I actually ended up getting a nice new hotel in olive branch, MS. Is that bad?
All depends on what you’re trying/wanting to do. A little context would help.
OB is pretty out of the way for most anything that you would want to do.
Sun Studio does tours that are insightful. I enjoyed going there. Graceland has added a lot of fluff around the house/property tour. It can get pricey to do everything but the house tour is cool.
I only get down there for Grizzlies games now but typically if you’re off Beale by 11pm you’ll be fine. If you’re there past then you can find trouble if you look hard enough.. There are shops and restaurants on the street to see in the day and of course restaurants, music, bars etc at night. I haven’t been down there much in the covid environment so no clue how the atmosphere is. It’ll be during the week also so can’t imagine heavy crowds, especially early in the week. Weather should be pleasant though.
Silky’s and Alfred’s are both on Beale and across the street from each other with ample outdoor seating.
You’re going to be here for a while so I’ll give several recommendations on food.
Rendezvous is really great for atmosphere and beer by the pitcher. Ribs (they’ll be dry rub) and brisket are solid. They churn out so much food it can be a little inconsistent but never bad. I’ve had really good food there but it isn’t the best in the city.
BBQ shop on Madison is the best IMO. They do a bbq sandwich on Texas toast and it’s killer. They also do bbq spaghetti. Little different but if you’re into it’s there to be had. Sweetest sweet tea in the world.
People rave about Central BBQ - there’s a couple locations in the city now - they do a massive bbq nacho plate that’s good. You can also swap out the house chips as the base layer instead of tortilla chips. Hometown secret that’s popular with some. Wings are really good here - honey gold and sweet heat are my go tos.
One and Only BBQ has excellent sauce. It’s different than the others. I get pulled pork/smoked chicken with twice baked potatoes (you want this side) there.
Best overall/most versatile is Commissary. The original is a tiny shop in “old” Germantown. It’s cool but tight. There’s a newer bigger one in Collierville that’s easier to get into but much less vintage. Everything on the menu is good, all you can eat ribs on Monday’s.
For non BBQ, there’s Gus’s fried chicken and Huey’s. Huey’s is a local burger joint. Bar food and bar atmosphere but really good. Cool place to hang out and happy hour 4-10 on weekdays.
Brother Juniper’s breakfast is top notch but you’ll be waiting if you don’t get there early or check in online via Yelp.
Anything else just ask, happy to help.
