S.O.B. (South of Beale) Memphis, Tennessee

On a random walk in Memphis while trying to work up an appetite, we stumbled upon a unique gastropub- S.O.B. We were South of Beale close to the National Civil Rights Museum, and thought this modern gastropub looked so much better than anything we had seen downtown (especially on or near Beale). So, we stepped in and were greeted with brown sugary, buttery, sweet and spicy popcorn.

Popcorn is a great way to start a meal. I think more restaurants should offer popcorn on the table instead of bread. It’s fun. And, here in Boulder, we have Boulder Popcorn, so I’d expect to see it on more restaurant tables. Maybe soon… anyway-

Kevin was considering something light. Then the grilled pork chop with mac n’ cheese caught his eye and he devoured it with a huge smile on his face in-between and during every bite. I do believe he went that entire day- starting in Nashville, driving to Memphis with a stop at Steak n’ Shake, then getting dinner at SOB, without eating a single vegetable. I found that hilarious and came up with a number of stupid jokes not worth mentioning here.

I ordered a spinach salad with seared red snapper, dressed in a light vinaigrette with some golden raisins and spiced walnuts. It was so delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked and moist, the golden raisins complemented the spinach dressed so delicately, and the nuts added the right crunch. I definitely made a good decision on that dish, and I got to eat a serving of veggies. Nice.

SOB is a very cool gastropub that focuses on local, seasonal foods. They serve Ghost River beers (a local Memphis brewery), as well as other southern microbrews, and have a fantastically priced Happy Hour- $3.00 drafts and $4 wells and wine.

They’re also open late- something we don’t get to enjoy out here in Boulder! Our friendly waitress (who’s name I didn’t catch, so please do let me know who you are if you read this) is opening a bakery/wine bar near SOB, so I’m eager to hear more about that because her business ideas sounded like a lot of fun for a foodie who enjoys wine and desserts. That would be reason enough to return to Memphis and head South of Beale.