DOWNTOWN. One of Memphis's most famous nightspots, B.B.'s is one of those rare places ­ the type of place you must visit if you spend any time in the city at all. Featuring an amazing repertoire of blues musicians on a nightly basis, great food and, of course, cold beer, the bar is a popular destination for tourists. However, when word gets around that the man himself is in town (with Lucille), locals know exactly where to head. If it's your first visit, make sure you stop by the souvenir shop on the way out.

DOWNTOWN. Located next to a huge tourist draw like B. B. King's, Black Diamond enjoys a certain degree of anonymity ­ a fact that makes it all the more appealing. This cozy bar is where the locals head when they are looking for a night on the town and some great blues music. In fact, don't be surprised if you see somebody famous gracing the stage ­ names like Bob Margolin, Isaac Hayes and Matt Murphy have been known to wow the crowd with a song or two. The kitchen cooks up some of Beale Street's best bar food too.

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.

MIDTOWN. If you're in the mood for something a little more upbeat than the average Beale Street blues or country bar, try this rowdy Overton Park nightspot. Featured musical acts at the Hi-Tone could be anybody from the North Mississippi Allstars and Cat Power to reggae and country-western acts ­ all of them party bands, to be sure. Make sure you show up ready to move a little, drink a little and even eat little. And don't worry about that ringing sound you keep hearing the next day ­ that's par for the course at the Hi-Tone.

MIDTOWN. Few places in Midtown inspire the loyalty that Murphy's does; the clientele includes everybody from hip, young professionals to college kids to hard-core beer hounds. Perhaps it's because their Happy Hour lasts, as luck would have it, until 7pm! This Irish-style pub, a Midtown staple for more than 20 years, offers a casual atmosphere and excellent pub grub ­ you won't want to pass on the Murphy Burger or the Basket O' Rings. The patio area, which tends to get crowded when it's pretty outside, is a great place to spend an evening with friends; inside, folks crowd around the bar area to catch the latest scores on TV or to head toward the stage area if a good band is playing.