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. Saturday 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 Monday through Saturday: dinner and live music Wednesday through Saturday (662) 621-9009 www.groundzerobluesclub.com

• Lady at the Levee Named in honor of Sarah Moore, "Miss Sarah" of Sarah's Kitchen, this restaurant features delicious seafood and other tasty dishes. Lady at the Levee is located in downtown Clarksdale.
Open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday and for dinner Wednesday through Saturday 4:00pm - 12:00am Walk-ins and reservations welcome. 313 Sunflower (662) 627-3395

• 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

• Oxbow A funky joint opened by two locals who went away and came back to Clarksdale to embrace good people, good food, and good fun! Breakfast Coming Soon.
Open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm. 115 Third Street (662) 627-6781

• RUST Restaurant RUST is about real food and drink, eclectic art, hospitality and service. At RUST, our "Progressive Southern" style of cooking features fresh, creative dishes infused with the Delta's rich cultural traditions. With an interior comprised almost entirely of local artists and lost, forgotten or discarded relics from around Coahoma County, RUST is about Clarksdale and the Delta.
Private Party? Our White Room accommodates up to 14 and our heated Porch accommodates up to 30, plus we're happy to open on an off night -- please call for availability.
Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Kitchen open Wednesday through Thursday, 6:00pm - 9:00pm and Friday through Saturday 6:00pm - 10:00pm; Bar open 6:00pm until ? (662) 624-4784

• 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. Monday through Wednesday from 4:00pm until 10:00pm; and Thursday through Sunday from 11:00am until ?? 226 Delta Avenue (662) 624-7669

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