412 entries. Sources are saying the body is that of the bar's owner Russell George, and a . The Peabody had shut down. There were 7 Pantaze drug stores on Main St and in the downtown area. 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. The Mitchells and Plough were not strangers to each other either. Disable the NSFW warnings that refer to content considered inappropriate in the workplace (Not Suitable For Work). [Marilyn] was on her way to work, and I saw her passing by, he says. Stepped in to grab some oatmeal. November 23, 2020 at 4:03 pm CST. They recently even found bones in the walls. All the rooms have different color names. Are you sure you want to delete this question? Theyvegot the magic sauce figured out. @fomoloop, Our site uses cookies. There are also reports of an occasional shadowy face in a picture too. Another story from Brownlees interview was about a group of people trash talking the bar and making fun of ghosts. George was born and raised in Memphis by parents that had a love for good music. If youve not noticed it before, watch the music video for Loretta Lynns Portland with Jack White. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. Brownlee felt compelled to tell her the story and afterwards she left, but returned an hour later with a silver necklace with a bird on it. Tigner explained that the bones, as well as a box with items like old bottles, was found in the wall adjacent to the steps that lead from the main floor to upstairs. George did some renovations and on St. Patricks Day 1993, Earnestine and Hazels reopened as a full fledged bar. Memphis: Home of the Blues, Barbecue, andBagels. Over the years, there have been countless paranormal investigations and ghost tours that have happened at E&H. Hazel passed away in 1995 and Earnestine in 1998. Disable the NSFW warnings that refer to content considered inappropriate in the workplace (Not Suitable For Work). It was during his time owning Pantaze that Plough started to expand his brand and continued on to find his fame. Another night, a businessman came in telling a story about how a coworker threw up in a cab and how awful it smelled. It's a dive bar, and I love that. the ordinary. ", "I love Earnestine and Hazel's. 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. At that point, the area became able to support businesses. In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. I would never do anything to change it. upstairs rooms and ask someone for a history lesson about honky tonk woman. 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. He opened over 50 restaurants in Memphis and made Beale Street what it is today. "Most people would just give up and sell the building. 2023 www.commercialappeal.com. "This has to be a costly repair," said Jeff Zepatos of The Arcade Restaurant. The contracting company's vice president, Chris Tigner, said word got out quickly about the discovery, and someone alerted police, and inaccurately told thema body was located in the bar. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. This is a place to come have fun. By the age of 20, he was a band manager and a dancer with a local R&B band. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. People have also said theyve felt hands touching them when they go upstairs. He called it Jefferson in the Rear. 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. . Nate met Marilyn shortly after moving to Memphis, while helping a friend pick up a car in Mobile, Alabama. Switch skin. Always good music live or on the box. Crime had escalated and it was something like a wasteland. I got drunk and went to sleep and I didnt wake up til the day after Christmas., Although Nate loves all of his customers, alcohol sometimes changes people. I bet thats the spirits of the ladies who used to work there, trying to beckon you to a room. Whilethe bones are being analyzed, the crews will continue to carefully rebuild and restore the bar to its former ragged glory. The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel. Its when you disrespect the bar and its inhabitants, they might not be so friendly anymore. He left Earnestine & Hazels to his daughter, Caitlin. Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say. It could hold up to 3200 people. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? Menu. 4358 entries. She is a Memphis music history enthusiast and an adventurous home cook. From a haunted jukebox to a fire-haired phantom to a cheeseburger that'll make you wanna slap your, mama, Earnestine and . He began to reminisce about what the venue was like back when BB King and Ray Charles would visit. The soul burger, the only food, is dive bar perfect. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Beale Street was fenced off, except for Schwabs. 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. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy. How is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill rated? Schering Plough and the Plough Foundation became a major philanthropic entity in Memphis. Earnestine and Hazel were getting older and not able to oversee the business like they had before. I didn't see any, but plenty of things happened to me after we left. I usually stick to LOCAL MEMPHIS, William P. said: I will say that getting into this restaurant can be dicey since it's. Many of their neighbors are applauding what Chitton is doing for the building. The well-known South Main bar attracts hundreds of locals and tourists weekly, many of whom return for the famous "Soulburgers" and juke box that plays the music of renowned artists like Otis Redding. We hope you liked the story we unearthed! Then moments later and without warning, the jukebox stops. 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. I quit Christmas 85., Thats the thing. Ernestine & Hazel - Sundry and Former Brothel. And he is keeping everything the same. A large police presence could be seen in front Earnestine and Hazel's just before 11 a.m. You might say, what an odd thing to be haunted or how do you know? I came in expecting a dive bar with live music and solid burgers and I left confirming all to be true. We had a blast! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Derk Meitzler, who is a member of the Downtown Restaurant group, seems to be heading this operation. Settle in downstairs with a cold beer and the juicy "Soul Burger" slathered in mustard and onions. (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. A house favorite for all of these years. Great live music, cheap beers, solid drinks, and had all the spooky allure of a haunted building. This was not the first business venture of Sunbeam Mitchell though. She is the director of visitor experience at Stax Museum of American Soul Music. And there you have the story of Earnestine and Hazels. 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. What is the Spanish language plot outline for Ernestine and Hazel's (2022)? Gerald Bud Chittom was quite the legend in Memphis. This place was exactly as described! As we mentioned at the top of the story, Earnestine and Hazels is now up for sale. According to some, playing at the Paradise was like playing at Carnegie Hall. They have found that if they respect the establishment, they dont have any negative experiences. It is very interesting and has a lot of history, unchanged inside. His patent medicine took off and within a couple of years he doubled his profits. ALL NEW TONIGHT AT 9! Second floor is awesome and creepy.More. All rights reserved. We do not own the rights to these photos. It has been run by a fella named Nate, since George opened the bar. There was no body, and no one can say with certainty what organism the bones originated from. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at . We did have the "Soul" burgers, which were pretty good. , which was good, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary. 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. It sold for $1.1 million. Apparently Pantaze were the Walgreens of its day. Second floor is awesome and creepy. Changes were coming to downtown. It was part of the deal. more. 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. 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) People didnt frequent the area anymore, it wasnt safe. It was important to me and it was so, so important to my father.". Chittom hasmovedbeloved items like the jukebox, the pool table and even the ragged red leather couch to the new space. While it was not said that the sisters condoned the upstairs activity, they certainly turned a blind eye to it. 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. 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. The drinks were good and the live music phenomenal. There is a small 8 seat bar on the second floor, where the brothel was located, that was opened on the weekends. Is Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill currently offering delivery or takeout? MORE PHOTOS. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. 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. Your email address will not be published. A must while in Memphis. But its not just for anyone to have. By that time, George and Earnestine had apparently become pretty good friends. Caitlin Chittom, the owner of Earnestine and Hazels' said the bones were sent somewhere to be identified. Very cool! After decades of decadence, 13 souls remain at the bar to party for eternity. He was the only white kid to enter the James Brown dance competition, held at the Coliseum. Besides being the best dive bar in the country, E&H is also known for being one of the most haunted. In the early 90s, a promoter friend of his convinced George to look at a property on South Main. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. The club was located on GE Patterson, so it was not a far trek to E&Hs cafe. After all, this is a place to have fun, he says. He got married three years after he moved to Memphis. It's a dive bar, and I love that. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. From a haunted jukebox t. Host to more productions than I care to count, the hallowed halls of this old blues joint have 'spirit'. He was a great support of Memphis film. 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. I used to drink a lot, Nate emphasizes. Smiling through a somber moment, he said that it wasnt time yet to talk about his loss. The club became a favorite spot for musicians. Not for a date night romantic dinner for 2 but best with a group of friends. Make sure to tour the upstairs area. While construction is underway, Earnestine and Hazel's is operating out of the back bar space, often referred to as "The Five Spot." Haunted Juke box? Their drinks are made PERFECT!!!! 2 thumbs up! Her son had passed away from a gunshot wound. This is a phenomenal dive bar with plenty of history. Apparently, the soul burger went through several trial and error stages before settling on what you get today. Nate went on to work for Russell at Earnestine & Hazel's in 1992 and has been there ever since. We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. And the spirits are still there to welcome you in. King and Tina Turner were regulars at Earnestine and Hazel's establishment. What days are Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill open? A new episode of #PortalsToHell "Ernestine and Hazel's" drops on @discoveryplus and is on @travelchannel TONIGHT at 10/9c. Fans of Earnestine & Hazel's will be glad to know that no changes are being made to the upstairs. The building, which was once a sundry and a brothel, is more than a century old. Suddenly, the lights started flashing, getting dimmer and then brighter than the sun. The burger is a single or double patty, seasoning, American cheese, sauted onion, on a toasted bun with Mayo, mustard and pickle. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. They are protected by trademarks but their ingredients are generally not completely disclosed. He said the black room was most active. A woman who just signed her divorce papers stopped in to celebrate with some friends and Tammy Wynettes D-I-V-O-R-C-E came blaring out. Copyright 2013 WMC-TV. 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. 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. The cafe became a popular stop for performers after their sets at nearby nightclubs. One thing has changed though. He loved food and he loved music and he spent his life giving both of those to many Memphians and tourists alike. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. Russell George Police have discovered a body at Earnestine and Hazel's bar on South Main in downtown Memphis. WTF. The bar has been closed since earlier this year to keep employees safe . The cafe, however, was holding its own, for the time. Chittom said its just too painful to keep running the businesses she inherited. Everybody comes out here [to the bar], and you gotta treat everybody right. Until now, she had run the bar like it has always been run, for the most part. Before it was a bar, however, the building was a church. One of the most haunted things in the building is the jukebox. NSFW. Their drinks are made PERFECT!!!! The sale includes. Its not just about selling it, its about finding the right operator. And it randomly blasts out music.When not in the room, faint whispers can be heard from inside. The bar is known for its Soul Burgers and haunted juke box. We're opening up early today Come on by at noon today for Soul Burgers and a drink before Beale Street Music Festival! I guess someone likes it because they are still open. You definitely get what you pay for! <p>In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. 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. (hence the hooker comment) and just oozes history. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill accepts credit cards. For all of his career Nate has been around alcohol. (WMC-TV) - The owner of a popular bar on South Main was reportedly found dead Monday morning. I wish I would have had a burger, they smelledreally good. Though hes a South Carolina native, Nate has been living in Memphis since 1962. [Hazel] was Bobby Blue Blands mistress at the time.. People ask me all the time, How do you do it?. 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. One thing that all employees have for E&Hs is respect. WATCH. Come buy a beer and talk to me, he says with a big smile. 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 is a public place! This is definitely a must see if you visit Memphis!! Phew! Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. This is natural. Lots of different rooms to explore and several bars to get drinks from. Eric Berry for TravelCoterie in partnership with Tripadvisor, Hotels near National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Hotels near Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Hotels near Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum, Restaurants near Earnestine & Hazel's Bar Grill, American Restaurants with Private Dining in Memphis, Cajun Restaurants for Large Groups in Memphis, Mediterranean Restaurants for Families in Memphis, Restaurants for Special Occasions in Memphis, American Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Cooper Young Community Association, Central Gardens Area Association Restaurants, Cooper Young Community Association Restaurants, Families with children Restaurants in Downtown, University Area Neighborhood Association Restaurants. When a comment was made about the spirits not liking the cameras, loud knocks could be heard coming from the room as well. Right after that, a lady, who she had never seen before, walked in and asked if she was okay. I couldnt find an exact date, but the assessors office lists the current buildings date as 1918. 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. Not only did the ladies use it in their salon, it was also being used all over the eastern part of the country. Delivery & Pickup Options - 263 reviews of Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill "Come down and grab a Soul Burger!!! By that time, George and Earnestine had apparently become pretty good friends. Their juke joint was the Ghosts of Memphis, Volume II: Earnestine & Hazel's - Oddity Poddity: A Paranormal Podcast | Listen Notes I couldn't believe the price for a double burger with golden flakes chips. Id not ever seen that video. It hasnt been opened since Covid hit. Its a great place to stop in and get a drink and listen to the. Besides being the best dive bar in the country, E&H is also known for being one of the most haunted. Moments later Whats the smell by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall. Bud Chittom, his daughter explained, wouldn't want the place to change. Explore. The team seeks to help a former bartender confront both the light and dark forces haunting the mysterious music hall. Ill post a picture from a class project where we did a photo shoot there. I wanted to go to see the ghosts. Its said his spirit does inhabit the bar. Earnestines husband, Andrew, who went by the name of Sunbeam, opened a venue nearby for musicians, called Club Paradise. I usually stick to LOCAL MEMPHIS, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina - Southaven, Cody G. said: I was skeptical after some of the reviews, however I was pleasantly, Josh H. said: I almost didnt get wings and fries at this location because of the. I used to drink. Well there have been numerous reports of the jukebox coming to life on its own, without money having been put in it. Among the stops: Earnestine and Hazel's bar, where customers . According to the building owner, Russell George's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Side note: patent medicines are basically ones that marketed as medicines, but have no proven effectiveness. Nate went on to work for Russell at Earnestine & Hazels in 1992 and has been there ever since. Even in that picture, you can see an orb. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Maybe it was because the "front" of the house was closed due to "safety" concerns or maybe because we were there at lunchtime, but it was basically a bar. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill is open Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. whatever they're doing up front doesn't change this great old place, and that they're open for visitors (for real) soon! They are saving the building and the business.". Caitlin Chittom, the owner of Earnestine and Hazels' said the bones were sent somewhere to be identified. 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. There were eight rooms upstairs that patrons could pay by the hour for use. One of my favorite places in the city. Ernestine and Hazel's. Jack and Katrina investigate a Memphis, Tennessee, blues bar with a sordid past. Russell George was found dead inside his bar, Earnestine and Hazel's, in September. They are alive and well before the yuppies eat them all. Is this a place where you pay before receiving your order? Here's hoping thatwhatever they're doing up front doesn't change this great old place, and that they're open for visitors (for real) soon!More. Could be.. A really cool place with a great vibe. 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. Georges office is now padlocked and no one goes in anymore. With his additional money, Plough found his way into the cosmetics and sunscreen business and eventually acquired St. Josephs Aspirin brand. There may be unexplained noises or tinkling of piano keys, but nothing malicious happens. Are you sure you want to delete this answer? To make additional money, the ladies offered up the upstairs rooms as a brothel for local ladies of the night. Earnestine and Hazel didn't exactly support or promote prostitution, they just chose to turn a blind eye. 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. Its storied rooms have been home to countless traveling bluemen, from the days of the 'chitlin circuit' and their favorite upstairs 'girls'. She wrote a letter expressing her feelings. and to let someone tell you the story about the building. Earnestine & Hazel's owner Caitlin Chittom announced on Nov. 23 that she was selling the business on Facebook. Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill Menu Menu for Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill Food Soul Burger 116 reviews 16 photos $6.00 Beers Budweiser $3.50 Bud Light 1 review 1 photo $3.50 Coors Light $3.50 Corona Extra $5.25 Ghost River Golden Ale 3 reviews 1 photo $4.25 Heineken $4.25 Michelob Ultra $4.25 Miller Light 1 review $3.50 Miller High Life The black room houses an old record player with an AM/FM dial. 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 got the magic sauce figured out. For all of his career Nate has been around alcohol. By the age of 15, he had opened his first bar in an apartment downtown. Over the years, he played in numerous club bands, even at the aforementioned Club Handy. Whatever he saw upstairs, scared him to death, and apparently he wont go back up there. They recently even found bones in the walls. 00:23:38 - In their heyday, Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in rock and soul history. Apparently benches lined the walls of the hallway so that men waiting their turn had a place to relax. Earnestine & Hazel's has new owners. Right as we were finishing this episode, the Daily Memphian announced that E&H has a buyer! Great bar that was all decked out for Halloween! Brownlee told a particularly memorable story to the investigator and his friend. !More, This place is the same as it has been many years ago. Yes, Earnestine & Hazel's Bar & Grill offers takeout. They were sent out for testing but I dont know if it was ever published what kind of remains they were. See the rooms upstairs to verify your history lesson. Learn the history of this location and the visit becomes even better. We'll have so much fun together once you do. Truly and interesting place, and the barthender was so kind! He also helped open Murphys on Madison and Silkys on Beale. But dont just talk to me and dont buy no beer!. 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. Try the Soul burger. Plough opened Pantaze Drugstores in the 1930s. She said all of a sudden, a little baby bird came hopping up to her from over one of the booths.