Alex’s Tavern

I rarely make it down to Alex’s but every time I do I am reminded how much I love it. The burgers and wings are great, especially with a local brew. The jukebox is prime. Remember to bring cash, but if you don’t they have an ATM. Perhaps even play some shuffleboard while you’re there.

It has taken me a long time to do this, but I’ve finally gotten around to reviewing Alex’s Tavern. The reason that it took so long is that I’ve never been sober enough to do it. In fact, I thought about making the subtitle «Doing It Sober» to point out the significance of me not being hammered when I assessed the tavern. Before I go further, I want to stress that most of my visits to Alex’s was after 2:00 A.M. when the bar is usually at its peak. For those unfamiliar with the bar, Alex’s Tavern is famous for keeping late night hours that stretch into the next day. The bar is popular with bartenders and others in the service industry who go there after working long shifts at other establishments. I am rarely out that late and hardly in good shape when I am. However, last Saturday was different, for I was in the right state of mind to do a competent review.
Although my original intention was to write about Alex’s burgers, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take advantage of the barbecue ribs that the bar sells on weekends. I ended up getting a half slab of ribs that were literally the last of Alex’s barbecue for the night along with seasoned fries and baked beans. The ribs were «dry» with plenty of barbecue sauce on the side, which allowed me to get the total BBQ experience. The ribs were rubbed with Greek spices that are the hallmark of the tavern (the key ingredient is Cavender’s Greek Seasoning, something that the bar uses to season everything on its menu). As far as dry rub ribs go, Alex’s was very good and far better than places like the overrated and over hyped Rendezvous, but the tender and juicy ribs are awesome in Alex’s barbecue sauce. To describe exactly how the sauce taste is bit difficult for a novice like me, but Greek spices gives it a distinctive flavor that is unlike anything I had before. Like most barbecue sauces, Alex’s has an element of sweetness but it is well-​balanced with spices that add tartness to a great barbecue sauce. Collectively, Alex’s ribs are better than most barbecue joints that I’ve been to including my favorite since childhood, Cozy Corner. I’m hesitant to say that Alex’s Tavern serves Memphis’ best barbecue because I feel like I’m betraying an old friend but I try to be objective in writing my reviews. Therefore, I will conclude by saying that anyone who isn’t partial to any particular BBQ restaurant or has never had Memphis barbecue would likely choose Alex’s ribs in a taste test of the city’s best restaurants. Of course, this is merely an assumption but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone having a negative opinion of Alex’s ribs.
As outstanding as the ribs are, Alex’s seasoned steak fries are just as noteworthy. Seasoned with a mix of Sonny Salt and Cavender’s Greek Seasoning and likely benefiting from the smoky aroma of the barbecue, the fries are the perfect side item for the tavern’s ribs. But even if you are eating them with Alex’s Greek Burger or Rock-Mo’s Chicken Drummies, the steak fries are a great complement that will make either your lunch or dinner better. Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, the seasoned steak fries are simply great by themselves as bar food to snack on while watching a ball game or socializing. Compared to other seasoned fries, Alex’s is incomparable and the best I’ve ever had.
The main reason for writing this review was to highlight Alex’s Greek Burger. Seasoned with Cavender’s Greek Seasoning and a special version of black pepper, the «medium» cooked Greek Burger is one of the many unique things that I’ve had in Memphis. Every time I eat one, I get an exotic experience similar to my Air Force days when I was stationed in Italy. Of course, local, non-​chain hamburger joints were a rarity during my time in Europe but I’m glad that a little Greek ingenuity made its way to Memphis for a great burger that is among the city’s best.
I could go on and on about the food at Alex’s Tavern, Memphis’ oldest tavern established by Alex Kasaftes in 1953. Bottom line is that you won’t find anything on the menu that isn’t anything short of great. Whether its barbecue, burgers or Rock-Mo’s Chicken Drummies that are the best and most popular hot wings in Memphis, owner Rocky Kasaftes and his crew don’t screw around in serving great food. By the way, I want to mention that Alex’s Tavern is a CASH ONLY restaurant, meaning that it doesn’t take credit cards although it has an ATM on the premises. That’s something to keep in mind if you decide to get some of the best bar food in Memphis.
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Definitely, hands down the best burger in Memphis. Cold beer, great prices, juke boxes and shuffleboard… what else could you want? How about the icing on the cake, a place where Rocky knows your name, and Andrew too! Get there early on game day. They fill up quickly.

The Tavern is a great dive bar. Great place to go watch a game or play the juke box. I suggest going to the Tavern and watching a couple of footbal games and go for the cycle. We split gumbo, burger, wings and a slab of ribs. On a cold night the gumbo is a must. There is a sh**load of food in every bite. Rocky is the greatest. If you really like the food, play Stranglehold by Ted Nugent on the juke box.

Great burger, wings and jukebox. Nice dive and after hours bar. Andy… Best bartender in town!

Driving up to Alex’s Tavern at first can seem a little odd, especially if you haven’t been inside before. However, once you walk in, the workers make you feel welcome. There are plenty of TVs to watch whatever game (s) is playing, and there’s two super cool jukeboxes. There’s a short shuffleboard table too which is also fun. I haven’t tried the food, but based on the other reviews, I will definitely try some.
The women’s bathroom is pretty small, and the sink is outside of the bathroom and easy to miss. Also, remember to bring cash as they do not accept cards (however, there is an ATM machine in case you spend all your money on the jukebox!).
I will definitely be making this place one of my regular go-to’s after a busy day of class as some of the busier bars in the downtown area can get old after a while.

My husband and I went last night with a group of friends and had such a great time! We love going there and eating their Greek burger… awesome!!! Also love the juke box (they have 2) that are filled with a huge selection of songs.
Thanks so much to Rocky and Randy!

Great lunch at Alex’s! They made the list!

Ok. Read my last review and add a star for the continuing reign of THE cheeseburger in all its Greek seasoned glory. Five stars for the dynasty since 1953. Five stars for the earthiness. Icy beer doesn’t hurt the rating either. Every star is deserved for the enduring experience that is… Alex’s Tavern.

This place is a hole in the wall. I had no idea about it until I was with one of my drunk guy friends who insisted on coming here. I am so glad he did. This will be my go-​to super late night food. It is a very low key, dark dive bar. When we left around 6 am I was blinded by the sun haha.
That being said, the wait is long. Super long. I’m pretty sure I have waited around an hour both times. But man oh man once you get your food. Heaven. My favorite would have to be the chicken tenders and fries. I have never had the burger, but judging by these reviews, I am definitely missing out. Their wings are also on point.
Overall, I really like this place, and don’t mind the wait once its all said and done. And the fact they stay open so late is a definite bonus. I love taking my out of town friends here (or getting my über driver to take my out of town friends here haha)

Alex ’ s is a Memphis institution that I hope is around for another 50+ years. If you didnt have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sonny before he passed away, you missed meeting a Memphis treasure. Oh, the food. It’s freaking awesome. Wings, burgers, ribs, gumbo. Wow.

If you want to know what no frills is like, visit Alex’s. If you want to know what a cheeseburger is meant to taste like… visit Alex’s!
After hearing really good things about the food, made a trip out there to try the wings and the cheeseburger w/​fries. (Note: if you have trouble making decisions, this is the place for you — only 5 or so items on the menu!)
BIG NOTE: CASH ONLY! Let me repeat that — CASH ONLY!!! Found this out the hard way… Date only had a credit card, and I only had my «emergency $ 20.» We (OK, by «we» I mean «I») had placed our order ahead because I was HUNGRY… it had never even occurred to me that it was one of the few remaining cash-​only places (did I mention no frills?!?). Anyway, long story short, Rocky is SUPER nice and when I approached him mortified and anxious asking if I could return with the remaining balance after my date dropped me at home, he encouraged me to enjoy my food. Though my stomach was a-​twist, I still was able to appreciate the succulence of that cheeseburger. YUM. I ate it and wanted another. Or two. :) Wings — good, but not what will have me coming back.
The prices are a bit higher than most burger/​wing places, but I have a feeling it’s because it’s a small place and Rocky likely orders in small amounts, paying more but also taking care with the quality of his choices.
Atmosphere…NO FRILLS. It’s a smoky, seedy place, but it doesn’t advertise itself as anything but, so it didn’t bother me. (My date asked at least twice if I was «sure I wanted to go here» when we pulled up.)
I returned later that night with the money owed (plus a good tip!). No way I was stiffing Rocky… I wouldn’t have been able to come back for another one of those cheeseburgers! :)

Stopped by last night on the recommendation of a local. Great dive bar with two huge big screens. Ordered a cheeseburger with fries and a Yuengling. The cheeseburger was perfect and tasted wonderful. The fries are steak fries — lots of them and very tasty. Super cold beer. Service was attentive and very nice. Parked right out in front.
Of course there is no menu but there is a sign behind the bar clearly marking food and the prices. Even have bottles of beer lined up on the back counter by price. And it is cash only. No worries. I’m on vacation and have cash.
Definitely recommend Alex’s. Great dive bar experience.

Just went for the first time and had the Greek burger, it was great! Going to try the highly touted wings next time. Just be sure to bring cash.

Alex’s was a favorite of mine 10 years ago when I lived in Memphis. This past week while visiting family I popped in with my pops because we were craving a late night burger.
When you come late at night you have to respect the bartender. They do it all. Tend the bar, answer the phone, cook the food. The busier it gets, the more they run. Respect.
Dad and I has a couple beers and cheeseburgers with fries. STILL the BEST burger in town. No fuss. No fancy toppings. Just an amazing cheeseburger. Dad said they have amazing wings — I haven’t done that yet. When I used to come here it was just burgers and chips. My how the times are changing!
COLD BEER! I mean the coldest Yuengling bottles ever. Swing by for a Midtown Memphis Dive experience.

Total hole in a wall! but for some reason, it brings out the best and craziest of people!!! cheap beers, cheap foods, and an effing good time… The hosts are really cool peeps!!! This place is a must visit for everyone after heading out from the downtown area! Apparently, they have the best burgers and chicken wings (word of mouth from friends since i am vegan). Another good thing, they never close, or so it seems!
Only con of this place is they only accept cash and sometimes ATM inside is broken stop by the bank before headed there

Extremely underrated place to come watch a Grizzlies or Tigers game.
Best burger in Memphis, plenty of comfortable seating and rarely crowded, all within the atmosphere of a Memphis staple.
I had never tried the gumbo before until I went a few days ago, and now I think I’ll be ordering it every time.

A lot of reviews and people pointed me to this location. As I was doing my research for my meal during the BIG GAME, I was reading about Alex’s. I determined it wouldn’t be the best for a big takeout order before kickoff. But I was craving wings. It might have been 1AM, but that wouldn’t stop my hunger.
I put my shoes back on and headed out to taste these wonders. Walking in I realized that this was a big hangout spot for Rhodes kids. Whatever, I had done my time in Greek life. make fun of my pajama pants and disheveled hair, I wanted wings. I ordered the Greek burger and some wings, half hot, half Greek. The burger came out first. It was good, but not terribly impressive. It was juicy and had good flavour. No complaints from me.
The wings then came out. The Greek were unique with their spice choices. I liked it, but I think ranch would have been better than my normal Bleu Cheese. The regular buffalo flavour was impressive to me. The wings had a good texture and not too much sauce.
Good job guys.
Keep in mind, this place is cash only and the parking isn’t the best. But they are open late.

One hidden gem in Memphis is Alex’s Tavern. It’s open till 3am, so it’s a good late night stop. Garrett had never been, so we decided to stop by.
They are known for their burgers and they do not disappoint. They can be loaded with toppings.
I love tomatoes and this one was huge on my burger. It also came with a side of fries.
It has a nice beer selection (it only has beer).
It reminds me of a diner. It’s a local dive bar.
They have a juke box, too.
If you haven’t tried the burger, then you are missing out. I hear they have good ribs, so I am missing out. I hope to change this soon!

I want to start by saying that I write this review with all due respect to fellow Unilocalers, who have notably more seniority and hundreds of reviews more than I and who obviously have seen a very different side of Alex’s…
If you are a «tourist» looking for a local tavern so your husband can catch his NFL game (s) on Sunday afternoon and get a bite to eat, this really may not be the place you’re looking for. If, like me, after reading all the reviews on Unilocal,you decide this is the perfect place because you can hit the zoo in the morning and then make your way around the corner to Alex’s, I seriously recommend actually stopping by way ahead of time… so you have time to find another sports bar before noon kickoff.
I love divey little places, they are just the best, so I was really excited about my find! Well until we got there. We arrived about 11:30 Sunday morning and the first thing we notice is that this is not one of the better areas of town. About 4 people were hanging out in front of the liquor store a few doors down, waiting for it to open, and cars were pulling up to a guy hanging out on the corner who would lean into each car for a few minutes. We weren’t really sure where to park so we parked on a side street facing all of this activity trying to determine if Alex’s was actually open. We watched for a few minutes and then decided to go for it… besides it was only a rental car and we had purchased the insurance.
The door to Alex’s was propped open so we entered. The stench of stale cigarettes immediately assaulted us (it was really bad), and even though it was quiet and dark (with the exception of a few neon lights), we wandered in farther. Ugh, it was filthy, there was no way I was going to eat in there. As far as we could tell we were the only ones there, so we left — quickly.
Honestly, I just don’t get it. So far, Unilocal has not steered me wrong. I kept telling my husband that we had to be in the wrong place. Maybe in the evening after several drinks, this is an awesome place to hang out with the locals to catch the game and the food really is the best. But at 11:30 on a Sunday morning it is truly scary.