DOWNTOWN. Located in the heart of Memphis's nightlife scene (the corner of Third and Beale), Alfred's is one of those places that you need to stop in if you plan on telling people you visited Memphis. A great place to catch awesome live rock and blues, this downtown institution boasts an excellent selection of beers and great bar fare ­ you'll not want to pass on the wings. The outdoor patio area offers a great place to catch a breath of fresh air if it's not too crowded, which is rare.

MIDTOWN. In the heart of Midtown, this restaurant and bar is a favorite among the locals. The menu includes pizza, calzones, salads and black angus burgers, while the pool tables and live music create a fun and friendly atmosphere. If you're around on a weekend, don't miss the brunch serving everything from omelets to prime rib.

DOWNTOWN. What more could you ask? Blues City Cafe is located in the heart of Memphis's nightlife scene and offers the right ingredients for a perfect evening ­ great live blues and terrific food. While some may dispute their claim to the title of "Best Meal on Beale," Blues City does in fact serve a wide range of tasty, down-home delicacies like barbecued ribs, chicken, steaks and fried catfish. If the rustic interior looks familiar, that's because you saw it in the film adaptation of John Grisham's "The Firm." Wristbands are available for $10 and include admission to all Beale Street clubs.

DOWNTOWN. Talk about a history! The building that houses Earnestine & Hazel's had a split personality in its original hey-day: by day it was a dry goods retailer and by night a brothel. For those who prefer swanky neighborhood dives, this downtown gem is just the place. A surprising ­ and eclectic ­ crowd of young professional types and downtown regulars floods here after work, and most are still here late when the jukebox fires up jazz, blues or whatever happens to be on the bill for the evening. Should you get hungry, you'll definitely want to sample one of their famous burgers, rumored to be among the best in Memphis.

DOWNTOWN. If it's beer you seek, this popular bar should be the first joint you check out. Inside, you'll find an atmosphere conducive to downing a few brews and having a good time: wooden furniture, pool tables, and plenty of Elvis memorabilia. In the warmer months, the bar's patio is one of the best places to hang out in Memphis ­ just ask regulars. In case you need to put something substantial in your belly, Flying Saucer offers decent pub grub, and the aptly named Big Pretzel goes great with most beers.