Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant

Stopped in on a trip to Memphis a couple years back. Typical of other Biersch locations I've been to. They only had 4 beers on tap, I sampled a couple and was left with the impression that they could be a little more adventurous in their styles. The previous reviewers comment about them being "cookie cutter" is right on the money. That said, there weren't many other great alternatives the time I visited Memphis except for maybe the Flying Saucer, and I have one of those at home, so I wanted to visit someplace I don't normally visit.

Much like the Gordon Biersch I went to in Hawaii not long ago. An upscale place that unless you are impressing a date or don't sweat the bill, is a bit uncomfortable. I watched some of the Superbowl there and was on vacation so it didn't bother me much. The food was really good and the beers were of good quality, but not spectacular. The chain seems to have a cookie cutter quality to the beer, too bad they don't let local brewers cut loose with a seasonal. Being just a block from the Flying Saucer, it is worth going in for a sampler tray and a bite to eat.

Atmosphere- Classy and upscale. This place similar in appearance to the other chain brewpubs I've visited. The best thing about G-B Memphis is that it is in the heart of downtown and in walking distance from Beale Street.

Quality- I only had two beers and found them both to be great. The Golden Export was a good, lighter beer to kick off the night, while the Vienna was nice and malty.

Service- Our waiter was above average and seemed to have personal knowledge of the beer. However his comparison of the Golden Export to Bud was just wrong, but I don't hold it against him since most of GB's patrons probably stick to the big three.

Selection- 4 standard beers: A dunkles, Golden Export, Marzen, and GB Light. There was one seasonal which was a Vienna. I wish there were a few more selections, however I'm glad GB sticks to German styles since I find it hard to find many lagers at most other brewpubs I've been to.

Food- I had a very good burger and the rest of the menu seemed like standard brewpub choices.

This is a really nice-looking place. Outside side-walk dining and a huge 2-story inside space. Looks very nice, feels like a restaurant not a bar. There were only 4 or 5 beers on tap, all were nice beers but nothing suited me particularly well. The stardard pub food was available with a few upscale items along with the prices. This was my first time at the chain and it left a good impression, but it's much more of a place to go to now and again for the atmosphere first and the fresh beer is just a plus rather than a place I would go to often for a few pints.

Memphis G-B, my first introduction to the chain. Local microbrews all and with only five or six beers ever offered but the quality makes up for it. Read the pedigree of the brewers and you realize it shows in their products.

Restaurant is classy, looks to be nouveaux cuisine that is slightly customized to each location (didn't try the food) with attractive staff and clientele. Got hooked on the Dunkles and didn't ever want to leave. Wish we had one of these closer to home.