I've got to say we had perhaps our best night here during our musical pilgrimage to Memphis, NOLA and Clarksdale.It was a freezing night (literally!) so there was no barbecue on offer. We were met at the door by a scary wild eyed guy with dreads demanding a $7 cover and holding up 6 fingers and found a stool at the back of this packed joint for 3 hours of fabulously bluesy soulful live music.The guy with the dreads turned out to be canny, an hour later I was singing a Temptations song with him and sharing his moonshine, which had an interesting flavour to say the least. The crowd was a good mix of locals and tourists including some rather dapper suited and booted (and hatted), gentlemen - one of which was a smooth operator with red baggy pants & kipper tie and who looked like Lionel Ritchie, he had all the ladies up twirling them round the small dance floor bit; I took notes!I agree with my fellow Brit below I didn't think the bogs were that bad but then I do go drinking in Newcastle ;-) the bar pricess were a very good @$3 per beer with tips jar on the bar.The band were outstanding - King Fish was here again, this 15 year old kid is obviously very popular round these parts and got a good reception and crowd reaction. There was also a badly disabled guy who despite being bent over double played the guitar with great skill and craft and had a voice like a soulful van Morrison - what a talent.If you're visiting clarksdale don't miss this place, despite its rundown rustic look, you won't find a friendlier place
A genuine Mississippi jook joint, over the tracks from Ground Zero. We arrived before the show started so stood outside chatting to Doc and the star of the evening Terry "Harmonica" Bean.A $7.00 cover charge got us in and we reclined in the aforementioned barber chairs. I didn't find the bathroom that bad, but I am from the UK.The crowd were all white tourists and fairly appreciative. We went back to Ground Zero (where we were staying) and I went on a wander and ended up back at Red's clutching a go-cup of margarita. No-one seemed to mind, especially as I ordered a beer chaser. Terry was still laying down a great show and the famous Josh "Razorblade" Stuart wandered in, gravely acknowledged the crowd and wandered out again.A fantastic place and a fantastic evening - my only regret was that they weren't serving BBQ that night.
We were recommended to go to Reds by the staff at the Shack up inn where we stayed. When arriving to Reds the place looked a bit creepy from outside. However when entering we were surprised (in a good way). The place was filled with people and many of them were bringing food(?). We asked what this was all about and they told us that it was Red´s (the owner) birthday. The night showed to be amazing. Free food, great music and nice chats with many locals. It was one of the greatest live music experiences of my life, and i am/was not even a big fan of Blues. :) If you are in the area, you should visit Red´s. The only thing that could have been better was the cleanliness of the bathrooms, but on the other hand we did not go there for the bathrooms.
I felt like I was transformed back to my teenage years and I was in my friends basement where the best music and party was happening. This was our first night in town and got to see Leo Bud Welch a 82 year young man who could sing and play the guitar with the best of them. Come join the fun and talk to the locals who show up to dance and party along with people from all over the world who love and enjoy authentic blues. Red himself may be sitting off to the side watching a basketball game but will eventually grove to the music and put his own requests in for a song. Don't be put off by the rustic nature of the building, as the small venue and mismatched furniture go great with the $3 beer and the small $10 cover charge is well worth it.
We were at Reds 9/6/14.Had a really nice night. UNTIL just before closing. Bass player Preston Rumba sat down next to my 24 year old niece. One of the sweetest human beings your ever going to meet by the way, and said something to her that she refuses out of embarrassment to repeat.I don't like to go around dis crediting people. My niece is graduate student who has no reason to make this up. We were having a great time, and it turned on a dime.
A proper blues joint! You have to go here! Cute little intimate place, great locals, excellent music! We saw big t and howlin madd perry, they were excellent great place to visit in clarkadale best night yet on our trip! Loved it y'all!
Amazing Blues, went 3 nights in the row. Impressed with the variety of artists from a 77 yr. old to musicians in their 20ies.We also liked the owner Big Red and his manager Doc.
It is a dive but there is a soulful vibe here you don't get in many places anymore.One of the last real jukes, don't miss it, if you are a fan of the blues Red's should be on top of your bucket list.Great Blues Music Wednesday to Sunday and cold beer at a bargain price. Red and his guys are very friendly and have great tales of life in the Delta.
A couple of locals recommended Red's as the real deal in Clarksdale. Got there as band was setting up so the lights were and we got to see the interior. Pretty scary - falling down ceiling delaminated bathroom doors and real toilet stench. We sat in a couple of upholstered barber chairs and watched the crowd file in. Mostly locals with only a smattering of tourists. The 350 lb bouncer suggested a couple of the rowdy locals leave (they left). The crowd heckled the band into playing more authentic Delta blues and the evening was delicious. The beers were $3 but don't drink too many so you can avoid the bathroom. We can now boast that we have been to a REAL juke joint.
I love going to Red's whenever I am in Clarksdale, MS (6 times in 2014). Red and I get along great and he always gives me a hug when I come. He and my husband have a "love hate relationship" though LOL. Our last visit was in Nov. 2014 for Red's birthday bash. We had a great time. We were even recognized for our loyality to Red's and the MC Dr. Dingo told us that he and the Red's family loves us. It was a great night. Red's Lounge is a MUST when in Clarksdale. Only beer is sold here so if you would like something stronger, bring your own, it is allowed.Clarksdale is undergoing a smoking ban so if you smoke, be prepared to step outside to do so or bring an e-cigarette.