Crosstown Concourse Memphis: 7 Top Reasons To Visit
Crosstown Concourse Memphis is an urban living and entertainment space where history meets modern concepts. The iconic Crosstown Concourse in Memphis midtown is a bustling hub of activity that is a destination in itself for dining, shopping, and more.
I had the opportunity to go on a hosted private tour of Crosstown Memphis to learn all about its history and how this cool development came to be.
The entire complex is quite impressive, and I only wish there were more developments like it across the country!
The core of the building is the old Sears Crosstown building, home to Sears Roebuck.
The building had been sitting unused for about 20 years before renovations began to what it is today.
In addition, you’ll see remnants of the old building incorporated throughout the complex which is neat to see.
During your visit to Memphis Crosstown Concourse, you’ll see how this historic building has been transformed to include restaurants, a café, art galleries, shops, a brewery, a hidden bar, and a music lab.
Whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, mouthwatering cuisine, or an immersive cultural journey, this is the place to be. It is a setting where community, food, music, and art come together in a fun and cohesive way.
Get ready to find out what to do in Crosstown Concourse and why it is one of the most unique things to do in Memphis!
What Is Crosstown Concourse?
Crosstown Concourse is a multi-use complex or village where someone can essentially live, work, eat, and socialize in one spot.
The bottom floors of the building are designated for restaurants, shops, art, and music with the upper floors residential apartments.
Included for the tenants living there is an onsite dentist, health center, gym, high school, performing arts center, and other businesses.
Although these are all outstanding amenities if you live here, anyone from the community or visitors to Memphis can dine and hang out here.
I really enjoyed my day eating, grabbing a beer at the Crosstown Brewery, and exploring the nooks of art and music.
There is even a radio station that is headquartered in the building! Local station WYXR, 91.7FM a station playing a wide span of genres in a partnership between the University of Memphis, The Daily Memphian and Crosstown.
The three pillars or focus of Crosstown for the community are Education, Arts, and Health.
What To Do In Crosstown Concourse Memphis
1. Fascinating History Of Crosstown Memphis
Sears Roebuck or more commonly referred to as Sears is a department store that has seen better days.
Over the past few decades countless Sears department stores have closed their doors and most of us might only know them for the place to get home appliances.
But back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Sears Roebuck was the premier shopping catalog where you could get essentially everything.
And I mean everything from clothes, appliances, toys, jewelry, and EVEN A HOUSE! Yep, they sold kits with all the essentials to building a house DIY.
Think of Sears Roebuck as the original Amazon where it was a one stop shop for all your daily needs except you had to shop via a catalog versus the internet.
In 1927, the concept of shopping modernized to open up physical stores made possible by the implementation of the railroad system in the United States. The railroad allowed for goods to move from one part of the country to another swiftly.
The site of Sears Crosstown in Memphis was one of 10 mega distribution stores in the United States that served as a shipping hub in addition to a department store on the bottom floor.
The architecture, the stories, and historic significance of the building are quite remarkable. Sears closed its doors at this location in 1993 until reopening as Crosstown Concourse in 2017.
I am so happy that Todd Richardson had the vision to take on this ambitious project and turn a once abandoned building into one of the hippest places to visit in Memphis!
Tip: Many of the old houses surrounding Crosstown Concourse were built with the “kit” you could buy through the catalog!
2. Crosstown Concourse Restaurants
I don’t know about you, but my incentive to visiting somewhere is usually great food.
Luckily Memphis Crosstown Concourse has you covered there! Everything from Southern cuisine to BBQ, and just fantastic grub can be found here.
There are 11 restaurants in Crosstown Concourse in addition to the other eateries and bars I will mention further along in this post.
Wolf River Brisket – A modern twist on Southern BBQ combining flavors from Texas to South Carolina.
The Mad Grocer & Deli – Want an awesome sandwich? Head her for top-notch deli sandwiches, salads, and other great selections.
Farm Burger – Bite into a juicy burger sourcing grassfed beef from local farmers.
Abner’s – Offers up tasty fried chicken that will make your mouth water!
Global Café – You can taste an array of cuisines from all over the world in one spot.
SriMu – The place for getting craft cheeses made for all eaters including regular, paleo, vegan, and dairy free options.
Lucy J’s Bakery – Just what you need when you are craving breads, cookies, cakes, and croissants!
MEMPops – These hand-crafted pops are a delicious treat especially on a hot day.
Pop-A-Roos – If you prefer salty and sweet, you can get the best gourmet popcorn in Memphis!
Sweet Magnolia Gelato – Find high-quality gelato and sorbet including some unique flavors too.
Vibe Foods Superfood Bar – It doesn’t get healthier than getting a smoothie, bowl, bone broth, and more!
3. A Space For Art To Flourish
As art is one of the primary pillars at Crosstown Concourse Memphis, it’s no surprise that it is a space to inspire creativity and insight.
Everywhere you look you will get a glimpse of stunning art murals or installation that leaves you in awe.
What I particularly like about the art throughout the concourse is how it integrates the new with the old architecture of the previous Sears Crosstown building.
If you enjoy unique art, then this is one of the best places to visit in Memphis for it. Two main art galleries on the 2nd floor feature works by local Memphis-based artists and those from all over the world.
Various exhibits will showcase throughout the year so check their site for what is going on during your visit.
And if you happen to be an artist yourself, you can come here to create with several seating areas and workspaces regardless if your craft is drawing, painting, digital, or woodworking.
Two very unique and popular things to see are the red staircase and “that one bathroom”.
The red staircase is quite eye-catching for its bright red hue curving its way up to the next level.
And “that one bathroom” as it’s known on social media has a LED light installation that is perfect for a selfie backdrop…
Gallery Hours: Open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm.
READ MORE: 9 Best Museums In Memphis To Visit!
4. The Coolest Hidden Bar
One of the coolest hidden gems in Memphis is The Art Bar, a small bar tucked behind a section of the Crosstown Concourse.
Unless you know about it, you would never know it’s there! With its speakeasy-ish vibes it definitely has a sultry setting for a classic or signature cocktail.
It also happens to be connected to The Green Room, an intimate area for live music performances. If you’ll be attending a show, make sure to order a drink at The Art Bar before or after.
The low lighting combined with retro décor and modern accents adds to the cool factor of hanging here.
So, if you are looking for one of the best Memphis midtown bars, then make sure The Art Bar is on your itinerary!
Art Bar Hours: Open Sunday & Tuesday – Thursday from 5:00pm to midnight, Friday – Saturday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am. Closed on Monday.
5. Memphis Listening Lab
Up on the 2nd floor is the Memphis Listening Lab, a super unique room that embodies the history and love of music in Memphis to the public.
The Memphis Listening Lab resembles a library but instead of books, shelves are lined with albums. The bulk of the initial collection was donated by the co-founder of Ardent Records, John King.
You’ll find thousands of albums, CDs, and 45rpm singles all ready to be listened to with available head phones.
The sound and equipment in the listening lab are state of the art with cozy chairs to sit and well listen to music…
In addition to listening to music, there is a production studio and Southern Grooves recording studio next door.
Southern Grooves recording studio is in what used to be the Sears cafeteria but today it is a premier recording studio creating Grammy award-winning music.
It has a very vintage theme with its bright orange color and wood accents that feels quite groovy…
Memphis Listening Lab Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hours can vary for special events.
READ MORE: Top Museums In Memphis For Music!
6. Grab A Beer At Crosstown Brewery Co.
Although not inside the Crosstown Concourse building itself, the Crosstown Brewery Co. (CBC) is just steps from it in its own adjacent building.
With its indoor/outdoor seating areas, it is a relaxing setting to grab a beer solo or with friends.
A popular Memphis made beer, you can get a beer on tap or from one of their vibrant artsy cans.
It doesn’t hurt that each beer has a fun name ranging from Pizza Party Pale Ale to Malt Liquor Man, Animal Frequency, and 74 & Sunny.
As with the main Crosstown building you get a strong sense of community and a place to come together. In this case to share great beer and company…
Brewery Hours: Open Monday & Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Wednesday – Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
READ MORE: 7 Best Breweries In Memphis To Sip Craft Beer!
7. Sip Coffee At French Truck Coffee
Every city I visit I get excited about finding great coffee and French Truck Coffee is one of the best Memphis coffee shops in my opinion.
Located in the bottom floor of the building, French Truck Coffee is originally from New Orleans, LA but for Memphis locals it is a treat to have this delicious coffee.
With a focus on roasting small-batch and freshly roasted coffee, you taste the quality of the beans immediately.
Initially the owner, Geoffrey Meeker decided to deliver the coffee to local businesses via a tiny antique yellow French truck. Hence the name French Truck Coffee!
You can’t help but love the pale-yellow splashes of color reminiscent of the French yellow trucks.
Whether you need a morning cup of coffee to start your day, or an afternoon pick me up, this Crosstown coffee bar will perk you up!
French Truck Coffee Hours: Open Monday – Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Overall Impression Of Crosstown Concourse
I think it is an amazing concept that has been executed well combining living spaces with work, dining, the arts, and entertainment.
If I were to move to Memphis, I would definitely want to live here. But in the meantime, visiting this cool urban village will do…
Where To Stay In Memphis
Each of these hotels is in walking distance or quick Uber to all the main Memphis attractions.
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel – if you are in town for a convention, Renasant Convention Center is across the street
FAQ On Visiting Memphis Crosstown
Crosstown Concourse is located in Memphis, Tennessee in the Midtown section of town about 3 miles east of downtown (Beale Street).
Address: 1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
The main Crosstown Memphis building is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm but individual businesses and eateries may have varying hours.
Yes! Crosstown Concourse is open to everyone whether a local or visiting from out of town. It is a great place to spend with friends, family, or a date night.
Memphis is a town that you can visit any time of the year but if you want to be able to walk around and enjoy outside venues, the spring through fall months are the best. Always carry a small travel rain jacket or umbrella just in case it rains!
The summer months will get up into the 90s so if that is too hot for you then stick to the spring and fall months.
Memphis is known for many things, most notably great hospitality, awesome BBQ, Beale Street, home of the blues, and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
If you are staying in downtown Memphis, you can get around by foot, the trolley, or even an Uber/Lyft.
Some of the attractions listed in this post are too far to walk, so you would need to take an Uber/Lyft. Or you can rent a car for the day and see all the places outside of downtown in one day.
The quick answer is yes, but there are pockets of Memphis that I would not feel comfortable visiting.
I traveled solo and did not have any issues feeling completely safe at all times. But I did stay mainly in the downtown areas or took an Uber to areas further out.
For areas that I was unsure, I took and Uber/Lyft as the status of a neighborhood can change quickly.
And like any big city, trust your intuition and don’t go out alone at night in areas you aren’t familiar with.
Yes! There is so much history, culture, incredible food, great music, and things to do in Memphis that it is worth adding to your bucket list.
There are a few parking lots and a 3 floor parking garage. The first 2 hours are free for guests.
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.