Legendary Memphis DJ Robert “Hollywood” Raiford retired in 2007, after 32 years at the helm of his downtown dance club on Vance Avenue. In 2009 his daughter Paula brought the gold-toothed, Jheri-curled, cape-draped legend back for an encore. Raiford passed away in 2017, but the club is still going strong under his daughter’s watchful eye with fog machines, mirrored neon walls, and throbbing beats that keep the two-story, cash-only club packed Friday and Saturday nights, the only two nights they’re open. For me, Paula is both a bad bitch (check her dance moves) and a good egg (she once went far out of her way in the early 2000s to get my priceless pink RAZR flip phone back to me.), so be sure to snap a selfie with the legend. You can still smoke there—the website says “cigarettes only” though I highly doubt anyone will rip a vape out of your hand—and thus it is obviously 21 and up. Tip: This is another place where groups may want to reserve the VIP area—weeks in advance, mind you—to create a home base somewhere other than the dancefloor.
Memphis
Travel Guide
Memphis› Nightlife
Paula and Raiford’s Disco
14 S. 2nd St.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Downtown
Phone
901/521-2494
Prices
Cover $10–$13
Web site
Paula and Raiford’s Disco
Map
14 S. 2nd St. MemphisNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.