BBQ$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; closed Sun
The Pig and Pint in Fondren pairs eclectic BBQ - brisket, ribs, and fried green tomato tacos - with Mississippi's largest craft beer selections.
Order: Brisket plate with fried green tomato tacos and a rotating Mississippi craft beer
Tip: The rotating craft beer selection is genuinely excellent; ask the bartender what's new on tap.
Soul food$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:30-15:00
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.
BBQ$$Tue-Sat 11:00-22:00; closed Sun-Mon
Boondocks BBQ is a neighbourhood smokehouse near Belhaven, known for smoked brisket, pulled pork, specialty burgers, and long lunch queues mid-week.
Order: Smoked brisket sandwich with house sauce, or the smoked wings
Tip: This is the kind of neighbourhood BBQ that doesn't get tourist coverage; locals eat here for a reason.
Greek$$Sun-Thu 10:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:30-23:00
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.
Soul food$$Mon-Fri 08:00-14:00; Sun 10:00-15:00; closed Sat
Hen and Egg is chef Nick Wallace's downtown Southern cafe, serving Gulf shrimp grits, chicken and egg sandwiches, and a Sunday brunch buffet.
Order: Gulf Shrimp and Delta Rice Grits at lunch, or the Sunday brunch buffet
Tip: The Sunday buffet upstairs is one of downtown's best weekly rituals; arrive before 11:00 for a table.
Cajun & Creole$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-20:00
Drago's is the Mississippi outpost of the New Orleans chain, with charbroiled oysters, Gulf fried shellfish, crawfish in season, and Southern-spiced sides.
Order: Charbroiled oysters with garlic-butter and parmesan as a first course
Tip: Crawfish season runs February to May; call ahead to confirm live product is available.