The Short Stop Bar and Grill

11101 S.W. Bayfield Road, Clarksdale, Mo.

(816) 393-5521

The Short Stop Bar and Grill in Clarksdale, Mo., is starting the new year with new management and food on the menu.

Since the bar opened 10 years ago, food has been an on and off proposition. It recently reopened after being closed for three weeks in December.

At this writing, food is limited to hamburgers and cheeseburgers (a St. Joseph News-Press Best Bite), fries, hot dogs and tenderloin sandwiches. The burgers are 1/2 pound, so with one of their $1.75 draws and a side of french fries, you really couldn’t want much more. And with burgers only $3.25, you would still have some change if you want another beer. Future food plans include bringing back their popular brain sandwiches and turkey fries, supplies permitting.

Food is not the main draw at the Short Stop, however. It’s definitely more bar than grill, with a pool table, jute box and lots of Budweiser girls on the walls. It’s a place where locals hang out in the evening and kids play pool after school in the afternoon. It won’t win any awards for decor or ambiance. On the other hand, there isn’t much competition in Clarksdale, so maybe it would. They are open from noon to midnight Monday through Saturday.