Earnestine & Hazel’s Is Back Open, and the Soul Burgers Are Grand

When Will Earnestine & Hazel's Reopen?

They're open! Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5 p.m. - 'til and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 'til. These hours are subject to change. 

Answering your questions

I recently asked if you all had questions for the new owners. You had many. So many. I've never experienced Memphians with so much attention to detail. I did my best to get some answers. Some things are still unfolding, so if you don't see your question answered here, the answer for now is probably is "we don't know". 

Does it look the same/is the upstairs be the same? Yes. 

Does Earnestine & Hazel's still have the Soul Burger and will it be the same? Yes and yes. 

Did the staff come back?
Some key staff members plan to return, including Big John, Dewayne, and Floyd. Yes, Mr. Nate Barnes has taken his place at the upstairs bar serving the hard stuff. 

As for Karen Brownlee, longtime E&H bartender, she moved to a different state to be with family.

Are they renovating Earnestine & Hazel's? Renovations were made in 2019, but those were structural and mostly behind-the-scenes necessities. The building is “in great shape” now and "the bar area looks incredible" according to Meitzler. The floor is new, but doesn't look out of place to me.

Is there live music? Yes.

Is the pool table in the same place? Derk says that the most recent layout with the pool table up front and bands in the back will remain for now.

What are the hours?? Wednesday - Friday 5pm - Close. Saturday and Sunday opening at 11am - Close. These are subject to change.

What about the 5 Spot? According to Derk, The 5 Spot is not a part of the new ownership’s purchase. It has a different owner than Earnestine & Hazel’s and so will remain closed for now. 

Are they adding any menu items? To start, no. Derk mentioned the possibility of one day adding a few simple items that can be prepared on the same flat top as the burgers, like a shrimp po-boy or grilled cheese sandwich. He says the staff mentioned that vegetarians do come in and a veggie burger might happen in the future.

What about the ghosts?! An absurd number of you asked about the ghosts. Derk says "I believe the ghosts are still there". He says that he's experienced the famously haunted jukebox cutting on at random times while he's been in the space alone.

"I always listen closely to which song it plays, in case it's related to something going on in my life," he says. He notes that people have reported the ghost-chosen songs often being a little too on-the-nose for their personal lives or recent conversations. That's enough to give me chills.