Sunday, March 2, 2008

Young Avenue Deli
















Location: 2119 Young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone Number: 901-278-0034
Cover Charge: Yes and no. Call before your visit to find out.
Food: Deli food. Menu (they deliver too)
Entertainment: Live music, 4 pool tables, foosball table, arcade games, TV's
Crowd: 'Hip' midtowners and college kids
Service: Friendly Bartenders, waitress came by infrequently
Cleanliness: Clean
Drink Specials: "Beer Card" program. Buy 10 drafts, get the 11th free.
Smoker Friendly: No
Review:
Young Avenue Deli is, simply put, a midtown essential. It's located in the oh-so-popular Cooper/Young district, which for many is the primo social locale in midtown. When I first heard of Young Avenue Deli, I envisioned a small little midtown, well, deli. However, my first experience there showed me something quite different...

The Young Avenue Deli strikes me as a pretty 'hip' place to be. The windows are littered with flyers advertising upcoming events and the music playing inside leaks through the door every time it's opened. I've only been twice. The first time I was greeted with loud music, a busy crowd, and a large smoky bar. My buddies and I went for a PBR night and to listen to some live music while enjoying our brews. It was a hot summer night, and even though they had an industrial fan running in the back, it was still warm inside. However, the live music was good, and so was the environment in the bar. My second (and most recent) visit to Young Avenue Deli was much different. There wasn't a huge crowd, no live music, and smoking is no longer allowed. I also wasn't drinking PBR. This time it was $2.50 16oz Schlitz!

Both times I've visited, I've appreciated the size of the place. It's one giant room, but it's sort of split off into open sections. For instance, as you walk in, on your right you'll see the stage and in front of that is the music area. On the opposite side from that is the seating area, with 6 seating booths and plenty of 4-seater tables. Running along the right side of the wall is the very long bar with many room for seating, and in the back left of the room is the game area. They have 4 pool tables, a pinball machine, a few arcade games, and a foosball table. They have a flat screen behind the bar and when they aren't featuring live music, Young Avenue Deli drops a projection screen in front of the stage. Needless to say, they have plenty of entertainment for just about every type of bar-goer out there.

I was surprised at the number of beers they carried. On their bar menu, they showcased around 30 different draft beers, 110 bottled beers, and even featured some shooters they make (B-52's, Liquid Cocaine, Sex On the Beach, and Car Bombs to name a few.) If you appreciate a great variety of drinks, you'll like Young Avenue Deli.

But the Young Avenue Deli isn't just a bar or a restaurant; it's also a noted venue for live music in the Memphis area. Apparently, bands make around 35-50 requests a week to play there. So if you appreciate live and local music, keep your eye out for their special events. On their website, they keep current upcoming music. You can also subscribe to have them send upcoming events to your email.

The Young Avenue Deli really surprised me. At first I thought it was just a deli, then I learned it was a loud music bar, and then I had the chance to experience it as a less crowded, sit-down bar. If anything can be said about this place, it would definitely be that Young Avenue Deli is incredibly versatile and is prepared to handle anybody willing to give it a shot. They have a little something for everybody, whether it be drinks, entertainment, or environment. I can't comment on the restaurant aspect, but when it comes to the bar, I really need to consider this place more often when I'm up for a midtown bar hop night. So should you.

Anything Else: Parking to the side and in the back. Expect to park in the surrounding neighborhood on busy nights.
Website: http://www.youngavenuedeli.com/