Broad Avenue Memphis

The Broad Avenue Arts District is a star on the rise. It was once the main drag of suburban Binghampton, Tennessee, founded 1895. I remember first going to Broadway Pizza back in the 1970's, with my brother-in-law Ken. He said the meaty ultra-deep-dish was the best in Memphis. Ken taught me that some of the best food can be found in a "hole-in-the-wall."

http://broadwaypizzamemphis.com/

Today Broadway Pizza finds a thriving arts and entertainment district rising around it. My wife predicted it. It was several years ago, just as they were completing the new Sam Cooper Boulevard, connecting I40 with East Parkway, that I took her to Broadway for the first time, for lunch. She loved it; and afterwards, we walked along the strip of 1900's buildings, which have always struck me as reminiscent of an old West movie set. So she said, "Wow, this place would make a great little entertainment district." At the time, the only other place to go into was a little 24-hour neighborhood bar called The Beer Joint. And this is kind of the sad part of the story, because it was dark inside; and the owner told us he was having to close down. The old guy explained that since they had started construction on the Sam Cooper extension, his customers who walked from Binghampton were cut off by the construction zone and had stopped coming. We wished him well and bought a big plastic Santa Clause with a 100 watt bulb in it, for $5, that we now put out front each holiday season. If the guy had just been able to hang on a bit longer he would have seen a real renaissance on Broad.

Today the street is lined with art galleries. A wide range of artistic media is represented, metal works to paint and more. There are also several very special new places to eat and drink, none of which seem new at all.

Three Angels Diner is a home style heaven. Try the fried chicken.

http://threeangelsdiner.com/

The Cove has $3 PBR beers on Wednesday night, and is said to have a great Oysters Rockefeller. The Mr. Beefy Italian sandwich is more my style. Ghosts of the old world abound here.

http://thecovememphis.com/

Jack Magoo's Sports Bar & Gill has one of the funnest patio's around, pool tables and classic bar fare & much more. I like the bacon wrapped shrimp, followed by the Memphis Big Chick sandwich.

http://jackmagoos.com/

And don't forget the original: Broadway Pizza. Have fun and keep enjoying Memphis.

brought to you by http://memphispowerads.com/

South Main St -part 1

Once upon a long time ago, I wrote an article, fresh out of journalism school, on the South Main District and its 1910's and 1920's commercial buildings, for the Downtowner Magazine.

http://downtowner.com/

I spent hours researching in the Memphis Room of the old main library. I interviewed interesting people like Harry Zapatos - owner of the ancient Arcade Restaurant, and local historian Shelby Foote.

It is 20 years later now; and the South Main District is better than ever.

The Arcade, across from the Amtrack Railroad Station, is still going strong (since 1919).

Try the Fried Peanut Butter'N' Bananna Sandwich, Elvis' favorite.

http://arcaderestaurant.com/

You also have to try the Soul Burger at Ernestine & Hazel's. It is a classic old pub, with a pool table and great jukebox downstairs. Upstairs, you'll find a series of one-time brothel/boarding house rooms. On busy nights, they open the small bar upstairs; and just maybe, someone will get on the old piano for a sing-a-long.

There are some really good new-comer restaurants, too, such as SOB (South of Beale) and Pearl's Oyster House (great crab cakes).

http://www.southofbeale.com/

http://pearlsoysterhouse.com/

We love to take our dog walking, as we window shop on the street, lined with art galleries and upscale clothing stores. Our dog especially likes the open lawn leading to the National Civil Rights Museum. Dr. King's vision really touched Memphis. The Museum is a must see.

http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

The last Friday of each month is Trolley Night, when they open up the galleries and you can ride for free. It makes for a cool and elegant night out.

Have fun and keep enjoying Memphis

brought to you by

http://www.memphispowerads.com/

The Highland Strip Memphis

Memphis has lots of cool little entertainment districts; and one of my favorites is the Highland Strip on Highland St. and Walker Ave., near the University of Memphis.

This place holds many memories for me throughout my life. My older sisters used to bring me here, when I was placed in their charge, back in the 70's; and I thought it was the hippest place on Earth.

Later, in my early teens, I would ride my bicycle to Whatever, a "head shop", where I would marvel at the glow-in-the-dark posters and such, the air heavy with incense.

As a high schooler, I drank countless Moosehead beers at a place, long closed-down, called the College Inn. As a college student, I hung out at two places that I still love: Newby's and R.P. Tracks. After college our rock band got a few gigs at a place that was called The Library. I guess if your parents asked where why you weren't in your dorm room when they called the previous night, you wouldn't be lying if you said you were at "the Library".

Anyway, I still love Newby's and R. P. Tracks. Tracks on Walker has some of the best food in the Highland Strip District. Pick your favorite ingredients, and they will make them into a burrito, a quesadillia or a sandwich. You gotta try their famous Bar-B-Q tofu. On Highland they have R.P. Billiards, a very nice little pool hall.

http://rptracks.com/

Newby's is divided into a bar & grill side (try the broccoli soup.) and a concert side, which I understand was once some kind of a one-screen movie theater. I've seen some pretty big name bands there recently.

http://newbysmemphis.com/

Other stalwart restaurants here include Garabaldi's Pizza (I worked there for 1 day.) and Brother Juniper's for breakfast.

http://www.garabaldispizza.com/

http://brotherjunipers.com/

Along the Strip, you'll find dozens of places to eat and drink, along with a variety of little shops to duck into. Check it out when you have a chance, and keep on enjoying Memphis.

brought to you by http://www.memphispowerads.com/