The beloved sports bar for bikers closed its doors for good on June 21, leaving its fans fighting for one last round.
After a quarter of a century of cold beers, live riffs, and nights of chrome motorcycles, the Sidecar Cafe in Memphis served its last pint on Saturday, June 21. The iconic Whitten Road venue confirmed the news in a farewell post on social media, thanking “bikers, musicians, neighbors, travelers, and friends who became family” for 25 “unforgettable years.”
Why the Whitten Road institution is saying goodbye after a quarter century of burgers, bands and bike nights
The owners have not offered a public explanation for the shutdown, but their heartfelt post makes clear the decision came after “deep reflection, gratitude, and pride for all we’ve built together.” Regulars know Sidecar as more than a bar: it hosted weekly motorcycle and hot‑rod meet‑ups, packed its stage with blues and Southern rock, and served as an unofficial clubhouse for riders crisscrossing I‑40.
Still, economic headwinds have clipped several independent eateries across Shelby County this year, and hospitality analysts point to rising food costs and higher commercial rents as key pressures. Whether those factors played a role here remains unconfirmed—but the timing, just after Father’s Day weekend, suggests management wanted one final high‑traffic send‑off.
Patrons are encouraged to post farewell photos using the hashtag #RideOnSidecar—a nod to the owners’ closing line: “Ride safe, play loud, eat well.”
Southaven location stays open and invites displaced Memphis regulars to keep the Sidecar spirit rolling
Good news for die‑hard followers—the Southaven, Mississippi, branch remains in full throttle and plans to honor Memphis gift cards and loyalty points. Managers say they will “welcome every familiar face” and are already exploring expanded music bookings to absorb touring acts that once relied on the Bartlett stage.
In the meantime, Memphis diners have just hours left to savor a Black‑and‑Blue burger, swap stories with the bartenders, and sign the farewell banner pinned near the front door. Will this truly be the end, or could a revival ride again down the road? That’s a question only time—and perhaps a new investor—can answer.