Tony Leva
captaingonzo
jaydreezy
Mat Festa
Matthew Kohl
Mauricio Rubio Jr.
Raul Parra
Shelley Elaine
spike1057
Terry CarltonThe Joints
B.B. King’s Blues Club – This was the first place I stopped in on my little Southern Adventure. When I first walked in, like many places on Beale Street, there was a band already in the throes of a Blues Orgasm. A smile stretched across my face and I thought, ok this is it! However, I was quickly whisked away to another part of the building. Torn from the sonic assault of the band. I was marched up a dark staircase into a modern day speak easy.
What I didn’t know at the time is BB is hiding a fine dining restaurant on top of his kick ass juke joint. Try the Duck and waffles, they’re to die for.
If you’re not into the fancy pants stuff head down stairs to catch an earful of blues and eat some of the best ribs I’ve ever had. Also, your visit would not be complete without drinking a Strong Island Ice Tea and having some snacks off the Meat and Cheese platter.
Flying Saucer – A tad bit off of Beale, this bar turned out to be the missing link in my life. Quirky, friendly, fun, sexy (love those skirts ladies) and full of beer! You can’t miss with this place. It is easily in my Top 10 favorite bars of all time. Special thanks to Courtney and Tiffany for making our first night there special, we will never forget you ladies.
The Joints to Avoid
Alfred’s – This place completely avoids the gritty/dirty South blues vibe of most of Beale and replaces it with a frat boy ambiance that is normally reserved for a college town rape-huts (AKA bars.) Let’s put it this way, when you’re located on one of the most historically significant sites in America in terms of Blues culture, you don’t play Daughtry through the PA.
Pig – From the outside this spot looks like a for sure winner. They even have a trophy in front window claiming to have won “Best Ribs 2003.” Well in my opinion the fire must have went out in their smoker since then. “Best Cold Food, Filthy Dining Room and Shit Service 2012.” is the trophy I would set aside for them. Just cause your slogan is “Pork With an Attitude!”…doesn’t mean you should act like a dick.
Things to do When You’re Not Drunk
Rock N’ Soul Museum – Whether you’re a hard core fan of Rock or Soul or just getting into the mix, this place is for you. The museum does a great job of giving you a fantastic overview of the impact the Memphis music community has had on the greater music landscape from 1930-1970’s.
Sun Studios – Say what you will. I am telling you this is the birthplace of rock and roll. If you don’t know the history of Sun. Stop what you’re doing… get down to Memphis and ask El Dorado to school your punk ass in the history of our rock world. End of Story.
My Top 5 Beers
While I was slinking and gallivanting the streets of Memphis I had the pleasure of sampling over 20 different craft beers. The list below is what i enjoyed most:
- Green Flash, Double Stout (American Double/Imperial Stout8.80% ABV): Jet Black, smells of chocolatey malts and tastes of coffee and a tiny bit of fudge.
- 1516 Brewing Company, NZ Victory Hop Devil IPA (American IPA, 6.70% ABV): Orange like amber color, smells of citrus and hops and tastes of grapefruit. Little bit of bitter mixed with a subdued sweetness.
- Yazoo Brewing Company, Dos Perros (American Brown Ale, 3.50% ABV): Pours a nice brown color, smells of nuts and toffee and tastes earthy and sweet, very light cocoa.
- Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, Premium Lager (Munch Helles Lager, 5.20% ABV): Clear, straw yellow, smells of grassy hops and hints of lemon. Tastes of bread like malt.
- Yazoo Brewing Company, Sue (American Porter, 9.00% ABV): Pours black as night, smells of smoke and tastes the same. I absolutely adore this beer!
Chicago, A Drinking Town With A Sports Problem 