Midtown

Cooper-Young

Photo of I heart Memphis mural
The "I (heart) Memphis" mural serves as a sort of gateway to Cooper Young.

Described as both traditional and trendy, Midtown’s Cooper-Young is a historic neighborhood with the pulse and vibrancy of a college town. Here you’ll find cute boutiques, happy-hour hot spots and of-the-moment restaurants. The annual Cooper-Young music and arts festival, a tradition since the late 80s, attracts thousands of fun-seekers of all ages.

Named after the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue, the Midtown neighborhood buzzes with creativity and bohemian vibes all year round. Along Cooper Street, big-name retailers such as Urban Outfitters mix in with only-in-Memphis businesses like Beauty Shop restaurant, an eatery housed in an old styling salon, and Memphis Drum Shop, a longtime music emporium with a second-floor stage and gong chamber.

Photo of I heart Memphis mural
The "I (heart) Memphis" mural serves as a sort of gateway to Cooper Young.

Cooper-Young is a food lover’s delight, with countless options to please any palate. Standout dining options include Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos, Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Soul Fish Cafe and Imagine Vegan Cafe.

And for those with a brew or a cocktail in mind, Memphis Whistle serves up boozy concoctions made with hand-crafted shrubs, while Hammer & Ale fills growlers and pints with good stuff from local microbrewers including Crosstown Brewing Co. and Wiseacre Brewing Co.

photo of gong room at Memphis Drum Shop

The Gong Room at Memphis Drum Shop. Photo courtesy Memphis Drum Shop