This Historic Tennessee Restaurant Serves Big Juicy Burgers In A Setting Full Of Old-School Charm

A burger topped with bacon jam is waiting inside a historic Memphis tavern that first opened in 1939. That alone makes me want to grab a napkin and go.

The spot calls itself the oldest tavern in its city. It still serves fried catfish, pimento cheese burgers, and Cajun chicken tater tots under a glowing stained glass window.

I have a soft spot for places that kept their old bones while the neighborhood changed around them. I love the idea of eating a messy burger in a room with that much backstory.

This corner of Tennessee also sits steps from a classic trolley line and a few big-name attractions. So which would you pick first, the juicy burger or the history lesson?

You Are Eating Inside The City’s Oldest Tavern

Back in 1939, folks in Memphis were already pulling up a chair at The Green Beetle. That makes it one of those rare spots that has outlasted decades of trends.

The tavern proudly calls itself the oldest in Memphis. It’s a bold title, and it gives every meal here a little extra weight.

Think about how much South Main Street has changed since then. Shops came and went, and the whole area reinvented itself more than once.

The Green Beetle closed in 1971, but its name remained tied to the property, and founder Frank Liberto’s grandson reopened the restaurant in 2011. That kind of staying power is hard to fake in the restaurant world.

The menu today leans into Southern-influenced comfort food. Burgers, catfish, and loaded tots share space with sandwiches and hearty starters.

So you get history without stuffiness. Nobody expects you to whisper or dress up, which is part of the fun.

For travelers, this is a great first stop to get a feel for the city. For Tennessee locals, it’s a reminder that some classics still stick around.

Just remember you’re adding your own small chapter to a very long story. Try not to drip ketchup on it.

Grab Extra Napkins Because These Burgers Get Messy

Bacon jam on a burger sounds like a dare. At The Green Beetle, it’s one of the most talked-about toppings on the menu.

Sweet, smoky, and rich, that spread turns a regular patty into something a lot more memorable. Pair it with cheese and you’ve got a serious lunch on your hands.

Burgers are clearly the star here. The lineup is wide enough that choosing one can feel like a small group project.

You’ll find a house burger named after the tavern itself. There’s also a bacon cheddar option, a smokehouse burger, and a blue cheese version for fans of tangy flavor.

Each one comes with a side, and the classic debate shows up fast. Fries or tater tots?

My advice is to split the difference with a friend. One of you orders fries, the other gets tots, and everyone shares.

Burgers here are big and built to be eaten with both hands. Plan to lean over your plate and skip the white shirt.

It’s comfort food in the truest sense. Nothing fussy, just a hearty sandwich that fills you up properly.

Brave Eaters Have A Few Wild Cards To Play

Some burgers wear a cape. The El Diablo shows up with Monterey pepper jack and grilled sliced jalapeños, ready to add a little kick to your afternoon.

If spice is your thing, this is the one to circle. Ask for extra jalapeños if you want to turn the heat up.

Then there’s the pimento cheese burger. It’s about as Southern as a sandwich can get without wearing a sun hat.

Pimento cheese is a beloved spread across the South. Melting it over a hot patty feels like a very natural idea.

The menu has also featured a Goat Burger made with beef and topped with goat cheese. That’s not something you see at every tavern, and it’s a fun pick for curious eaters.

These choices show the kitchen likes to play around a bit. You can stay classic or go somewhere new.

A smart move for groups is ordering a mix. Get one wild card, one familiar favorite, and trade bites.

That way nobody misses out on the adventurous options. And you’ll have a better idea of what to order next time, because there probably will be a next time.

Catfish Fans Get Their Own Reason To Visit

Burgers may get top billing, but catfish quietly steals plenty of attention. It’s one of the most mentioned dishes at The Green Beetle, which says a lot.

Fried catfish is a Southern staple, especially along the Mississippi River. Memphis sits right on that river, so this dish feels very at home here.

You can find it as a basket or a fuller plate. Both are great choices if you want something besides a burger.

One side worth knowing about is the deviled egg potato salad. It mixes two picnic classics into one creamy scoop.

That combo sounds simple, yet it’s the kind of side that makes you rethink regular potato salad. Try it once and you’ll see why it stands out.

There’s also a BLT made with fried green tomatoes. It’s tangy, crunchy, and a nice change from the usual lettuce and tomato stack.

These plates give non-burger people a solid reason to come along. Nobody in your group has to settle.

So if your friend groans at the word burger, point them toward the catfish. Problem solved before the menus even close.

Order The Tots First And Thank Yourself Later

Cajun chicken tater tots might be the most dangerous thing on the table. They’re loaded with seasoned chicken and melted cheese, piled over crispy tots.

It’s the type of starter that can make you forget you ordered a main dish. Share it, or you might fill up early.

The kitchen has also served a chicken fajita version. Same idea, different flavor, and just as easy to keep picking at.

Fried mac bites are another fun pick. Little rounds of mac and cheese get a crunchy coat, which is pure snack food joy.

Then come the Philly cheese fries. Picture a Philly cheesesteak that decided to lie down on a bed of fries.

Okay, that was close to a picture, but you get the point. These starters are meant for sharing and lingering.

They’re perfect for a group watching a game or catching up. Put a few plates in the middle and let everyone dig in.

A quick tip helps here. Order one starter per two or three people, then decide on entrees once you see how hungry everyone still is.

Look Up Because That Stained Glass Deserves A Moment

A colorful stained glass window adds a surprising bit of glow inside The Green Beetle. It’s not what most people expect to see in a casual tavern.

That window gives the room a touch of old-time character. It’s a nice detail to notice between bites.

The walls carry plenty of decorations too. They help the place feel small, local, and lived in.

The setup leans toward a laid-back sports bar style. TVs make it easy to follow a game while you eat.

So the room mixes two moods at once. You get a sense of history alongside the easy energy of a neighborhood hangout.

Seating feels casual and relaxed. This is a place for jeans and good conversation, not fancy table manners.

If you enjoy places with personality, take a slow look around after you order. Little details tend to pop out the longer you sit.

History buffs will appreciate how the space still feels connected to the past. Everyone else will just appreciate a comfy seat and a big plate of food headed their way.

Weekend Nights Come With A Soundtrack

Memphis and music go together like burgers and fries. The Green Beetle keeps that tradition going with live entertainment on weekends.

That gives a Friday or Saturday visit a very different feel. Dinner turns into a full night out without changing locations.

Hours stretch later on those nights too. The tavern stays open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Up front, there’s an open-air area with outdoor seating. It’s a great perch for watching South Main Street drift by.

When the weather cooperates, that front space feels breezy and social. Inside, things can warm up on hot days, so dress light in summer.

The combo of music, open doors, and street views is very Memphis. It reminds you that you’re in a city known worldwide for its sound.

Families may prefer an earlier dinner on weekends. Music lovers can show up later and soak in the vibe.

Either way, timing your visit can shape the whole experience. Pick a calm lunch or a lively night, and both feel right in their own way.

South Main Makes A Perfect Neighborhood For Wandering

Few dining addresses feel as classic as 325 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103. The Green Beetle sits right in the South Main area of downtown.

This stretch is known for its historic buildings, galleries, and shops. It’s a lovely part of Tennessee to explore on foot.

Vintage-style trolleys run along Main Street. Riding one is an easy way to get around downtown and feel a little old-fashioned while doing it.

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is only a short walk away. Pairing a meal with that visit makes for a meaningful afternoon.

Central Station is also nearby. Its grand old building fits right in with the area’s historic look.

One practical note matters here. The tavern doesn’t have its own parking lot, so plan on street parking or a nearby garage.

Arriving a bit early gives you time to find a spot without stress. Then you can stroll the block before your meal.

Good shoes help. This neighborhood rewards anyone who slows down and peeks into a few storefronts along the way.

Game Day Plans Just Got A Tasty Upgrade

Grizzlies tickets in your pocket? The Green Beetle makes a handy pregame stop before heading to FedExForum.

The arena sits just a short distance away in downtown Memphis. You can eat, then walk over without much hassle.

Baseball fans have a good option too. AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds, is also close by.

That location makes the tavern a natural meeting point for groups. It’s easy to find, and the menu has something for nearly everyone.

Doors open at 11 AM every day of the week. That makes it simple to plan a lunch, an early dinner, or a pregame bite.

Closing time is 10 PM Sunday through Thursday. On weekends, you get an extra hour.

Big event nights can get busy, so give yourself a little cushion. Nobody wants to wolf down a giant burger while racing the clock.

A relaxed meal here is part of the fun of a Tennessee game day. Fill up, cheer loud, and maybe come back afterward to relive the highlights over a plate of tots.