If you’ve ever wished you could step into an ’80s movie, cue up Purple Rain, and spend a night surrounded by chess boards, popcorn, and good conversation — we’ve got good news.
Playground Memphis is set to open this July at 109 N. Main St., bringing a colorful, nostalgic, and community-minded lounge to Downtown Memphis, from the mind of local creative TJ Smith.
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🎮 Inspired by House Parties and Harlem Nights
The idea for Playground Memphis was born from Smith’s house parties—small gatherings that somehow always grew in size and spirit. Now, he’s channeling that same magic into a dedicated space that reflects his love for film, games, and deep connections.
“I wanted a safe space that's themed to make it appealing. It's something that reflects my personality."
Think Harlem Nights meets Connect Four meets a no-phone zone.
🎲 The Playground Experience
Down a flight of stairs in the Claridge House, Playground Memphis opens up into a checkerboard-floored hangout where fun and nostalgia reign supreme.
🟥 Red and yellow couches (Connect Four vibes)
📸 Walls decked with icons like Rick James, Prince, Eddie Murphy
🎯 Games galore – chess, spades, Jenga, Connect Four, and soon, arcade classics
📵 A phone-free philosophy – come be present
🍕 Menu – Playground pizza, hotdogs, popcorn, cheese plates, and more
🍹 Drinks – Yep, there’ll be adult beverages too
“Come in, you kill the ego. You're here to be in the moment with people that we love, hanging out, talking, maybe doing some business, whatever.”
📍 Downtown Gets Even Cooler
Located at 109 N. Main, Playground Memphis adds to the ever-growing list of downtown gems bringing life, creativity, and community to the 901.
And let’s be real..we could all use a place that reminds us how fun it is to just hang out again.
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📍 Stay tuned for opening day details
