The creation of Memphis In May started the renewal of downtown. Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say. !More, This place is the same as it has been many years ago. Ha, just kidding. Earnestine & Hazel's has new - The Commercial Appeal | Facebook One of my favorite places in the city. This is definitely a must see if you visit Memphis!!! Its best/easier to order as is. Great bar that was all decked out for Halloween! Menu. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. They recently even found bones in the walls. Before it was a bar, however, the building was a church. Sad to learn my friend Russell George, owner of Earnestine & Hazel's, has committed suicide. I usually stick to LOCAL MEMPHIS, William P. said: I will say that getting into this restaurant can be dicey since it's. And there you have the story of Earnestine and Hazels. 84 E Ge Patterson Ave Memphis, TN 38103 Uber. That same year, Nate began working for Earnestine and Hazels future owner, Russell George, at Murphys in Midtown. It has been said that not only sex work, but drug use was also an activity of those who hung out upstairs. According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Right after that, a lady, who she had never seen before, walked in and asked if she was okay. With Ploughs success and new found fortune, he gave (or Ive also heard sold for a very inexpensive price) the building to Earnestine and Hazel. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. I used to drink. Nate had known George for years. Come buy a beer and talk to me, he says with a big smile. 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. 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. Apparently benches lined the walls of the hallway so that men waiting their turn had a place to relax. Russell George was found dead inside his bar, Earnestine and Hazel's, in September. The Orpheum was a Malco theatre that showed X rated movies some of the time. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill - Tripadvisor Explore. This space used to be a working . A new episode of #PortalsToHell "Ernestine and Hazel's" drops on @discoveryplus and is on @travelchannel TONIGHT at 10/9c. (WMC-TV) - The owner of a popular bar on South Main was reportedly found dead Monday morning. 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. 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. It hasnt been opened since Covid hit. Nate met Marilyn shortly after moving to Memphis, while helping a friend pick up a car in Mobile, Alabama. I used to drink a lot, Nate emphasizes. To make additional money, the ladies offered up the upstairs rooms as a brothel for local ladies of the night. The only thing on the menu is the soul burger, which was good, but don't expect anything out ofthe ordinary. A must while in Memphis. Its not just about selling it, its about finding the right operator. She gave Brownlee a hug and then walked out, never to return again. got the magic sauce figured out. Body Found Inside Ernestine & Hazel's | WREG.com Videos. They recently even found bones in the walls. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Earnestine and Hazel's owner announced the iconic bar is for sale. Changing the subject and getting back to the topic of his work, we talked about the happiest memories that Nate has of working at E&H. 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. Ernestine and Hazel's. Jack and Katrina investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. and to let someone tell you the story about the building. 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. Very old, but so interesting to experience. Whatever he saw upstairs, scared him to death, and apparently he wont go back up there. With his additional money, Plough found his way into the cosmetics and sunscreen business and eventually acquired St. Josephs Aspirin brand. Clearly they have never heard what happens when you speak ill of the dead. Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine & Hazel's - Oddity Poddity: A Oh it could be that they sell alcohol.More, Sadly, this legendary location was closed when we tried to go recently (Labor Day weekend 2019). Its been reported that you get a feeling of sadness when you go upstairs and a feeling of relief, like a weight has been lifted, when you go back downstairs. Well there have been numerous reports of the jukebox coming to life on its own, without money having been put in it. By that time, George and Earnestine had apparently become pretty good friends. Here are a couple of the stories that have been told by Karen Brownlee, who managed and tended bar at E&H for almost two decades.The day James Brown died, she was talking to a coworker about it, and I Feel Good randomly started playing. I guess someone likes it because they are still open. You definitely get what you pay for! Earnestine and Hazel's - US Ghost Adventures I asked Nate if he would like to speak about Donnies death, or about how he has been dealing with the grief in the public eye. There are also reports of an occasional shadowy face in a picture too. I would never do anything to change it. In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. and Memphis and made us feel welcome. Apparently, the soul burger went through several trial and error stages before settling on what you get today. 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. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy. That same night, Nates son, Donnie, was murdered. They had to find the perfect person to take over their property and do it justice. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp That year, a new building was erected, the same one you see today, and it was purchased by Abe Plough and turned into one of his Pantaze Drugstores. As they say, after the party is the afterparty and thats exactly what happened at E&Hs. Are you sure you want to delete this question? Youll recognize familiar surroundings. But dont just talk to me and dont buy no beer!. In the early 90s, a promoter friend of his convinced George to look at a property on South Main. Recently crowned one of the best places in the world by Time magazine, Memphis should be on your travel radar this year. Bones found at Earnestine and Hazel's bar in Memphis "Most people would just give up and sell the building. Delivery & Pickup Options - 257 reviews of Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill "Come down and grab a Soul Burger!!! I couldn't believe the price for a double burger with golden flakes chips. Required fields are marked *. 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 quit Christmas 85., Thats the thing. We had a great time eating here and hearing about it's past life. This was not the first business venture of Sunbeam Mitchell though. ALL NEW TONIGHT AT 9! Earnestine & Hazel's | Memphis Travel "Were doing repairs to save the building, it will always be ragged. South Memphis opened two new train stations and 50 passenger cars would come through every day. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. Moments later Whats the smell by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. She made some maintenance improvements where needed and brought in local craft beer on tap. Juicy J Different Type of Time (Music Video), NLE Choppa ft. Fivio Foreign- DOPE (Music Video), NLE Choppa Talk Different (Music Video), K. Michelle and Gloss Up Wherever The D May Land (Music Video), Woman Beats Men in Rap Battle, So They Rape, Set Her on Fire and Shoot Her, Memphis History: 8 Legendary Housing Projects In Memphis, TN, Police Seize 89 Pounds of Marijuana, Rapper Arrested and Five Others, Shocking Video: University Students on Spring Break Sexually Assault Girl Passed Out on Florida Beach, AP.9 Shares CoCo Half Naked Picture, Texts To Back Up Sex Tape Photos (VIDEO), Iggy Azaleas Sex Tape Video Is REAL, Here Is The Proof! 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. The service was great - very talkative and attentive. He was the only white kid to enter the James Brown dance competition, held at the Coliseum. "Portals to Hell" Ernestine and Hazel's (TV Episode 2022) - IMDb Earnestine & Hazel's is a a popular watering hole for people looking for great food with a quirky juke joint atmosphere. Not a chain. Though hes a South Carolina native, Nate has been living in Memphis since 1962. Delivery & Pickup Options - 263 reviews of Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill "Come down and grab a Soul Burger!!! Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. What days are Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill open? Detractors are worried that the presence of construction crews is a signal that the Memphis legend is getting an overhaul that will change the look and feel of the bar, but that's simply not true, Chittom said, though she adds the criticism is a "rightful concern. Music. See production, box office & company info. He said they had a few dates prior to him marrying his wife. I wish I would have had a burger, they smelledreally good. 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. The sale of the building was finalized early this week. After decades of decadence, 13 souls remain at the bar to party for eternity. Nate went on to work for Russell at Earnestine & Hazels in 1992 and has been there ever since. Earnestines husband, Andrew, who went by the name of Sunbeam, opened a venue nearby for musicians, called Club Paradise. I wish we would have had more time. Always good music live or on the box. Now in the building on S. Main, Plough only used the bottom floor of the building for his pharmacy/sundry store, so he rented the upstairs to two beauticians, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones. One of the most haunted things in the building is the jukebox. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. They would stroll down for some cheap soul food and good alcohol before retiring for the night to the nearby Lorraine Motel, or possibly for an hour of fun in one of the upstairs rooms. Lots of stories, never sure how true they all are but check out theupstairs rooms and ask someone for a history lesson about honky tonk woman.More, My husband and I recently visited Memphis and this was definitely one of my favorite spots. Nate went on to work for Russell at Earnestine & Hazel's in 1992 and has been there ever since. The record player no longer works, but the radio does. Earnestine and Hazel didn't exactly support or promote prostitution, they just chose to turn a blind eye. The soul burger, the only food, is dive bar perfect. Everybody comes out here [to the bar], and you gotta treat everybody right. Earnestine and Hazel's has been a centerpiece of Memphis from the beginning. It also has live music and dancing, to a variety of bands. They just couldnt risk their employees health. The last person to have passed away in the bar was Russell George. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill is open Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. I really wanted for Alan to be able to eat a soul burger, have a good drink, and listen to whatever the jukebox thinks we need to hear. 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. By the age of 15, he had opened his first bar in an apartment downtown. Theyvegot the magic sauce figured out. There may be unexplained noises or tinkling of piano keys, but nothing malicious happens. How is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill rated? The soul burger was amazing and the bartender, Leanne was vey friendly and knowledgeable about the buildingand Memphis and made us feel welcome. He was 15 and running an illegal bar, what do you expect it to be called? One of my favorite places in the city. Hazel passed away in 1995 and Earnestine in 1998. I talk to [the customers] though. 412 entries. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Menu - Memphis - Yelp Ernestine & Hazel - Sundry and Former Brothel. Gerald Bud Chittom was quite the legend in Memphis. Hazel passed away in 1995 and Earnestine in 1998. From a young age, George listened to soul, jazz, and the blues. Their juke joint was the go-to hangout for the after-show party crowd. According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We did have the "Soul" burgers, which were pretty good. And there is a very endearing story from Karen Brownlee. We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. George realized you dont have to pile on the toppings to have a good burger. The Ultimate Haunted Road Trip of the South - Part V 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. RIP CRAIG BREWER (@MyBrewTube) September 9, 2013. Over the next 100 years, Plough Inc became a multi-million dollar company, partnering with Schering Company. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill accepts credit cards. Even in that picture, you can see an orb. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. 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. Make sure to tour the upstairs area. WATCH. When not immortalizing the movements of ballerinas, circus performers and mermaids, he spends his time finding candid moments involving delectable cuisines and the people that create them. Another story from Brownlees interview was about a group of people trash talking the bar and making fun of ghosts. Disable the NSFW warnings that refer to content considered inappropriate in the workplace (Not Suitable For Work). From what I have read, Nate is the go to guy for all things Earnestine and Hazels. One of the employees went upstairs for something and came running back down and right out the door. And the spirits are still there to welcome you in. BEST burger I've had in a looooong time! Switch skin. They have found that if they respect the establishment, they dont have any negative experiences. They are saving the building and the business.". I couldnt find an exact date, but the assessors office lists the current buildings date as 1918. She said that a patron who had gone up to the black room was overcome with emotion while being in the room. Any cocktails? Orbs can be seen floating in almost every picture that is taken there. For all of his career Nate has been around alcohol. This is where Russell George dances into the picture. He got married three years after he moved to Memphis. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. Your email address will not be published. Having no interest in running a sundry, the ladies decided to turn the downstairs area into a jazz cafe. 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. Second floor is awesome and creepy. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp Its said his spirit does inhabit the bar. Brownlee confirmed there was a stabbing in that room and it is likely that the person died there as well. Being so close to the railroad, the building began its service to humankind as a dry goods store, with a bordello on the second floor. Call Menu Info. I had two orders in one setting, at 1am, as this was the closest place to get a meal, from out hotel. We hope you liked the story we unearthed! 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) WTF. , which was good, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp Diversified Builders crews have resumed restoration work after a Wednesday night scare whenbones fell out of a wall they were in the process of repairing. <p>In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. Oh it could be that they sell alcohol. Brownlee told a particularly memorable story to the investigator and his friend. In the late 1800s, it was built as a church, complete with fancy doors and a steeple. It was part of the deal. 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. At ten years old, George had all the right moves and Brown crowned him the winner. 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 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. George was born and raised in Memphis by parents that had a love for good music. Host to more productions than I care to count, the hallowed halls of this old blues joint have 'spirit'. In 1976 Nate started a job with Budweiser (and worked there for 34 years). According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He called it Jefferson in the Rear. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. Suddenly, the jukebox started playing Everybody is a Star by Sly and the Family Stone. She is a Memphis music history enthusiast and an adventurous home cook. Copyright 2013 WMC-TV. Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine Hazel's Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at . Stars Jack Osbourne Do they have anything besides beer? After 27 years manning the upstairs bar at Earnestine & Hazels, he also has all the dirt that anyone would ever want to knowor not knowon one of our citys oldest bars. Her son had passed away from a gunshot wound. At that point, the area became able to support businesses. Sadly, Bud suddenly passed away on September 5, 2018. ", "I love Earnestine and Hazel's. Their juke joint was the Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine & Hazel's - Oddity Poddity: A Paranormal Podcast | Listen Notes Another night, a businessman came in telling a story about how a coworker threw up in a cab and how awful it smelled. 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.