automatic Slim’s, under new ownership since last year and now staying open until 3 AM. Michael Patrick, the new chef, has created a spectacular late-night menu. Mark Anderson is the DJ. According to their website, they will have dollar martinis until 10 PM, so you may want to duck out of the rooftop party early to take advantage of that special. Slim’s is on Second across from the Peabody.
Another good lounge-type place is the Silly Goose, on Peabody Place between Main and Second. It’s in the location that used to be Swig, but it’s a lot less pretentious now. Nearly 300 different liquors at the bar, lots of comfy couches to sit on, one of the best patios in Downtown Memphis. This has quickly become one of my favorite bars.
If you want something more relaxed, try Bardog Tavern on Monroe between Front and Main. It’s a dark little neighborhood bar that is less than a year old but feels like it’s been there at least 20. Classic cocktails, 10 beers on tap, food that’s far better than typical bar food. Like the Goose, this was one of my favorites almost from the day it opened.
If you just want a damn beer and like the idea of drinking it in a big, crowded bar, then of course there’s the Flying Saucer, at Second and Peabody Place. 70 beers on tap, another 120 in bottles; liquor and wine selection as well, but limited. The Saucer has bands every Thursday starting at 9:30 PM. Tonight it’s White Noise Theory; next Thursday they’ll have the Dempseys. Tends to be very crowded between 10 PM and midnight on rooftop party nights. Garage-door style windows offer great people-watching. They sell cigars too, if that’s your thing.
If you went to Hoop’s Bar post-rooftop last year, check out the Voodoo Room in the downstairs of Orleans on Front, on Front Street just south of Union. That’s where you’ll find Hoop now that EP’s/Hoop’s is closed. The beer pong table, PBR cans and the Wii made the trip to the new place as well.
If you just want to grab a burger before you head home: Huey’s (Second at Union) and Kooky Canuck (Second, just south of Union) are good choices and nearby. If you’re wondering what Kooky Canuck is, it’s Big Foot Lodge under a new name. No more “Big Foot” or “Sasquatch” or “Yeti” or “Meghan,” but otherwise the same exact concept. $3.99 34 oz. Super Cold Coors Light is still there.
Parking recommendations: The Parking Can Be Fun garage on Union between Front and Main, or one of the three garages on Peabody Place. These are open and attended 24 hours. Or you can park on the street – metered spaces are free after 6 PM. (If someone tries to charge you to park in a metered space, they’re not an attendant. They’re a bum trying to scam you. Don’t fall for it.)
There ya go – that should get you started exploring Downtown on spring and summer Thursday nights. My plan is to hit the Flying Saucer for happy hour, then wander over to the Peabody. Hope to see you out!