Lafayette's Music Room

Lafayette's Music Room Restaurant Review:

Lafayette’s Music Room in the 1970s hosted many young musicians looking to boost their careers. Back then, Memphis’ Overton Square entertainment district was at its peak. KISS, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow performed there before becoming household names. But the club closed and remained shuttered until reopening in 2014 with the rebirth of Overton Square, and today features not only live and local blues, jazz, funk and soul but also offers a diverse menu far more interesting than one might expect from a music club. Chef Jody Moyt’s menu advances the cause of classic Creole fare --- crawfish with applewood bacon, shrimp and grits, po’ boys --- and Mid-Southern-inspired dishes, such as Midtown Mac ‘n’ Cheese (baked mac ‘n’ cheese made with pimento cheese) or chicken and homemade cheddar waffles with hot sauce honey and chow chow. Pizzas highlight unique toppings such as buffalo chicken with ranch, cheeseburger with pickles and mustard, or a breakfast pizza with egg, bacon and smoked Gouda. For dessert, try the bananas Foster in a Mason jar or the chocolate chess pie. The wine list presents the usual moderately priced suspects. Because the venue is also a music club, tables are arranged around a stage positioned along a far wall. For the best seat, head to the upstairs dining area that overlooks the stage.