Rum Boogie Cafe, Memphis

Rum Boogie Café, established in 1985, stands as a distinctive eatery and bar at the heart of Historic Beale Street and Highway 61, playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of the renowned Entertainment District in the mid-1980s. The café merges traditional Delta cuisine with vibrant Memphis blues, hosting live performances every night. Their motto, “Down Home Cookin’, Down Home Blues,” encapsulates this blend.

Centrally located in the historical nexus of music genres that shaped today's popular music - blues, country, gospel, and rock n' roll - the café also functions as a repository for coveted music memorabilia. It boasts a collection of over 200 signed guitars from iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many others, spanning various eras and genres.

The café's memorabilia collection extends to other rare items, such as Isaac Hayes' cape worn during his Academy Award acceptance for "Shaft," neon signs from the STAX record studio, and memorabilia from Memphis's musical heritage, including original concert posters and items from famous local venues.

Beyond its musical significance, Rum Boogie Café is renowned for its culinary achievements, particularly its seafood gumbo, which has won awards at the International Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival and Gumbo Cookoff. The menu features Southern specialties like Red Beans and Rice, Fried Catfish, Hickory Smoked BBQ Ribs, and Pork Shoulder, along with traditional Mississippi Delta-style vegetables.

Rum Boogie Café epitomizes the essence of Memphis in both music and cuisine, offering an authentic experience of the city's rich cultural heritage.