Clarksdale, Mississippi has been a center for blues culture since the 1920s.
Its location as a transportation hub—where Highways 61 and 49 connect,
where the Illinois Central and other railroads maintained depots and
passenger terminals, and where the Greyhound Bus Company built a
station—made Clarksdale an economic boom town. Flush times
created audiences with money to spend for entertainment, and
the blues flourished in the city. Many now-legendary musical artists
were born and raised in and around Clarksdale: Muddy Waters,
John Lee Hooker, Son House, Ike Turner, Jackie Brenston, Sam Cooke,
Junior Parker, and W. C. Handy, among them. Clarksdale was a major
market for the Delta’s constantly traveling musicians, and the likes of
Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Charley Patton are also associated
with the city. Today, that historic blues culture is preserved for visitors
while contemporary musicians carry on the great Delta blues tradition.

Where to Eat

Clarksdale offers a surprising variety of dining fare, from Southern
staples (catfish, BBQ) to the unexpected (healthy salads, tamales), and
an equal variety of settings, from funky to fancy. There’s something delicious
for every taste and budget. Some caveats: call ahead—the hours at many places
depend on whether business is jumping or not. Also, there’s no “no smoking”; if
you’re used to eating without cigarette smoke, be sure and ask for whatever “no smoking” seating is available. And this is the South: you’ll just have to enjoy some very tasty but distinctly fattening dishes; exercise vigorously when you get back home.

Near the Delta Blues Museum (walking distance)

• Blues Berry Café, Bakery, and Deli Some breakfast and lunch basics: pastries, bread, pizza, and sandwiches. (662-627-7008) (www.bluesberryrocks.com)

• Delta Amusement Blues Café Plate lunches, chili-cheeseburgers, hearty breakfasts, and lots of Delta attitude make this a downtown favorite. (662-627-1467)

• Dutch Oven An Amish bakery, with tasty pastries, cakes, and pies, and a lunchtime café during the week, with yummy sandwiches and savory soups. Sat morning, there’s a breakfast serving. (662-621-9766)

• Ground Zero Blues Club This restaurant-bar-club delivers lots of juke joint atmosphere along with its down home food, served up for lunch and dinner. Lunch Mon-Sat: dinner and live music Wed-Sat. (662-621-9009; www.groundzerobluesclub.com)

• Madidi This sophisticated “fine dining” restaurant, co-owned by local attorney Bill Luckett and actor Morgan Freeman, offers a delicious menu in an equally tasteful setting. Reservations recommended. (662-627-7770)www.madidires.com)

• RUST Restaurant At RUST, Executive Chef/Co-Owner Randall Andrew's "Progressive Southern" style of cooking fuses classic techniquie, local products and a passion for our region's rich cultural traditions. And, with an interior comprised almost entirely of local artists and lost, forgotten or discarded relics from around Coahoma County, RUST's walls actually CAN talk. Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday nights, 6 pm til 10 pm. Bar 6 p.m. til ...(662-624-4784)

• Sarah’s Kitchen “Authentic” does not begin to describe this super-funky restaurant. Lunch Thurs-Sat, dinner on “some” weekend nights. Beer and setups available. The fare is flavorful Southern soul food (662-627-3239)

• Stone Pony Pizza Serves homemade, New York style pizza, calzones, salads, appetizers and homemade desserts.  Its Brick Bar offers a full bar and an array of draft and bottle beers, in a casual, well-lit atmosphere, with tables, stools, and couches and televisions. 226 Delta Avenue - (662) 624-7669 Mon.--Wed. from 4 until 10p.m.; and Thurs.—Sun. from 11a.m. until ??

• Tricia’s Italian Restaurant and Pie Hole Italian specialities: pizza, sandwiches, beer. Live music every Thurs, Fri, and Saturday night | 226 Yazoo Ave - (662) 627-3677
Wednesday through Saturday 4:00 pm - until ??

In and Around Clarksdale


• Abe’s Bar BQ Pork, beef, chicken, and gallons of BBQ sauce, what else? (662-624-9947; www.abesbbq.com)

• Hicks Famous Hot Tamales and More Spicy Delta-style tamales plus “more”: catfish and BBQ. (662-624-9887; www.hickstamales.com)

• Ramon’s Presents zesty “family-style” Italian menu in an unassuming neighborhood restaurant and bar. (662-624-9230)

• Resthaven Serves Italian, American, and Lebanese dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (662-624-8601)

• The Ranchero Meat lover’s delight: steaks, BBQ, and seafood. (662-624-9768)

• Farraday’s At the nearby Isle of Capri Casino, this restaurant serves up prime rib, certified Angus steaks, and succulent lobster in a relaxed atmosphere of casual elegance. (800-THE-ISLE)

• Uncle Henry’s Place and Inn The ground floor of this Moon Lake B & B is a quintessentially Louisiana-style restaurant, from its timeless décor to its Creole-influenced menu. Reservations recommended. (662-337-2757)www.unclehenrysplace.com