The Pumping Station - Bogalusa

My friend, the First Amendment activist known as Silent Citizen, and I had just driven from Nashville, and I was eager to check off one of my lifelong dreams: visiting Graceland. Yes, I'm a huge Elvis fan! After three and a half hours on the road, we were in desperate need of a solid drink. Luckily, we found just the spot at the groovy bar, The Pump Station. However, we had a bit of trouble locating it. Google Maps kept insisting we were there, but where exactly was The Pump Station? There was no flashy sign illuminating the name for us. It made me realize we were indeed in the South. The one clear indication was the rainbow flag in the window. As soon as I spotted that, I knew we had arrived. Walking in, I immediately fell in love with the place. The decor screamed dive bar, and I mean that in the best way possible. For those who’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of classic American dives. Thankfully, dive bars are not becoming extinct in Memphis. When Silent Citizen and I arrived, it wasn't too crowded, and we easily found a spot at the bar. We were greeted by two friendly bartenders. One was a big guy with a shaved head and a sporty handlebar mustache; I'm going to call him Monopoly. The other was shorter, with dark hair and a smile that could light up the darkest alley—his name was Gabriel, and I’m just going to refer to him as "Gift" throughout this review. As it turned out, Gift was new on the job, and Monopoly was training him. What a delightful coincidence! Now, let’s talk about the margarita Gift mixed. It was spectacular—absolutely fabulous! The balance of ingredients was spot on, and the alcohol content was perfect; I felt a nice buzz without going overboard. Plus, he remembered to put salt on the rim—a detail that many bartenders overlook, which can be frustrating, especially when you’re paying $13 at upscale bars. But not at The Pump Station! Not only was the margarita fantastic, but it also didn’t break the bank. While enjoying my drink, I also had a wonderful conversation with Gift. I could have stayed at that bar all night, but Silent Citizen wanted to check out Beale Street. That’s okay; we planned to come back the following night. But that story will have to be left out to protect the innocent! In wrapping up this review, I have to say that the highlight of my time in Memphis, aside from Graceland, was my experience at The Pump Station. Seriously, I loved this place! The vibe was fantastic, the staff—Monopoly and Gift—were incredibly friendly, and the drinks weren't just strong; they were genuinely crafted with care and reasonably priced. What more could you ask for? Perhaps a massage? Just kidding! But rest assured, the next time I pass through Memphis, I’ll definitely swing by The Pump Station again. Until next time, may the margaritas remain fabulous, and may Gift’s award-winning smile continue to shine!

The restaurant offers a wide selection, especially for the area, and the staff are helpful in recommending drinks that suit the occasion.

Fantastic selection at the best prices around! They even carry R R whiskey.

Convenient drive-thru, large selection and great prices!

You want it they got it, or can probably order it, amazing staff!!!