The bar-lined street Demonbreun had a new celebrity driven pop-up join its ranks recently. Filmmaker, actor, podcaster, and all-around jovial guy Kevin Smith brought his pseudo hamburger joint, Mooby’s, to Nashville to give fans a chance to reminisce scenes from one of their favorite films of his. The restaurant, which was first seen in Dogma but played a pivotal role in Clerks II, is based off of the fictional children’s television character Mooby.
As learned in Dogma, Mooby was created by a kindergarten teacher for a local television show before being bought by the Complex Corporation and turned into the The Mooby Fun Time Hour. The fictional fast-food restaurant was also featured in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and according to early set pictures, will return in the currently filming Clerks III.
The pop-up took over a portion of the arcade bar Two Bits on Demonbreun and offered up Mooby’s favorites to customers. An online ticketed reservation was required in order to enter the restaurant, and for $29, you gained entrance and a Mooby’s Meal which included a “Moo Main” and a “Salt Lick Side.” “Moo Main” choices included the Cow Tipper, Cocksmoker Chicken Sandwich, Beyond Cowtipper, and Cowdong Vegan Beyond Bratwurst. The Cow Tipper is two cow patties topped with yellow mustard, American cheese, pickles, red onions and Mooby’s sauce. The Beyond vegan version of the sandwich was made the same way while the vegan Bratwurst was finished with yellow mustard and Giardiniera.
“Onion Rings to Rule Them All” and “Hater Totz” served as the two side options. My “Moo Main” choice was the Cocksmoker Chicken Sandwich with Buffalo Hot Sauce, pickles, Cole slaw and vegan mayo. I went in not expecting a culinary delight, understanding that I was paying more for nostalgia than I was a meal, but with that said, the Cocksmoker was one of the best fried sandwiches I have ever had. The chicken was very moist and the Buffalo Sauce added just the right amount of heat to the sandwich. I chose the “Hater Totz” as my “Salt Lick Side.” Since it’s not everyday one has the chance to step into one of their favorite fictional restaurants, I went a little overboard and added an order of “Onion Rigs to Rule Them All” and vegan “Cookies from the Mall Stand” to my order. The onion rings were a delicious surprise, as they brought back memories of ones I would always eat at Gridley’s Fine BBQ while growing up in Memphis.
The “Moo Sweets” were all inspired by the Smith film Mallrats, including the cookies, Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and Cow Pie Brownie. Mooby’s also had adult beverages for sale, including Mooby’s Beer and Mooby’s Seltzer. The New Jersey Quickstop Cocktail consisting of Hunch Punch, Tropical Red Bull and Sprite as well as the Ole Smokey Salty Watermelon Whiskey, Triple Sec and Sweet and Sour beverage known as the Boo Kitty Fuck Cocktail were offered as well.
Patrons could also pick up some Mooby’s merchandise, including a Dolly Parton inspired Mooby’s t-shirt. All in all, the food part of the Mooby’s experience was a hit. It was the interior setup that was very underwhelming. Clerks II was playing on all of the TVs while the soundtrack from Smith’s films played overhead. There were a number of photo opportunities set up, including the famous “I Assure You We’re Open!” sign as well as a number of Mooby’s wall clings. Giant inflatable versions of Bluntman & Chronic greeted you as you walked up to the restaurant, where you are met by cardboard cutouts of Smith and Jason Mewes, aka Jay.
Visiting Mooby’s is something I do not regret despite the desire for more bang for my buck. I honestly feel that the pop-up would be better served setting up shop in a closed fast-food restaurant which should not honestly be that hard to find. I understand the logistics of getting food and alcohol permits in each city being a potential nightmare, therefore making it easier to set up in an already existing establishment, but one can dream.
There’s still a little time left to hit up Mooby’s for a walk down Memory Lane before they move on to Red Bank, NJ next week. Visit https://www.exploretock.com/moobysnashville for tickets before it’s too late – Snoochie boochies! Snoochie boochies!
Steven McCash is the Lead Music Writer and Utility Man for SoBros Network. Steven is the host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast, and the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music in addition to the occasional live show review. He also pitches in as a Nashville lifestyle writer and football analyst (hence the ‘Utility Man’ title). Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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