Overton Square is currently experiencing a revival after years of decline and waning interest. Once considered an entertainment capital of Memphis, interest in the area began to pick up again after nearly thirty years of neglect.

Locals could not be more thrilled. Money is being pumped into the local economy, the community is diversifying and business competition is increasing. According to David Boone, the manager at the Midtown Memphis Pizza Cafe in the Square, the competition has been healthy. “Everyone’s making money, so no complaints.”

The new vision for growth projected by residents and business owners shifted from Overton Square’s raucous heyday to a more family-friendly environment. While the abundance of bars still attract the stereotypical weekend revelers, the Square also has a vibrant theatre district that includes three play-houses and one movie theatre.

The Square’s movement towards an urban locale can be detected by the entry of boutique-like shops that provide a refreshing antidote to department stores and strip malls. The arrival of Yolo and Delta Groove Yoga Studio attracts other retailers, which further debunked the stereotype of Overton Square as primarily a bar scene.

On the local area, Constance Poplos (11), a longtime Midtown resident, said, “The atmosphere is amazing, and the people are so welcoming. With Cooper Young and Overton Square, there’s always something to keep you busy.”

While Overton Square still has its popular appeal for the 21 and over crowd, the area now offers many attractions for teens and food lovers alike. From pizza to Spanish cuisine, there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Craving Pizza? Head over to Memphis Pizza cafe, voted Memphis’s Best Pizza twenty years in a row. There you can find a wallet-friendly slice, or for the more famished, a full fifteen inch pizza.

For the more adventurous foodie, try out Babalu Tacos and Tapas. Offering a wide variety of food, Babalu puts a Spanish twist on southern classics. From tacos to burgers to beloved grits, you are sure to find something familiar yet different.

Have a sweet tooth? Sweet Noshings offers an array of candy and baked goods. Cookies, gummys, popcorn; you name it, they’ve got it. If sugar is not enough, there is also a full service coffee bar that is sure to cure your caffeine craving.

Overton Square, once a work in progress, has successfully made an effort to appeal to Memphis youth. If you’re bored of the mall or the generic teenage hotspots, it’s definitely worth a visit.