I love Southern things-- especially the cuisine-- and, most especially, the BBQ. I may not be from the Dirty South, but I can damn sure eat like I am! When I heard of Southern Hospitality in downtown Denver, I knew I had to visit. Southern Hospitality was originally started in New York City by the (famed) Justin Timberlake, Eytan Sugarman, and Trace Eyala. The concept was founded upon the tastes of good, ol’ Memphis BBQ and bourbon whiskey.
The Denver location opened in January 2013 and sticks true to those original ideals of finger lickin’ BBQ and over 100 different whiskies. The restaurant has a warming feel and is adorned with antler chandeliers, wooden and brick everything, and light-up signs with catchy wording. The brunch menu focuses on Southern breakfast classics, like chicken ‘n’ biscuits and eggs sardou, mixed with more modern twists on BBQ (think burnt ends breakfast burrito and BBQ eggs benedict). The spirits list is long and the brunch cocktail list short; I of course opted for a Memphis BBQ Mary which you can read about below. For my meal, I ate the chicken ‘n’ biscuits, which was a delectable and classic way to start my afternoon. I recommend stopping by Southern Hospitality whether you’re hungry for some BBQ or just want to indulge in a tasty Bloody Mary (side note: they're only $13 for the master creation and a sidecar of beer).
Photo by Southern Hospitality.
AT A GLANCE 20/20
Southern Hospitality’s Memphis BBQ Mary was seriously dressed to the nines. Garnished with a deviled egg, olive, bread ‘n’ butter pickle, bacon, lime, and the biggest BBQ rib ever, the Bloody Mary was laden with extras. There Bloody was served with a sidecar of beer and had a chunky salt rim. It was a deep red colour and full of spices.
GARNISH 20/20
The garnish was top-notch. The deviled egg tasted like heaven, bacon is always a plus, and the BBQ rib was HUUUUGE. It was actually the biggest spare rib I think I have seen in my lifetime. It was arranged in an aesthetically-pleasing way and screamed “BBQ!!!”
SPICE 18/20
The Memphis BBQ Mary made use of traditional Bloody Mary spices, while exerting a subtle BBQ flavor. It was relatively salty with notes of celery seed and pepper. It wasn’t spicy, but it was delectable.
TEXTURE & ACIDITY 20/20
The Bloody was refreshingly delicious and of a light texture. There was no acidity present and no heartburn!
UNIQUENESS 19/20
The Memphis BBQ Mary was unique in many respects: the garnish ingredients, the presentation, the sidecar of beer, and the delicious and not spicy flavor. This cocktail made me lick my lips for more! For $13, you’re practically getting two alcoholic drinks and a mini meal made of BBQ-inspired hors d’ouevres.
FINAL SCORE 97/100
Get your BBQ on at Southern Hospitality in downtown Denver! Southern Hospitality is located at:
1433 17th St., Denver, CO 80202