Maggie McLendon often reflects on her childhood in Louisiana. “I’m glad I grew up before everything went digital. We spent our days outside, camping and hiking. Nature has always been my passion,” she says.
After earning a fine arts degree at the University of Memphis, Maggie landed her dream job at the Memphis Zoo, working as a bird keeper. But reality hit hard. “It was hot, physical work, and the pay was low. I ended up picking up a night job as the ‘bread girl’ at Erling Jensen. I realized I was making three times the money, so I decided to leave the zoo,” she laughs.
Her journey didn’t stop there. When the restaurant added a bar, they asked Maggie to be the bartender. “I had no experience, but they said I’d figure it out. Back then, it was mostly martinis and Manhattans,” she recalls. Fast forward 16 years, and she has mastered her craft. “I’m part scientist, part entertainer. It feels like a ‘Cheers’ bar here—everyone knows each other,” she adds.
Maggie’s dual life also includes being a librarian at Margolin Hebrew Academy. “Switching between reading to kids and bartending keeps things interesting,” she notes. She balances work with family life, cherishing her twin 14-year-old daughters. “They attend White Station Middle School and are incredibly talented,” she says, emphasizing her desire to spend more time with them.
Though Erling Jensen is known for its elegant dining, Maggie highlights the bar menu. “We offer accessible options, like $30 entrees and happy-hour specials that many don’t know about,” she explains. Regulars often request unique cocktails, and Maggie loves experimenting. One standout drink is the ‘Borderline Sour,’ made with infused red wine and Cazadores Reposado tequila, garnished with a slice of marinated apple.
“I craft drinks based on what I enjoy. Would you like to try my apple slice?” she asks. Her enthusiasm adds warmth to the atmosphere, making the bar feel inviting. It’s clear that Maggie’s passion extends beyond just mixing drinks; it’s about creating connections and memories.
While Maggie loves the bar scene, she understands the importance of work-life balance. She engages with customers and colleagues, often creating a sense of community around every drink. In a time when digital interactions dominate, Maggie McLendon reminds us of the joy found in face-to-face connections.
As people seek authentic experiences, her role blends tradition with creativity, showing that sometimes the best moments happen when we least expect them.
For more on Maggie’s journey or to explore the bar menu at Erling Jensen, visit their site for more details.
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March 2026,Sips,Food & Drink,Bruce VanWyngarden,Memphis restaurants
