If there was anywhere in Memphis where someone like the Velvet Underground would get their start as the house band, it'd be The Lamplighter.
There are dive bars and then there are dive bars where bohemian culture is crafted artisanally at any given moment on any given day or night - where it's difficult to parse the creative spirit all around you from the atmosphere you're breathing in, from the table in front of you.
The Lamplighter isn't just where arts happen, nor just where the bodies & brains of a creative underclass come to find community and grub and craft brew; the Lamplighter itself is Art and all the messy raw material needed to spawn generations of Memphis flavored bohemianism.
When I moved to Memphis in the 90s, today's Lamplighter is what I needed. Who knew I was born 20 yrs too early.
Parking: Depending on the time and the night, parking can be meh - I mean, it's easy peasy for big city parking but after living in Memphis for 30 yrs, we get accustomed to pulling right up in parking close to the entrance for most things in Midtown. Whatever the case, it's worth the 2 minute walk from the car.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Cat C
A true hidden gem. This is one of the oldest bars in Memphis. There's a pool table, eclectic DIY atmosphere, music venue in an adjacent space, local beer and usually even cider on tap. The food is honestly better than dive bar food has any right to be. The menu isn't huge, but it's decent-sized and quite varied. The burgers and fries are above average (they use coconut oil for frying), and I quite like their sandwiches (The Chess Club is my personal favorite). They also cater to a late night vegan crowd, so you have options like cauliflower wings, vegan Mac and cheese, hummus, and other vegan options. Regular music, incredible drag shows, biweekly local markets...this place is honestly a treasure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nico Cagle
My review is a bit long overdue as a longtime patron of this bar (the old carpet era & present). It’s one of the few nostalgic dives left in Midtown & the owners have put in a lot of positive changes to create a safe place for everyone & add variety to the bar. Next to Black Lodge—the Lamplighter is one of the few places you can attend a variety of events successfully. In many ways it can feel more like a cafe than a bar depending on the day & time—if you have an appreciation for dives & preserving nostalgia this is your place. It’s a local “Cheers” where it’s quite obvious many patrons know each other’s names. For me personally the Lamplighter has served as a place to wrap up work/creative projects, a place to relax after work, a meeting place for karaoke, drag/burlesque, comedy, live music, & community. Newly, the bar is providing a space for local artists to sell their work on “Market Day” something I hope to check out soon!I’ve been saved by a lot of burgers, veggie dogs, BLT’s, & baskets of fries more times than I can count! For non drinkers they have an impressive selection of coffee, tea, kombucha, & ginger beer! The staff members are usually working around the clock & care about this place a lot—like any dive there is an element of self serving in terms of seating & obtaining a menu from the bar. The building is older but constantly getting TLC from the staff & as with any bar on a weekend night staff are more than happy to address any issues (i.e. tending to replenishing paper products etc when notified).I appreciate feeling safe going here alone & having a safe place to express my art creatively. Most of the events held here feature a diverse variety & are fairly charged a cover to support local & touring acts. The Lamplighter may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s definitely my neighborhood bar; stop by sometime & sign up for their VIP membership I can vouch for the cool perks offered monthly for just $10 for those interested!Thank you to the staff of Lamplighter for keeping this diamond in the rough alive & a place for everyone! Without you there would be a lot of lost love in the community. ?Nico
This is an amazing place to socialize and have a drink or maybe even play a game .... Oh and please remember on February 22 there will be a karaoke burlesque show..... Starting @10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tylon Monger
Some fellow patrons and I were having a conversation about being stressed from work. A man turned around and asked us were we talking about work to which we affirmed his inquiry. He then said “well if you’re working so much, why don’t you buy anything?”. Very odd conversation starter, I asked was he the owner, he said yes. This turned out to be a lie. He just works there. Mind you, I just made it in. I always buy drinks to support the open mic they do. So I asked him “what’s the situation with the soap?” because it’s stinky. He then went off on me and SLAMMED a tiny hand sanitizer to our table. I didn’t even mention how filthy the bathroom is, how disgusting the place smells, or how rude their workers are. Please go look at any reviews that are low stars and see how the owner responds. This place is terribly ran but they survive because they have loyal midtown grifters. Also, ask around about how they treat straight black men.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
LaMon
The bathrooms are in horrendous condition. You will see other reviews about the smell of the establishment which is like sour cheese and is definitely not coconut oil. They allow dogs inside which isn't a problem until the employees touch the dogs and proceed to immediately handle food and drinks. Every seat has mystery stains on it. I've never ordered food because of the smell. Dust on nearly every surface. The owner is extremely rude and disproportionately aggressive with Black people as you can tell from the owner responses to low reviews.The atmosphere is like a hoarders home and the interior is in obvious disrepair.The soap in the restrooms is watery and smells spoiled.The entire experience will make you feel unclean.I will never enter this place again.#wheresthesoap
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
クリスティーナスミス
I have been to the Lamp quite a few times now and I love it! I'm from Jonesboro so anytime I go to Memphis I always make sure to make a stop at the Lamplighter. Not only are their fries phenomenal, but it's also very reliably vegetarian friendly. Also their vegan cookies with hot cocoa is the best dessert you can get! The place is also such a vibe. I love the decorations and also there is always live music!!
I have been to the Lamp quite a few times now and I love it! I'm from Jonesboro so anytime I go to Memphis I always make sure to make a stop at the Lamplighter. Not only are their fries phenomenal, but it's also very reliably vegetarian friendly. Also their vegan cookies with hot cocoa is the best dessert you can get! The place is also such a vibe. I love the decorations and also there is always live music!!
Parking: If u can manage to park across street you'll b fine
Wheelchair accessibility: There is a tight squeeze into the door. I believe there is a side door
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Cut Fries, Hummus Plate with Crackers and Carrots
Juan Olvera
Amazing lounge, a bit low
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Conversation with ms Ann & a Beer
Hannah Nelson
They have many vegan options for food and plenty of beer. If you want liquor you'll have to bring your own for a small set up fee. Lots of entertainment pretty much daily. Drag on Mondays, songwriters Tuesdays, comedy Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays, and bands local and touring play all the other nights. Everything is affordable and many shows are free or donation based. I think the most you'll pay for a show there is $15 if it's a big touring band or burlesque show maybe. Oh and there's a cute patio out back! Very lgbtq+BIPOC friendly environment! It's my favorite hangout spot.
Vegetarian options: Some are also vegan just double check! The vegan Mac and cheese is definitely all vegan and is tasty!
Good shows. Post more of them.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great venue for wonderful events and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If there was anywhere in Memphis where someone like the Velvet Underground would get their start as the house band, it'd be The Lamplighter.
There are dive bars and then there are dive bars where bohemian culture is crafted artisanally at any given moment on any given day or night - where it's difficult to parse the creative spirit all around you from the atmosphere you're breathing in, from the table in front of you.
The Lamplighter isn't just where arts happen, nor just where the bodies & brains of a creative underclass come to find community and grub and craft brew; the Lamplighter itself is Art and all the messy raw material needed to spawn generations of Memphis flavored bohemianism.
When I moved to Memphis in the 90s, today's Lamplighter is what I needed. Who knew I was born 20 yrs too early.
Parking: Depending on the time and the night, parking can be meh - I mean, it's easy peasy for big city parking but after living in Memphis for 30 yrs, we get accustomed to pulling right up in parking close to the entrance for most things in Midtown. Whatever the case, it's worth the 2 minute walk from the car.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
A true hidden gem. This is one of the oldest bars in Memphis. There's a pool table, eclectic DIY atmosphere, music venue in an adjacent space, local beer and usually even cider on tap. The food is honestly better than dive bar food has any right to be. The menu isn't huge, but it's decent-sized and quite varied. The burgers and fries are above average (they use coconut oil for frying), and I quite like their sandwiches (The Chess Club is my personal favorite). They also cater to a late night vegan crowd, so you have options like cauliflower wings, vegan Mac and cheese, hummus, and other vegan options. Regular music, incredible drag shows, biweekly local markets...this place is honestly a treasure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My review is a bit long overdue as a longtime patron of this bar (the old carpet era & present). It’s one of the few nostalgic dives left in Midtown & the owners have put in a lot of positive changes to create a safe place for everyone & add variety to the bar. Next to Black Lodge—the Lamplighter is one of the few places you can attend a variety of events successfully. In many ways it can feel more like a cafe than a bar depending on the day & time—if you have an appreciation for dives & preserving nostalgia this is your place. It’s a local “Cheers” where it’s quite obvious many patrons know each other’s names. For me personally the Lamplighter has served as a place to wrap up work/creative projects, a place to relax after work, a meeting place for karaoke, drag/burlesque, comedy, live music, & community. Newly, the bar is providing a space for local artists to sell their work on “Market Day” something I hope to check out soon!I’ve been saved by a lot of burgers, veggie dogs, BLT’s, & baskets of fries more times than I can count! For non drinkers they have an impressive selection of coffee, tea, kombucha, & ginger beer! The staff members are usually working around the clock & care about this place a lot—like any dive there is an element of self serving in terms of seating & obtaining a menu from the bar. The building is older but constantly getting TLC from the staff & as with any bar on a weekend night staff are more than happy to address any issues (i.e. tending to replenishing paper products etc when notified).I appreciate feeling safe going here alone & having a safe place to express my art creatively. Most of the events held here feature a diverse variety & are fairly charged a cover to support local & touring acts. The Lamplighter may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s definitely my neighborhood bar; stop by sometime & sign up for their VIP membership I can vouch for the cool perks offered monthly for just $10 for those interested!Thank you to the staff of Lamplighter for keeping this diamond in the rough alive & a place for everyone! Without you there would be a lot of lost love in the community. ?Nico
Parking: Plenty of street parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: blt, Ice Cream Sandwich, Fresh Cut Fries, Veggie Burger Vegan Vegetarian
This is an amazing place to socialize and have a drink or maybe even play a game .... Oh and please remember on February 22 there will be a karaoke burlesque show..... Starting @10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Some fellow patrons and I were having a conversation about being stressed from work. A man turned around and asked us were we talking about work to which we affirmed his inquiry. He then said “well if you’re working so much, why don’t you buy anything?”. Very odd conversation starter, I asked was he the owner, he said yes. This turned out to be a lie. He just works there. Mind you, I just made it in. I always buy drinks to support the open mic they do. So I asked him “what’s the situation with the soap?” because it’s stinky. He then went off on me and SLAMMED a tiny hand sanitizer to our table. I didn’t even mention how filthy the bathroom is, how disgusting the place smells, or how rude their workers are. Please go look at any reviews that are low stars and see how the owner responds. This place is terribly ran but they survive because they have loyal midtown grifters. Also, ask around about how they treat straight black men.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The bathrooms are in horrendous condition. You will see other reviews about the smell of the establishment which is like sour cheese and is definitely not coconut oil. They allow dogs inside which isn't a problem until the employees touch the dogs and proceed to immediately handle food and drinks. Every seat has mystery stains on it. I've never ordered food because of the smell. Dust on nearly every surface. The owner is extremely rude and disproportionately aggressive with Black people as you can tell from the owner responses to low reviews.The atmosphere is like a hoarders home and the interior is in obvious disrepair.The soap in the restrooms is watery and smells spoiled.The entire experience will make you feel unclean.I will never enter this place again.#wheresthesoap
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I have been to the Lamp quite a few times now and I love it! I'm from Jonesboro so anytime I go to Memphis I always make sure to make a stop at the Lamplighter. Not only are their fries phenomenal, but it's also very reliably vegetarian friendly. Also their vegan cookies with hot cocoa is the best dessert you can get! The place is also such a vibe. I love the decorations and also there is always live music!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Veggie Burger, Fresh Cut Fries, Chocolate Chip Cookies Vegan
I have been to the Lamp quite a few times now and I love it! I'm from Jonesboro so anytime I go to Memphis I always make sure to make a stop at the Lamplighter. Not only are their fries phenomenal, but it's also very reliably vegetarian friendly. Also their vegan cookies with hot cocoa is the best dessert you can get! The place is also such a vibe. I love the decorations and also there is always live music!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Veggie Burger, Fresh Cut Fries, Chocolate Chip Cookies Vegan
Restaurantji Recommends
Charming stuff
Parking: If u can manage to park across street you'll b fine
Wheelchair accessibility: There is a tight squeeze into the door. I believe there is a side door
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Cut Fries, Hummus Plate with Crackers and Carrots
Amazing lounge, a bit low
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Conversation with ms Ann & a Beer
They have many vegan options for food and plenty of beer. If you want liquor you'll have to bring your own for a small set up fee. Lots of entertainment pretty much daily. Drag on Mondays, songwriters Tuesdays, comedy Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays, and bands local and touring play all the other nights. Everything is affordable and many shows are free or donation based. I think the most you'll pay for a show there is $15 if it's a big touring band or burlesque show maybe. Oh and there's a cute patio out back! Very lgbtq+BIPOC friendly environment! It's my favorite hangout spot.
Vegetarian options: Some are also vegan just double check! The vegan Mac and cheese is definitely all vegan and is tasty!
Recommended dishes: Burger Salad, Ice Cream Sandwich, Charcuterie Plate, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Fresh Cut Fries, Veggie Dog, Vegan Hangover Helper Sandwich, Humus Sandwich, Burger Charcuterie Plate
Where everyone is the same. It's ok. You'll fit in. Super friendly local culture vibe. ✌️ ❤️
Great little local spot ??
Loading...