I noticed Owens Burger Shack across the street while we were filling up at a gas station. It’s a good thing we were running low on gas while driving around Clarksdale, Mississippi. Marcela and I had just eaten a really hefty lunch, so I stored this spot in my burger joint memory banks.
I went light on breakfast (bagel and coffee) the following morning since I knew it was Owens Burger Shack for lunch day. I was very excited, as Owens Burger Shack looks like it’s going to be great. There are no seats, and once you walk in, there’s a tight space that might fit two or three people and an order window.
I read and reread the menu, and the pressure is on when I’m asked what I want to order. So we must start with the hot wings, juke joint fries, chopped BBQ sandwich, and chili cheeseburger. I also try to get the hot tamales, but they’re out.
I’m the only one there, so I ask about the business. The two fellas mention this is a family-owned business and that they are brothers. My eyes light up as this is what I like to hear.
I tell them I’m in town from Miami as I’m leaving with the food that I had spotted them from across the street the day before, and they thank me for coming back to try them out.
And Now We Wait
So we’re sitting in the car, and we’re looking at everything. It all smells so good. The hot wings were first with a flavorful buffalo sauce they were soaking in. You also gotta love the piece of bread in the corner used to sop up the hot sauce juices for later.
Again, the fries here are slightly undercooked (apparently, it’s a Southern thing), but those toppings make me forget all about it. Jalapeños, cheese, and that dense, smoky BBQ sauce make these Juke Joint Fries incredible and make me think these would be an excellent topping for an all-beef hot dog.
Everywhere you look in the South, you’re going to find slaw, so it’s no surprise to find it on the chopped BBQ sandwich. Much like those phenomenal fries I just had, this sandwich is a sloppy winner but a winner nonetheless.
We’re now down to the chili cheeseburger, which is looking back at me with a scared look. It should have one. I skipped the slaw on this one, but it does have chili, cheese, onions, and mustard. It’s a beautiful hand-formed patty cooked right on til’ juicy. I probably should have started with the chili cheeseburger cause *I’m feeling a bit full at this point.
Please Don’t Go!
Marcela puts the car on the drive, and as we begin to move, we see the kitchen door of Owens Burger Shack open up, and out comes the gentleman I was talking to at the window. They wanted us to try some of their rib tips, which are only available on Fridays and Saturdays.
These little guys are marinating in that addictive BBQ sauce. I’m one piece in when I realize I should stop now before my food coma hits epic proportions. I didn’t need dessert; those tips filled its place nicely and happily.
I’m glad we stopped in at Owens Burger Shack; I had a feeling that it would be just what I needed, and I was right.
Owens Burger Shack
601 Dr. MLK Boulevard
Clarksdale, MS
(662) 624-1187
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/p/Owens-Burger-Shack-100066913972167
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 11 am – 2 pm
Thursday 11 am – 9 pm
Friday 11 am – 11 pm
Saturday 2 am – 10 pm
Sunday CLOSED
*It probably didn’t help that I drank two cans of Cola.