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