Wild Bill’s

If you love blues, the $ 10 cover is totally worth it. The house band was playing when I went – tremendous musicians and a couple of really entertaining, talented singers rotating in who really knew how to work a crowd. The yummy wings and fries and smoky ambience were bonuses. Oh, yeah – cash only. Don’t get stuck having to go to the grocery store next door!

Thumbs up! Or 40s if you happen to be at this place!
Yes, they serve 40s. At first I was slightly disappointed by the $ 10 cover, plus $ 5 for crappy beer (because Memphis has made me a beer snob), but as the night went on, I truly fell in love with this place.
I went alone and was nervous about it. I immediately made friends. I even ended up dancing, which I usually shy away from – especially if I’m alone. Everyone was so welcoming and there to have a great time. And the music? Well that’s why people come here. If you want loud, rockin blues in your face in a dimly-​lit, laid back atmosphere, you want to come here.
Also, I was told that it’s a byob kinda place. Oh, and being cash.

Went here on a Saturday night, had a great time. They had multiple singers that switched off through the night, and tried to get everyone in on the singing and dancing. If you’re sensitive to smoke, I recommend going elsewhere. But, if you just want to kick back, listen to some great music, and hang out, give this is shot.

VERY disappointed. The band seemed like they hadn’t played together before – still they were okay. And everyone was friendly enough. BUT it was slow. No one dancing, and if there were there was no space anyway. Just didn’t meet my expectations.
Lesson to be learned: don’t believe all the hype.

I’m really just repeating what the rest of the reviewers said. A shop owner jn Clarksdale recommended this spot to me as an off the grid dive bar with great blues. He was not wrong. I’m visiting so I don’t know Memphis neighborhoods, but I think the area of town is a little rough, but we had no problems with anyone and grabbed an Über from midtown.
When we walked in the door, we were graciously greeted by the owner of this family run business. The bet selection wa slim but fitting…32 oz bottles of Bud, miller, etc all for $ 5. Cheap eats too, and those are some JUMBO wings.
The house band that was playing on a Friday is some of the best blues I’ve ever seen, and everyone was up dancing! I would definitely go back!

Sounds so pretentious to say it, but this place is the real deal. Just a real dive that drips authenticity. The house band has one of the tightest groves I have ever heard, and the place is so small, they are right in your face interacting with you the whole time. If you are a blues dancer, this is the place to be. Not much space, but you really feel it the whole time. Only bad thing is all the smoking.

I went to Wild Bill’s in the Spring of 2004. I believe this place used to be called something else before being known as Wild Bill’s (which had had a «No Dope Smoking, No Cursing, No Free-​Loading» sign on the door). I’d read about it in Shangri La Records’ Kreature Comforts the Lowlife Guide To Memphis, and it looked entertaining.
The local, all-​African-​American crowd were friendly and very welcoming (we were the only Caucasians there). The attendees were basically all in their 40’s. The food (soul/​bbq) looked & smelled good (we didn’t have any as we’d just ate). The beer was only served in 40 ounce bottles with cups.
I like blues, but I’ve never been in love with it. However, the guitar, bass & drums trio who were performing here were completely enthralling. They played and performed masterfully. And I didn’t want them to stop playing. If all blues music was played & performed like this, I’d be a complete blues aficionado. They were the real deal. I only wish I knew what they were called.
Toward the end our night a group of uppity frat kids came in and made a spectacle of themselves.
If you’re in Memphis and looking for something to do I highly recommend going here. Beale Street is fine, although it’s touristy to say the least. If you want to go somewhere slightly more down-​home and Memphis-​y, Wild Bill’s is your place.

For my boyfriend’s 49^th b-​day we decided to head down to Memphis from Cincinnati to hear some real downhome blues. I searched far and wide to find the most authentic /​non-​touristy place for us to go, and let me assure that Wild Bill’s did not disappoint.
It was everything we had hoped it would be and more! We arrived early (think 10:45’ish) on a Saturday night, paid our cover charge (cash only!) and found a seat against a wall where we could take it all in.
At that hour the place was beginning to fill up with regulars. The band was starting up and things had a relaxed just getting warmed up vibe. So we simply sat back, acclimated to the joint and enjoyed the atmosphere. Before long folks were leaning in to introduce themselves, tell us about the various musicians/​singers (Miss Nikki is THE BOMB!), how long they had been coming to Wild Bill’s, offer us hints about what to order off the menu, (ie «Baby, if you get the wings make sure you get extra napkins!») etc.
By midnight the place was packed with all different sorts of people. People from all walks of life brought together by their love of music. The band was in full gear and soul stirring blues filled the air. People danced with joy and abandon… moved by the beats and the lyrics.
We smiled so hard our faces hurt, laughed like kids and danced the night away.
We left soaked in sweat and drenched in the blues.
Amazing!

Unbelievable. I didn’t know such a place existed, and right under my nose the whole time! Had one of the best, most fun nights of my life here.
Bring cash, because there’s a cover and the bar is cash only. The bar only serves tall boys, and they just ask you how many you want and how many cups.
House band is outstanding and my buddies and I danced until 3am (but I was feeling so jazzed I could have danced all night). It’s the ambiance. Christmas lights criss-​cross the ceiling, the only seating are a few long picnic tables, and there was a happy mix of both black and white folks, 20-​somethings and middle-​aged folks, who were there just to listen, mingle, and people-​watch. If you want a Memphis blues experience as it was meant to be had, run, don’t walk, to Wild Bills.

A necessary stop on any blues/R&B lover’s travel itinerary. Great crowd, killer band, overall welcoming atmosphere. The only way it could get any better is to add a few additional beers to the menu. Otherwise, leave it just the way it is.

I was EXTREMELY disappointed in Wild Bill’s. This was one of my «must see» places in Memphis, especially after reading all of these awesome reviews.
Everything I’ve read says that the party starts late — so that’s when we went. We took a cab from downtown and weren’t even scared away by the numerous police cars at a nearby business. We walk in and there was NOBODY there. Not one single soul. Well, since our cab had left, we decided to have a couple of 40s while we waited for another one — plus the band was still playing (for now). We were then approached by a «bouncer» saying that we had to pay a cover… hold up, there is nobody here, you are lucky we are even choosing to stay… Since we just ordered beers, we begrudgingly paid the cover, even though the band was obviously ending things and heading home. Rip off!
I had such high hopes for a Saturday night at Wild Bill’s, but left really disappointed. The employees were rude and acted like we were imposing on them by being in the bar. Maybe I hit this place on an off night, but it was the 1 night they had a chance, and they failed.

Wild Bill’s is an amazing Memphis establishment. Melvin Lee will be greatly missed:

Live blues like you’ve never heard… and I’ve seen everyone from B.B. to Buddy Guy. The house band is amazing, and they will consider your requests if you aren’t some fool requesting Justin Bieber. There are often «guests» that join the All-​Stars. Once the woman who had just served us the hands-​down tastiest wings in Memphis jumped up with the band to sing the most incredible rendition of «Proud Mary» I’ve ever heard. Ever. Period. Another night, Blind Mississippi Morris showed up in his sharp red suit and sang Howlin’ Wolf.
The particulars: Cash only ($ 10 cover). Make sure you tip the band and your waitress. The seating is all long tables and folding chairs, but there will be some finely-​dressed folks. Don’t even think about trying to order a vodka & Red Bull (if that’s your drink of choice, kindly stay out); the alcohol service is all 40s and set-​ups.
Sometimes the place gets packed with tourists/​hipsters-​who-​think-​they-​get-​it, so go early (early for here is around 11:30pm) and maybe not on a Saturday. It’s best to mingle with the down-​home Memphis regulars and make a friend to teach you a few good moves for the tiny dance floor. If you drive by this joint and are worried about leaving your car, bless your heart and just please go home.

One of the funnest spots to go in Memphis. I actually haven’t been in about 4 years and my first time to go was in 2003. I used to go all the time with my brother and some of our friends and we always had a blast. Where else can you order a plate of catfish with spaghetti and a 32 oz. bottle of Miller Lite at 2am?
I’m not sure what band plays there now, but I loved listening to the Hollywood All-​Stars jammin’ there.
The last time I went (in 2007) I took some of my friends there who had never been before. They weren’t sure what to expect, but they LOVED it. I told them each to get a hamburger and when they did, they thanked me for my suggestion. The food is not healthy at all, but it’s so delicious.
My only complaint: the cover was $ 10 the last time I went, where I was used to it only being $ 5. Not a deal breaker, though.

I have never had so much fun in my life as the times I have been to Wild Bill’s. This is a great little joint on Vollentine that has family style seating, and only serves beer in quarts.
You’ll see a crowd of older folks (and by older, I mean 60+) dressed to the nines, as well as tons of Rhodes College students. I fit in the third category– regular Joe looking for a fun time and deciding to try something new.
My husband and I danced all night to the All-​Stars, and the little bitty dance floor was packed. We could barely move, but we didn’t care because we were having such a good time.
I doubt there’s anywhere else in the world, much less the city, that you will find an experience like Wild Bill’s. Go, people!

I think that everyone should experience Wild Bill’s at least once. It’s one of those places that shows whether a person is truly uptight or can cut loose a little. I was feeling a bit apprehensive, as I tend to desire a quieter atmosphere most nights, maybe sliding into a booth and sipping my martini with friends. This is the type of place that you go and say, ‘To heck with it.’, and you make up your mind to be social and have a good time. And there’s nothing funnier at a bar than tiny women drinking 40’s.
If you enjoy beer, enjoy blues-​y music, and you get chatty when you drink (who doesn’t?) this may be the place for you.

Last real neighbood juke joint in the US of A. 40’s or set-​ups only.
’nuff said.

Wild Bill’s is some one of the best live music experiences in Memphis. Without going to beale street or any «touristy» music clubs you can hear the best of the blues in the heart of Memphis. Not for the faint of heart, the party doesn’t get started ’til late 11 pm or later. Not in the best neighborhood but Wild Bill’s staff, musicians, and patrons are so friendly once inside you don’t want to leave. Also some of the best dancing!

This was probably my favorite nightlife spot in Memphis during my college years. It’s just a tiny hole in the wall blues club filled with down home goodness all around and everybody’s there to have a good time. I’ve been searching for this same experience in every other city I’ve visited since college and I haven’t found it yet…
The first time I came, I was more than a little dismayed to find that:
1) it was in the middle of nowhere and not on Beale Street
2) the dance floor was tiny and the house band took up the majority of it
3) all the patrons were in their 40’s or above and none went to my college
4) if there was seating available, it amounted to little more than pushed together picnic tables
5) they didn’t serve anything other than beer and I didn’t like beer
6) they only served beer in 40 ounce bottles
But by the end of my first night, I fell in love with all of the above.
Yes, Wild Bills is the reason that I drink beer to this day. After having 40oz. after 40 oz. of malt liquor plopped down in front of you all night long, while listening to some awesome ass blues music, and interacting in close quarters with some of the most down to earth Memphians I’ve ever met, the experience tends to grow on you. I was always apprehensive going in the club about getting up and dancing, but by the end of the night everybody, including me, was on that tiny dance floor, stinking drunk, dancing with strangers, and loudly singing along to songs like «The Hole in the Wall», which the house band ended with every night.
It was magical.

The best little juke joint in town! One of the best places to go after midnight (though it’s less crowded before 11PM). Located in an old strip mall in the middle of a (somewhat sketchy) residential neighborhood, this is quite simply the ‘real deal’. On weekends you’ll find a mix of older regulars and a college crowd, shakin’ their tails to the house band, the Hollywood All Stars. Beer is served in 40s and set up are available.