Bog & Barley Impresses on all Fronts

Bog & Barley will leave your jaw dropping and stomach full.

I went into Bog & Barley knowing it was going to be impressive inside but I still was not ready for just how much it would be. Bog & Barley is a product of love from DJ and Jamie Naylor, owners of Celtic Crossing in Cooper-Young.

The new upscale Irish pub is located in East Memphis at 6161 Poplar Ave. in the Regalia Shopping Center and underwent a $2.5 million renovation before opening with no details spared.

photo of interior bar of bog and barley made completely out of wood

Jalyn Souchek

photo of covered patio space of bog and barley with multiple tables and chair

Jalyn Souchek

I don't know that I've ever been so wow'ed by a space like I was with Bog & Barley. It's a dedicated decoration and love for an Irish pub. I've been to Ireland and this is 100x nicer than any pub I was able to frequent on a broke traveler's budget.

Stepping in to the space is the next best thing to visiting Ireland given that everything you see was sourced from there. The bar itself took 447 pieces of wood shipped from Ireland to create. The space is massive at 7,100 square-feet and can fit up to 250 guests.

There's an exterior patio-like space, the large bar that curves so beautifully to wrap around the space, and an upstairs with an additional bar plus the most cozy seating space complete with a fireplace. It would take you many, many visits without seeing something new from the decor to design elements.

corner of bog and barley with four tables and a bookcase that lines the back wall

Jalyn Souchek

close-up photo of the bookshelf lining back wall complete with vintage looking books and knick knacks like old clocks and containers

Jalyn Souchek

corner of upstairs bar featuring a rounded booth with big chairs and a lit fireplace

Jalyn Souchek

Our adoration for the interior designed was backed up with great eats

Bog & Barley's menu offers a modern Irish fare of food. We went for lunch and sampled our way through (I'll include a photo of the lunch menu below). To start, we went with the deviled eggs with salmon caviar and fresh dill and the smoked fish dip. I was immediately surprised with the prices on the menu for being an upscale space, the menu was more than reasonable.

For the entrees, I went with a classic beer battered fish 'n chips which was a huge piece of fresh Atlantic cod. I loved how the batter was a little thicker allowing the inside to be super moist and fresh but what I cannot stop thinking about is their house-made tartar sauce that was paired with it. I'd drive just for a tub of that— it was THAT GOOD.

Jalyn Souchek

overhead photo of smoked seafood dip with chips and four deviled eggs topped with caviar

Jalyn Souchek

giant piece of fish and chips on plate of fries paired with peas and tartar sauce

Jalyn Souchek

Drink Up: This is an Irish Pub after all

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the many drink options offered from whiskey, beer, and cocktails. There appears to be hundreds of whiskey options to choose from including eight varieties of signature flights. I opted to try a pint of the "Auld Bog" a handcrafted beer by Soul & Spirits special to Bog & Barley.

Of course, Guinness and a more Irish beers like Carlsberg and Smithwick's are on tap to enjoy too. I'll be eager to go back to dive into their cocktail menu as well as their dinner and brunch menus.

photo of dark beer in front of all wood bar

Jalyn Souchek

VISIT:
Bog & Barley
6150 Poplar Ave. Ste. 124

HOURS:
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight
Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FOLLOW:
www.bogandbarley.com
Instagram
Facebook

About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.