1. Go Hog Wild At The Pig And The Pint
The Pig & The Pint
3139 N State St
Jackson, MS 39216
(769) 208-4227
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 67 reviews
At The Pig And The Pint, they do away with the frills and focus on what’s important–darn good barbecue. The patio gives the feel of a family cookout, and you can sit at one of the picnic tables and pig out with friends or friendly strangers.
There’s nothing fancy here. You place your order at the counter, pay in cash, take a number, and pick up your food. But the ability to come as you are to dine out some truly outstanding barbecue makes this place a cut above the rest.
2. Tacos And Tapas And Cocktails, Oh My
Babalu Tacos & Tapas
622 Duling Ave
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 366-5757
Yelp: 4 stars, 121 reviews
This Mexican small plates restaurant will impress you so much, you’ll avoid those popular chains you used to frequent at all costs. Although the tacos are definitely a varsity menu item here, the tapas are delicious and make for an awesome way to sample a little bit of everything.
Whatever you order, though, make sure that it includes the grilled chicken satte topped with smoked corn pico de gallo.
3. Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen Is A Good Thing At Two Sisters Kitchen
Two Sister’s Kitchen
07 N Congress St
Jackson, MS 39205
(601) 353-1180
Yelp: 4 stars, 99 reviews
Southern cooking with lots of soul is what you’ll find from Two Sister’s Kitchen. The regular staples all apply – fried chicken, black eyed peas, greens, creamed corn, fried okra are all done expertly, almost like they invented southern cooking.
The ambiance exudes just as much southern charm as the food does. The desserts will have you melting in your seat, with options like peach cobbler, apple crisp, and banana and bread puddings.
4. Have Your Cake And Eat It, Too, At Darwell’s
Darwell’s
127 E 1st St
Long Beach, MS 39560
(228) 868-8946
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 120 reviews
When it comes to seafood, there are few places that are comparable to South Mississippi. Darwell’s in Long Beach is one of the restaurants which showcases exactly what makes it so good.
But even though the seafood is the reason that you go to Darwell’s, the dessert is the reason that you’ll be daydreaming to come back. With some of the most decadent and indulgent desserts you’ll find anywhere, these unique concoctions take the term sweet tooth to a whole new level.
5. Brunch It Up Like A Boss At The Strawberry Café
The Strawberry Café
107 Depot Dr
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-3822
Yelp: 4 stars, 24 reviews
Located in the historic railroad depot in the old strawberry city of Madison, The Strawberry Café started as the first restaurant in the city back in 1987. Nearly 30 years later, it’s still standing.
The food is excellent any time of the day, with crab claws and sweet potato fries and po boys waiting for you. But it’s the brunch that will make you a loyal fan, with a variety of hearty options with generous portions.
6. The Big Bad Breakfast Won’t Eat Your Grandma
Big Bad Breakfast
719 N Lamar Blvd
Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 236-2666
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 68 reviews
When you have a name like The Big Bad Breakfast, it better live up to the hype. They mastered their potatoes perfectly, but save all those starches for the real goodies like red velvet pancakes, pancakes, chocolate covered pretzels, fresh macaroons, cake bites, and more. Some stiff mimosas and bloody Mary mixers will help you wash it all down, reminding you why brunch is a way more important meal than breakfast.
7. Gyros Galore Krilakis
Krilakis
207 W Jackson St
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 790-9463
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 18 reviews
When you’re craving Greek food, making the trip to Ridgeland might just be worth it for you. With some of the best gyros around, Krilakis never disappoints. But beyond the gyros, the options just keep getting better. Awesomely fresh hummus, sweet buns, Greek salads and even some surprisingly great burgers. And the baklava is worth the trip alone.
8. Get Pho Real At Little Saigon
Little Saigon Sandwiches and Sushi
115 Village Square Dr
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 919-0275
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 22 reviews
This Vietnamese gem is tucked away in Brandon but is much more than other overly Americanized-Asian restaurants. The grilled pork vermicelli is one of the most standout menu options that will pique your curiosity to what else this place has in store for you.
Grilled teriyaki sandwiches, spring rolls, and some seriously good pho is the just the tip of the iceberg. And the best part is that even though each dish is packed with flavor, everything here is MSG-free.
9. A Cajun Lovers’ Dram At 303 Jefferson
303 Jefferson
303 Jefferson St
Clinton, MS 39056
(601) 924-1303
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 10 reviews
Downtown Clinton isn’t exactly overflowing with places to eat but 303 Jefferson more than makes up for it. This Cajun-Creole spot brings a lot of flavor to a small area. And with creations like their Back Bay Smoked Tuna Dip, it could rival the biggest names in Jackson.
Order the shrimp with grits, and come for lunch to enjoy one of their various hot plate specials and wash it down with a good, old fashioned sweet tea.
10. Grab A Bite And A Jolt At The Grind
The Grind Coffee & Nosh
934 Cedar Lake Rd
Biloxi, MS 39532
(228) 392-3305
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 55 reviews
There are two types of people in the world: those who enjoy a quality cup of coffee and those who nobody understands. The Grind Coffee & Nosh has the best coffee to be found for miles but they also have some great food to nosh on, too.
Breakfast will fill your stomach with amazing cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches. And lunch time is a delight with panini sandwiches pressed to a perfect sear, making the bread crisp only where it should be. Come here for the perfect pick-me-up no matter what the time of day while you’re in Biloxi.
11. The Manship Has The Handcrafted Pies
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
1200 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 398-4562
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 60 reviews
Prepare to fall in love with pizza all over again when you come to The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen. Located in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, this Mediterranean restaurant emphasizes authentic dishes with just enough southern flare.
The vibe here is heavier on the chic than it is the shabby, creating a modern environment that you won’t want to leave. Once you take a bite into their handcrafted, wood-fired pies, you’ll wonder why you’ve been wasting so much time on all those delivery places.
12. Discover Where The Best Burger In Mississippi Has Been All Along
The Parlor Market
115 W Capitol St
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 360-0090
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 100 reviews
There are burgers, and then there are burgers from The Parlor Market. They’re kind that you get in a drive-thru and the kind that would make Ron Swanson weep tears of joy.
Seasonal Southern cuisine is The Parlor’s specialty, with an outstanding menu featuring locally sourced and super fresh ingredients filled with creativity. But when you can load a burger up with everything but the kitchen sink, don’t be surprised when that’s all anyone can talk about.
13. Come For More Than Just The Keg & Barrel
Keg and Barrel
1315 Hardy St
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 582-7148
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 38 reviews
Keg and Barrel might sound like just another bar if you were to judge it based on the name alone. Yes, there is plenty to drink here (with over 120 selections, that’s even a bit of an understatement). But it’s the food that really stands out, Try the oysters or come for Southern staple of chicken and waffles, which Keg and Barrel has managed to knock out of the ballpark.
14. A Taste Of The Big Easy
La Fleur Café
313 N Magnolia St
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 426-2100
Yelp: 4 stars, 14 reviews
Café La Fleur isn’t exactly what one could call New Orleans. But when you’re in Mississippi, this can be just about as close as you can get. Located in Laurel, this café is sure to set your taste buds on fire with options like the grilled kabob with parmesan green beans. With an extensive wine menu to pair your meals with, you’ll be happy you found one of Mississippi’ best kept secrets.
15. Sandwiches With A Side Of Vinyl
T-Bones Records And Café
2101 Hardy St
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 583-0099
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 41 reviews
One of the coolest places to grab lunch in Mississippi can be found in Hattiesburg at T-Bones Records And Café. Put together equal parts vinyl collection, bookstore, coffee shop, and awesome sandwiches and you have the place where anyone who is cool wants to be. Order the Evil Twin sandwich with a cup of coffee, grab a book and browse the vinyls for the afternoon.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments below!
