Earnestine & Hazel’s Bar & Grill

Amazing atmosphere, but I suppose you get that from a haunted brothel-​turned-​juke joint. This place might look like a dive, but it was good enough for the likes of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, both of whom played the antique stand-​up piano in the upstairs bar area.
Both floors exude a beautiful desiccation: although maintained, it retains the allure of an abandoned and stories building.
As far as fare goes, they only serve one dish: the Soul Burger. And it’s worth the $ 6.

Hoo boy! Where to start?
First off, it’s a dive bar. The dive bar to end all dive bars! But, it’s nuts — the place itself was once a brothel, and the rooms of formerly ill repute are now used as private hang-​out spaces for patrons. They also say the upstairs is haunted, which I can absolutely believe. Just wait until you see the walls and lighting upstairs, you’ll get what I mean ;)
If you’ve ever, even for a moment, walked into a business and thought «Huh, that’s not up to code» with any seriousness, then fair warning: this place will make your head explode. Deeeeefinitely not up to code, make sure your Will is in order if you go up those stairs!
It’s also practically a village in there. You’ve got the front room, which is a long bar space, with some tables, a long bar, and a pool table in the back. The bar is beer/​wine only, and cash only. If you go in here first, you’re likely to walk smack-​dab into the backside of a band (!) because of some funny stage/​door confusion. But hey, live music!
In back, there’s an open kitchen (which is where food from everywhere else comes from), which connects to a dive/​classy cocktail bar — now, it’s its own business, but you have to go through the main place to get there, hence why it’s in this review. And they take card!
Upstairs there’s a whole second cash beer bar and a pretty nice lounge area, past the haunted bit too, so it’s safe from ghosts.
A very cool local watering hole, and a really fun spot to check out: but the sheer level of dirty, sleazy, creaky and haunted (plus cash-​only and only plastic cups) does take a couple stars off…

We went late night and sat at the bar for a while. The beers were dirt cheap and I’m pretty sure we didn’t even get charged for half of them. After watching the cook make their specialty burgers, we each ordered one even though we had already eaten dinner. We were not disappointed! Greasy deliciousness. The old juke box was fun too– lots
of throwbacks. Great hole in the wall dive!

Ahhhh coming back to Memphis reminds me of my years living there in pharmacy school. Trust me when I say that we liked to party back then and hit up Earnestine and Hazel’s regularly back when that neighborhood was definitely not hip and cool like it seems to be now.
BUT since I was in town and hanging out with a former pharmacy student of mine, we decided to take the BF to see the place. In my head I could barely remember what it was like as I was usually super tipsy by the time I rolled up in here. But as soon as I walked in I was like YEP, this is the scene of many a drunken party night.
So yeah, it used to be a brothel and maybe it has ghosts? It is run down and dirty but that gives it CHARACTER. When you walk in there’s a long bar and kitchen on the left, an open floor area on the right, and then farther back in the room are a couple of tables and booths and a pool table. There’s a jukebox where someone was cranking out some kicking Prince tunes and more than one person started dancing. That’s the scene of many a dance party late night when things get packed and the alcohol starts flowing. Beer only at this bar. I heard about the burgers but we’d already eaten so I’ll just have to give that a shot next time.
But then you venture upstairs. There is a long hallway with various bedrooms turned into bar nooks. Random electronics that no longer work sit in those rooms as décor. One room is so dark I swear you could probably have a full on make out session with someone and no one would even see you. Two bathrooms upstairs are notable for having the nastiest bathtubs known to man in them. Definitely the scene of the obligatory «pic in the bathtub at the bar». Doesn’t everyone have one of those? Down at the end of the hall there’s a room with a piano player and a small bar. There’s liquor at this bar. I am not sure how but just roll with it. That is cash only up there. This is where the tipsy come to get full on shitty.
Who comes here? Stragglers. Students. Hipsters. Tourists. Randoms. Older. Younger. It is literally a mashup of every type of person up in here. Which makes it fun and interesting.
So should you come here? Do you like dives, especially ones with history and character and quirkiness? Then yes, you should already be here.

This place feels like the blues!
It has an authenticity that would be very hard to replicate. Perfect place to grab a few pints and talk about your favorite musicians. I adore this spot.

This is a unique dive bar, complete with the dirty, low light, has this place passed a code inspection ambience. The beers were cold and it did have good songs coming from the juke box. The burger is nowhere near a highlight, however. It’s a cheap hamburger that will probably taste great after many beers, otherwise it’s right around McDonald’s level.
We had a great time, mostly because the people were friendly and the bar was different, but the food is not the reason to come here unfortunately.

Great bar and food was cheap not the best burger but when ur drunk and its late. well here you go

The cook downstairs was awesome. Love her attitude and her grits! And her shrimp too!

Ice cold beer, Soul Burgers and one of the best jukeboxes in the city… what more do I need to say? Oh yeah, the building used to be a brothel and has it’s own ghost.
The fact that they allow smoking doesn’t even deter this asthmatic from enjoying a few beers, burgers and tunes.

Visiting Memphis for the 1^st time & FINALLY found the bar I was looking for!
Upstairs, in the back of this brothel turned bar, having a cold one while listening to some dirty blues played by a young guy from Bejing… Couldn’t ask for more! Planning on the Soul Burger one the alcohol whets an appetite.
Won’t be for everyone, but I LOVE THIS PLACE!

Great food and nice staff. Just service was mediocre at best. Had to get my own coffee three times.

What can I say about this place? It used to be a brothel?! That’s awesome in itself. So much history runs through these walls.
My husband and I went during a Sunday for a late lunch. It was before 4pm so you could only order a soul burger to eat, which is why we came anyway. SUCH A GOOD BURGER. So flavorful and bold which is what I LOVE about a burger. I can’t stand when I order a burger and have to salt it. Definitely not the case here.
The cook/​bartender was very friendly and down to earth. An older gentlemen that we really enjoyed talking to. Made us feel very comfortable.
I can’t wait to go back. I also want to go after 4pm and choose from the full menu.

Was so excited to stop by after reading all the cool reviews. I must have chosen the worst time to come in because the place was dead empty! Which I thought was weird at 6 pm on a Thursday. So sadly no soul burger for me. I don’t like eating by myself.

Tired of the same old new bars and restaurants that emulate old bars and restaurants? Ernestine and Hazels is the real deal. You must come here if you come to Memphis.

Late night, mid-​afternoon, whenever. You can’t beat a $ 6 delicious burger with chips and a cold brew at E&H. Of course the atmosphere and the crowd provide more entertainment in the late night/​early morning hours. On occasion there is a pianist in the upstairs bar. A great piece of history to share with out of town visitors and Memphians alike.

Folks? The hype checks out, and the Soul Burger, and Earnestine & Hazel’s as a whole, are little short of perfection, and I’ll associate Memphis with my late night visit for the rest of my days. From the atmosphere to the final product? This is as good as it gets.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
The folklore (most of which turns out to be true) surrounding Earnestine & Hazel’s could in and of itself warrant an entire glowing review, but for my purposes it set the tone for a fantastic culinary experience. Apparently the place used to be a brothel, is haunted, and has it’s fair share of intoxicated adolescents doing the no pants dance upstairs. Next to all of that, service is fast and friendly, and even if you’re a bit off your sobriety rocker come the early hours of the morning you’ll be treated well. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
Want a salad? Some french fries? Maybe a chicken sandwich? Tough. You’ll have a Soul Burger, you’ll like it, and you’ll pay $ 6 for it. It’s one of the best bargains you’ve ever seen, as this is more than $ 6 worth of burger both in size and quality — end of story. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
The Soul Burger, as I’ve alluded to, is absolutely sensational. Sure the bun is simple and the cheese likely just a kraft single, but the patty here tucked away in the Soul Burger is absolutely bursting with flavor. Rumor has it that they don’t wash the fat and grease off of their grill anymore than is necessary to satisfy the health and safety codes, and if that’s the trick? So be it. I could have eaten this patty plain and been the happiest clam in the sea. Dual Stars Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
Earnestine & Hazel’s IS Memphis. It’s gritty and a bit rough around the edges, but it’s stacked with history, value, and a product at the end of the day that delivers if you know where to find it. I would. Star Granted.

Yes, the folklore and the hype are true (for the most part) — the brothel, the shady dealings of the past, even the ghosts. Talk to Karen, the bartender, and she’d be happy to spin a tale about the spirits that inhabit the space (they’re friendly, apparently, or at least loyal to the staff and non-​troublemakers). I could listen to her stories for hours.
I rarely make it down there — maybe five or six times a year. Maybe that’s what makes it so special when I do. Last night, I went to a birthday party on the second floor. Got a soul burger (one of the best burgers in the city, in my opinion), a beer and took in the view from the southeast corner of the building. I’m not sure if it’s that they clean the grill with pickle juice or the melding of the grilled onions and cheese — but holy shit, that burger is damn-​near perfect.
Plus, you have Nate manning the bar upstairs, who’s also happy to chat you up (and has the best smile). As lengthy and detailed as these reviews are, though, you really just have to experience it for yourself.

I hadn’t been here in a while. However, on Friday, some friends and I made a return. It doesn’t open until 5. We got there at 3:30, and ended up going across the street waiting till 5.
Finally, 5:00 came and we went! I know that it has a rich history, but to be honest, I don’t know what’s true and what’s not, so I can’t really comment.
I had never been upstairs till this visit. The upstairs is really cool. It has a lot of different rooms. There is a bathroom with a tub. I’m not sure what the tub is for!
The bar is no frills, but they have plenty of beer. I had Memphis’s Ghost River.
The food! They have one of the best burgers in Memphis. It’s cooked on a griddle. You get it with mustard, pickle and onion. These are my least favorite burger toppings, but it’s good here.
I definitely recommend this place. I will start coming here more, too. And reading Unilocal reviews, I discovered I could have ordered a double burger! what??? I need one now!

Definitely a dive but thats what makes this place fun and unique. Stopped here around 10pm on Friday with a few friends. Relatively empty with a few people at the bar and playing pool. The interior is dark but the bartenders are lively, the jukebox is always jamming and the beers are ice cold. We had just eaten way too much at Central BBQ, but I’ve had the Soul Burger before and it was deliciously greasy and worth the calories.
Also, if you walk towards the back, there is a second bar and a beautiful rustic dining area. Spoke with one of the bartenders and apparently they are in the process of re-​opening The 5 Spot. She told us about the menu which is Creole/​New Orleans inspired food, and everything sounded delicious! Even though the restaurant is not fully opened yet, they did have a limited menu available. Looking forward to the real thing.
Love this place and so happy that I only live a street away!

E&H! So many memories here! Laughter & tears. The burger is great. The staff is cool & authentic for Memphis! Go if you are an out of town visitor!

Earnestine and Hazels is a TRUE dive.
Extreme hole in the wall, a counter and some tables. I’m not even certain the entirety of the room we were in was completely enclosed by 4 walls. WHO CARES.
We saddle up to the counter and friendliest man in Memphis throws 2 patties on the grill, «Ya’ll havin’ sum burgers?» «Yes, sir!». No menu around and I think you’d get a look if you asked. If you’re there, you are there for a burger and a beer and that’s it (okay, Coke allowed too).
Delicious diner style burger. Thin, griddle patty with cheese, mustard, mayo, pickle, onion, soft bun. Don’t you dare ask for anything else (although Mr. Nicest Guy Ever would probably make you a birthday cake if he could), but this isn’t the «hold the pickle, extra onion, vegan-​cheese» kinda place. Burgers served with a bag of chips. Excellent, greasy, delicious, hit the spot perfect. I imagine if you’ve had a few drinks in you, a couple more of those burgers would be just what the doctor ordered.
ZERO frills, I’m assuming cash only but can’t say for sure because I wasn’t even going to try to charge it. $ 7.00. This is a legit joint.