Big Apple Inn is a soul food restaurant in Jackson.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Must order: Pig ear sandwich and a smoke, under $6 total
Tip: The tamales here connect directly to the Delta tradition; order a dozen to go.
Address: 509 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202
Brent's Drugs is a 1946 Fondren pharmacy-turned-diner, serving classic lunch plates and counter-stool meals in a perfectly preserved American setting.
Order: Brent's Burger with onion rings, or a classic milkshake from the soda fountain
Tip: The Apothecary speakeasy bar in the back opens at 17:00 Monday through Saturday; no sign on the door.
The Pig and Pint in Fondren pairs eclectic BBQ - brisket, ribs, and fried green tomato tacos - with Mississippi's largest craft beer selections.
Order: Brisket plate with fried green tomato tacos and a rotating Mississippi craft beer
Tip: The rotating craft beer selection is genuinely excellent; ask the bartender what's new on tap.
Hal and Mal's serves red beans and rice, po'boys, and Southern comfort food in a converted cotton warehouse with live music almost every night.
Order: Red beans and rice with andouille sausage, or a po'boy with comeback sauce
Tip: Check the entertainment calendar before visiting; Hal's is the home of Hal's St Paddy's Parade every March.
Boondocks BBQ is a neighbourhood smokehouse near Belhaven, known for smoked brisket, pulled pork, specialty burgers, and long lunch queues mid-week.
Order: Smoked brisket sandwich with house sauce, or the smoked wings
Tip: This is the kind of neighbourhood BBQ that doesn't get tourist coverage; locals eat here for a reason.
Keifer's Restaurant has served gyros, hummus, and Greek salads to a Jackson dining room beloved by students, families, and late-night crowds since 1980.
Order: Gyro plate with extra feta dressing, or the Greek salad
Tip: Keifer's stays open until 23:00 on weekends, making it one of Jackson's best late-night options.
Hen and Egg is chef Nick Wallace's downtown Southern cafe, serving Gulf shrimp grits, chicken and egg sandwiches, and a Sunday brunch buffet.
Order: Gulf Shrimp and Delta Rice Grits at lunch, or the Sunday brunch buffet
Tip: The Sunday buffet upstairs is one of downtown's best weekly rituals; arrive before 11:00 for a table.
