In this case, I was in Memphis, which means I spoke to my bud Seth at the Best Memphis Burger blog. He directed me to Roxie’s Grocery (520 N 3rd Street) and asked me to read his post before checking it out, which I suggest you also do.
An important thing to do when visiting towns is connecting with the folks who know their cities well. I’m not interested in eating at restaurants listed on Top 10 Lists created by someone who doesn’t even leave their desks to write them.
I also need to agree with him on the Faygo; I’ve never seen so many Faygo sodas in my life.
A couple of fellas were hanging around outside of Roxie’s Grocery on what seemed like guard duty. As I made my way into the grocery, the rain started trickling down outside.
I went straight to the back, where the deli and kitchen area is. There wasn’t much time to think out my order thoroughly. When it became my turn, I blurted out two cheeseburgers with cheese fries.
I wanted chili cheese fries, but I never corrected myself.
That’s Tough Love
The older lady running the kitchen was berating one of the line-cooks like an angry mom talks to a child who ignores her demands. It was brutal to watch, and all of us waiting for our food just turned our heads in embarrassment for the poor guy.
Before I knew it, the burgers were done; I grabbed a couple of Cokes, paid, and was out the door. The rain had picked up a little more by then, but my wife Marcela was in the car right around the corner.
I jump into the passenger side (over a large puddle) and, with extreme excitement, open up my styrofoam container to see this bad boy up close. Beautifully deformed and hand pattied, this is just how I like my burgers.
I removed the offending LTO on the bottom and could finally dig in. Wow, just wow!
The burger itself reminded me of Ann’s Snack Bar in Atlanta. The American cheese seemed to be extra melty.
As I took bite after bite, I was hoping it would never end. Of course, it did end, and then I just sat there and popped some of the cheese fries in my mouth.
The fries were seasoned and pretty good but no match for that burger.
ROXIE’S GROCERY MENU
ROXIE’S BURGERS & FRIES
Let me just put it to you this way, next time I’m in Memphis this will be my first AND last stop.
*Roxie’s Grocery picture courtesy of Best Memphis Burger
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