If you want a break from the blues, King’s Palace Cafe (162 Beale St., 901/521-1851) specializes in jazz. Lots of wood paneling and red paint makes the bar and restaurant warm and welcoming. This is an unpretentious place to have a meal or listen to live music. There is a $1 per person entertainment charge when you sit at a table.
In South Main, Café Soul (492 S. Main St., 901/859-0557, cover varies) has live jazz most nights of the week, good for a relaxing evening after browsing the galleries.