First look: New Memphis restaurant Jack Brown's all about gourmet burgers and craft beers

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·4 min read

Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint does two things: burgers and beer.  And, boy, does this dive bar concept do those things well.

Memphis will get its first taste on Jan. 29 when the chain opens the doors to its newest restaurant at 2197 Central Ave.

“From the beginning, it’s always been about great craft beer and burgers," said Aaron Ludwig, co-founder of Jack Brown’s. "It’s simple, sweet and to the point."

Wagyu burgers with a twist

The “Cobra Kai” burger with fries at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.
The “Cobra Kai” burger with fries at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.

Jack Brown’s may look like a dive bar, but don’t let that fool you. The burgers here are about as gourmet as you can get.

First and foremost, the burgers at Jack Brown’s are all made with 100% American Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms, a family-owned and -operated business in Boise, Idaho. The marbling in this premium quality beef creates a burger that is juicy, buttery and delicious.

“It’s like having a filet mignon,” said Alex Castro, Jack Brown’s regional manager.

Jack Brown’s is famous for offering one-of-a-kind, creative twists on classic American burgers.

While there are classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers on the menu, the specialty burgers are the stars. Each is a quarter-pound Wagyu beef burger topped with some outlandish garnishes.

The award-winning “Greg Brady” is a burger topped with mac 'n’ cheese, American cheese and BBQ potato chips. The “Shocker” burger is aptly named as it is one of the spiciest burgers we have ever tried. This shockingly spicy burger is topped with fresh jalapeños, fresh habaneros, house-made Shocker sauce and two slices of Pepper Jack cheese.

The “Greg Brady” burger Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.
The “Greg Brady” burger Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.

One burger that should make its Memphis namesake proud is “The Elvis” burger.

This surprisingly tasty burger is topped with peanut butter (Yes, you read that correctly!), mayo, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese. It’s a combination we tasted with hesitancy, but one bite and we were sold. The peanut butter adds an interesting layer of flavor to the burger, just like peanut sauce does in Thai dishes.

And a burger joint would not be complete without fries. Jack Brown’s offers two options: traditional crinkle cut fries or sweet potato fries. Be sure to ask for a side of their house “JB Sauce” to dip them in.

One more thing that makes a Jack Brown's burger unique: There is never lettuce or tomatoes. “It’s also about consistency, so you won’t find any lettuce or tomato on our burgers,” Ludwig said.

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The beers ... and more beers

A look at the bar area inside Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.
A look at the bar area inside Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint at 2197 Central Ave. in Memphis on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. This is the restaurant's first Memphis location.

Jack Brown’s also takes pride in its beer selection. The Memphis restaurant will have a selection of about 110 craft beers on the menu. Beers will be available on tap, canned and bottled.

“We also support local brewers,” said Castro, adding they will offer a selection of Memphis-brewed beers.

To encourage beer aficionados to try different brews, Jack Brown’s has created “The Notch Club.”

When a customer has tried 100 different beers, they become part of the club. This VIP membership includes a personalized embroidered shirt, your picture on the wall and access to exclusive Notch Club events and tasting trips.

A dream of two friends

Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint is the dream of two childhood best friends, Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin. The two created a bar that happens to sell a really fantastic burger.

This dream-turned-reality started in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1985 and has since spread across the eastern United States. The Memphis location is the chain’s 20th restaurant and its fifth in Tennessee.

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“We hope you enjoy your experience at Jack Brown’s, but really we just want you to feel welcome. Our staff is the 'special sauce' that brings all of this together. They have all been trained to guide you through the world of craft beer and crazy burgers and to make sure you have a great time,” Ludwig said. “We claim this joint in the name of good beer, good food and good people!”

The Memphis location is about 2,500 square feet and has 72 seats. Memphian Eric Mason is the general manager.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint

Where: 2197 Central Ave.

Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday

Online: jackbrownsjoint.com

Phone: (901) 512-6957

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint opens in Memphis. What to expect.