THE GREEN BEETLE

On January 18, 2025, the legendary Vision and Valor Crew (don’t worry, we’ll introduce ourselves properly in another blog—suspense, right?) set out on a noble quest. Our mission? To find a place with drool-worthy food, a vibe that screamed awesome, and the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photo op. Having already fallen head over heels for the phenomenal food truck, we figured it was time to level up and give the tavern a shot. Because, you know, science. And hunger.

If you're looking for a place with history, great food, and a solid happy hour, look no further than The Green Beetle! Nestled at 325 South Main St. in downtown Memphis—just three blocks south of the legendary Beale Street—this spot has been serving up good times longer than any other place in the city. They're open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and keep the party going a little later on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 PM. Oh, and if you like deals (who doesn’t?), Happy Hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM. Stop by and raise a glass in Memphis’ oldest tavern—because history is best enjoyed with a side of good food and drinks!

Way back in 1939, Frank Liberto had a simple but rock-solid philosophy when he opened The Green Beetle: Treat everyone with respect, give good service, serve good food at a reasonable price, and people will come back. Turns out, he was right—because this place attracted people like Elvis Presley, Desi Arnaz, and Hank Williams Sr., all drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere and the now-famous Green Beetle Burger. Fast forward to today, and the tavern is still going strong under the ownership of Josh Huckaby, Frank’s grandson. So, whether you're here for the history, the hospitality, or just a really good burger, The Green Beetle has you covered!.

Finding The Green Beetle is a breeze—just look for the tall, lime-green French doors that practically shout, "Hey, good food this way!" Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by one of the coolest features in the place: a glowing stained-glass masterpiece above the bar, featuring—you guessed it—beetles. Not the fab four, but still pretty iconic. Then there’s the giant chalkboard menu on the wall, giving you a rundown of all the tasty drink options. Oh, and if you're a sports fan? You’re in luck—seven TVs, all locked and loaded with games, because what’s a great tavern without a little sports action?

The vibe at The Green Beetle was cozy, and thankfully, it wasn’t packed when we rolled in closer to dinner time—perfect for those of us who like a little elbow room with our burgers. The staff was mostly friendly; we hit a few bumps, but nothing serious enough to keep us from coming back for round two.

We were given the green light to snap some pics as long as we didn’t start a full-on photo shoot in the middle of the room—no kitchen action shots, though, since the general manager was out. So, we’ll save that adventure for next time! Our attempt to capture the art of drink-pouring was also a bust—the bartender declined and went back to cracking jokes with the regulars – hey can’t blame a guy for keeping the bar lively! The waitstaff were warm and welcoming, although a little more attention wouldn’t have hurt. All in all, it was a good time with room for a little fine-tuning There were just a few quirks that we’ll chalk up to character!

When it came to the food, The Green Beetle did not let us down! The menu covers all the essentials—starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches, plates, and even a couple of kid-friendly options (though, fair warning, it is a tavern). There’s also a solid lineup of cocktails and beers, plus a black bean veggie patty option for those skipping the meat.

We kicked things off with an order of mozzarella sticks, which came with their house-made Midtown marinara and ranch—except, plot twist, our ranch went missing in action. No biggie, though, because that marinara? Chef’s kiss.

For entrées, we went all in with The Beetle Burger, Little Tony’s Chicken Parm Sandwich, and The Blackjack Burger, all served with a side of crispy fries. And let’s just say, if we had any regrets, they were only about how full we were by the end.

Every single member of the Vision and Valor Crew has had The Beetle Burger, and let’s just say—we are obsessed! Seriously, this burger has held its title as the best in town for a reason. Made with their signature beef patty and topped with lettuce, onion, pickle, and tomato (though you can customize it to your heart’s content), this thing is pure magic. Juicy, flavorful, and downright delicious. If you’re at The Green Beetle and don’t order one, are you even doing it right? In our humble yet very passionate opinion, it’s an absolute must-have!

Little Tony’s Chicken Parm Sandwich was massive—like, "do I need a fork and knife for this?" big. And yes, they were needed. It’s a crispy, golden-fried chicken breast, slathered in that same amazing house-made marinara as the mozzarella sticks, topped with melty provolone, and all hugged by a sourdough bun. Can you say, “More, please”? Because after one bite, that’s exactly what you’ll be thinking. If you’re a chicken parm fan, this sandwich will not disappoint—it’s everything you love about the classic dish, just handheld and dangerously delicious!

The Blackjack Burger isn’t just a burger—it’s a flavor-packed experience. This beauty comes seasoned with bold blackened spices, topped with crispy Tabasco-fried onions, melty pepper jack cheese, and tangy pickled jalapeños, all on a soft sourdough bun. One bite in, and it’s a spicy, savory, crunchy, melty masterpiece. And according to one of our crew members (who takes his burger and beer pairings very seriously), it goes down even better with a Meddlesome 201 IPA. Sounds like a winning combo to us!

Just a little PSA for our fellow beverage enthusiasts—soda and tea come with free refills (because hydration is important). Now, if you’re ordering a beer, don’t do a double take when you spot a beer tax on your bill. Yep, it’s a thing. As for other alcoholic drinks? We can’t say for sure since none of us ventured beyond beer, but consider yourself warned! No surprises here—we’ve got your back.

Please visit The Green Beetle on the socials listed below:

Facebook:    The Green Beetle Memphis

                    Green Beetle Food Truck

Instagram:   @the greenbeethlememphis

@greenbeetlefoodtruck

Website:      http://www.thegreenbeetle.com

Score:

Atmosphere: 🧳🧳🧳🧳

Price: $$

Food: 🧳🧳🧳🧳

Service: 🧳🧳