Smoot’s Grocery Blues Lounge

Located in the heart of downtown Natchez, with a view to the Mississippi River from its outdoor patio, Smoot’s Grocery started out life as an actual grocery store in 1939. After a history of closures and ownership changes, Smoot’s has reinvented itself as one of the few venues breathing life back into Natchez’s live music scene.

The lounge’s exterior preserves much of its original charm, with a tin roof and weathered wooden façade, while inside, a striking mural by Clarksdale artist Doug Kosmo spans the walls and ceiling. The mural chronicles the history of blues music, interwoven with folk art symbols and religious motifs.

From Thursday through Sunday, Smoot’s offers an eclectic mix of live music, ranging from blues and jazz to rock and country. The week starts with intimate acoustic sets, with high-energy full-band performances on the weekends.

On a weeknight, the bar hums with life. Patrons sip craft beers and cocktails as local musicians Gabriel Bass and Eric Leger take the stage, delivering a blend of covers and original tunes. Between sets, the bartender keeps shots of whiskey flowing, and at one point, another musician from the audience joins in for an impromptu performance.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with musicians bantering on stage and mingling with friends at the bar. Smoot’s feels like more than just a lounge—it’s a small sanctuary along the river, offering travelers a place to find connection through music and feel at home among strangers.