Once you live in Memphis for any length of time, you start to experience how much fun it is to watch old places get some fresh wind and new style. Watching an area undergo a renaissance does a lot for our civic pride; it changes the landscape and boosts the mood of the entire city. North Main Street (a.k.a. “The Pinch District”) has recently transformed into a much more visit-worthy area of downtown. The area’s past is somewhat bleak but with a little creativity and some foot traffic, the future is looking bright. 

History of The Pinch District

The Pinch District was an original community in the formation of the City of Memphis. The neighborhood was made up entirely of immigrants for some time, namely impoverished Irish immigrants (the name “Pinch” was actually Pinch-Gut referring to their emaciated stomachs). As time went on, the community began to flourish as Italian, Greek, Russian, and Jewish immigrants began to move in and establish businesses. For a few decades, the Jewish community of Memphis was even centered in the Pinch. But as their businesses flourished and wealth increased, those immigrant families sought larger homes further east of the city and the Pinch lost its shine. Residential projects were built and for several decades, North Main was not a destination in the city. The buildings are old but few, and the road almost seemed like a wasteland, save for two restaurants that are well-loved but prone to regulars. However, now a trip downtown on a Saturday morning proves that The Pinch is undergoing a new rebirth and placing itself back on the map!

A Jolt of Life…and Caffeine

Perhaps Comeback Coffee started the ripple that created tides of change for North Main. Opening up in March 2019 right next door to the former TJ Mulligan’s building, Comeback’s founders, Hayes and Amy McPherson restored a gorgeous 1895 private residence and created a dreamy coffeehouse with plenty of space both inside and outside for working, meeting, and enjoying quality coffee. Comeback brought new faces to their part of downtown, with medical and law students taking up real estate on their tables and terrace chairs for hours. The menu is straightforward, with a few baked goods offered from a case. Great coffee. Any way you’d like it. What more do any of us need?

The Life of Pie 

Just a couple of doors down from Comeback sets Westy’s, a Memphis tradition that has been in business for 38 years. Westy’s has a vast…and I mean vast…menu. Almost overwhelming. The ambiance is super casual, the servers are fantastic,  and eating there feels like eating at a Memphis institution. But the pie…the pie is why you go. The “Ultimate Hot Fudge Pie” is just as rich and decadent as you imagine. It’s worth the trip to The Pinch and it’s definitely a good reason you’ll return.

Food with Soul

Alcenia’s is a traditional “Meat and Three” that has been serving up the good stuff for 25 years. The brightly colored restaurant stands out from the rest of the buildings on North Main, offering a cheerful space and a family-friendly atmosphere. The food is also widely acclaimed, with daily lunch specials and a special Saturday brunch.

A Little Green

The latest addition to the street is an enchanting boutique called Golden Hour. Just within the old brick facade is nestled a small but glorious shop of house plants, candles, and gifts that will delight even the most casual plant mom or dad. With plants ranging anywhere from $10 - $100, the selection is varied and fascinating. The staff is also well-educated on the ins and outs of house plant ownership and the shop even offers classes to plant lovers of all levels. Spin around blind-folded three times in Golden Hour and wherever you land, you’ll no doubt be delighted by what’s in front of you.

The Pinch District is fast becoming one of most interesting destinations downtown, so make plans to walk about one weekend soon, from morning until after lunch and enjoy everything North Main has to offer.

Photos via Westy’s, Alcenia’s, Golden Hour: Instagram, Comeback Coffee: Instagram