South of Beale moved down the street. Here's what to expect at the new restaurant.
Courtesy of the Commercial Appeal.
South of Beale just made a big move just a few short steps away from its original location.
The popular downtown eatery opened Monday in its new address at 345 S. Main St. Located in the newly renovated historic building that was once the Ambassador Hotel, the new South of Beale (known as SOB by most) is the next chapter for this Downtown eatery that opened just over 11 years ago.
“This is more of an upscale casual restaurant than a bar,” said Ed Cabigao, who owns the restaurant with his wife Brittany. “When we first opened, it had more of a bar gastropub feel. As the business grew, we had a better understanding of who our customer was. The new restaurant is the iteration of this.”
The Cabigaos bought the building at 345 S. Main in late 2019. At the time, the building was an empty shell, with all three floors being down to the studs. The building has now been transformed into a full-service restaurant with ten apartments on the upper floors.
A new look and larger space
The restaurant is now 5,000 square feet versus the 1,700 square feet at the original SOB and features a gathering lounge area for those waiting on a table, a large private dining room and patio.
The new restaurant has a more modern atmosphere than the SOB original location.
Ed Cabigao describes the space as having a more contemporary design but points out they added retro touches to honor the historic building.
When you enter the space, the first thing you notice is the stunning bar that runs the length of the dining room. The bar front is covered in silver tin tiles as a nod to the building’s history. Moody dark blue walls are accented by pops of yellow. Exposed plaster walls sit behind a lounge space with hip sofa seating. 1950’s diner-style light fixtures hang over cozy banquette seating.
A revamped menu offering classics with a twist
The menu has been slightly revamped as well. Cabigao said it is larger than the original Downtown SOB menu. He added that the menus at both the Downtown and East Memphis location (opened in September 2020 at 5040 Sanderlin Ave.) will be the same.
Corporate chef Anthony Fenech has worked with the Cabigaos to develop dishes with an adventurous twist.
“Dishes like our Soul Bowl are a good example of our twist on fried chicken,” said Cabigao. This signature fusion item features Korean fried chicken with a drizzle of honey over a bed of kimchi collard greens.
A New York Strip is also a new addition to the menu. “This cut is a little more upscale,” said Cabigao. The strip comes with a side of Gouda mac 'n cheese and an herb compound butter.
Popular items like the Duck Fried Rice, General Tso’s Cauliflower and Zaka Bowl have permanent spots on the menu. The spiced popcorn regulars know and love will be served as well along with several vegetarian and gluten-free items.
The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on Sundays only to start.
Brunch will feature a variety of items, including a Colorado-inspired breakfast burrito with green chili and braised pork and SOB’s “Loco Moco” (a Hawaiian / Filipino inspired rice and beef patty dish).
The cocktail and wine list have both been expanded. “We will have more cocktails and even a reserve wine list, and a little less beer,” Cabigao said of the changes. A Smoked Old Fashioned that is presented to the table in a cloud of smoke is a drink he predicts will be a popular order at the Downtown location due to its success in East Memphis.
The Cabigaos have leased the ten apartments upstairs to an Airbnb operator. Cabigao predicts they will be a popular destination for those wanting to visit downtown. “Since the street has gotten so busy, the apartments are meant for an Airbnb or a hotel.”
The building at 361 S. Main St. has been leased to Good Fortune Company. The dumpling and ramen restaurant is expected to open in late summer.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining Reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
At a glance
South of Beale
Where: 345 S. Beale St.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Online: southofbeale.com
Phone: (901) 526-0388
Reservations: Resy