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Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. One of the best parts about having that distinction is that even if you aren’t necessarily into the club scene, you can still hear live music at restaurants throughout the city. Whether you feel like hearing Cajun, blues, country, Latin or rock, you can almost always find a great meal enhanced by a great band playing.
Threadgill’s is legendary not only for their chicken fried steak and cheese grits, but for also being the place that gave Janis Joplin her start. With a newly refurbished north location, and their World Headquarters just south of the river, Threadgill’s features the best in bluegrass, country, and soul music, as well as hosting a delicious and rejuvenating Gospel Brunch. Steaks, seafood po-boys, and the best vegetable side-dish selection in town, this is the quintessential Austin food and music spot. 301 West Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 // 6416 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752
Artz Rib House is another gem of a music/food venue in Austin. As their name suggests, their specialty is smoked ribs, with country style pork, baby backs, or big beef ribs to choose from. They also make one of the better burgers in town, offer the Texas BBQ staples of brisket and sausage, and even have an inventive vegetable kabob on the menu. Their musical offerings are just as tasty, with an emphasis on western swing and a monthly Old Time Fiddlers Jam. Artz is located in the barton hills neighborhood at 2330 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
Quality Seafood is both a seafood market and a restaurant, serving some of the finest and freshest fish in town. Three days a week they feature music along with food and drink specials. Mondays they usually feature a hot jazz combo, and offer a great deal on succulent king crab legs, and on Wednesdays a folky blues duo entertains while the crowd feasts on peel and eat shrimp. A DJ holds forth on Thursdays, sometimes with live instrumental accompaniment, and the special rotates recent Thursday food specials include spicy Texas crawfish and soft shell crab po-boys. 5621 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751.
Las Palomas serves some of the finest Mexican food in the city, and features one of Austin’s best kept musical secrets. When they aren’t on tour with a major Texas country star, you can find the cream of Austin’s crop of pickers joining a gypsy jazz violinist for some jaw-dropping jazz every Wednesday night. Famed for their enchiladas Tres Marias, Las Palomas also offers ceviche, chicken mole, and other specialties. 3201 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746.
Having survived the ups and downs of Austin’s East Side, the Victory Grill is truly a piece of Austin history, but is just as vibrant today. Built in 1945, the club has hosted acts including B.B King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Billie Holiday, and today features Austin’s finest blues acts. With a rotating menu of down home cooking, the Victory Grill is a slice of Old Austin.

Known for the birthplace of the Blues, home of Graceland and BBQ ribs, Memphis is great place to spend a few days. The city fathers have cordoned off the Main Street area to create a pedestrian walkway allowing for a leisurely stroll without having to worry about avoiding vehicles. Along Main Street you will find many unusual sculptures representing the Mississippi River which separates Tennessee from Arkansas. The kids will have fun playing at a rather large fountain that jets streams of water high into the air and scattered along the way numerous chicest restaurants serving up nearly any form of food you may desire.  No visit to the downtown would be complete without a visit to the historic Peabody Hotel to watch the parade of ducks.  Take a ride on one of the streetcars that travel up and down Main Street, but be sure to get off and stop by The Peanut Shoppe or grab a bite at Sam’s Diner.

Once you have finished touring downtown head for Beale Street.  As the sun begins to set in the western sky, the barricades go up, the music starts to wail and the smell of BBQ fills the air. Not sure what type of music you are in the mood, then take your pick.  B.B. Kings, The Blues Hall Juke Joint or the Rum Boogie Cafe just to name a few will have the music blaring.  While in the area check at the Orpheum Theater to see who is in concert.

Ready to eat? Like ribs? Then you will be in hog heaven. Take your pick, dry, wet, rubbed, hot, mild, big slabs or small slabs all are awaiting to test your palatte.  Served with beans, slaw or fries add a couple slices of bread and you have the perfect Memphis dinner.  Check out the Blues City Cafe, one of the local favorites, you will not be disappointed.

Not in the mood for ribs?  Head down towards the end of Beale Street to Dyers Hamburgers.  What makes Dyers so special?  Deep fried hamburgers, that is right deep fried hamburgers. Since they opened in 1912 Dyers has using the same grease (strained daily) to serve up an artery clogging hamburger or cheeseburger. Do not ask for lettuce or tomato, they are not served. Add some fries, sweet tea or a shake and you will have a unique dining experience.

Last but not least, once you have gotten your fill on music and food, take a short ride to south Memphis and visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion. Join the thousands who take a yearly pilgrimage to pay their respect and visit the grave site of one of America’s most beloved rock and rollers.