- Attraction: The Cove
- Location: 2559 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112
- Industry: Bar
- Website: https://www.covecocktailbar.com/menu
At The Cove, a boat-shaped wooden bar complete with cotton sails and rope greets you the moment you walk through the door.
Opening in 2007, this nautical-themed establishment rescued a piece of Memphis dining history when legendary restaurant Anderton’s closed down.
Owner Jim Marshall purchased the entire iconic ship bar from Anderton’s liquidation auction and gave it new life on Broad Avenue, transforming what was once a run-down beer joint into one of Midtown’s most distinctive watering holes.
The venue specializes in fresh oysters and prohibition-era cocktails, creating an atmosphere that feels transported from New Orleans with a uniquely Memphis twist.
Whether you’re drawn by the handcrafted drinks, the freshly shucked oysters, or the enchanting maritime ambiance, you’ll find The Cove delivers an experience unlike any other bar in the city.
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Keep Exploring →Cocktails & Spirits
Classic Cocktails Done Right: The bartenders here take their craft seriously, mixing traditional drinks like Sazeracs, Old Fashioneds, Sidecars, and French 77s with proper technique and fresh ingredients. You won’t find any shortcuts with bottled mixes—these cocktails feature freshly squeezed lemon juice and quality spirits that make each sip memorable.
Custom Creations: Don’t see what you want on the menu? The skilled mixologists gladly craft custom cocktails based on your preferences. Whether you describe the flavors you’re craving or name a classic variation, they’ll mix something perfectly suited to your taste.
Extensive Whiskey Selection: The bar boasts over 100 whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, and scotches, including rare bottles like Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and various single barrel selections. Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate finding everything from accessible options like Buffalo Trace to premium pours like Balvenie 30-year.
Specialty Drinks: Try the Binghampton Cocktail, a house creation that perfectly balances flavors, or order a Pegu Club for something tropical. The Vampire—a spicy Bloody Maria served with sriracha and balsamic vinegar—brings serious heat for adventurous drinkers.
Absinthe Selection: For something truly unique, The Cove offers a notable absinthe selection, a rarity in Memphis bars. This adds an authentic prohibition-era touch to the overall experience.
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Discover MoreHappy Hour Specials: Visit between 4 and 6 p.m. daily for discounted drinks and food. The pricing makes trying multiple cocktails or sampling various menu items much more affordable.
Fresh Oysters & Food
Oysters Prepared Multiple Ways: Fresh oysters arrive on the half shell, shucked to order for optimal freshness. For cooked preparations, try the Oysters Casino topped with bacon and sherry, Oysters Rockefeller featuring fresh spinach with herbsaint and Parmesan, or the signature Blue Cheese Oysters. The oyster sampler lets you taste multiple preparations in one order.
Creative Pizza Options: The pizzas feature inventive topping combinations you won’t find elsewhere. The Binghampton pizza layers horseradish cream with spicy Italian beef on a crispy crust. T’s Shrimp Pizza combines red sauce, shrimp, cheese, and pesto for seafood lovers. The red onion and bacon pizza balances savory and sweet flavors beautifully.
Stoner’s Pie: This indulgent dish piles tamales, chili, cheese, and Fritos into a casserole boat that’s pure comfort food. It’s hearty, messy, and absolutely worth ordering when you’re feeling hungry.
Not Wings: Despite the name, this isn’t a chicken wing substitute—it’s a bowl of warm, chunky blue cheese dressing and hot sauce served with celery sticks and Fritos for dipping. It’s an addictive appetizer that disappears quickly.
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Keep Exploring →Syrian-Style Hummus: The hummus gets high marks for its authentic preparation and generous portion, served with toasted ciabatta bread that’s perfect for scooping.
Bruschetta Sampler: This appetizer offers variety with different toppings on toasted bread, providing lighter options alongside the heartier menu items.
Sandwiches & Panini: The Italian roast beef sandwich comes on toasted ciabatta with provolone cheese and horseradish sauce, served with au jus, baby dill pickles, and kettle chips. The grilled cheese panini layers provolone, Parmesan, goat cheese, crispy bacon, and roasted tomatoes. The eggplant panini offers a satisfying vegetarian choice with grilled vegetables.
Mermaid Salad: This classic wedge salad features iceberg lettuce, house-made blue cheese dressing, diced pimentos, and crumbled bacon—a fitting choice given the nautical theme.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Legendary Ship Bar: The centerpiece is the authentic boat-shaped bar from Anderton’s Restaurant, extending along one wall with cotton sails and rope creating the illusion of a ship’s bow. This isn’t a replica—it’s actual Memphis history that’s been beautifully preserved.
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Discover MoreMaritime Details Throughout: Sea-faring murals cover the walls, vintage colored glass light fixtures add retro charm, and various nautical artifacts create an immersive pirate ship atmosphere. Paintings, mirrors, and boat wheels from Anderton’s collection contribute authentic touches throughout the space.
Intimate Lighting: Dimmed romantic lighting creates a cozy, intimate setting that feels worlds away from typical Memphis bars. The ambiance splits the difference between a speakeasy and Key West’s Duval Street, with enough mood lighting to feel special without being too dark.
Charming Back Patio: The outdoor space offers festive decorations and a more relaxed vibe for warmer evenings. It’s small but quaint, providing an alternative to the darker interior. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it perfect for pet owners.
Cozy Size: The interior feels intimate rather than cramped, with a mix of bar seating, tables, and booths. While it’s not a huge space, the layout prevents feeling congested even during busier hours.
Entertainment Options: A large screen TV often plays cult classic movies, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space. The music selection ranges from indie rock like Pixies and Grizzly Bear to jazz, bluegrass, and folk depending on the evening.
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Keep Exploring →Live Music & Entertainment
Nightly Performances: Live music happens most evenings, with genres spanning bluegrass, jazz, folk, and more. The two-person bands or solo performers create an intimate concert feel without dominating conversation.
Karaoke Nights: Weekly karaoke draws enthusiastic local crowds who embrace the fun atmosphere. The crowd tends to be supportive and energetic rather than overly competitive.
Sound Levels: The music and entertainment can get loud, especially during live performances. If you’re seeking quiet conversation, weeknight early hours work better than weekend evenings.
Other Considerations
Pricing: Expect drinks to cost slightly more than average Memphis bars, typically reflecting the quality ingredients and craft preparation. The happy hour specials help offset costs. Food prices fall into the mid-range category, with most items reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes you receive.
Value Assessment: While not the cheapest option, the exceptional cocktails, fresh oysters, and unique atmosphere justify the pricing. You’re paying for expertise and quality rather than quantity.
Hours of Operation: The Cove opens daily at 4 p.m., making it an evening destination. Closing times vary from 11 p.m. on Mondays to 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Parking Situation: Street parking along Broad Avenue provides convenient access. The Broad Avenue Arts District location means parking typically isn’t difficult to find, even during busier times.
Dog-Friendly Policy: Dogs are welcome both on the patio and sometimes inside, which pet owners absolutely love. The house dogs add to the friendly atmosphere. Occasionally, the number of dogs can create noise, so keep this in mind if you’re not a dog person.
Reservations: The Cove accepts reservations, which is helpful for larger groups or if you want to guarantee seating during popular entertainment nights.
Dress Code: The atmosphere is casual and welcoming—no need to dress up, though the intimate setting might inspire you to make a bit more effort than you would for a standard dive bar.
Neighborhood Setting: Located in the emerging Broad Avenue Arts District, The Cove sits among galleries, shops, and other unique businesses. The area has transformed significantly from its earlier days, becoming a destination for locals and visitors exploring Midtown Memphis.
Crowd Composition: Expect an eclectic mix of locals who appreciate quality cocktails and live music. The clientele tends to be engaged with each other rather than glued to phones, creating a more social atmosphere.
Hidden Gem Status: Despite being established since 2007, The Cove maintains a hidden gem quality. The unassuming exterior doesn’t hint at the character-filled interior, making first-time visitors pleasantly surprised.
Best Times to Visit: Weeknight evenings offer a more relaxed experience with easier seating and lower noise levels. Weekend nights bring livelier crowds and full entertainment schedules. Happy hour provides the best value for trying multiple items.
The Cove
📍 2559 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112
