A Living Monument
Opened in 1948 by Carey and Mary Holmes, the Blue Front Cafe is the oldest active juke joint in Mississippi. Located in Bentonia, it serves as the primary sanctuary for the haunting, minor-chord "Bentonia School" of blues.
The Atmosphere
Housed in a small cinderblock building, the interior is famously "frozen in time" with walls lined with faded photos and memorabilia.
The Vibe
Midday feels like midnight inside. It's a laid-back "living room" environment where the music feels immediate and raw.
Music & Events
Owned today by Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, the cafe is a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail and a hub for live performance.
- The Festival: Every third Saturday in June, the town hosts the Bentonia Blues Festival, centered around the cafe.
- Impromptu Jams: Traveling musicians often stop by for spontaneous sessions with Jimmy.
- Cultural Impact: The cafe was a primary filming location for The Black Keys' "Crawling King Snake" music video.
On the Menu
Classic Southern comfort food served in a no-frills setting for over 75 years.
Signature Dishes
Fried Shrimp, hearty chili, burgers, fried chicken, and bologna sandwiches.
Cold Drinks
Famous for cold beer. Historically, it was also a well-known spot for local moonshine.
Note: The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers outdoor seating and takeout.