May 12, 2009 Tiny Taste of Memphis – part 2 (finally)
by Tondagossa
Memphis, TN – day two
My second day in Memphis was spent dawdling around, as I tried to hit at least one museum-ish place before I had to leave. And by “dawdling”, I mean walking around, taking pictures, and hanging out at the local Starbucks for breakfast. While enjoying my chai latte, I decided that the Rock n’ Soul museum was an absolute “must see” for me, being the music lover that I am. For any of you fans of blues, rock and… well, soul, I HIGHLY recommend that museum.
After spending what I think was two hours or so at the museum, my appetite was worked up. I remembered passing by a place called Dyer’s as I was “dawdling” and also recalled the reputation it has. Cable television told me that within its walls, there’s something that keeps people going back there. What is this secret, you ask? Brace yourself. Ready? Dyer’s hook is the oil they’ve been using since… 1912! They form the patties and cook them inside a hot vat of the oil, much like how you would cook fries, then they strain the oil daily. Oh… now I knew I had to go there and try it for myself. Afterall, I haven’t heard of any fatalities resulting from a visit to the “World Famous Dyer’s Burgers”.
As I sat down, I immediately recognized how friendly the people are there and the “old-fashioned burger joint” feel of the place. Also, it wasn’t crowded at all. I was having a late lunch, though – probably off peak hours. I told them it was my first time there, but I’ve heard about what they do. The cook invited me to come take a look at, and even take pictures of, the legendary oil. Hmm… no thanks. I think just trying out the end result was enough for me.
Before I go on, it must be said that they offer more than just burgers n’ fries. Just so you get an idea of what kind of burger joint this is, they also offer soda floats, shakes, hot wings, chicken tenders, and hot dogs cooked in the “special oil”. This being my first time there, I just had to try the special burgers.
I asked the cook what he would suggest, since I was a Dyer’s noob. He kindly told me that most people get the “double double”, which is two patties and two cheese. So I got that with fries and a drink. When the highly-anticipated burger arrived, I was wondering if I should put ketchup in it. I know some places serve them without ketchup because they want to preserve a certain, defining flavor. I can respect that. It did have mustard, pickles and onions in it however – good enough for me. There was ketchup available at my table, but I just poured it on the side for my fries.
I would describe the taste of the burger as… slightly tangy. It is unique and delicious. Not the best I’ve ever had, but juicy and yummy. Totally hit the spot and cured my hunger. The fries were really good too, by the way – served hand-cut, almost shoestring style. They were a great complement to the burger. I can see why people come back – the flavor is unique and the prices are just right.
Also… they probably want to say they’ve tried “nearly 100 year oil” and lived to tell about it. I’m still okay… so far.
What unique burgers have you come across? Any favorites I should really try?
Tags: Beale Street, burgers, dawdling, Dyer's, food, Memphis, restaurants, Rock n' Soul museum, Tennessee, TN
- 27 comments
- Posted under food
Permalink # V.E.G. said
They have used the same grease in the Dyer’s burgers for almost 100 years. It has been around before the Russian Revolution and rise and fall of the Soviet Union.
Permalink # iamraider said
This is the first time I hear about this place. I will try it next time I visit Memphis. Thanks Tonda.
Permalink # Eversave said
Have you ever tried the Big Buford from Rally’s or Checker’s(Same place it just has two diff. names depending on your location) It’s a classic burger with two beef patties and two slices of American cheese on a toasted bun. It comes with mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, onions, crisp lettuce, tomatoes and mustard. Try it you’ll like it!!
Permalink # juice said
Mmmm…the best burger is the Kentucky Bourbon Six Dollar Burger from Carl’s Jr. The best Six Dollar Burger so far!! 😀
Permalink # Vick said
Is Hardees the same as Carls Jr? When I was in the east coast I noticed the logos are similar.
Permalink # Tonda Gossa said
Mmm… I like Carl’s Jr., which is owned by the same company as Hardee’s. But for some reason, Carl’s has better burgers. I used to always get the guacamole six-dollar burger (and try all the new ones that came out) when I was in California. Never had the Kentucky Bourbon one, unfortunately.
Red Robin also makes yummy, though pricier, burgers. Best one I’ve had is still the ortega burger from 34th St. Carwash in Bakersfield (though it still feels funny to say it). The local hideaways always seem to have the great stuff, so look/ask around.
Permalink # BJ Min said
Oh yes, Red Robin has good burgers. Have any of you guys tried the NEW Santa Fe Burger fron Red Robin. It has roasted Poblano peppers, guacamole, sautéed onions, tortilla strips, lettuce and Pepper-Jack cheese. All on an onion bun & with Ancho mayo. Yo quiero Red Robin!
Permalink # LUCEE said
Hooray!!! Carls brought back the Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger and made it a permanent menu item 😀
Permalink # brazilgurl said
I know and they are letting everyone know by sending TONS of coupons in the mail.
Permalink # SYNTHKY said
Have you ever had and ostrich burger?? I recently had one and it was awesome
Permalink # Claire said
They taste similar to the burgers from White Castle.
Permalink # ZYOKU said
This is where I go to get my Vitamin G(grease) :p
Permalink # Tarot Queen said
My burger was orgasmically delicious. I had the double-double and I think its the perfect size. The chocolate shake was the best I’ve ever had and the fries were seasoned just right.
Permalink # BJ MIN said
I heard that when they moved from the old location, the Memphis Police Department escorted the grease to the new location. So that’s how our tax dollars are being spent. LOL!!! 😉
Permalink # Karen W said
Haha! OMG…I couldn’t stop laughing when I read this!! 😉
Permalink # geonaida said
The burgers are good, but they are too small 😦
Permalink # Tonda Gossa said
I agree. In hindsight, I’d say I could’ve had a triple triple combo. But… I think I was pretty much satisfied by the double double combo during this particular visit. 😉
Permalink # Bob Allen said
The “Double-Double” is my favorite. It’s from a resturant called “In-N-Out Burger” in California. I always drop by when I visit my family in Fresno, CA.
Permalink # Diana D. said
Animal Style, Protein Style or Flying Dutchman???
Permalink # Tonda Gossa said
I know of the first two. I’m curious – what’s a Flying Dutchman?
edit: found out what it was. That’s crazy! lol… who even orders that? To each their own I suppose. 🙂
Permalink # Kim said
Oh yes, the In-N-Out Secret Menu. I knew most of these already. I recently heard of something called Monkey Style. Anyone out there know if its true??? And what is it??
Permalink # Karen W said
There is no such thing as Monkey Style. Sorry 😦
Permalink # VE HUEY said
Yes, there is!!! It means they put fries in your burger!!
Permalink # Tonda Gossa said
After some research (yes, I was that curious), I found that some testers and employees have confirmed there is no such thing as monkey style – it’s not an actual In-N-Out secret menu item. That being said, the general consensus seems to be that it should mean they put fries in your burger, in some cases they say with animal style fries. Wow! So if you do go order it, be prepared to explain to them what it is, just in case. They usually make anything you order anyway… within their ability, of course. 😉
http://www.badmouth.net/in-n-outs-secret-menu/
http://www.myfolsom.com/in-n-out.shtml
Permalink # PERUSTRIGAS said
WTF?? 100-year-old grease, really??? Did you find out how they clean it?
Permalink # Tonda Gossa said
From what I hear, the actual heat and the nightly straining/processing of the grease keep it safe. Seems to be true. ^_^
Permalink # marymary said
Hey Tonda, are you still alive??? lol….