Great live music, cheap beers, solid drinks, and had all the spooky allure of a haunted building. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. The record player no longer works, but the radio does. This transaction occurred some time in the 1950s, from what I can tell. In the aftermath of what is sure to be the next chapter of the establishment's storied history, Chittom is now faced with renewed online criticism overthe renovations that spurred the discovery of the bones. 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. "This building is part of Memphis history. Brownlee confirmed there was a stabbing in that room and it is likely that the person died there as well. I used to drink. There is a small 8 seat bar on the second floor, where the brothel was located, that was opened on the weekends. He loved food and he loved music and he spent his life giving both of those to many Memphians and tourists alike. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill Popular Dishes, Keith G. said: Almost did not come to this location due to the reviews but I figured, Everette B. said: I go into a fast good joint expecting sub par service. Even in that picture, you can see an orb. You just needed some cheese, pickles, sauteed onions, and the secret sauce. Explore. more menus Dinner Menu Brunch Menu Late Night Menu . She thought overtime missing her dad would get easier, but it hasnt. There are also reports of an occasional shadowy face in a picture too. And he is keeping everything the same. The sale includes. The service was great - very talkative and attentive. If you are looking for the ghosts of Memphis, go here. I came in expecting a dive bar with live music and solid burgers and I left confirming all to be true. Is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill currently offering delivery or takeout? Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. This is definitely a must see if you visit Memphis!! Brownlee talked to Earnestine from time to time and when she was sitting alone at the bar one day, she just started talking to her, asking for a sign that her son was okay. George was born and raised in Memphis by parents that had a love for good music. Delivery & Pickup Options - 257 reviews of Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill "Come down and grab a Soul Burger!!! You definitely get what you pay for!More, , processed patty,. Truly and interesting place, and the barthender was so kind! Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine Hazel's He began to reminisce about what the venue was like back when BB King and Ray Charles would visit. The building, which was once a sundry and a brothel, is more than a century old. 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. He said the black room was most active. Apparently, the soul burger went through several trial and error stages before settling on what you get today. People ask me all the time, How do you do it?. 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. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. The electrical box still displays the house rules as laid out by George, NO DOPE SMOKEN, NO CURSIN, NO FREE LODEN, E.H.. George did some renovations and on St. Patricks Day 1993, Earnestine and Hazels reopened as a full fledged bar. She wrote a letter expressing her feelings. , which was good, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary. You can also order a mixed drink at the downstairs bar, instead of having to head up and see Nate. The music was awesome. I think most of the time they know better, but the alcohol tells them something else, he says. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Yelp Maybe someone who met their demise upstairs? Sad to learn my friend Russell George, owner of Earnestine & Hazel's, has committed suicide. Not for a date night romantic dinner for 2 but best with a group of friends. According to his music note on Beale St, he was a man you dont meet everyday. By that time, George and Earnestine had apparently become pretty good friends. Earnestine and Hazel's - US Ghost Adventures As they say, after the party is the afterparty and thats exactly what happened at E&Hs. Russell George was found dead inside his bar, Earnestine and Hazel's, in September. I bet thats the spirits of the ladies who used to work there, trying to beckon you to a room. Youll recognize familiar surroundings. Burgers are old-fashioned. Nate and his wife Marilyn had three children together, only one of which is still living. 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. Youll often hear them referred to as tonics or elixirs. Apparently benches lined the walls of the hallway so that men waiting their turn had a place to relax. Then moments later and without warning, the jukebox stops. "Portals to Hell" Ernestine and Hazel's (TV Episode 2022) - IMDb What days are Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill open? Russell George, owner of Earnestine and Hazel's, found dead Police and fire crews swarmed the bar around 11 p.m., Tigner said. Brownlee believes that was Earnestine. He called it the Soul Burger. Russell George died from a self inflicted gunshot wound on September 8, 2013. Plough opened Pantaze Drugstores in the 1930s. Haunting in Memphis: Fright fans hunt for ghosts ahead of Halloween Call Menu Info. In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. Until doing the research, I was unaware that he actually owned the building and Russell George managed it and made it what it was. The days of gliding under the radar as a hidden gem are nearing an end for Memphis. But dont just talk to me and dont buy no beer!. Try the Soul burger. I would never do anything to change it. Many folks come just to listen to the jukebox, which is filled with classic Memphis soul and funk music. If youve not noticed it before, watch the music video for Loretta Lynns Portland with Jack White. Crime had escalated and it was something like a wasteland. Yes, Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill offers takeout. I do own that album and its fantastic! 2 thumbs up! Ernestine and Hazel's - Haunted Houses The future In the aftermath of what is sure to be the next chapter of the. I guess someone likes it because they are still open. Nate went on to work for Russell at Earnestine & Hazels in 1992 and has been there ever since. Ill post a picture from a class project where we did a photo shoot there. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall. 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. See the rooms upstairs to verify your history lesson. From a young age, George listened to soul, jazz, and the blues. Body Found Inside Ernestine & Hazel's | WREG.com I had two orders in one setting, at 1am, as this was the closest place to get a meal, from out hotel. 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. Host to more productions than I care to count, the hallowed halls of this old blues joint have 'spirit'. Sometimes people get out of hand. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. Make sure to tour the upstairs area. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. On March 16, Earnestine & Hazels hosted a party to celebrate Nates 27th anniversary of working at the establishment. Not a chain. Earnestine & Hazel's owner Caitlin Chittom puts South Main bar on the Its best/easier to order as is. Moments later Whats the smell by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. **Earnestine and Hazel*S*Owner*Found*Dead** Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Earnestine and Hazel's owner to sell iconic bar - FOX13 News Memphis See production, box office & company info. The story from the investigator that heard everybody is a star, well, he had set up several cameras over two nights, trying to capture some activity on the second floor. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall. Dive Bar Has Famous Haunted Jukebox DJed By Ghosts - The Daily Meal Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. "Were doing repairs to save the building, it will always be ragged. This place is really different. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill accepts credit cards. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill is open Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. We hope you liked the story we unearthed! The burger is served with a bag of chips and either a beer or coke. I talk to [the customers] though. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:04 24.8MB) | Embed. After decades of decadence, 13 souls remain at the bar to party for eternity. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill has 4.5 stars. 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. You Can Actually Spend the Night in These Haunted Hotels and Houses You might say, what an odd thing to be haunted or how do you know? November 23, 2020 at 4:03 pm CST. (WMC-TV) - The owner of a popular bar on South Main was reportedly found dead Monday morning. 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! We're saving the foundation of the building, but nothing cosmetic" Chittom said. Before it was a bar, however, the building was a church. They had to find the perfect person to take over their property and do it justice. Taste was what you'd expect from a frozen pre pattied burger. I usually stick to LOCAL MEMPHIS, William P. said: I will say that getting into this restaurant can be dicey since it's. Second floor is awesome and creepy.More. and Memphis and made us feel welcome. ALL NEW TONIGHT AT 9! A new - Earnestine & Hazel's - Facebook "This has to be a costly repair," said Jeff Zepatos of The Arcade Restaurant. They have found that if they respect the establishment, they dont have any negative experiences. It's not. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. 84 E Ge Patterson Ave Memphis, TN 38103 Uber. I wish we would have had more time. They just couldnt risk their employees health. For all of his career Nate has been around alcohol. How is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill rated? From a haunted jukebox to a fire-haired phantom to a cheeseburger that'll make you wanna slap your, mama, Earnestine and . Over the years, there have been countless paranormal investigations and ghost tours that have happened at E&H. Earnestine and Hazel didn't exactly support or promote prostitution, they just chose to turn a blind eye. Their juke joint was the go-to hangout for the after-show party crowd. When she found out the news, she was obviously devastated. She said all of a sudden, a little baby bird came hopping up to her from over one of the booths. It hasnt been opened since Covid hit. George realized you dont have to pile on the toppings to have a good burger. But lets rewind. Everybody comes out here [to the bar], and you gotta treat everybody right. I had two orders in one setting, at 1am, as this was the closest place to get a meal, from out hotel. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The name, "Earnestine & Hazel's" actually hearkens back to the once-owners, Earnestine and Hazel, who operated a cafe in the space. While it was not said that the sisters condoned the upstairs activity, they certainly turned a blind eye to it. Gerald Bud Chittom was quite the legend in Memphis. Disable the NSFW warnings that refer to content considered inappropriate in the workplace (Not Suitable For Work). Another story from Brownlees interview was about a group of people trash talking the bar and making fun of ghosts. Do they have anything besides beer? So historic that it's crazy; true time travel. 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. Suddenly, the lights started flashing, getting dimmer and then brighter than the sun. Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say. Sauted Shrimp served over a bed of Pasta with French Bread & a side of . Whatever he saw upstairs, scared him to death, and apparently he wont go back up there. I couldnt find an exact date, but the assessors office lists the current buildings date as 1918. Due to the number of deaths that occured in the establishment, it doesnt seem terribly far-fetched, for those who believe in that kind of thing, to have an experience at the bar. It freaked them out so much they left the bar. Jayne Ellen White has worked in the Memphis tourism industry for 11 years. And the spirits are still there to welcome you in. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill - Menu - Memphis - Yelp In the early 90s, a promoter friend of his convinced George to look at a property on South Main. Club Paradise was the largest and most prestigious nightclub in Memphis. And there you have the story of Earnestine and Hazels. Earnestine & Hazel's has new owners. What for? Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. 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. And there is a very endearing story from Karen Brownlee. According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It is reported that 13 people have died in the building. Their drinks are made PERFECT!!!! Not somebody coming from Nashville, who doesnt get it.. For all of his career Nate has been around alcohol. Any cocktails? 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. Very old, but so interesting to experience. From a haunted jukebox t. (WMC-TV) - There are rumblings that a Memphis dive bar known around the world has an uncertain future after its owner was found dead inside last month. I came in expecting a dive bar with live music and solid burgers and I left confirming all to be true. Among the stops: Earnestine and Hazel's bar, where customers . 433 entries. While construction is underway, Earnestine and Hazel's is operating out of the back bar space, often referred to as "The Five Spot." And its $12. After Geroge passed, the bar was taken over by Bud Chittom. At that point, the area became able to support businesses. One of Sunbeams music venues (Club Handy) and the Mitchell hotel were on the second and third floors of the Pantaze Drugs, which again was owned by Plough, on Beale St. (Wet Willies currently occupies this building.). Settle in downstairs with a cold beer and the juicy "Soul Burger" slathered in mustard and onions. 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. 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. Earnestine and Hazels isnt just your typical haunted atmosphere. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. A house favorite for all of these years. He pedaled his antiseptic healing oil, that he created in a room above his fathers shop, to the drug stores in and around Memphis. 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. The 70s were a bad time in general for Downtown Memphis. He said they had a few dates prior to him marrying his wife. A new episode of #PortalsToHell "Ernestine and Hazel's" drops on @discoveryplus and is on @travelchannel TONIGHT at 10/9c. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting t Read allJack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. 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. Menus for Earnestine and Hazel's Bar and Grill - SinglePlatform Its said his spirit does inhabit the bar. While the upstairs had to be closed during construction as well, longtime upstairs bartender Nathaniel Barnes (Mr. Nate to his regular customers) will be tending bar in the back bar space as well. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. 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. Sadly, Bud suddenly passed away on September 5, 2018. Chittom said its just too painful to keep running the businesses she inherited. 4358 entries. His patent medicine took off and within a couple of years he doubled his profits. That same year, Nate began working for Earnestine and Hazel's future owner, Russell George, at Murphy's in Midtown.