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. ?NicoParking: Plenty of street parking
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
Leila H.
A true community center that has a bar, venue, games, art markets and more. The two owners are two of the best people in Memphis and have worked to keep the vibe and diy artistry of midtown and Memphis alive through the Lamplighter. The food is great, too.
P M.
A midtown institution! I have been going there for well over 20 years and I have always known it as an open and accepting place and one of the very few public spaces I have been able to really be myself. I have never had a bad experience there.. something I can't say for any other place in this city! Great musical acts! great food!
Melodie B.
I absolutely love this place. I have for years. Lamp is the hidden gem you look for when visiting new cities. I love seeing this place grow and thrive.
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
Tylon M.
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?". 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 and a depressing base of people who are desperate to perform somewhere. It doesn't matter if that somewhere is riddled with disease. If you can look at their restroom and still be willing to buy a burger, may God be with you.
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!!
Charming stuffParking: If u can manage to park across street you'll b fineWheelchair 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
Daniel H.
I loved going to this place when I was in college in the late 80's/early 90's. When I am in town I still like to stop in. Not a lot has changed and that is a good thing!
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!
Great venue for wonderful events and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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. ?NicoParking: 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
A true community center that has a bar, venue, games, art markets and more. The two owners are two of the best people in Memphis and have worked to keep the vibe and diy artistry of midtown and Memphis alive through the Lamplighter. The food is great, too.
A midtown institution! I have been going there for well over 20 years and I have always known it as an open and accepting place and one of the very few public spaces I have been able to really be myself. I have never had a bad experience there.. something I can't say for any other place in this city! Great musical acts! great food!
I absolutely love this place. I have for years. Lamp is the hidden gem you look for when visiting new cities. I love seeing this place grow and thrive.
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
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?". 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 and a depressing base of people who are desperate to perform somewhere. It doesn't matter if that somewhere is riddled with disease. If you can look at their restroom and still be willing to buy a burger, may God be with you.
Restaurantji Recommends
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
Charming stuffParking: If u can manage to park across street you'll b fineWheelchair 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
I loved going to this place when I was in college in the late 80's/early 90's. When I am in town I still like to stop in. Not a lot has changed and that is a good thing!
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