Bardog Tavern — Restaurant in Memphis

I've only been here twice (once on a weekend barhop, and again yesterday for lunch), but after those two times I'm pretty confident in Bardog's reviewability.

Any time I've ever heard of Bardog (from a friend, on the internet, etc.), it was discussed as one of those especially unique bars where it's known more for its food than its status as a bar. Don't worry, it's a pretty great bar too. Oddly enough, I've seen it come up on more "great breakfast/brunch" recommendations than one might expect - and the couple next to me yesterday when I ate lunch did order breakfast food - but that wasn't why I was there. As a self-described "hot dog enthusiast," I've been relatively disappointed in Memphis' selection of wieners (though I've admittedly been spoiled by Raleigh, NC, probably the hot dog capital of the South). Bardog, though, has a special - the "Dog of the Day," a chef's choice preparation of the classic frank.

I went to Bardog yesterday specifically with the Dog of the Day in mind, and to say they delivered is an understatement. The dog in question was fairly simple: a split frank, topped with mustard, grilled onions, and bell pepper. I had it with a side of fries (also fantastic - the perfect balance between crisp-fried and tender) paired with a delicious bourbon mayo, and a Bell's Two Hearted ale to drink. The seemingly simple sausage took my tongue to tasteville. The perfectly prepared dog and smattering of toppings combined into a perfect case of "greater than the sum of its parts," and really hit the spot. I've attached a picture of the meal to this review, so any readers can bask in the greasy glow.

The service was also great, and my food came down quickly after ordering. My only complaint would be the pricing - a hot dog, fries, and a beer probably shouldn't cost $19, though admittedly the dog is a fair bit larger than a typical Nathan's.

In short, the meal was delicious, and I will soon be back for another Dog of the Day. Perhaps I'll even try some of the breakfast...

Employee adds own tip after general bad service and snapping at me. Rudeness seems to be a common theme.

Seems like a good downtown bar, sort of a local hangout after dinner hours. I regularly stay downtown and this place is easily walkable from my hotel for lunch and dinner. First several times decent food, good beer and service. Last, and will be the last, Leslie snapped at me for putting a napkin she had just handed me on an empty table next to me while situated all the food she put on my small table. Keep in mind no one is sitting at any of the many tables and it’s pretty late. Snapped something about keeping the tables clean for other customers.

I looked left and right at all the vacant tables and she walked off before I could say anything. She came back with beer I had ordered with my food. Not sure how cooked food comes out before a beer but before I could thank her she felt the need to tell me again not to put things on the other tables.

Leslie then seemed to disappear again until I asked another server for my tab. Leslie brought it about 10min later and when I looked at it I’m wondering how it’s more than any other bill I’ve had there with only one beer this time. Oh, she added her own 20% tip hidden with the tax lines with room to add additional…. None of the other staff did this. I should have deducted.

Unfortunate. I kind of liked this place.

Response to Bardog: Rules may be rules and I’m definitely not above them. It’s the communication of those rules and the manner in which customers are spoken to that counts. Happened twice. No need to be rude about your rules.

I looked at my prior receipts from sitting at bar or tables and none had the added gratuity.

Deducting a star...

Last night, I braved a snowstorm and found myself in a charming bar restaurant grill in the heart of downtown Memphis. The experience was nothing short of delightful.

As I stepped in, escaping the icy gusts, I was greeted by the lively buzz typical of a bar setting. The place had an unmistakable energy, with the upstairs area pulsating with the vibrant chatter of patrons. However, for those seeking a quieter spot, the downstairs area provided a perfect escape for more intimate conversations.

The real stars of the night were the chicken strips. Served hot and fresh, each bite was a crispy, juicy delight - a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality. The fries, a classic side, were equally impressive, striking that perfect balance between crispiness and fluffiness.

While the ambiance upstairs was lively and typical of a bar, it was the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere downstairs that made my dinner particularly enjoyable. This flexibility in ambiance makes this spot an excellent choice for various occasions, whether you're looking for a lively night out or a more subdued dining experience.

Located centrally in downtown Memphis, this place is not just about great food and ambiance; it's about the convenience of its location, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors.

In summary, this bar restaurant grill is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for quality food and a good time in downtown Memphis. Whether it's during a snowstorm or a clear night, this place promises a warm and...