Welcome to Memphis: A Deep Dive into Alexโs Tavern
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Memphis, thereโs 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 Baffordโbetter known to friends and regulars as Miss E.
The Dynamic Duo
From the moment you walk through the doors of Alexโs 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. โRocky was a regular,โ she recounts, smiling at the memory. โWe joked a lot. One day, he asked me if I wanted to help him at the restaurant, and the rest is history.โ Talk about a love story, right? A chance meeting turned into a partnership that has delighted locals ever since.
Miss Eโs journey wasnโt an easy one. Juggling her daytime Mapco job with evening shifts at the Tavern, she poured her heart and soul into the place. โYouโve got to enjoy life and enjoy what youโre doing,โ 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. โMy dad started this place in 1953, and since then, weโve always been blessed with great employees,โ 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? Itโs a hilarious yarn filled with teenage shenanigansโRocky and his buddy Bad Dog sneaking their records into the jukebox back in the day. โWe thought we were so clever,โ he chuckles, reminiscing about being called into his dadโs office after a less-than-ideal song choice was played. Following that incident, two jukeboxes were installed for each crowdโone for oldies and one for the younger generation. Smart move!
Whatโs 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 Brewingโan excellent choice as it pairs perfectly with the Tavernโs 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. Itโs the kind of place you canโt help but feel at home.
The Secret to Success
Rocky shares a little wisdom that perfectly encapsulates the Tavernโs ethos: โItโs not how many people come; itโs how many come back.โ With two people like Rocky and Miss E running the show, it’s no wonder so many locals find their way back to Alexโs Tavern time and time again.
Join the Fun
So, if youโre 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!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
