Social BTB
It’s Friday night, and the first floor of Joplin’s historic Gryphon building is buzzing with activity. Groups of friends and families gather at tables and booths, catching up on each other’s day over a shared meal.
This concept, this idea of a gathering place, is a simple one. But it works.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-gryphon.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=3f812fad526d0192a602f7c569e394d2 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-gryphon.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=6fe2461d4a9dec95ff7a38bba6c99d2d 436w)
This gathering place is called Social BTB. Although I consistently – and mistakenly – call it Social TBT (because I’ve been so deeply programmed by Throwback Thursday posts on social media), the BTB here standing for Burgers, Tenders, and Beer, the three things that this restaurant specializes in. Just like the concept, the menu is also simple. And it works.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-logo.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=94636e3b2db0d50ea77bb4e34cdeebd7 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-logo.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=4862dff7dcb063e855bca3d68a89fa85 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-logo.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=fc9efd1239e102b3fb3d24c678486983 600w)
It works because the wizard behind Social BTB is none other than successful local restaurateur George Michalopoulos. George introduced Joplin to his Mediterranean-inspired recipes when he opened Mythos in 2004, a restaurant which continues to be a favorite among local diners as well as visitors. When I heard that George was opening a new restaurant, I knew I had to try it, and I knew it would be good.
And it was.
Ordering
The first thing you’ll see when you walk into Social BTB is the menu counter. Actually, you’ll probably zero in on your favorite sports teams playing on one of the 16 flat screen TVs hanging in the restaurant, but walk past those and proceed to the menu counter to place your food order. I promise there will be time to watch the games once you’re seated.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-menu.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=99b5458160e866728410b93af9aedf56 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-menu.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=cc6e7a75d6a69c2e5382a9f582a40c12 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-menu.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6a6b8948b2721c946f7ff76cc5c041f4 563w)
The menu features burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and sandwiches (including vegetarian options like the Grilled Cheese, and the Veggie, a black bean chipotle patty. There aren’t a gazillion choices on the menu, and that’s refreshing. Again, simple is what works here.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-interior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=6188b198c33fdfeac38e4185819a41fb 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-interior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=299c6d4a9c34264985691ad0dd328beb 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-interior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6d4a49b7e2c890f2844af121ec83aae6 600w)
Once you place your food and soft drink order, you’ll get a number to take with you to a table or booth of your choice in the dining room. At your booth or table, you’ll notice this magical button.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-buzz-bar.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=45afa9ce88fabea534b7f4091dca16d1 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-buzz-bar.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=9126daef576fb4d0535dd2dbbfa51815 525w)
If you’d like something stronger than a soft drink, all you do is press this button, and someone will appear at your table to take your order.
In addition to a fully stocked bar, Social BTB offers over 30 types of bottled beers and over a dozen beers on tap.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-beer.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=42d7f39aebae141f1e42f74be534a17e 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-beer.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=083f8ff70a56452b7f635ab3e80d4234 350w)
I opted for this refreshing Hefeweizen from KC while my husband Travis chose a draft beer.
The Food
Sticking with the BTB theme, Travis ordered a burger and I ordered tenders. We also ordered the house-made Onion Strings. I could have eaten those tasty seasoned strings all by themselves!
The Onion Strings arrived with Travis’ dinner. He’d also ordered a side of House Fries with his burger (which he’d customized to his liking). The beef patties here are fresh, not frozen, which makes for juicy burgers.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-burger.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5ae23d64ed6a0e66d97cc6a69131a4dc 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-burger.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=c913cb3346b3960fd62957a3be6179bd 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-burger.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=8654db277089eb10c702ae1116b48dd9 600w)
I ordered the BTB (3pc) Plate (you can also choose a 4- or a 5-piece plate), which comes with hand-breaded tenders, garlic house toast, and one dipping sauce.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders-meal.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5f9b73abce44c52bb6b3e3634624a0de 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders-meal.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=ce40860ccedb85cd14ef9f04eacfe4d1 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders-meal.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=62c1b63a5170bfae0128e08eaccfd068 600w)
Because I like to try different flavors, I added two more sauces for a small charge, which allowed me to sample the Bleu cheese, garlic Parmesan, and BTB house (a sweet-and-sour Polynesian-type sauce). There are about five more sauces that I want to try the next time I order tenders here.
Let me take a moment and focus on the tenders.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=0b56d83b4f7ded42d1cf84821fed13c5 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=afdd09ce9252e343e4eddf9aef55a8fd 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-tenders.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=bc40b3fb131b922806c6243f9360b1dc 600w)
These babies are huge and plump and perfectly seasoned. They filled me up so much that I only had room to try a couple of the yummy Sweet Potato Fries I’d ordered as a side before boxing them up to bring home. (Social BTB also offers Salt & Vinegar Fries, which I want to try next time).
The Gathering Place
After eating, Travis and I walked around to see the rest of Social BTB, which is more like a complex than a restaurant. In addition to the dining room, where we’d eaten, there’s also a bar…
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-bar-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=87eeb0789c137ac2d635c2fe1a8a36db 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-bar-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=b982c4019ad1d1b0878db266277088ed 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-bar-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=c50b15f286593968be34d5258c97720a 600w)
…and a couch lounge.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-lounge-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=60d33016a361d9270186ef292644e569 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-lounge-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=9b950402d31436a6b1a1a24796425783 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-lounge-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=aec1d0c7d3e6111449ea4c7dce0feabc 600w)
The couch lounge is a great place to watch football games with friends. Visit on Wristband Sunday when you can buy a wristband for $3, choose a team, and every time that team scores, you get a free bar favor.
Throughout Social TBT, you’ll find murals of animals with cheeky sayings painted above them. For example, take this animal exchange (which reminds me of the Chick-fil-A cow/chicken rivalry):
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-cow.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=e4eebd48740b769a22dc78812fd9cbfa 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-cow.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=a67ad723f1b1c58f173719da351166df 365w)
Another feature that Social TBT offers is outdoor seating.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-outdoor-view.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=de8f35437b31df0d1a80f3c90ea11b56 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-outdoor-view.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=e94f38aeb36d46f8513f3fd7792923bf 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-outdoor-view.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=bee00717496f75e5a011306b2861fe05 552w)
I love eating outdoors whenever possible, and I’m always searching for restaurants that have this option.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-outdoor-seating.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=a1dff7af1ba9748fba8c78c7e3fa9be8 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-outdoor-seating.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=2d51bb04dbca915100f8d6aff168ba19 442w)
Not only can you eat outside, but you can also play games! Spend a balmy summer night hanging out on the patio with friends or family (or both) while playing corn hole, jumbo Jenga, jumbo cup pong, or outdoor bowling.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-corn-hole.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=9d2cb9e37dcb8ca3db368a08160e1ba4 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-corn-hole.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=597024830ae4d247df9a4dedb724ada3 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/social-btb-corn-hole.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=7298081d1f7758035cc56dea323fc90f 600w)
Afterwards, treat yourself to some ice cream at Caroline’s, located just down the hall from Social BTB, on the Main Street side of the Gryphon Building.
Open seven days a week, Social BTB offers good food, plentiful drinks, and a casual space where people of all ages can gather together to socialize.
Social BTB is located at 1027 South Main Street, inside the Gryphon Building. Click here to visit its website, and here to see its Facebook page.
To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.