The Blue Monkey restaurant announced the closure of its Midtown Memphis location. The Blue Monkey restaurant served Midtown Memphis diners for nearly 27 years. The closure marks the loss of a longtime lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-night destination for Midtown Memphis residents.
Blue Monkey Closing This Month
The Blue Monkey restaurant announced its closure in a social media post on June 7, 2026. The restaurant will serve its final meal at the Midtown location on June 19, 2026. Located at 2012 Madison Avenue, the restaurant has been a neighborhood staple.
In the post, the restaurant team thanked loyal customers for their support. The team also appreciated the efforts of staff members, writing, “We’d also like to thank our managers and employees, past and present, for delivering a quality product and friendly service, as well as the many talented musicians who have shared their music with us and helped make The Blue Monkey a special place.”
The restaurant’s pool table and live music helped make it a frequent hangout for regulars. While the restaurant did not provide a reason for the closure, customers expressed disappointment over the loss of a local favorite.
While reminiscing about the good times spent at the restaurant, a customer commented, “So many big moments held here. My heart is broken!!” One of Blue Monkey’s staff shared, “My first real job, big G and the squad were all so great to me. Much love, I have SO many memories there.”
The restaurant team encouraged guests to visit before the closing day and noted that service will continue at its downtown location at 513 South Front Street.
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Blue Monkey restaurant was founded in 1999 with a laid-back tavern atmosphere and classic American fare. With two locations, the restaurant built its identity around live music, hosting countless local and regional musicians over nearly three decades.
The restaurant became a local staple known for its popular dishes. Local diners often pointed to favorites like the Hot Wings Roll, crab cake po’boy, blackened chicken, grilled tilapia, and Philly cheesesteak.
The closure of Blue Monkey’s Midtown location ends a nearly 27-year run in the Memphis dining scene.
