1445 Jackson Avenue
Memphis, TN
(901) 278-9086
For a long time now, I have been hearing about this dive bar on Jackson Ave that is famously known as Alex's Tavern. Many people claim it to have the best burger and hot wings in town. I tried several times to make my way there but it never seemed to work out with my schedule. Recently, I had a small window of opportunity. I went with it and it landed me on a bar stool at Alex's this previous Friday night.
I was told that this is a lunch or late-night hangout and there would be no crowd when I went. That was fine with me because I'm not a big fan of cigarette smoke anymore and felt like 8 PM was the best time to go. As it turned out, I was the only one in Alex's around that time so my journey there ended up being the most time-consuming part of the evening. I ordered one of “the coldest beers in town”, which was a Natural Light draft served in a cup for $3. The college kids who frequent Alex’s Tavern probably feel right at home with the red Solo cups filled with cheap beer.
I noticed the “World Famous Greek Burger” ad on the banner above the bar with prices written on tape underneath the title. Although I came here for wings, I wanted to see what the burger hype was all about. The menu was simple with only a few options for a late night crave. I then noticed that they didn’t take debit cards (cash only) so I counted my bills. I didn’t have enough so after a $3 ATM fee in the back of the bar, I placed my order for a burger. Since I was the only one there, it came out quickly and I indulged in it. I was impressed with the tenderness of the patty. Not much chewing necessary as it went down with ease. The fries were pretty good as well. Everything was sprinkled with Greek seasoning, which I tend to do myself at home so that was nice. I finished my beer and placed my wing order, telling the bartender to make them as hot as they can. They, too, came out quick. I said goodbye to Alex’s and made my journey home.
When I got to the house, I figured I would only eat a few and save the rest for later. The burger and fries was a huge meal in itself. I opened up the container and noticed that they were all drummies, 8 of them to be exact. They were very large. I paid $10 for this order which was very steep for what I received. I then hoped they blew me away with flavor to make up for it. I quickly found them not to be very hot at all. Rather, more of a spicy hot than any sort of heat. I’m guessing that they make their own sauce which did have an incredible flavor, just not very hot for my desire. I ended up eating all of them because they were really good. They were perfectly fried and overall I was impressed. I just wasn’t pleased about paying that much for an order of wings that, to me, weren’t a whole lot better than what I can get elsewhere. I’m sure they are much better at 3 AM after a night out on the town but for dinner, the journey was simply not worth it to me. I do not consider these to be the best wings in Memphis like so many people have claimed them to be. They were great wings, nonetheless, and maybe a late-night wing binge will land me on that bar stool again in the future.
I've had Alex's drummies a few times now. They're not as spicy as they probably could be, but man I'm telling you, once you get going on that order, it's hard to stop eating them. Rocky's Buffalo sauce is as good as any I've had. He also does them Greek style. There's more of a traditional but homemade BBQ sauce on them and a generous dusting of that Cavendars seasoning. They're very good too.
ReplyDeleteWho's got really good & spicy wings or drummies? I've heard Central BBQ's are some of the best, but I'm not sure if they're hot and spicy. I've got family coming in town soon and I was planning to take them over there. See you tomorrow night for the Kookamonga Burger.
The hottest wings I ever had in Memphis was at Max's Sports Bar in the South Main district in Downtown Memphis. The harbenero wings were so hot that it made me tear up. Of course, your tolerence for pain is probably higher than mine. Give Max's a try, and even if they're not hot enough for you, you still might like them.
ReplyDeleteAs for Alex's, I'm determined to try its wings one of these days. With it being in my neighborhood, it's inevitable. Anyway, I forward to meeting you, Seth and the other foodies tomorrow night at the Kooky Canuck.
Thanks for the suggestion, Ken! I have never been to Max's and will check them out very soon. Some of the hottest wings, ironically, are where we are going tomorrow. The Canuck's "Holy Smoke" wings are almost inedible, even for me. I look forward to checking out Max's, however.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the best wing in town, that goes to Central BBQ. They aren't any hotter than Red Hot but you cannot beat the way Craig has perfected the smoke-then-fried method. He has personally shown me his style and I use that same method in competitions. Pure awesomeness. Alex's don't hold even a match to them, but nobody else can, either.
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, too. See y'all at 6!