BBQ$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; closed Sun
The Pig and Pint in Fondren pairs eclectic BBQ - brisket, baby back ribs, and fried green tomato tacos - with one of Mississippi's largest craft beer.
Order: Sliced brisket plate with the fried green tomato tacos on the side
Tip: The patio under the trees fills fast on warm evenings; arrive at opening for the best outdoor seating.
Mediterranean$Mon-Sun 11:00-21:00
Aplos Mediterranean at Highland Village is fast-fine Greek and Italian: gyro plates, hummus, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and baked feta at counter prices.
Order: Gyro plate with brown rice, hummus, pita and mini Greek salad
Tip: One of Jackson's few quality fast-fine options; ideal for a quick pre-show or post-museum meal.
Mediterranean$$Mon-Thu 07:30-21:30; Fri-Sat 07:30-22:30; Sun 11:00-21:30
Aladdin Mediterranean Grill on Lakeland Drive is open from 07:30, serving shakshuka, falafel, and lamb kebabs - Jackson's most diverse Mediterranean menu.
Order: Vegetarian plate with falafel, dolmas, tabouli, hummus, and pita
Tip: One of the city's rare spots open for a full Mediterranean breakfast from 07:30.
Mexican$Mon 11:00-21:00; Tue 11:00-23:00; Wed 11:00-21:00; Thu-Sat 11:00-23:00; Sun 11:00-23:00
Green Ghost Tacos serves Mexican street tacos on gluten-free corn tortillas, no MSG, with a vegan menu alongside full carnivore and seafood options.
Order: Steak tacos with house salsa, or the shrimp tacos with mango slaw
Tip: One of the best late-night taco options in Jackson, running until midnight on Fridays.
American$$Mon-Fri 11:00-14:00; Wed-Sat 17:30-21:30; Sat-Sun 11:00-14:00
Crazy Cat Eat Up is a BYOB neighbourhood kitchen with a cult following for its bread pudding, meatloaf sandwich, and weekend brunch plates served in a homey.
Order: Bread pudding for dessert, or the short rib sandwich at lunch
Tip: BYOB means you can bring a bottle from Briarwood Wine around the corner - a ritual for regulars.
Italian$$$Tue-Thu 11:00-21:30; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00; closed Mon
BRAVO! Italian at Highland Village has been a Jackson institution since 1995, with familiar pastas, wood-roasted chicken, and tiramisu that locals love.
Order: Pasta of the day or the wood-roasted salmon, followed by tiramisu
Tip: The lunch specials Tuesday through Friday offer the best value in the room.