Memphis’s Alex’s Tavern: A Beloved Eatery with Heartfelt Memories and Delicious Food

Welcome to Memphis: A Deep Dive into Alex’s Tavern

If you find yourself wandering the streets of Memphis, there’s a place that you absolutely cannot miss: Alex’s Tavern. Nestled at 1445 Jackson Avenue, this local gem has been serving up good times and delicious food for over 21 years, thanks to the lively duo of owner Rocky Kasaftes and his partner-in-crime, Evette Bafford—better known to friends and regulars as Miss E.

The Dynamic Duo

From the moment you walk through the doors of Alex’s Tavern, you feel the warmth and friendly banter that defines this unique establishment. “You should talk to her first,” Rocky insists about Miss E, who runs the kitchen with a passion. “No, no, talk to him first,” laughs Miss E, both of them playfully vying for the spotlight. This charming back-and-forth between the two warms your heart, and you quickly realize that their chemistry is a big part of what makes the Tavern special!

How It All Began

Believe it or not, the tale of how Miss E came to work at Alex’s Tavern started at a nearby Mapco station where she was working. “Rocky was a regular,” she recounts, smiling at the memory. “We joked a lot. One day, he asked me if I wanted to help him at the restaurant, and the rest is history.” Talk about a love story, right? A chance meeting turned into a partnership that has delighted locals ever since.

Miss E’s journey wasn’t an easy one. Juggling her daytime Mapco job with evening shifts at the Tavern, she poured her heart and soul into the place. “You’ve got to enjoy life and enjoy what you’re doing,” she states quite firmly, showcasing her upbeat philosophy.

Behind the Bar

When I (a curious visitor) pull Rocky away from Miss E’s kitchen preparations, he shares some valuable insights about running a tavern. “My dad started this place in 1953, and since then, we’ve always been blessed with great employees,” he shares, beaming with pride. From the very beginning, the Tavern has been about community, friendship, and of course, delicious food!

Now, ask him a question, and be prepared for stories galore! For instance, why does Alex’s have two jukeboxes? It’s a hilarious yarn filled with teenage shenanigans—Rocky and his buddy Bad Dog sneaking their records into the jukebox back in the day. “We thought we were so clever,” he chuckles, reminiscing about being called into his dad’s office after a less-than-ideal song choice was played. Following that incident, two jukeboxes were installed for each crowd—one for oldies and one for the younger generation. Smart move!

What’s on the Menu?

Now you might be sensing that all this fun wouldn’t be complete without some great food and drinks. As the duo continues to work, I settle in at the bar. Miss E suggests I try the Traffic IPA from Crosstown Brewing—an excellent choice as it pairs perfectly with the Tavern’s famous Greek cheeseburger. Talk about satisfaction on a plate!

As I take a sip of my cool beer and glance around, the atmosphere truly captures what a tavern should feel like: cozy yet lively, dimly lit aesthetics, two fantastic jukeboxes pumping some tunes, a shuffleboard table ready for action, and sports buzzing on the TV. It’s the kind of place you can’t help but feel at home.

The Secret to Success

Rocky shares a little wisdom that perfectly encapsulates the Tavern’s ethos: “It’s not how many people come; it’s how many come back.” With two people like Rocky and Miss E running the show, it’s no wonder so many locals find their way back to Alex’s Tavern time and time again.

Join the Fun

So, if you’re ever in Memphis and looking for a place to unwind, grab a beer, and enjoy hearty laughs and good vibes, Alex’s Tavern awaits you! With Rocky and Miss E at the helm, they’re ready to welcome you into their lively world. Cheers to great friends, good food, and the kind of laughter that makes life a little brighter!