B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re walking down Beale Street and the neon is hitting your eyes from every direction. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. You hear three different drum beats competing for your attention before you even hit the corner of Second Street. Then you see it—the big blue guitar glowing against the Tennessee sky.

B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis isn't just another tourist trap.

I know, I know. Every travel blog tells you it’s a "must-see," which usually means it’s overpriced and packed with people from out of town wearing matching t-shirts. But there’s a reason this place has been the anchor of Beale since 1991. While other spots have come and gone, or turned into generic sports bars, B.B.’s has kept a certain gravity. It’s where the "Beale Street Blues Boy" himself decided to plant his flag when the city was trying to save a crumbling historic district.

Honestly? Most people walk in, grab a rack of ribs, and leave without realizing they’re sitting in the middle of a massive piece of civil rights and musical history.

The Reality of the "Tourist Trap" Label

Let’s get the elephant out of the room. Is it touristy? Yeah. You’re going to pay a $10 cover charge. You’re going to see a gift shop. But here’s the thing: the music is actually good. Like, really good.

The house band, the B.B. King All-Stars, isn't some amateur garage group. These are world-class musicians who understand the "Memphis Sound"—that specific, gritty blend of soul, gospel, and blues that you can't just fake. They play the hits, sure, but they play them with a level of technical skill that reminds you why B.B. King was the most important electric guitarist of the last century.

I’ve seen people who "don't like blues" end up on the dance floor by the second set. It’s infectious. The club has two levels, and if you’re smart, you’ll head upstairs to the mezzanine. You get a better view of the stage, and it feels a little less like you’re in a crowded cafeteria and more like you’re in a classic supper club.

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Why the Location Matters (It's Not Just a Street Address)

Beale Street was a "city within a city" for Black Southerners during the Jim Crow era. It was a place where you could own a business, see a show, and walk with your head high when the rest of the world told you otherwise.

When Tommy Peters and B.B. King opened this club in '91, Beale was in rough shape. It wasn't the polished entertainment district it is today. They took a gamble on a building that once saw civil rights marches pass right by its front door—literally. There’s a famous Ernest Withers photo of a 1968 sanitation strike protest, and the building that now houses the club is visible in the background.

That history is baked into the walls. You’re eating dinner in a place that helped catalyze the rebirth of one of the most culturally significant streets in America.

The Food: Is it Actually Worth the Calories?

Look, nobody comes to a blues club for a salad. You’re here for the Lip Smacking Ribs.

I’ve had a lot of BBQ in Memphis. Everyone has their favorite—Central, Rendezvous, The Bar-B-Q Shop. B.B. King’s holds its own, especially if you like your ribs wet. They’re slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone tender, and brushed with a sauce that’s sweet but has a kick.

• The Pig Platter: If you’re with a group, just get this. It’s got ribs, pulled pork, and Polish sausage. It’s aggressive.
• Fried Okra: It sounds basic, but they serve it with "Comeback Sauce." Don't ask what's in it, just dip the okra.
• Shrimp and Grits: A lot of people overlook this for the BBQ, but the white cheddar grits they use are legitimately creamy and the Tasso ham adds a smoky depth you don't expect from a "club" menu.

The prices usually hover around $$ ($20-$35 for an entree), which is standard for downtown Memphis. You aren't getting a bargain, but you aren't getting ripped off either considering the live entertainment is included once you're through the door.

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The Secret Upstairs: Itta Bena

Here is what most people miss. Literally. They walk right past the back staircase.

If you want a completely different vibe, go upstairs to Itta Bena. Named after B.B. King’s birthplace in Mississippi, this is a sophisticated, "speakeasy" style restaurant with blue-tinted windows that make the whole world look cool.

It’s quiet. It’s intimate. It feels like 1950s Memphis in the best way possible. While the club downstairs is all about energy and dancing, Itta Bena is about fine dining—think duck pasta, jumbo lump crab cakes, and a serious wine list.

Surviving Beale Street in 2026

If you're planning a visit, keep a few things in mind. The club opens at 11:00 AM daily, but it doesn't really "start" until the sun goes down.

1. The Cover Charge: It’s usually $10. It’s good for the whole day and night. If you leave to go see the ducks at the Peabody or grab a drink at Silky O'Sullivan's, you can come back in without paying again. Just keep your wristband or receipt.
2. Seating: After 5:00 PM, it’s first-come, first-served. If you want a table right by the stage for an 8:00 PM show, you better be there by 6:30 PM and be prepared to order some drinks while you wait.
3. The "Live" Factor: B.B. King passed away in 2015, but his spirit is everywhere. His favorite guitar, Lucille, has various iterations around, and the memorabilia is real. This isn't a museum, though; it’s a living venue. Don't be surprised if a famous musician just "happens" to show up and jam. Over the years, everyone from the Rolling Stones to Justin Timberlake has been known to pop in.

A Quick Word on Safety and Vibes

Beale Street has its own security protocols. Depending on the night, you might have to go through a security checkpoint to even enter the street. It’s just part of the experience now. Don't let it put you off; it keeps the vibe focused on the music.

Also, it’s an older crowd. You’ll see plenty of people in their 50s and 60s who have been coming here for decades. That’s a good sign. It means the place hasn't lost its soul to the "Instagram aesthetic" crowd yet.

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Actionable Insights for Your Visit

If you want to do B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis right, follow this specific plan.

First, spend your afternoon at the B.B. King statue at the Tennessee Welcome Center or the Blues Hall of Fame (it’s just a short walk away). Get the context. Understand why the man mattered.

Then, head to the club around 4:30 PM. You beat the dinner rush, you skip the longest lines, and you can catch the transition from the afternoon acts to the heavy hitters. Order the Sausage & Cheese Platter—it’s a Memphis staple—and just sit. Listen to the soundcheck. Watch the neon flicker on.

When the All-Stars take the stage and launch into "The Thrill Is Gone," you’ll realize that even if it's a "tourist" spot, some things are famous for a reason.

Next Steps for Your Trip:

• Check the official music calendar before you go to see if there are any ticketed special events.
• Make a reservation for Itta Bena if you want a romantic dinner before heading downstairs to dance.
• Bring cash for tipping the band; even with the cover, those musicians work hard for every dollar.