DRUS Bar (DRUS Place) — Restaurant in Memphis

Came in as a visitor, not from Tennessee and never heard of this place but while looking for LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, this spot came recommended. Great. What I didn’t like is after my two friends ordered drinks from a random corner of the bar, I went to order my first drink from the same spot at the bar and the bar tender yells, “move to the service line and you’ll get faster service, over here to your right, get behind them and I’ll help you after them.” I’m not sure if it made me feel awkward or less than but because my friends are Caucasian I can appreciate that they checked on me to make sure I was good and asked if I was okay. I said yes, but I also did not want drinks from this bar. I’m grateful they could recognize something right away where I didn’t want to play that card. Mind you the spot the bartender told me to wait at says “Service Area, Do Not Block” 👀. Anywho I’d say go here to visit but get in the “service line”. The one that says do not block as pictured. The grumpy older gentleman with the glasses will tell you to move the service area where it clearly says DO NOT BLOCK. So maybe I’m just confused on where to go to get decent service for drinks without being yelled at. And I guess...

I don’t have enough words to say how much I enjoyed DRUS bar—everything was top notch. Good vibes? Check. Friendly staff who gave me artist recommendations? Check. Adorable cat that is lovingly cared for by the community out back? Check check check. Above all though, stood manager Colleen who went above and beyond to welcome folks—from chats about aforementioned cat (best cat in Memphis, I’m pretty sure), to the pinnacle of southern hospitality in her generosity, she stood out. I left the bar feeling like I made a dear friend — check this bar out and give them your time and your money. Good drinks, good company, and outstanding hospitality. This Chicagoan will be back whenever I’m...

I love Dru’s, have been coming here for years, and will continue to, but I had to say something about the AI art the space has been redecorated with. You have no idea how cheap and tasteless it makes you look, especially to the younger generation. AI art is lazy, distracting, and unethical. I hope y’all have continued success and make the right decision to pay one of the countless queer artists in Memphis to redecorate, or at least source some pieces from a vintage store. It’s especially galling in light of what Elon Musk’s AI datacenter is doing to our community’s air and...