Robert Hunter wrote, ” Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” For some reason that Scarlet Begonias lyric came to mind this past Friday afternoon when I stepped out of Alex’s Tavern having just enjoyed their amazing Greek Burger. I suppose it was because Alex’s was the last place in Memphis I thought a Grail burger would be served. Alex’s, located just east of Jackson Avenue and North Watkins, is owned by Rocky Kasaftes. Rocky’s father, Alex, opened Alex’s in 1953 and it remains the oldest family owned tavern in Memphis.
Alex’s Tavern is a bar that stays open until 3 am, only serves beer and is argued to have the very best jukebox in the city. Alex’s is also known for their Greek Burger. I challenge you to google Alex’s Tavern and find an Urbanspoon, Yelp or any Commercial Appeal post that doesn’t mention their burger as one of Memphis’ best. And that’s what I came for. Rumor has it that their chicken drummies and ribs are also second to none. There’s a comforting atmosphere and nostalgic personality at Alex’s. Whether it’s your first time there or your 100th time, you feel right at home when you sit down.
We arrived at Alex’s shortly after they opened around noon and settled into a barstool. Their menu is etched into a big beer poster hanging over the bar. Classic! Over time, price changes have been taped over the original print. My friend Dylan knew the bartender, Andy, who also cooked our lunch. We started making some small talk and then Dylan blew my cover. He told Andy about my search for the Best Memphis Burger and the blog site. “Well, hell! You might as well call off the search”, Andy said. I laughed and ordered a burger anyway. Andy smiled a “just you wait” grin and disappeared into the kitchen. While we waited for our food, I had a few minutes to look around Alex’s. There are signed pictures of several celebrity patrons hanging around the bar, some very interesting graffiti in the rest room and a couple very sentimental photos of Rocky and his father and Rocky and the late John “Bad Dog” McCormack, Rocky’s life long best friend.
The Burger
After about 15 minutes, Andy reappeared from the kitchen with our burgers. I almost laughed aloud when I saw my burger heading towards me on one of those Styrofoam three-sectioned plates. The small partition was filled with ketchup, the large partition was loaded with seasoned fries and the other held my burger. Alex’s isn’t going to win any awards for presentation. However, what they may lack in presentation, they make up for in taste. Alex’s Greek Burger is by far one of the best I’ve had so far. Sorry Uncle Lou! Time to move over a little bit. You finally have some competition in this burger quest. And what a burger it is!
I was served a good 1/3 – 1/2 lb., hand formed patty, seasoned generously with Cavendars Greek Seasoning and some special black pepper which Rocky keeps a secret. It was thick like the one I was served at the Belmont Grill. That’s the only similarity in the two burgers. Alex’s Greek Burger was cooked to perfection. It was served medium, just how I like it. It was crisp on the outside and hot and pink inside. Each bite was mouthwateringly juicy and loaded with that peppery Greek flavor. The bun wasn’t anything special, other than it held the burger together up until the very last bite. It was served with mustard, pickles, onion and a slice of tomato. It was so good that I found myself eating slower than usual just to savor each bite.
Alex’s fries were quite tasty too. I’m pretty sure they’re the same fries you get at Huey’s. These however were nice and crisp and also generously seasoned with Cavendars. They weren’t greasy at all and complimented the burger nicely.
On our way out, Dylan and I paid a visit to Rocky’s office. We found him sitting at a small desk on the side of the kitchen filing some paperwork. He sounded pretty excited about my thoughts on his burger and offered to personally make me an even better one the next time I came by. If that burger can be done better, I’ll be back real soon.
I give Alex’s Tavern Greek Burger 4.5 out of 5 stars. As of this posting, it’s one of the top two burgers I’ve ever had. Absolutely a must have!
Alex’s Tavern
1445 Jackson Ave
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 278-9086
If you have a favorite burger that you think is Memphis’ best or that I need to try and review, please drop a note in my suggestion box.
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I finally made it to Alex's a couple weeks ago. First, let me say I am a huge "dive bar" fan. Alex's qualifies on so many levels. I loved the place. Can't remember the name of the guy tending bar and cooking, but he was immediately friendly and was able to pic up on the fact my friend and I were first timers. We both ordered the burger and fries, which were great, but he also made us each a greek and hot wing...Wow! I love the greek wings and the hot wing was spiced perfectly. I'll be back....need to try the rest of the menu.
I LOVE Alex's burgers. True classic, for sure. They are even better at 2am after a night out. The only thing comparable in Memphis is Huey's. It was my favorite restaurant growing up.
Rocky really cooked up a treat for us yesterday. His Gumbo was some of the best I've had. The Greek and Buffalo Drummies were off the hook! He made ribsI was going to append my post or blog it again, but really the only thing that came to mind was "Ditto". It was nothing less than 4.5+ stars out of 5. I wish I could agree with you about Huey's. It just hasn't been as good lately. Not sure why or how they get the Best Burger award in the Flyer year after year. My Favorites at the moment are: Alex's (of course), Stuffy's and Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken. All are great burgers!
I think you should use more images on your blog, but besides that, it's really great. Cheers.
Whether it’s your first time there or your 100th time, you feel right at home when you sit down. How would you know? Love how you corrected the typos you complain about being called on. You are getting better at writing. Rocky was not interested in your opinion.
You are getting better at writing. Thanks. So what's your burger of choice?
Sorry for being an asshole. I'll work on that. I love Tops, Belmont. CK's patty melt is nice.
Thanks for the comment.
I'd have to say that based on the 10 or so burger's I had prior to Alex's that I've included in this quest, only one so far can go toe to toe. That would be Uncle Lou's Jumbo Cheeseburger. I sure hope there's better out there, but for now, I'm sticking with Alex's Greek Burger and my scoring. It's all subjective though, as you know. Just like BBQ. What one person loves, the next might hate.
What burger did you find in or within and hour from Memphis that you'd say is the best?
I been on a best burger in Memphis and area quest for few years ( had to include the surounding areas... was running out of places to find best burger in memphis) since i been in memphis 15 years now. Just plain spoiled over the real food in Chicago i guess. I dont know how Hueys wins year after year??? they really aint that good! I didnt find alex's as good as you rated it. i would say more of a 3. Been there a few times, had a few burgers, but 3 is tops for me. I havent been there in bout 3 years. i will have to try again in view of your rating. He may have catered to you more generously because he knew you were going to rate him on a site before you ordered??? Great site! keep up the good work!
Maculosa Where would you say is your favorite burger or your best burger place?
[...] However in the quest for the Best Memphis Burger, I’d travel just a little further and visit Alex’s Tavern or Burley’s if they every open back [...]
[...] for a burger today. Luckily for me, Alex’s Tavern isn’t just known for their amazing Greek Burger. Rocky, Alex’s owner, also makes some of the best chicken drummies you could imagine. He does [...]
[...] to give them any taste. There was nothing wrong with them, but after getting those same fries at Alex’s Tavern, so generously seasoned with Cavendars, it’s hard to appreciate them any other [...]
[...] to Rocky at Alex’s Tavern for grabbing the victory on the Best Memphis Burger Reader’s Poll. If you haven’t tried [...]
[...] bursting with flavor. The Uptown Burger was a giant hot mess of awesomeness. Much different from an Alex’s Tavern or Majestic Grille burger, it was just spilling out of the bun. I probably went through a dozen or [...]
[...] I came back to the Jeep and instead of BBQ, Keith had decided on burgers based on a review he saw here. Off to Alex’s tavern we [...]
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[...] time and time again. My favorite burger is The “World Famous” Greek Burger at Alex’s Tavern. Rocky Kasaftes takes so much pride in everything he serves at Alex’s. If something [...]
[...] burger are each 100 times better than the top three combined on their best days. And what about Alex’s Tavern? Roxie’s Grocery? Sweden Kream? Uncle Lou’s? I just can’t wrap my brain around [...]
[...] Memphis’ Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood. This includes notable burgers from places such as Alex’s Tavern and Cafe [...]
[...] of my favorite burgers in town has always been the Greek Burger at Alex’s Tavern. Rocky and Andy have both been so great to me and my family and accommodating to my friends. They [...]
[...] For a year and a half, that’s remained the case, even while chowing on favorites found at Alex’s Tavern, Kooky Canuck, Roxie’s Grocery, Young Avenue Deli, Majestic Grille and even Stuffy’s [...]