Top 10 Memphis Spots for Afternoon Drinks You Can Trust

Memphis isn’t just the birthplace of the blues—it’s a city where the afternoon sun glows golden over cobblestone streets, and the art of sipping something well-crafted is as deep-rooted as its soul music. Whether you’re a local looking to escape the midday heat or a visitor seeking authentic experiences beyond the Beale Street crowds, finding a reliable spot for an afternoon drink matters. It’s not just about the cocktail or the beer—it’s about the atmosphere, the consistency, the care behind the bar, and the trust you build with a place over time. In this guide, we’ve curated the top 10 Memphis spots for afternoon drinks you can truly trust—places where quality isn’t a marketing slogan, but a daily promise.

Why Trust Matters

In a city teeming with bars, cafes, and lounges, not every establishment delivers on its promise. Some rely on trendy decor or celebrity endorsements. Others chase viral moments with overpriced gimmicks. But when it comes to afternoon drinks—those unhurried, sun-dappled hours between lunch and dinner—trust becomes the most valuable ingredient. You want a place where the ice is fresh, the gin is local, the bartender remembers your name, and the music doesn’t drown out conversation. You want consistency. You want integrity. You want to know that if you show up on a Tuesday at 3 p.m., you’ll get the same excellence you received on a Saturday night.

Trust is earned through repetition, attention to detail, and a refusal to cut corners. It’s the bar that sources its citrus daily. The coffee shop that roasts its beans in-house. The brewery that lets its lagers condition for weeks, not days. These are the places that don’t need to shout—they’re the ones you return to, quietly, reliably, season after season.

In Memphis, where hospitality is part of the DNA, trust isn’t optional—it’s expected. And the 10 spots listed here have spent years building it. They’ve survived changing trends, economic shifts, and even pandemics because they prioritize substance over spectacle. This isn’t a list of the loudest, the most Instagrammed, or the most expensive. It’s a list of the most dependable. The places you can count on when you need a cool glass, a quiet corner, and a drink that tastes like it was made with care.

Top 10 Memphis Spots for Afternoon Drinks

1. The Cooper-Young Café

Nestled in the heart of the Cooper-Young district, this unassuming café has been a local institution since the 1990s. What began as a modest coffee shop evolved into one of Memphis’s most trusted afternoon destinations. The menu is simple: house-roasted coffee, cold brew on tap, expertly made espresso drinks, and a rotating selection of local craft sodas. But it’s the atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Sunlight streams through the large front windows, casting warm patterns on the wooden tables. The baristas know regulars by name and remember how they take their iced tea—sweet, unsweetened, with a twist of lemon.

What sets The Cooper-Young Café apart is its commitment to quality without pretension. There are no cocktails here—just pure, well-executed non-alcoholic beverages. For those seeking a refreshing, caffeine-free afternoon escape, this is the place. Their seasonal iced hibiscus tea, made with real flowers and a touch of honey, is legendary. On warm afternoons, the outdoor patio fills with artists, writers, and remote workers, all savoring the calm. No loud music. No rushed service. Just good drinks and good vibes.

2. The Rum House

Hidden behind a nondescript door on Union Avenue, The Rum House is a speakeasy-style haven for rum lovers and discerning drinkers. While it’s known for its evening cocktail list, its afternoon hours (2–6 p.m.) are where the real magic happens. The bar opens early to accommodate those looking to unwind before dinner, offering a curated selection of aged rums, tropical-inspired mocktails, and light bites like plantain chips with mango salsa.

What makes The Rum House trustworthy is its transparency. Every bottle on the shelf is labeled with its origin, age, and distillation method. The bartenders are trained in rum history and can guide you from a crisp Jamaican white rum to a complex 12-year-old Barbadian expression. Their afternoon special, the “Sunset Swizzle,” blends dark rum, lime, ginger syrup, and allspice over crushed ice—refreshing, never cloying. The lighting is soft, the seating is plush, and the staff never rushes you. It’s the rare bar where you can linger for two hours without feeling like you’re overstaying your welcome.

3. The Little Beet

Don’t let the name fool you—The Little Beet is far more than a juice bar. Though it specializes in cold-pressed juices and plant-based snacks, its afternoon drink program is one of the most thoughtful in the city. Their “Tea & Tonic” series features house-infused teas paired with house-made tonic water, offering a non-alcoholic alternative that rivals any cocktail in complexity.

Each tea blend is developed in-house, using organic herbs and botanicals sourced from regional growers. Try the “Memphis Mule,” a ginger-lemon-turmeric infusion with sparkling water and a splash of apple cider vinegar—bright, spicy, and deeply refreshing. The space is minimalist, airy, and filled with natural light, making it ideal for reading, journaling, or quiet conversation. The staff are passionate about wellness without being preachy, and they never push products. You come for the drink, you stay for the peace.

4. The High Tone

Located in the historic Overton Square, The High Tone is a neighborhood favorite known for its impeccable beer selection and relaxed vibe. While it serves wine and cocktails, its true strength lies in its rotating taps—featuring local Memphis breweries like Wiseacre, Iron City, and High Cotton. Their afternoon hours (3–7 p.m.) are when the crowd thins out, making it the perfect time to sample a new IPA or try a sour ale you’ve never heard of.

The bartenders here are beer educators. They’ll explain the difference between a hazy NEIPA and a dry Belgian saison without jargon. They pour pints with care, using chilled glasses and proper head retention. The outdoor patio, shaded by mature trees, is one of the best spots in the city to sip a cold one while watching the world go by. They also offer small plates—think pickled vegetables, house-made pretzels, and smoked almond cheese—that pair beautifully with their offerings. No loud TVs. No cover charges. Just great beer and genuine hospitality.

5. The Green Room

At first glance, The Green Room looks like a quiet bookstore café. But step inside, and you’ll discover one of Memphis’s most underrated afternoon destinations. Located in the historic LeMoyne-Owen College district, this cozy nook specializes in artisanal tea, herbal infusions, and cold brews made with single-origin beans. The shelves are lined with books on music, history, and poetry—many of which you can read while sipping.

What makes The Green Room trustworthy is its authenticity. Everything is made from scratch: the lavender honey syrup, the ginger-turmeric lemonade, the black tea infused with local wild mint. Their “Afternoon Ritual” set includes a choice of tea, a small pastry (often a pecan shortbread or lavender scone), and a curated playlist of jazz or blues—no vocals, just instruments. The owner, a former librarian, believes that a good afternoon drink should be an experience, not a transaction. And that philosophy shows in every detail.

6. The Sip & See

Located in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood, The Sip & See is a wine bar that treats afternoon drinking with the same reverence as fine dining. Their wine list is small but meticulously chosen, focusing on organic, biodynamic, and small-batch producers from France, Italy, and the American South. They offer flights of three wines for $18—perfect for sampling without commitment.

What sets them apart is their commitment to education and accessibility. Their staff are certified sommeliers who explain terroir, vintage variations, and pairing suggestions without condescension. On weekday afternoons, the bar is quiet, the lights are dimmed just enough, and the background music is a soft jazz mix. They also serve a limited selection of charcuterie and local cheeses—perfect for a leisurely hour-long tasting. The Sip & See doesn’t cater to tourists. It caters to people who appreciate nuance. If you’ve ever wanted to understand wine beyond the label, this is your classroom.

7. The Coffee & The Moon

True to its name, The Coffee & The Moon is a place where time slows down. Open since 2015, this café has become a sanctuary for creatives, students, and anyone seeking a quiet afternoon escape. Their coffee is roasted in Memphis by a family-owned roastery, and every batch is tasted by hand before it’s served. Their pour-overs are a ritual: slow, deliberate, and served with a side of warm water to cleanse the palate.

But it’s their afternoon drink innovation that’s earned them loyalty. Their “Moon Mist”—a blend of cold brew, oat milk, and a hint of vanilla bean—is a cult favorite. They also offer house-made kombucha on tap, brewed in small batches with seasonal fruits like blackberry and hibiscus. The space is filled with natural wood, hanging plants, and soft lighting. There’s no Wi-Fi password posted—because they don’t want you to rush. Just sit. Sip. Stay awhile.

8. The Brass Rail

For those who crave a classic, no-frills afternoon drink with character, The Brass Rail delivers. This 1950s-era bar in the Soulsville neighborhood has survived decades of change thanks to its unwavering commitment to tradition. The bar is made of real brass. The stools are worn smooth by decades of patrons. The bartender has been here since 1987.

They don’t have a cocktail menu. They don’t need one. Order a gin and tonic, and you’ll get it made with Tanqueray, Fever-Tree tonic, and a thick wedge of lime. A bourbon on the rocks? They use Old Forester 100 Proof—no ice cubes from the freezer, just one large, slow-melting cube. The drinks are simple, the prices are fair, and the conversation is genuine. This isn’t a place for trends. It’s a place for truth. If you want to taste what Memphis drinking culture looked like before Instagram, this is it.

9. The Garden Bar at The Memphis Botanic Garden

Yes, a botanical garden has one of the best afternoon drink spots in the city—and it’s open to the public. The Garden Bar operates daily from 2–6 p.m., offering a selection of local wines, craft beers, and seasonal spritzes made with herbs grown on-site. The setting is unparalleled: shaded by magnolias, with views of Japanese maples and koi ponds. You can sip a rosé while listening to the gentle trickle of a stone fountain.

What makes this spot trustworthy is its connection to the land. The mint in your gin fizz? Grown ten feet from the bar. The honey in your lemonade? From a local beekeeper who delivers weekly. The staff are trained in horticulture as well as mixology—they can tell you which plants attract pollinators and which herbs pair best with gin. It’s the only place in Memphis where your drink comes with a lesson in ecology. And it’s the perfect antidote to the city’s urban pace.

10. The Redwood

Perched on the edge of the Wolf River, The Redwood is a modern, wood-heavy lounge that feels more like a forest cabin than a bar. Opened in 2020, it quickly became a favorite among locals for its calm energy and impeccable drink program. Their afternoon offerings focus on low-alcohol and non-alcoholic cocktails—crafted with botanicals, shrubs, and house-made bitters.

Try the “River Mist,” a blend of cucumber, elderflower, and white tea with sparkling water, served over ice with a sprig of rosemary. Or the “Smoked Maple Old Fashioned,” made with a small-batch rye and a whisper of smoked maple syrup. The bartenders here are artists. They measure with precision, stir with intention, and garnish with meaning. The lighting is low, the seating is deep, and the view of the river is uninterrupted. It’s the kind of place you go to reset—to breathe, to reflect, to be still. In a city known for its noise, The Redwood is its quietest, most trustworthy soul.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these spots good for solo visitors?

Absolutely. Each of these 10 spots is intentionally designed to welcome individuals. Whether you’re reading a book at The Green Room, sipping a pour-over at The Coffee & The Moon, or tasting a flight at The Sip & See, the environments are calm, non-intimidating, and built for solitude. The staff are trained to respect personal space while remaining attentive.

Do any of these places serve food?

Yes. While some focus primarily on drinks, most offer light fare. The High Tone serves pretzels and cheeses. The Sip & See offers charcuterie. The Little Beet has plant-based snacks. The Garden Bar features seasonal bites made from garden-grown ingredients. Even The Brass Rail offers a simple plate of olives and nuts. None are full-service restaurants, but all provide thoughtful pairings.

Are these places family-friendly during afternoon hours?

Some are, some aren’t. The Cooper-Young Café, The Little Beet, and The Coffee & The Moon are very welcoming to families and offer non-alcoholic options for children. The Rum House, The Sip & See, and The Redwood are more adult-oriented, with quieter, more contemplative atmospheres best suited for those 21 and over. Always check the specific vibe before bringing younger guests.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are rarely required during afternoon hours. These spots thrive on walk-ins and casual visits. The only exception is The Sip & See, which recommends booking for wine flights on weekends. Otherwise, just show up. The best tables are often the ones you find by chance.

Are these spots accessible for people with mobility needs?

All 10 locations are ADA-compliant. The Garden Bar and The Redwood have level entrances and wide pathways. The Brass Rail and The High Tone have ramps and accessible restrooms. The Cooper-Young Café and The Green Room, while housed in older buildings, have made accommodations for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Staff are trained to assist with any needs.

Why no Beale Street spots on this list?

Beale Street is iconic, but it’s also loud, crowded, and often geared toward tourists seeking loud music and overpriced drinks. The afternoon hours on Beale Street are rarely tranquil. This list focuses on places where you can relax, reflect, and enjoy a well-made drink without distraction. These 10 spots offer the soul of Memphis without the spectacle.

Can I bring my dog?

Most of these spots allow leashed dogs on patios. The High Tone, The Garden Bar, and The Cooper-Young Café are especially dog-friendly. The Redwood and The Rum House welcome pets indoors if they’re calm and quiet. Always ask at the door—staff are happy to accommodate.

Conclusion

Memphis doesn’t just serve drinks—it serves moments. The afternoon is a sacred time here, a pause between the rhythm of work and the pulse of night. The 10 spots on this list have mastered the art of that pause. They don’t chase trends. They don’t need to. Their trust is built in the quiet details: the way the ice clinks, the scent of fresh citrus, the silence between sips, the knowing nod from a bartender who remembers you.

These are not the loudest bars. They’re not the most photographed. But they’re the ones you’ll return to—again and again—because they give you something rare: consistency, care, and calm. In a world that moves too fast, they remind you that the best things are often the simplest. A good drink. A quiet corner. A place you can trust.

So next time the afternoon calls, skip the noise. Skip the crowds. Head to one of these 10 places. Sit. Sip. Stay. Memphis is waiting—not with a shout, but with a glass.