You know I’m the guy who usually passes on “local legends” as far as restaurants; too many seem to be resting on their laurels of decades ago, and I’m usually disappointed. Like Stanich’s in Portland, or Dick’s Hamburgers in the Seattle area.
Happy to report that’s not the case with Abe’s Bar-B-Q in Clarksdale, MS, dishing out smoked grub and other eats for the past 90 years.
Located at the famous “crossroads” immortalized in song by Eric Clapton, it’s the location where blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil to give him history changing talent.
Abe’s has a relatively short menu of BBQ sandwiches, including pork, beef, and ham. A few other things like burgers and fried chicken round out the menu, with sides of beans, fries, and slaw.
Sandwiches are offered in regular and large size, and usually served with a dab of sauce and a mount of cole slaw on flattened version of a hamburger bun. The slaw is a simple affair, but very tasty, with only cabbage, salt, pepper, vinegar and corn oil as ingredients, so sez the cook.
I rolled through Clarksdale on a recent expedition, and was sad to note that I arrived at the restaurant an hour prior to opening. Seeing my salivating face peering in the window, though, they opened up and said they’d serve me. (Southern hospitality).
Went with the large BBQ ham sandwich; my navigator grabbed a half a chicken. We both opted for a side of possibly the best baked beans on the planet, and our entrees were superb, of course.
There’s a ton to do and see in this part of Mississippi, including many stops if you’re a blues fan, or are curious about the birthplace of Kermit the Frog. But be sure to have at least one meal at Abe’s to make your trip a truly memorable experience. (Scroll down to see their menu).
BBQ Ham Sandwich
Abes Bar-B-Q Review
