Queer City Guide

Memphis

Your queer compass for Memphis

27 LGBTQ-friendly listings in TN

Memphis deserves more than a generic travel blurb. Our editorial team built this landing page around the kinds of places queer locals actually use — arts, bars, hotels, restaurants.

LGBTQ+ Memphis

Memphis has a LGBTQ+ landscape shaped by Southeast energy — think arts, bars, hotels, restaurants. The Pink Pulse directory highlights places where queer locals socialize, celebrate, and build community, with an editorial lens that prioritizes inclusion and accuracy.

Whether you are planning a weekend visit or mapping your own neighborhood, Memphis rewards explorers who know where to look. Our team tracks culture, drag, live performance, and creative community; nightlife energy and welcoming queer social spaces; stay options that feel comfortable for queer travelers; dining scenes where LGBTQ+ locals actually gather so you spend less time guessing and more time connecting.

This guide is original Pink Pulse editorial — inspired by how travelers research queer-friendly cities, but written from scratch for our audience. Listings evolve as businesses open, close, and refresh; claim yours if you are a local owner.

Neighborhoods to Know

Downtown Memphis — walkable core with mixed bars, cafes, and cultural stops
Memphis Arts District — galleries, performance spaces, and late-night energy
Riverside / Waterfront — scenic hangs popular with locals and visitors
University Quarter — younger crowd, coffee shops, and progressive community hubs

Local Tips

Check The Pink Pulse events calendar before you arrive — Memphis pride and pop-up parties fill fast.
Many queer-friendly spots cluster within a short rideshare of the city center; plan one neighborhood per night.
Support LGBTQ-owned businesses when you can — look for the verified badge in our directory.
Weekend brunch is a social sport in Memphis; arrive early at popular patios.
Reserve tickets for drag brunches and small theatre shows; they sell out in peak season.

Museums & Galleries 20Bars & Nightlife 2Restaurants & Cafés 2Arts & Entertainment 1Health & Wellness 1Shopping & Retail 1

Museums & Galleries$

Joysmith Gallery

5.0 (2)

Joysmith Gallery is a Museums & Galleries in Near city center in Memphis (currently listed as permanently closed on Google Maps). Visitors often mention: "This is a wonderful as well as beautiful gallery. I've purchased several pieces from Ms. Joysmith in the SF Bay Area as well as Memphis...." Google rates it 5/5 across 2 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Arts & Entertainment$$$

Gallery Gallery

4.9 (16)

The Gallery is a Arts & Entertainment in West End in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "My granddaughter had her 16th birthday party at the Gallery. The decorations were exquisite. The ambiance, everything was perfect. It's..." Google rates it 4.9/5 across 16 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

National Civil Rights Museum

4.9 (14066)

National Civil Rights Museum is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Historic site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination & exhibits on the racial equality movement. Google rates it 4.9/5 across 14,065 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

The Eel on Beale (Withers Museum)

4.8 (264)

Withers Collection Museum & Gallery is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Charming museum holding historically important photos honoring civil rights & black history. Google rates it 4.8/5 across 264 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Woodruff-Fontaine House

4.8 (258)

Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum is a museum in Cultural corridor, Memphis. This stately, fully restored French-Victorian home plays host to a schedule of historic exhibits. Google rates it 4.8/5 across 258 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education

4.8 (473)

Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education is a Museums & Galleries in Near city center in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "Wonderful theatre 🎭 just a bit cold inside so take your sweaters/coats...lol but the atmosphere is nice and..." Google rates it 4.8/5 across 473 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

Woodruff-Fontaine House

4.8 (258)

Bars & Nightlife$$$

Copper Room

4.8 (61)

Cooper House Project is a Bars & Nightlife in Waterfront in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "Really cute little place. Lots of cool art thoughout that you can buy. Few tables outside to sit and enjoy the weather. Lots of good..." Google rates it 4.8/5 across 61 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

The Metal Museum

4.8 (244)

Metal Museum is a gallery in Near city center, Memphis. Museum complex with exhibits of ornamental metalwork, a working blacksmith shop & sculpture garden. Google rates it 4.8/5 across 244 reviews.

⭐ FEATURED

Restaurants & Cafés$$

Lotus Bistro

4.8 (73)

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant is a Restaurants & Cafés in Downtown in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "Lotus is a great spot for authentic and delicious Vietnamese food. One thing I really appreciate is their special menu for Lunar New Year!..." Google rates it 4.8/5 across 73 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

Stax Museum

4.8 (3413)

Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. A replica recording studio & rotating exhibits tell the story of Stax Records & soul music. Google rates it 4.8/5 across 3,415 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Stax Museum

4.8 (3413)

Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a museum in Cultural corridor, Memphis. A replica recording studio & rotating exhibits tell the story of Stax Records & soul music. Google rates it 4.8/5 across 3,415 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Crosstown Arts

4.8 (122)

Crosstown Arts is a Museums & Galleries in Near city center in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "I'm a musician and got the honor to play here over my birthday weekend. Such a great space for art, music, and getting to know other..." Google rates it 4.8/5 across 122 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

Magevney House

4.7 (12)

Magevney House is a Museums & Galleries in Near city center in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "Very Historic Home with Rich history for the city as well as even in Religious..." Google rates it 4.7/5 across 12 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

4.7 (258)

Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Private collection of unique art & artifacts including lacquer boxes, glassworks & Italian mosaics. Google rates it 4.7/5 across 259 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Memphis Rock 'N Soul Museum

4.6 (1613)

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Story of the roots & influence of Bluff City's rock & soul music told through interactive media. Google rates it 4.6/5 across 1,614 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Blues Hall of Fame

4.6 (324)

Blues Hall of Fame Museum is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Opened in 2015, this museum features exhibits & memorabilia related to blues music & musicians. Google rates it 4.6/5 across 324 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

4.6 (1143)

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. 19th-century home once part of the Underground Railroad features tunnels, trap doors & artifacts. Google rates it 4.6/5 across 1,143 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Mallory-Neely House

4.6 (82)

Mallory-Neely House is a Museums & Galleries in Near city center in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "I had a fantastic experience at the Mallory-Neely House! I booked my tickets online ahead of time, and the process was . While the..." Google rates it 4.6/5 across 82 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

Fire Museum of Memphis

4.6 (554)

Fire Museum of Memphis is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Historic firehouse with engines & other artifacts plus interactive safety programs aimed at kids. Google rates it 4.6/5 across 555 reviews.

Restaurants & Cafés$$$

Copper Bistro

4.5 (911)

The Copper Bistro is a Restaurants & Cafés in Arts District in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "Wow! I cannot believe this place. I got a terrific salad with steak on it. I didn't expect it to be the size of a mixing bowl! It wasn't..." Google rates it 4.5/5 across 911 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Health & Wellness$$

True Wellness

4.4 (78)

Pro Health Clinic - Poplar is a Health & Wellness in Waterfront in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "I regret having to write this after coming here for maybe 6 years. I've had a wonderful experience here in the past. Unfortunately,..." Google rates it 4.4/5 across 78 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

Museums & Galleries$

The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange

4.3 (269)

The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange is a museum in Cultural corridor, Memphis. Circa-1939 Memphis Cotton Exchange building is now a museum exhibiting cotton & slavery history. Google rates it 4.3/5 across 269 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

4.3 (492)

Memphis Music Hall of Fame is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Iconic museum of revered music legends, with changing exhibits, performances & rare displays. Google rates it 4.3/5 across 492 reviews.

Museums & Galleries$

W. C. Handy Home and Museum

4.1 (31)

W C Handy House Museum is a museum in Near city center, Memphis. Shotgun shack of early-1900s composer credited with popularizing the blues, with tours & exhibits. Google rates it 4.1/5 across 31 reviews.

Shopping & Retail$

Bold Boutique

3.7 (3)

Bold and Beautiful is a Shopping & Retail in Uptown in Memphis (currently listed as permanently closed on Google Maps). Visitors often mention: "Clothes Doesn't Come With A Size On The..." Google rates it 3.7/5 across 3 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

⭐ FEATURED

Bars & Nightlife$

Indigo Tavern

2.9 (150)

Indigo Riverview is a Bars & Nightlife in Uptown in Memphis. Visitors often mention: "DO NOT LIVE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT LIVE HERE!!!! This property is mismanaged completely. I moved into a nasty apartment. Baseboards..." Google rates it 2.9/5 across 150 reviews. Listed in The Pink Pulse LGBTQ+ directory - confirm hours on site before you go.

LGBTQ+ Memphis

Neighborhoods to Know

Local Tips

Joysmith Gallery

Gallery Gallery

National Civil Rights Museum

The Eel on Beale (Withers Museum)

Woodruff-Fontaine House

Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education

Woodruff-Fontaine House

Copper Room

The Metal Museum

Lotus Bistro

Stax Museum

Stax Museum

Crosstown Arts

Magevney House

Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

Memphis Rock 'N Soul Museum

Blues Hall of Fame

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

Mallory-Neely House

Fire Museum of Memphis

Copper Bistro

True Wellness

The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

W. C. Handy Home and Museum

Bold Boutique

Indigo Tavern

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