Date night in Memphis from official sites: dinner at Chez Philippe or Folk's Folly, a show at the Orpheum, the Peabody rooftop and Big River Crossing until 10 p.m.
Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. Every listing comes from the venue’s own website, linked below; hours are as published. We do not rank restaurants. For brunch, see our brunch guide; for live music, live music and nightlife.
The classic Memphis date night is downtown: dinner on South Main or at The Peabody, a show at the Orpheum, and a walk to the river or across Big River Crossing, which stays open until 10 p.m. Midtown and East Memphis add steakhouses, a free art museum and outdoor music. For a ride home, see getting around.
Book ahead
- Chez Philippe: reservations recommended, (901) 529-4000 or online
- Orpheum and Halloran Centre shows: orpheum-memphis.com
- Folk’s Folly: check its dress code before you book, (901) 762-8200
Dinner
| Restaurant | Address | Notes from its site |
|---|---|---|
| Chez Philippe | The Peabody, 149 Union Ave. | Dinner Thursday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.; afternoon tea Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 3:30 p.m.; reservations recommended |
| The Majestic Grille | 145 S. Main St. | Dinner from 3 to 9 p.m. on weekends; lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; on Main Street near the Orpheum |
| Folk’s Folly | 551 S. Mendenhall Road | “Memphis’ Original Prime Steak House”; dress code; (901) 762-8200 |
| Owen Brennan’s | 6150 Poplar Ave., Suite 150 | Cajun Creole cooking in the Regalia center, East Memphis; 901-761-0990 |
| The Beauty Shop | 966 S. Cooper St. | Weekend dinner Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m., in Cooper-Young |
| Paulette’s | River Inn of Harbor Town, Mud Island | (901) 260-3333 |
A show
- Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St., 901-525-3000: touring Broadway, concerts and comedy. The 2026-27 season includes “Shucked” on Jan. 16-17, 2027 (events).
- Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main St.: the Orpheum Theatre Group’s second stage.
- Overton Park Shell, 1928 Poplar Ave.: outdoor shows in Overton Park, with free programming every year.
Drinks and late openings
- The Peabody: rooftop parties every Thursday from mid-April to mid-August; happy hour 4 to 7 p.m. daily in the Corner Bar, with piano music; the Grand Lobby bar is open from 10 a.m. to midnight daily, where you can watch the Peabody Ducks (Peabody events).
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Ave.: free, and open until 8 p.m. on third Thursdays (hours).
- Beale Street: blues clubs and bars; 21 and over after 11 p.m., and a $5 security fee on select weekend and holiday nights (Beale Street guide).
A walk
Big River Crossing is nearly a mile long across the Mississippi, with views of the skyline, and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Tom Lee Park on the riverfront is open until 30 minutes after sunset (Memphis River Parks).
What this means for you
- Downtown works on foot: the Majestic Grille, the Orpheum and the river are within a few blocks.
- Chez Philippe serves dinner only Thursday to Sunday; plan the date for those nights.
- On a third Thursday, pair dinner with the Dixon’s late hours.
Related: Valentine’s Day, brunch and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go for a special dinner in Memphis?
Options include Chez Philippe in The Peabody, 149 Union Ave., which serves dinner Thursday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. (901-529-4000), and Folk’s Folly, 551 S. Mendenhall Road, which calls itself Memphis’ original prime steakhouse (901-762-8200).
What can couples do at night in Memphis for free?
Walk Big River Crossing over the Mississippi, open until 10 p.m. daily, or visit the Dixon Gallery and Gardens on a third Thursday, when it stays open until 8 p.m. with free admission.
Does The Peabody have a rooftop bar?
The Peabody holds rooftop parties every Thursday night from mid-April to mid-August. Its Corner Bar has happy hour daily from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where do Broadway shows play in Memphis?
At the Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St. Its sister venue, the Halloran Centre, is at 225 S. Main St. Box office and visitor information: 901-525-3000.
Have your say