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Mississippi is one of the best places to be if you enjoy good food and incredible music. But the Delta is a cultural highlight in the United States. Not only is the Mississippi Delta the birthplace of blues and rock and roll, but it also has some of the tastiest home cooking you’ll ever find.
How to Experience Great Music and Food in the Mississippi Delta
Traveling down the Mississippi yourself is one way to do it, but if you want to know the full and complete history of delta blues music, take a guided tour on the Mississippi Blues Trail instead.
Stop 1: Greenwood
Greenwood is the final resting place of Robert Johnson, legendary bluesman. It’s filled to the brim with incredible blues clubs, including Blue Biscuit, Po’ Monkey’s, Shack Up Inn, and Red’s Lounge. It’s also home to the famous Viking Cooking School, where you can take classes.
Be sure to visit Steven’s BBQ for some incredible hot tamales, Luco’s for some yummy steaks, Crystal Grill for some good ol’ fashion southern home cooking, and Drake’s BBQ for BBQ.
Stop 2: Yazoo City
There’s lots to see and do in Yazoo City, including visiting the Blue Front Cafe. It’s one of the oldest juke joints in Mississippi that’s still in operation. You’ll also have a fun time rocking out at the Alamo Theatre, Underground 119, and Hal and Mal’s, located nearby in Jackson city.
As for restaurants, Yazoo City has some great restaurants. Hall of Fame is good if you like burgers, but if you prefer catfish, check out Hines Grocery. In the mood for specialty dining? Try Vicksburg 10.
Stop 3: Vicksburg
Next on the list is Vicksburg, where you’ll get to visit Vicksburg National Military Park. While known more for its cuisine than its music venues, you can still catch a lick at Bottleneck Blues Bar and The Biscuit Company. Stroll around Vicksburg’s historic district while you’re there.
Vicksburg’s restaurants are some of the best on this list. Walnut Hills Restaurant is famous for its family-style meal, including fried chicken. Try out Goldie’s Trail for some really good BBQ.
Stop 4: Greenville
Greenville is known as the heart of the Delta. Home to the Hot Tamale Festival, you’re going to want to stop at Scott’s Tamales for a bite. For music, stop in at Walnut Street Blues Club, Miami Live, PM Lounge, and the Rack & Cue. Greenville also has an incredible music festival.
When it comes to restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Hattie’s Kitchen knocks Southern Home Cooking out of the park, but if you like steaks, go to Doe’s Eat Place in the evening.
Stop 5: Cleveland
In Cleveland, visit the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, one of the most technologically-advanced music-themed museums in the world. But if live music is more your thing, Hey Joe’s is a fun place to be. Hey Joe’s also has the best burgers in Cleveland, so be sure to try out their menu.
On to the food! The Senator’s Place is the perfect place to eat the Blue Plate Special, and you can find good-tasting catfish at the Catfish Cabin. If you have a sweet tooth, go to Crave.
Stop 6: Clarksdale
Tiny little Clarksdale is the true birthplace of the Delta blues. Here, you can find the famous Crossroads, or where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul for the ability to sing the blues. To hear some blues live, go to the Bluesberry Cadee, Red’s, and Ground Zero Blues Club.
Levon’s Bar & Grill, another great live music spot, is famous for its mouth-water steaks. Both Larry’s and Abe’s are favorite hot tamale makers, and Rest Haven has the best pies around.
