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In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, nestled quietly along South Main Street, lies a bar that boasts more than just cold beers and soulful jukebox tunes. Welcome to Earnestine & Hazel’s—a dive bar with a gritty charm, steeped in musical lore and whispered about in hushed tones by ghost hunters and history buffs alike. This isn’t just another watering hole; it’s a place where time has crept into every brick, every groove in the floor, and where the past is never far behind. Whether you’re drawn in by tales of the supernatural or the echoes of blues legends who once passed through its doors, this is one spot you won’t want to miss on your paranormal pilgrimage through Tennessee.
The History
From Pharmacy to Prohibition
The building that houses Earnestine & Hazel’s has been standing since the early 1900s. Originally, it functioned as a pharmacy nestled in a bustling part of Memphis. During the Prohibition era, it allegedly served as a speakeasy, operating under the nose of law enforcement and making it one of the city’s not-so-secret secrets. There were whispers of bootlegging and underground operations—a shadowy foundation that would set the tone for the location’s mysterious future.
Transformation into a Music Landmark
Fast forward to the 1950s: brothers Sunbeam and Abe Mitchell purchased the building and opened Earnestine & Hazel’s, naming it after their wives. The ground floor became a café and bar, while the upstairs rooms took on a more illicit function—doubling as a brothel. This was during the golden era of Memphis’ music scene, and the bar quickly gained a reputation as the unofficial hangout for musicians from the nearby Sun Studio and Stax Records.
Legends like B.B. King, Isaac Hayes, Elvis Presley, and Otis Redding were reported to have stopped in at Earnestine & Hazel’s for a drink and some laid-back company. The bar’s dim lighting and laid-back vibe gave these artists a place to unwind, jam, and sometimes disappear from the spotlight. This musical history is deeply woven into the atmosphere, adding a layer of soul (and possibly souls) to every visit.
Preserving the Legacy
Over the years, ownership has changed hands, but the essence of Earnestine & Hazel’s has remained intact. The bar is known for its retro ambiance and slightly eerie aura, enhanced by its legendary “Soul Burger” and an old, self-playing jukebox that seems to have a mind of its own. The building was even designated as a historic Memphis landmark, with preservationists recognizing its cultural and historical importance not only to the city but to Southern culture as a whole.
The Haunt
Strange Sounds and Stranger Feelings
While many come to Earnestine & Hazel’s for the music and burger, others come seeking something beyond the veil. The bar has a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Tennessee. Reports date back decades, with bar-goers and staff witnessing a variety of unexplained events. Cold spots, mysterious footsteps on the stairs, doors slamming of their own accord, and disembodied whispers have all been reported.
The Upstairs Brothel Rooms
The second floor, once a series of rooms used during the building’s brothel days, is widely considered the epicenter of paranormal activity. Paranormal investigators have documented strange phenomena—including EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings of voices that don’t belong to anyone present, and shadow figures caught on infrared cameras. Visitors often describe a heavy feeling of being watched, and some report that the air upstairs feels thick and hard to breathe.
While each room upstairs has its own vibe, one in particular—Room 3—is said to be the most active. Legend has it that a woman died tragically in that room, and her spirit may still linger. Paranormal teams have recorded flickering lights, sudden temperature drops, and even objects moving unaided in that exact space.
The Jukebox with a Personality
Perhaps the most infamous paranormal curiosity at Earnestine & Hazel’s is its vintage jukebox. It’s been known to randomly play songs that somehow match the energy or feelings in the room. Even more chilling? The jukebox is not always plugged in when it starts to play. Some believe it’s the spirits trying to communicate—or simply reliving their nights among blues legends. This phenomenon is so common that it’s become a calling card for the bar’s haunted reputation.
Firsthand Testimonials
Plenty of patrons and employees have shared spine-tingling experiences. One bartender reported hearing her name whispered from behind when no one was there. Another described watching a shadow figure move across the far end of the bar, only to vanish into a locked room. Even skeptics who step into the bar often leave with a sense that they’ve brushed against something otherworldly.
Why Paranormal Investigators Should Visit
Earnestine & Hazel’s is not just a dive bar with incredible vibes—it’s a veritable paranormal playground. For those interested in ghost hunting, this location offers multi-layered activity: from historical energies to residual hauntings and intelligent spirits. The bar’s upstairs rooms are a perfect place for night investigations, and the public nature of the ground floor provides ample opportunity for real-time observation of strange phenomena amidst the bar’s usual hustle and bustle.
Adding to the location’s charm is the staff’s openness to the paranormal. Unlike other haunted spots where supernatural talk is taboo, at Earnestine & Hazel’s, it’s welcomed—even encouraged. Ghost hunters are often invited to bring their equipment, share their findings, and dig deeper into the place’s haunted heartbeat.
Whether you’re an experienced investigator or just tapping into your ghost-hunting curiosity, this Memphis gem should hold a top spot on your bucket list. Don’t forget your EVP recorder… and maybe grab a Soul Burger while you’re at it. After all, if you’re going to spend the night chatting with spirits, you might as well do it with a full stomach.
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