Gadsden, Alabama

End of the Line

May 2022

After a day of fly casting on the Coosa River at Gadsden, Alabama, it is just a short drive along Broad Street to downtown and Blackstone Pub & Eatery. This locally-owned spot is constantly evolving to stay a half step ahead of the revitalization going on all around it.

The restaurant gets its name from an earlier eatery – the Cafe Blackstone – that was situated in the same building. Opened in 2002, the new Blackstone takes pride in that legacy from an earlier, slower-paced life in the downtown. On the other hand, when they first threw open their doors, they were the only business of any kind on Broad Street that stayed open after 5:30 p.m. Now you find the Blackstone open from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., except on Sundays with they close at midnight.

Today the Blackstone continues to be a hub of activity in the downtown. Besides a full bar, they offer 42 beers on tap and 150 craft and imported varieties as well. Those include all offerings of the local brewery, the Back Forty Beer Company.

Also adding to the atmosphere is the live music served up on the Blackstone stage. Like their beer list, you can find just about any kind of music here to suit your taste. Acts ranging from jazz and bluegrass, to Reggae and alternative are offered, along with jams and outlaw country acts.

The food menu is just as unique and varied as the rest of Blackstone’s offerings. The features are salads, quesadillas, nachos and pizzas. But don’t expect just the usual bar-food quality and selection.

In both quesadillas and pizzas, you can enjoy Caribbean jerk chicken, Pilly cheese steak or Fire on the Mountain Buffalo grilled chicken varieties. For the carnivores among us, there’s the Dude, a pizza covered with five different meats. Or you might opt for the Blackstone, which has virtually everything on the menu heaped on a pizza pie. For the non-carnivores, try the Hippie Nachos or the Lousy Hunter pizza.

You’ll find that the food and service are delivered by a friendly staff that is quick to provide smiles and helpful support. Meanwhile you can rub elbows with local folks who frequent the establishment.

Expect the Blackstone Pub & Eatery to continue to lead the way in providing good food and a vibrant atmosphere in Gadsden.