Barbecue Since 1924
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Few restaurants are as closely woven into the story of Clarksdale as Abe's Bar-B-Q, a Delta favourite that's been serving travelers for more than a century.
When people visit Clarksdale, they're usually drawn by the blues. Somewhere between visiting The Crossroads, exploring the Delta Blues Museum and spending an evening at Ground Zero Blues Club, most travellers find themselves at Abe's Bar-B-Q. It's one of those places that feels like a rite of passage.
A Century at the Crossroads
Founded in 1924 by Abraham "Abe" Davis, the restaurant is recognised as the oldest continuously operating barbecue restaurant in Mississippi. Originally known as the Bungalow Inn, it eventually moved to its current home at the famous intersection of Highways 61 and 49, the legendary Crossroads where blues folklore says Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Abe's has happily embraced the story, suggesting that perhaps Johnson was enjoying one of their barbecue sandwiches when the deal was made.
"Once you've tried it, you'll have to come back for more."
A Menu That Hasn't Needed to Change
The menu is refreshingly simple and hasn't changed much over the decades. The signature barbecue pork sandwich remains the favourite, served with Abe's famous sweet, tangy Come Back Sauce, named for the belief that once you've tried it, you'll be back for more. Delta hot tamales are another local speciality and well worth ordering alongside your sandwich, even if it's your first introduction to this uniquely Mississippi tradition.
Like many of the South's best food experiences, Abe's isn't about fancy décor or modern dining trends. It's about tradition. The walls tell stories, the recipes have been handed down through generations, and the restaurant still attracts a mix of locals, blues musicians and curious travellers from around the world.
Why It's Worth Knowing
If you're exploring Clarksdale, make time for lunch at Abe's. It's more than just a barbecue stop, it's another piece of the town's remarkable history, served one sandwich at a time.
A Mississippi Barbecue Tradition
Come Back Sauce, Delta hot tamales and a hundred years of history at the Crossroads, Abe's earns its place on Clarksdale's blues trail.
