The Young Avenue Deli (2119 Young Ave., 901/278-3123) is a friendly neighborhood bar that books occasional live acts to perform. Located in the Cooper-Young area, Young Avenue Deli has hundreds of different beers on tap or in bottles. The bar attracts a diverse crowd, from young hipsters to older neighborhood denizens.

A favorite place for music, pool, and a night out in midtown is the Blue Monkey (2012 Madison Ave., 901/272-2583). Grab a pizza and a beer, shoot some pool, and then rock out to the live band.

Murphy’s (1589 Madison Ave., 901/726-4193) is a neighborhood bar with a nice patio, and Zinnie’s Old Place (1688 Madison Ave., 901/726-5004) is a familiar haunt for many midtowners who are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a cold one.

Perfect for a business date or after-work pit stop, The Grove Grill (4550 Poplar Ave., 901/818-9951) is popular with businesspeople and office-types.

Two of Memphis’s best sports bars are found in the eastern reaches of the city. Brookhaven Pub and Grill (695 W. Brookhaven Cir., 901/680-8118) has big-screen plasma televisions, great beer on tap, and lots of fans. Tuesday night is quiz night. Gill’s Bar & Grill (551 S. Highland, 901/458-2787), near the University of Memphis, specializes in cold beers and sports and has a great happy hour.