Lamplighter Lounge — Restaurant in Memphis

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...

First things first, it STINKS; In an ungodly manner. 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 space looks, 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...

I heard great things about this place and Ive been very excited to go. I found out my friends were holding a show there so I figured I’d go and support :) I go in and the place is so welcoming and the inside is very cool and stylish. The bar tender and I exchanged a few words and she/they was so kind and awesome! I’d say the ONLY thing keeping me from adding the fifth star on this review is the smell. I dont know what it smells like but I couldn’t be there long at all. I don’t blame the lounge for this for im a hyper sensitive person. But for someone that is used to strong smells, like incense and cigarettes… this wasn’t either, just unbreathable. I throw no shade nor hate for this beautiful company, this is just a simple fix with a few scented candles, but other than that tiny issue, i recommend y’all go see the shows they have drag!!! Sending good vibes and lots of love your way Lamplighter, thank you for keeping memphis,...