Jackson is one of the cities on the famed Mississippi Blues Trails. The city’s current slogan “Jackson, Mississippi: City with Soul” pays homage to the many great jazz, blues, and gospel musicians who have called Jackson their home. These southern traditions are present in unique bars across the city. Here are some of the best of the year.

 

1. Best Wine Bar - CAET Wine BarTD

CAET Wine Bar features small plate dining and over thirty by-the-glass wine options every night. Be sure to check out the large, comfortable patio seating as well as the wine selection.

3100 N State Street, Suite 102

601-321-9169

Yelp Rating: 4 1/2 stars (16 reviews)

2. Best Beer Bar - The Pig & Pint

The Pig & Pint combines great BBQ with one of the largest selections of craft beers in the state. The beer list features craft brews from around Mississippi including Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Kiln, Hattiesburg, and Gluckstadt.

3139 N State Street

769-208-4227

Yelp Rating: 4 1/2 stars (102 reviews)

 

3. Best Sports Bar - Burgers and Blues

Burgers and Blues is the place to go for watching the game or enjoying some live music in a setting the whole family can enjoy. The restaurant was also featured in an episode of Man Vs. Food in 2011.

1060 E County Line Road, Suite 22

601-899-0038

Yelp Rating: 3 stars (95 reviews)

 

4. Best Whiskey Bar - Martin’s Restaurant and Bar

Martin's offers one of the best liquor selections in town and nightly entertainment. Although the location has changed a few times, Martin's has been a Jackson favorite since it first opened in 1953.

214 S State Street

601-354-9712

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (6 reviews)

 

5. Best After-Work Drink Spot - Fenian’s Pub

Fenian's Pub is a traditional Irish pub where you'll even catch some Irish dancing if you are lucky. The menu features pub fare as well as Irish favorites with a southern twist. 

901 E Fortification Street

601-948-0055

Yelp Rating: 3 1/2 stars (25 reviews)

 

6. Best Dive Bar - Frank Jones Corner

Source: bravobuzz.com

Frank Jones is a popular late night venue for cheap drinks and live music. The cover charge is usually just $1, and they actually serve food until  4 am on the weekends.

303 N Farish Street

601-983-1148

Yelp Rating: 4 1/2 stars (9 reviews)

 

7. Best Cocktails - BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar

BRAVO! features an outstanding wine collection as well as a unique selection of cocktails and after-dinner liquors. For a treat, check out the special menu of seasonal cocktails.

4500 I-55 North

601-982-8111

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (46 reviews)

 

8. Best Live Music - Hal and Mal's

There is no better place in Jackson for dinner, drinks, and live blues than Hal and Mal's. Popular local musicians as well as national touring acts take to the stage at Hal and Mal's. 

200 Commerce Street

601-948-0888

Yelp Rating: 3 1/2 stars (42 reviews)

 

9. Bar with the Best Outdoor Space - Library Lounge

The Library Lounge is located in the historic Fairview Inn. This has more of a neighborhood hangout vibe than a bar. The outdoor seating area will remind you of sitting in a friend's backyard under a magnolia tree.

734 Fairview Street

601-948-3429

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (10 reviews)

 

10. Most Expensive and Worth It - Char Restaurant

The winner of both OpenTable and Trip Advisor awards in 2015, Char Restaurant combines delicious food and southern charm in a way that Jackson residents love. The food and drinks are both expensive here, but the experience is worth the price.

4500 I-55 North

601-956-9562

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (78 reviews)

 

11. Best Local Joint - The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs

You get a hint of The Apothecary's charm from the minute you arrive. Set up like an old speakeasy, you have to enter the bar through a curtain at the back of the Brent's Drugs restaurant. This is the perfect spot to meet some friends and enjoy some specialty cocktails.

655 Duling Avenue

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (22 reviews)

 

12. Best Day Drinking Spot - The Bulldog

The Bulldog has a comfortable outdoor patio area and a large beer selection. It's a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon watching the game or catching up with your friends.

6111 Ridgewood Road

601-978-3502

Yelp Rating: 3 1/2 stars (68 reviews)

 

13. Best First Date Bar - Fondren Public

Fondren Public offers tasty pub food, a huge selection of specialty brews, and a pleasant atmosphere. In addition to great food and drink, you can enjoy a game of corn hole or shuffleboard. It's a fun, laid-back place to take a date where you won't have to worry about shouting over blaring music.

2765 Old Canton Road

769-216-2589

Yelp Rating: 4 (26 reviews)

 

14. Best Juice Bar - Super Shakes

Jackson does not have much to offer in the way of Juice Bars. They are just not part of that old southern tradition that is still evident across the area. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to the typical bar, however, you should make a trip to Super Shakes. Their protein shakes are both delicious and nutritious.

141 Township Avenue

769-208-2600

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (1 review)

 

15. Best LGBT Bar - Wonderlust

If you are in Jackson and looking for a LGBT bar, you are going to be disappointed by the lack of options. Wonderlust, however, does a good job making up for the lack of choice. There is a great energy on the dance floor at Wonderlust, but don't go there for the food.

3911 Northview Drive

337-378-9003

Yelp Rating: 5 stars (1 review)

16. Best New Bar - The Iron Horse Grill

The Iron Horse Grill is not exactly new to Jackson, but it re-opened recently after being closed since a fire in 1999. The menu is varied enough to satisfy every taste, and you can feel that you are visiting a piece of history at the Iron Horse Grill.

320 W Pearl Street

601-398-0151

Yelp Rating: 4 stars (73 reviews)