Abe’s Bar-B-Q In Clarksdale, Mississippi Is An Absolute Barbecue Legend
At the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, sits a barbecue spot that has earned legendary status.
Abe’s Bar-B-Q has been part of the Delta’s story for generations, serving up flavors as rich as the history around it.
Known far beyond its hometown, it’s a place where tradition meets taste, making every bite a piece of Mississippi’s barbecue heritage.
The Fascinating History Behind Abe’s Bar-B-Q
Founded by Lebanese immigrant Abraham Davis in 1924, Abe’s began as a small sandwich stand selling tamales.
The business evolved when Davis perfected his barbecue sauce recipe, creating what would become the restaurant’s signature flavor.
Originally located across the street, Abe’s moved to its current iconic spot at ‘The Crossroads’ in 1937.
The Davis family has maintained ownership for four generations, preserving authentic recipes while witnessing the evolution of Clarksdale from a cotton town to a blues tourism destination.
Authentic Delta Atmosphere That Transports Visitors
Red-checkered tablecloths cover simple tables beneath walls adorned with decades of memorabilia – signed photos from blues legends, vintage advertisements, and newspaper clippings telling Clarksdale’s story.
The no-frills interior preserves the authentic feel of a bygone era.
Counter seating offers front-row views of the bustling kitchen while booths provide cozy corners for conversations.
The unmistakable aroma of smoking meat permeates everything, making hungry travelers slam on brakes when passing by.
This isn’t manufactured nostalgia – it’s the real deal preserved through generations.
Mouth-Watering Menu That Keeps Customers Coming Back
Smoke fills the air as pork shoulders slow-cook to perfection before being hand-pulled and drenched in Abe’s tangy, tomato-based sauce.
Their legendary pork sandwich remains the bestseller, complemented by homemade coleslaw that adds the perfect crunch.
Beyond barbecue, Abe’s serves Mississippi Delta tamales, a regional specialty with mysterious origins possibly dating back to Mexican laborers in the cotton fields.
The menu rounds out with southern classics like fried catfish, hushpuppies, and homemade pies that transport diners to simpler times.
Blues Heritage Connection That Attracts Music Lovers
Standing at the mythical crossroads where Highway 61 meets Highway 49, Abe’s has fed countless blues musicians seeking inspiration or returning from tours.
The restaurant’s location isn’t just convenient – it’s sacred ground in blues mythology. Just steps away from the famous blue guitars marking ‘The Crossroads,’ Abe’s serves as an unofficial welcome center for blues pilgrims.
Conversations between bites often revolve around nearby Ground Zero Blues Club, the Delta Blues Museum, or which juke joint has live music that night.
Celebrity Endorsements That Showcase Abe’s Fame
Morgan Freeman, a Mississippi native and local business owner, counts himself among Abe’s regular customers.
His seal of approval joins a long list of notable patrons including Elvis Presley, who reportedly stopped by during his Mississippi travels.
The walls tell stories of visits from modern musicians like Robert Plant and Jimmy Page who sought authentic Delta experiences.
Even Anthony Bourdain featured Abe’s during his exploration of Mississippi cuisine, introducing this humble establishment to viewers worldwide.
Each celebrity encounter adds another layer to the rich tapestry of stories that make Abe’s legendary.
