Judge Bean's in Nashville

Texas-style brisket, with some interesting twists.
They also serve brisket-stuffed smoked tamales, and "Cowboy Beans."
Cowboy beans are pintos served with interesting little hunks of jalapeno and brisket.
Then they have "diablo." Diablo is a whole jalapeno, stuffed with a jumbo shrimp and Jack cheese, wrapped in bacon, then mesquite-smoked.
Fresh cut fries are a bit on the greasy side, which isn't uncommon with non-frozen potatoes.

I used to work at a Judge Bean's in Aspen, CO....1981-82 or so....wondering if this is part of the chain or not....the owner of the chain I worked for was named (and I am not kidding you) Johnny Walker.

Could you check on that, and let me know?

This isn't part of any chain. The proprietor's name is Bean, and claims to be descended from Judge Roy.

ah well. The elements of the menu you presented here sounded so very similar....thanks for the reply.

Pete, Have you eaten the fried fruit pies (dried fruit wrapped in pastry dough) served at Herbert's, a barbeque place in Franklin, Tennessee? Ronni Lundy says Herbert's serves both peach (south) and apple (north) fried pies, because they are situated right on the fried fruit pie line.

I've heard Herbert's is known for its corn lightbread. Ever try it?

Jim,
I've only been to Herbert's once, about eight months ago. I loved the building. Just walking in gave me high hopes for a good meal. Sadly, the Q didn't match the surroundings. It was ok, but like most people on this website, I've been to some of the legendary BBQ pits all across the country, and was a bit disappointed. I didn't try either the fried pies, nor the corn lightbread, so I suppose I need to go back and give them another chance. Ah, life is cruel!

Thanks for the report, Pete. I had heard good things about Judge Bean's, but haven't been yet. Will try to swing by in the near future...

pogophiles,
JimInKy and I are thinking of meeting for a meal at Loveless in the near future. Perhaps you (and any other interested parties in the vicinity) might like to join in?

Pete -- I would love to if the timing is right! When are you thinking of going? Early (8AM) on a Saturday morning is prime...

My schedule is pretty flexible. Jim is the one coming from out of town. I'm kind of hoping for a weekend, too. We could compare and contrast Loveless ham biscuits with those at the Lantern.

Do you mean the Beacon Light?

Yes, that's the one. I don't know why I keep calling it the Lantern. It's not even green. Still, I think it would make for an interesting weekend breakfast. They're only about 6 miles apart.

That would be quite interesting. I'm game for it!

JiminKy, I guess we're waiting on you.How are your plans coming along? We're gettin' hungry!

clothier -- Excellent question! Corn light bread is essentially the same as regular cornbread, except that:
1) Some flour has been added to the batter (usually 1/4 to 1/2 the amount of meal);
2) Sweetening has been added (beyond the 1 teaspoon or so that might be included in regular cornbread); and
3) It is cooked in a loaf pan (instead of a skillet), sliced and used like you would wheat bread.

Home. I don't recall ever seeing it in a restaurant. Maybe in a tearoom setting, but that even strikes me as doubtful.

quote:

Originally posted by Poverty Pete

JiminKy, I guess we're waiting on you.How are your plans coming along? We're gettin' hungry!

Hey Pete and Pogo, Shame on me for not seeing your conversation about dining at The Loveless until just this morning. I was thinking this weekend until the cold front and snow moved into the region. I'm watching the weather, and will get back with you at mid week with plans.

Will both of you email me ASAP through Roadfood.com so I'll have an email address to reach you? I'll then email right back. Jim

clothier, I've never eaten corn lightbread and have only read about it. I sometimes buy something called English muffin bread (baked in a loaf pan), and wonder if that isn't it? I get this bread at a local Meijer (the Michigan chain). It's great for morning toast and with oatmeal.

from http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1744

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

NBC TV in Louisville Just had a story (5:45pm Friday ) that Judge Roy Bean's restaurant in Louisville has closed.

any relation between the two restaurants?

Guy's
There is a chain called Judge Roy Bean's. it is themed in the same way that the Texas Roadhouses are. It tends to be more like the KY chain of TUMBLEWEED's. Nothing special, but an ok place to grab a lunch.
Apparently the Louisville store failed....Today.

Judge Bean's in Nashville is not in any way part of any chain. It's the kind of place where, the minute you walk in the door, you know this is a labor of love. This place would make my list of top ten most memorable Q joints.

Pete, or anyone, can you get me an address for Judge Bean's? I'll be passing thru Nashville twice this week and would like to hit JB's if possible.

quote:

Originally posted by carlton pierre

Pete, or anyone, can you get me an address for Judge Bean's? I'll be passing thru Nashville twice this week and would like to hit JB's if possible.

Carlton, Just for you:

Judge Bean's BBQ
611 Wedgewood Avenue
615-244-8884
It didn't take long for Nashville's legion of transplanted Texans to discover Judge Bean's BBQ; the unmistakable scent of burning mesquite wafting from the huge black-steel smoker in this tin-roofed building lured them like a siren song. But Lone Star emigrants aren't the only ones filling the picnic tables here. Ebullient proprietor Aubrey Bean has even won over pork-loving Tennesseans with his Texas-style beef brisket, spicy sausage, succulent baby back ribs, smoked chicken, and brisket tacos. And his cowboy take on California rolls, "Texas sushi" (a fat jalapeño pepper stuffed with sausage and wrapped in a thick slice of brisket), has earned the man a devoted following.

Thanks, Paul. Carl, if I were to visit only once, I believe I'd have to order some Diablos and brisket tacos. I highly recommend multiple visits, though, as the Texas sushi and brisket sandwiches and brisket tamales are not to be missed.
From I-40, go south on I-65 to Wedgewood, and go back east about two blocks. It's on the right hand side.

Paul & Pete,

thanks for your directions and advice. I plan on taking Rt 100 from Nashville to Memphis and hoping to find some interesting places. I'll just miss you guys by a day or two for your get together at Hays and Beale St. Wish I could hook up with y'all.

Highway 100 is, I think, one of the best food roads in America. Keep your eyes open. You'll pass by Loveless, Beacon Light, roadside produce stands, good c-store fried chicken...all in the first 30 miles.

Judge Bean's has MOVED. He was having zoning problems with the neighborhood. The are opening TODAY in the new downtown location. It's the space Cafe 123 was in. 123 12th Avenue North

See you all there!

Yep. They are also planning to eventually open a Tex-Mex place in the old Pub of Love space and build a dance hall between the two (at least according to the story in the Tennessean last Friday). Hope he finds success in this change!