Craft beer has been having something of a struggle recently, and a number of small craft brewers have failed around the country. Theories range from young people choosing to drink less to competition from hemp-based beverages, but at least some of it likely has to do with how squeezed the American consumer feels these days. Nothing is affordable anymore.
When Memphis’s local High Cotton Brewing failed, its assets were acquired by Little Rock-based Flyway Brewing, and they are one of the few craft brewers open on Sunday in Memphis, so when my roommate was wanting some craft beer, that is where I took him. He is a beer fan, but I am not. But fortunately, Flyway is not just a brewery but a restaurant as well. On a hot July Sunday afternoon, we practically had the place to ourselves, but I perused the somewhat limited menu, and gave some real thought to duck tenders, but decided instead on something a bit more familiar, chicken tenders.
Chicken tenders might seem familiar, but these were no frozen ones out of a box. And what really surprised me was what Flyway calls blue barbecue sauce. The waitress explained to me that it was blueberry barbecue sauce, and that it was made not with blueberries directly, but rather from their blueberry beer! Here was dipping suace you cannot get at Zaxby’s, Raisin’ Canes or Slim Chickens!
As you might expect, prices are not cheap at Flyway. But the food is really good, the atmosphere pleasant, and there is plenty of seating inside and out. Check the events calendar for special things, including live music and local bands.
Flyway Brewing Company
598 Monroe Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 543-4444