While I was in college, Alfred’s was a favorite hangout of mine on the weekends. That’s because it was different than a lot of the other places to go on Beale Street. The admission is $5 and well worth the money.
I will be the first to admit that the inside of Alfred’s is a little dingy, but so are 90% of the places on Beale Street. Right as you walk in, there is a large bar, to your left is the dance floor, and to your right is an enclosed patio with stairs leading upstairs to a rooftop patio. The enclosed patio and rooftop patio aren’t always open; it depends on the weather.
The best thing about Alfred’s on the weekends is the music. They always have a live band, which makes the variety of music a lot more diverse than some of the other places on Beale Street. This is the place you come if you want to dance to something other than jazz/blues or rap. The band plays everything from oldies to rock to Top 40. Most of the songs you know so well that you can sing along to them.
In between the sets, they have a DJ playing, so there is no time when the dance floor is not full. Usually these sets are more modern, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t know a lot of the songs. The dance floor here is pretty crowded, so if you come with a group, either stake out a section or have a meeting sport at a certain time.
Off the dance floor, there are tables and chairs on all sides if you need a little break from dancing or just feel the need to get a drink. I would suggest the one farthest from the bar. Servers usually make it out there and it is a little more secluded, so there is less noise.
The drinks are fairly priced here. I mean you are on Beale Street, but it’s not too bad. The bartenders are very busy on weekends, so you may just have to push your way to the front to get a drink. A suggestion of mine is to go to the outside bar and grab a drink from there and then come back inside.
The restrooms are pretty gross and there is always a line, so allow yourself enough time to get back to your group if you are supposed to meet them at a specific time.
This is not the place to come for a quiet drink or some good jazz. If you are looking for a place to dance, come to Alfred’s. The music is great, and there is usually a good mix of people and diversity in the music.