Oakhaven - Memphis, TN Area Guide

The area known today as Memphis was originally discovered in 1541 by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto. The area experienced growth during the 1800s due to the white cotton grown on nearby farmlands. During the 1900s, the city continued to experience economic growth, becoming a major name in the music industry. As the city expanded, the neighborhood of Oakhaven was born.

Memphis hosts a large number of vibrant events that occur year round. One of the most famous events, Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival takes place citywide. Over 60 performers from all over the globe come to perform at this festival.

Dining in the Oakhaven area reflects a sense of pride in heritage with its collection of Southern-style restaurants and home-style Memphis BBQ. Find cuisine from around the world here elevated with a touch of local flair.

For the best barbecue in town, look no further than Tom's Bar-B-Que and Deli. The slow-cooked and tender ribs smothered in barbecue sauce fall right off the bone. Accompany your meal with thick-cut seasoned fries or meaty baked beans, or chow down on the tender and flavorful pulled-pork sandwich with a side of home-style coleslaw.

Don Don's Hot Wings on Bartlett Boulevard features spicy drumettes you can order in batches of six to 150. Choose from seven different flavors, including four types of hot flavors and honey. If wings don't appeal to you, try the burgers and sandwiches.

Sample the spices of Mexico when you take the family for a meal at El Gallo Giro. The authentic interior and carefully prepared dishes made with local ingredients here keep locals coming back. Try the chicken fajita taco salad loaded with freshly grilled chicken, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes on a crispy taco shell bowl. Order the steak burrito with a side of homemade salsa and crunchy chips.

While Oakhaven mostly serves as a residential area, it does have a few neighborhood bars and local gathering spots to wet your whistle. AJI Sports Bar and Grill caters to high-end patrons with theme nights, trendy cuisine and premium sports packages on several televisions. The bar opens from 4 p.m. until whenever it closes six days per week. Take advantage of happy hour drink specials throughout the week.

Oakhaven lies Southeast of the city of Memphis off Highway 78. It only takes around 18 minutes to drive from Oakhaven to the center of Memphis via I-240 South. On-street public parking can be found throughout the area. Be sure to call Bluff City Taxi if you need a cab in the area. Uber rideshare and taxi company doesn't provide service to the Oakhaven area.

Dedicated bicycle lanes do not exist in the area. Many of the attractions and shops lie scattered across the area, making it difficult to navigate on foot alone. The Memphis Area Transit Authority services the Oakhaven area and provides several public bus routes that connect to the rest of Memphis and outlying areas.

Take a leisurely stroll around the lake while you look for wildlife at Medal of Honor Park. Various waterfowl, turtles and rabbits call this park home and often show themselves to visitors. Throw some Frisbee in the vast open, grassy areas, or throw down your blanket for a picnic under the clouds.

Grab the family and head to Central Park for some outdoor fun in the sun. Cast out a line on the lake or grill up some burgers on the BBQ and have a picnic. The park also features a well-equipped playground, outdoor exercise equipment, a baseball diamond and a walking/jogging track. Bring your canine companions along with you and let them take a dip in the lake while you soak up the sun.

The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Oakhaven sits at around $564 a month, significantly below the average rental rate for Memphis. Gas prices hover around 8 percent higher than the national average. A one-way fare on the Memphis public transit bus costs $1.75. A pint of beer at a local pub generally costs about $4. Overall, the cost of living in the Oakhaven area sits lower than the average for Memphis.

Oakhaven residents head to the nearby Midtown area to shop at its collection of unique stores. Update your wardrobe with some chic new accessories and trendy pieces from The Attic. This boutique stocks contemporary clothes with a novel sense of style at affordable prices.

Grab groceries from stores such as Gary's Market, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market or Easy Way Produce Store. Try Wholesale Nutrition Southaven for a healthy take on grocery shopping. This shop stocks a large number of specialty foods, such as gluten-free option, and a wide selection of vitamins and supplements.

Buy fresh food when you head to nearby Winchester Farmers Market. Stock your pantry with fresh produce, such as romaine lettuce, squash, strawberries and other locally grown produce. The market sells a large number of ethnic foods and spices for all your cooking needs. Browse the extensive fresh seafood selection that includes catfish and tilapia.