Second Line is the Cooper-Young area's most ambitious cocktail bar, drawing its name and some of its inspiration from New Orleans' jazz funeral tradition — the second line being the celebratory crowd that follows behind a jazz funeral, playing music and dancing. The bar program takes classic cocktails seriously, with house-made syrups, quality spirits, and an emphasis on rye whiskey and bourbon alongside the expected gin and rum. The small plates menu, Southern-influenced without being a barbecue joint, pairs well with the drinks.
The bar occupies a narrow, atmospheric space that fills quickly on weekend evenings. The bartenders know their material. It is the kind of bar that works for a first drink before dinner and also for staying longer than intended. For visitors who want to experience Memphis nightlife beyond Beale Street, it is one of the better options in Midtown.