Wild Bill's

Top choice in Memphis


Don't even think of showing up at this gritty, hole-in-the-wall juke joint before midnight. Order a 40oz beer and a basket of wings, then sit back to watch some of the greatest blues acts in Memphis (from 11pm Friday and Saturday only). Expect some stares from the locals; it's worth it for the kick-ass, ultra-authentic jams.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Memphis attractions

1. Overton Park Shell

1.4 MILES

A historic band shell and the site of Elvis' first concert in 1954. Today the mod-looking white shell hosts free concerts in summer and fall.

2. Brooks Museum of Art

1.48 MILES

At this well-regarded art museum on Overton Park's western fringe, the excellent permanent collection encompasses everything from Renaissance sculpture to…

4. Sun Studio

2.56 MILES

This dusty storefront is ground zero for American rock and roll. Starting in the early 1950s, Sun's Sam Phillips recorded blues artists such as Howlin'…

5. Memphis Pyramid

2.74 MILES

Don't laugh, but the most striking building in Memphis, a 32-story pyramid completed in 1991, is now home to an enormous Bass Pro Shop. Even if you don't…

6. WC Handy House Museum

3.07 MILES

On the corner of 4th St, this shotgun shack once belonged to the composer called the 'father of the blues.' He was the first to transpose the 12 bars and…

7. Withers Collection Museum

3.1 MILES

Featuring content culled from a 1.8-million-strong photo archive, this museum and gallery pays tribute to the work of famed African American…

8. Mud Island

3.11 MILES

A small peninsula jutting into the Mississippi, Mud Island is downtown Memphis' best-loved green space. Walk across the bridge to the park, where you can…