Any cocktails? On March 16, Earnestine & Hazels hosted a party to celebrate Nates 27th anniversary of working at the establishment. The contracting company's vice president, Chris Tigner, said word got out quickly about the discovery, and someone alerted police, and inaccurately told thema body was located in the bar. Earnestine kept the books and ran the hotel. After Geroge passed, the bar was taken over by Bud Chittom. The sale of the building was finalized early this week. I would never do anything to change it. From what I have read, Nate is the go to guy for all things Earnestine and Hazels. The building is from the late 1800s; it was a church, then a dry goods store, and then a pharmacy owned by a multi-millionaire who allegedly just gave it to the two cousins who ran the beauty salon. The service was great - very talkative and attentive. He also helped open Murphys on Madison and Silkys on Beale. Changes were coming to downtown. Their drinks are made PERFECT!!!! Sadly, the church burned down some time in the early 1900s. This is such great news! Among the stops: Earnestine and Hazel's bar, where customers . We'll have so much fun together once you do. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. George was born and raised in Memphis by parents that had a love for good music. got the magic sauce figured out. Tigner and his crew are carefully removing each section of the floor piece-by-piecein hopes of replicatingthe original when they put the space back together. I came in expecting a dive bar with live music and solid burgers and I left confirming all to be true. He called it Jefferson in the Rear. Burgers are old-fashioned. Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine Hazel's (WMC-TV) - The owner of a popular bar on South Main was reportedly found dead Monday morning. They just couldnt risk their employees health. There were 7 Pantaze drug stores on Main St and in the downtown area. Learn the history of this location and the visit becomes even better. George realized you dont have to pile on the toppings to have a good burger. (He lost a daughter, Dorothy, in 2015.) While it was not said that the sisters condoned the upstairs activity, they certainly turned a blind eye to it. Right after that, a lady, who she had never seen before, walked in and asked if she was okay. She said felt a womans troubled and saddened spirit and she somehow knew the girl had been stabbed. Georges office is now padlocked and no one goes in anymore. MORE PHOTOS. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill Menu Menu for Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill Food Soul Burger 116 reviews 16 photos $6.00 Beers Budweiser $3.50 Bud Light 1 review 1 photo $3.50 Coors Light $3.50 Corona Extra $5.25 Ghost River Golden Ale 3 reviews 1 photo $4.25 Heineken $4.25 Michelob Ultra $4.25 Miller Light 1 review $3.50 Miller High Life During one investigation, the interviewer and Brownlee were sitting at the bar, just as it opened, the jukebox wasnt on yet, and they were talking about what a rough night it was the night before. Ernestine and Hazel's - Haunted Houses Fans of Earnestine & Hazel's will be glad to know that no changes are being made to the upstairs. Russell George, owner of Earnestine and Hazel's, found dead Earnestine and Hazel's is a historic dive bar in Tennessee that once hosted the likes of B.B. 00:23:38 - In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. They have found that if they respect the establishment, they dont have any negative experiences. Great if youre staying at the Train station Hilton. We hope you liked the story we unearthed! The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting t Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. It has been run by a fella named Nate, since George opened the bar. Suddenly, the jukebox started playing Everybody is a Star by Sly and the Family Stone. Earnestine & Hazel's is a a popular watering hole for people looking for great food with a quirky juke joint atmosphere. upstairs rooms and ask someone for a history lesson about honky tonk woman. Even the bartender is there since 1992. Second floor is awesome and creepy.More. Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill 263 reviews Claimed $ Dive Bars, Burgers Edit Open 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Next day) See hours See all 213 photos Write a review Add photo Save Menu Website menu Full menu Location & Hours 531 S Main St Memphis, TN 38103 Downtown Get directions Edit business info Sponsored Moe's Southwest Grill 44 6.6 miles He said the black room was most active. Side note: a sundry is basically a general store that sells miscellaneous items. If youre from the south, you know that coke is the generic term for any soft drink, regardless of the flavor or manufacturer. So she made the hard decision to sell. In the early 90s, a promoter friend of his convinced George to look at a property on South Main. , which was good, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary. After decades of decadence, 13 souls remain at the bar to party for eternity. Are you sure you want to delete this answer? We're opening up early today Come on by at noon today for Soul Burgers and a drink before Beale Street Music Festival! Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. In the early 80s, you could still get a Hog Maw Dinner or a neck bone for less than $3 and the fried fish would cost you about 20 cents more. and Memphis and made us feel welcome. Suddenly, the lights started flashing, getting dimmer and then brighter than the sun. I sat down with him recently to hear some of the nitty gritty as the sun was setting into his cozy, corner bar on the second floor. The burger is simple but on point! Menu. We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Mari Fritz - Google It became a tradition for famed folks playing the nearby Club Paradise tom come by after their shows, which means Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Sam Cook all made their way over to the cafe. She is a Memphis music history enthusiast and an adventurous home cook. I can account for that. And its $12. https://earnestineandhazels.com/about-us/the-bar/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/memphis/earnestine-and-hazels-memphis-burger-dive-barhttps://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/breaking/2019/07/18/bones-found-earnestine-and-hazels-bar-memphis/1766422001/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/earnestine-hazelshttps://www.vice.com/en/article/vvxnmb/this-is-what-its-like-to-work-at-the-most-haunted-bar-in-americahttps://www.publicbooks.org/earnestine-hazels-in-memphis-a-place-known-for-its-dead/https://www.readitforward.com/excerpt/last-call-earnestine-hazels/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2020/11/23/earnestine-and-hazels-for-sale-memphis/6393322002/https://www.gosouthmain.com/tour/2017/3/21/531-south-main-earnestine-hazelshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbeam_Mitchellhttps://historic-memphis.com/memphis/hippodrome/hippodrome.html#:~:text=Club%20Paradise%20was%20opened%20by,soul%20music%20got%20its%20start.https://spinditty.com/industry/Club-Handy-On-Beale-Street-In-Memphis-Tennennee-TNhttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/588e7b92b8a79b901b666cec/t/59833d43c534a5647e5afb99/1501773268903/south-main-tour-final1.pdfhttp://historic-memphis.com/memphis-historic/drug-stores/drug-stores.htmlhttps://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/abe-plough/https://www.ediblememphis.com/stories/nate-barnes-earnestine-and-hazelshttps://www.facebook.com/523244314686217/posts/ernestine-hazels-one-of-the-top-ten-haunted-bars-i-spent-my-25th-birthday-in-nas/709814999362480/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patent%20medicinehttps://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/02/20/memphis-back-beginning-memphis-may/https://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2013/09/09/body-found-at-earnestine-and-hazelshttps://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2018/09/06/restaurateur-bud-chittom-has-diedhttps://www.legacy.com/obituaries/commercialappeal/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-mackie-chittom-bud&pid=190171250&fhid=5683, **Photos on this site are for informational purposes only and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Law. It's too important as is, to too many Memphians. South Memphis opened two new train stations and 50 passenger cars would come through every day. Recently crowned one of the best places in the world by Time magazine, Memphis should be on your travel radar this year. Maybe it was because the "front" of the house was closed due to "safety" concerns or maybe because we were there at lunchtime, but it was basically a bar. The music was awesome. Mitchells Club Paradise shut down in the 70s, as did Stax which was nearby, so the regular crowd wasnt coming in as frequently. Come buy a beer and talk to me, he says with a big smile. Throughout his years as a promoter, Mitchell had opened several music venues, a restaurant, and even a hotel for African Americans, which were scarce in those times. With his additional money, Plough found his way into the cosmetics and sunscreen business and eventually acquired St. Josephs Aspirin brand. She said she wants someone who will honor a dive bar-and-a-brothels history. Willie Herenton embraces Tom Lee Park conspiracy theories | The 901 He left Earnestine & Hazels to his daughter, Caitlin. The building, which was once a sundry and a brothel, is more than a century old. We had a great time eating here and hearing about it's past life. I wish we would have had more time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Very old, but so interesting to experience. Settle in downstairs with a cold beer and the juicy "Soul Burger" slathered in mustard and onions. The future In the aftermath of what is sure to be the next chapter of the. Construction in the main room, and signs point to being able to get in the back, but the doors were locked up and nothing looked open. more. I calm them downand then they are good., He has seen some unspeakable things in his day, and once had to remind a patron that while E&H may have once been a brothel upstairs, it isnt any longer: I said, Man, we just cant do this up here. I just couldnt believe it. How is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill rated? Delivery & Pickup Options - 254 reviews of Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill "Come down and grab a Soul Burger!!! Before it was a bar, however, the building was a church. If you are looking for the ghosts of Memphis, go here. I used to drink. We do not own the rights to these photos. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall. Had a blast and will certainly return next time Im in Memphis!More, Earnestines & Hazels is 75 ft from the hotel we stayed in and stays open until 3am. This is where Russell George dances into the picture. See production, box office & company info. One of my favorite places in the city. Body Found Inside Ernestine & Hazel's | WREG.com She thought overtime missing her dad would get easier, but it hasnt. Had a blast and will certainly return next time Im in Memphis! I wish I would have had a burger, they smelledreally good. From a haunted jukebox t. by Memphis Rap September 9, 2013, 7:07 pm, Ernestine & Hazel Sundry and Former Brothel, Your email address will not be published. I came in expecting a dive bar with live music and solid burgers and I left confirming all to be true. It hasnt been opened since Covid hit. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. It was important to me and it was so, so important to my father.". Stepped in to grab some oatmeal. One of the employees went upstairs for something and came running back down and right out the door. Taste was what you'd expect from a frozen pre pattied burger. At that point, the area became able to support businesses. A house favorite for all of these years. You definitely get what you pay for!More, , processed patty,. E&Hs jazz club thrived for a couple of decades, but in the 70s and 80s things started to take a turn for the worse. From a young age, George listened to soul, jazz, and the blues. Call Menu Info. Earnestine and Hazel's - Dive Bar in Memphis - Foursquare The last person to have passed away in the bar was Russell George. Earnestine & Hazel's | Memphis Travel I guess someone likes it because they are still open. Russell George died from a self inflicted gunshot wound on September 8, 2013. It was said that more people were in jail (about 1000 people) than actually lived downtown. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill has 4.5 stars. One the paranormal groups had come to spend the evening at the bar and they were talking to George about exorcism and the Rolling Stones Sympathy for the Devil started playing. Get the latest and best from Memphis Rap by email! Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill accepts credit cards. Get quick answers from Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill staff and past visitors. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Right as we were finishing this episode, the Daily Memphian announced that E&H has a buyer! With the positive changes that were starting to happen, a brothel wasnt something a visiting tourist wanted to see (well most visiting tourists that is) or needed to see. Not somebody coming from Nashville, who doesnt get it.. Its when you disrespect the bar and its inhabitants, they might not be so friendly anymore. Numerous acts such as locals Bobby Blue Bland, BB King, Howlin Wolf, and Muddy Waters played there, as well as big named acts Ike & Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, & Sam Cook. Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. NSFW. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. You know, [I was] 19 years oldwhat do you think I was thinking?, Sometime before Marilyn, Nate and Hazel may have had a date or two. Switch skin. Club Paradise was the largest and most prestigious nightclub in Memphis. According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Once the acts finished their sets at Club Paradise, they would head to Earnestine & Hazels for good food, good drinks, good conversation, and good company. Always good music live or on the box. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers: Where to Drink in Memphis This New Year's Eve, 84 E Ge Patterson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103-4410. Beale Street was fenced off, except for Schwabs. We want to preserve this 100-year-old building and make it last 100 more years," said Chittom. And generally speaking, the box will cater its song choice to whatever subject you have been talking about. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at . They were sent out for testing but I dont know if it was ever published what kind of remains they were. But lets rewind. The Orpheum was a Malco theatre that showed X rated movies some of the time. Nate met Marilyn shortly after moving to Memphis, while helping a friend pick up a car in Mobile, Alabama. The black room houses an old record player with an AM/FM dial. 2023 www.commercialappeal.com. By the age of 15, he had opened his first bar in an apartment downtown. I used to drink a lot, Nate emphasizes. more menus Dinner Menu Brunch Menu Late Night Menu . Sources are saying the body is that of the bar's owner Russell George, and a . The ONLY food they serve is the sole, Soul Burger w/ plain chips (whatever brandis available at the time). Be sure to record or watch and swing by for your. Abe Plough is a name synonymous with Memphis. Its best/easier to order as is. This Tennessee citys dynamic food scene, soulfully-curated hotels, cocktail establishments, emerging art scene, music, deep Civil Rights history and outdoor activities are giving more and more travelers reasons to visit. In 1976 Nate started a job with Budweiser (and worked there for 34 years). 412 entries. They also moved the cooktop so that their world-famous Soul Burgers can be enjoyed while the front bar is closed. I couldn't believe the price for a double burger with golden flakes chips. He said they had a few dates prior to him marrying his wife. We had a blast! You just needed some cheese, pickles, sauteed onions, and the secret sauce. He called it the Soul Burger. "Portals to Hell" Ernestine and Hazel's (TV Episode 2022) - IMDb [Hazel] was Bobby Blue Blands mistress at the time.. George had been battling cancer and depression for a while and according to Brownlee, she thought he just knew the end was coming soon and wanted to make sure he could stay at the bar. What for? 433 entries. By the age of 20, he was a band manager and a dancer with a local R&B band. and to let someone tell you the story about the building. When I asked Nate about that Memphis thingthe grit, the unnamed savory and complex quality that E&H is steeped in from the soul burger to the crooked staircase and the hospitalityhe asserted: Nate takes E&Hs hospitality seriously and loves talking to his customers. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. Its not just about selling it, its about finding the right operator. 2 thumbs up! Earnestine and Hazel were getting older and not able to oversee the business like they had before. You Can Actually Spend the Night in These Haunted Hotels and Houses It was so good I had two. whatever they're doing up front doesn't change this great old place, and that they're open for visitors (for real) soon! Was kindly, Annette C. said: I hate to give 4stars out on first time visits but this place, Kevin W. said: This place restored my faith in Moes. One thing that all employees have for E&Hs is respect. One thing has changed though. They are alive and well before the yuppies eat them all. He worked with him at Murphys. The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel. In this business here, you cant be no way funny at all. That same year, Nate began working for Earnestine and Hazels future owner, Russell George, at Murphys in Midtown. "This building is part of Memphis history. Not a chain. The music was awesome. Earnestine and Hazel's has been a centerpiece of Memphis from the beginning. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. I had two orders in one setting, at 1am, as this was the closest place to get a meal, from out hotel. Then, in the 1930s, the place became a pharmacy until the owner invented a gel-type hair product that made him rich. One of my favorite places in the city. The burger is served with a bag of chips and either a beer or coke. Are you sure you want to delete this question? And there is a very endearing story from Karen Brownlee. Youll recognize familiar surroundings. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. Over the years, there have been countless paranormal investigations and ghost tours that have happened at E&H. Earnestine and Hazel's - US Ghost Adventures While construction is underway, Earnestine and Hazel's is operating out of the back bar space, often referred to as "The Five Spot." Ernestine and Hazel's Episode aired Jun 4, 2022 TV-14 42 m IMDb RATING 8.6 /10 10 YOUR RATING Rate Reality-TV Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. George did some renovations and on St. Patricks Day 1993, Earnestine and Hazels reopened as a full fledged bar. He was 15 and running an illegal bar, what do you expect it to be called? Whilethe bones are being analyzed, the crews will continue to carefully rebuild and restore the bar to its former ragged glory. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall.Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. I said, Lord have mercy., Nate has a reputation for being well-liked, and he says the secret to extreme likeability is simple: The number one thing is you got to treat everybody right. After I'm done eating i seethe cook ch one through with 2 more boxes of frozen m.j eat. Its a great place to stop in and get a drink and listen to the. Season 2: Episode Two: Earnestine & Hazel's - Unearthed: Memphis Here you'll find all collections you've created before. As if Earnestine and Hazel's wasn't spooky enough, crews working on the renovation of the iconic brothel-turned-bar in Downtown Memphis this week found bones in the walls. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. All of Memphis know that Ernestine and Hazel's is home to the best Soul Burgers in Memphis, as well as offering other meals of interest. Sometimes people get out of hand. I talk to [the customers] though. This is a public place! Many of their neighbors are applauding what Chitton is doing for the building. They did not per my wife's request have Cabernet. Caitlin Chittom, the owner of Earnestine and Hazels' said the bones were sent somewhere to be identified. It was even mentioned that he might have known Ms. Hazel in more than just a friendly way. Youll often hear them referred to as tonics or elixirs. She wrote a letter expressing her feelings. Here's hoping thatwhatever they're doing up front doesn't change this great old place, and that they're open for visitors (for real) soon!More. BEST burger I've had in a looooong time! 4358 entries. Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill - Tripadvisor "Were doing repairs to save the building, it will always be ragged. **Earnestine and Hazel*S*Owner*Found*Dead** The well-known South Main bar attracts hundreds of locals and tourists weekly, many of whom return for the famous "Soulburgers" and juke box that plays the music of renowned artists like Otis Redding. A woman who just signed her divorce papers stopped in to celebrate with some friends and Tammy Wynettes D-I-V-O-R-C-E came blaring out. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Menu - Memphis - Yelp Nate and his wife Marilyn had three children together, only one of which is still living. Earnestine & Hazel's owner found dead - actionnews5.com The identity of all those who died within the walls are not known, but its speculated some were the sex workers, one might have been a john who did not treat his lady with the respect she deserved, and the final one, well talk about later. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. Their juke joint was the go-to hangout for the after-show party crowd. (hence the hooker comment) and just oozes history. If youve not noticed it before, watch the music video for Loretta Lynns Portland with Jack White. As they say, after the party is the afterparty and thats exactly what happened at E&Hs. It sold for $1.1 million. It's a dive bar, and I love that. This space used to be a working . The sale includes. Earnestine & Hazel's owner Caitlin Chittom announced on Nov. 23 that she was selling the business on Facebook. It freaked them out so much they left the bar. Ernestine & Hazel - Sundry and Former Brothel | MemphisRap.com Earnestine and Hazel didn't exactly support or promote prostitution, they just chose to turn a blind eye. Plough opened Pantaze Drugstores in the 1930s. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill Unclaimed Review Save Share 118 reviews #80 of 831 Restaurants in Memphis $ American Bar Pub 84 E Ge Patterson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103-4410 +1 901-523-9754 Website Open now : 11:00 AM - 03:00 AM See all (32) RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Mentioned in Where to Drink in Memphis This New Year's Eve By Thrillist Not a chain. (WMC-TV) - The owner of a popular bar on South Main was reportedly found dead Monday morning. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp She believes Earnestine sent the bird and the lady as a sign that her son was doing alright. She made some maintenance improvements where needed and brought in local craft beer on tap. Jayne Ellen White has worked in the Memphis tourism industry for 11 years. Earnestine & Hazel's - Memphis, Tennessee - Gastro Obscura He didnt want a wide variety of foods or local fare, he wanted a good burger that people could enjoy after a night of dancing, drinking, and frivolity. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. But dont just talk to me and dont buy no beer!. The spot that is now occupied by Earnestine and Hazels at 531 South Main St was once the exact opposite of what it was to become in the future. The soul burger, the only food, is dive bar perfect. Required fields are marked *. Crime had escalated and it was something like a wasteland. Not for a date night romantic dinner for 2 but best with a group of friends. I couldnt find an exact date, but the assessors office lists the current buildings date as 1918. Earnestine and Hazel's - Dive Bar in Memphis See all 285 photos Earnestine and Hazel's Dive Bar and Burger Joint $ $$$ South Main Historic District, Memphis Save Share Tips 60 Photos 285 Menu 8.8/ 10 176 ratings Ranked #3 for burgers in Memphis "bring cash for the juke and order a soul burger for the love of god" (19 Tips) He opened over 50 restaurants in Memphis and made Beale Street what it is today. Earnestine and Hazels isnt just your typical haunted atmosphere. People didnt frequent the area anymore, it wasnt safe. Having no interest in running a sundry, the ladies decided to turn the downstairs area into a jazz cafe. The 70s were a bad time in general for Downtown Memphis. Besides being the best dive bar in the country, E&H is also known for being one of the most haunted.