Seafood$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00
Saltine in Fondren is Jackson's premier oyster bar, with Gulf oysters at $1.75 during happy hour, fried shrimp platters, and Gulf seafood prepared daily.
Order: Gulf oysters on the half shell during the 4-6 pm happy hour
Tip: The $1.75 oyster happy hour runs daily 16:00-18:00 and is one of the city's best deals.
New American$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-14:30
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen in Belhaven serves contemporary American food with fire at the centre - from wood-fired pizzettas and fish tacos to weekend.
Order: Fried fish tacos at lunch, or a wood-fired pizzetta at happy hour
Tip: The 15:00-18:00 weekday happy hour on pizzettas is an excellent low-key early dinner.
Soul food$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:30-15:00
Hal and Mal's on Commerce Street is Jackson's iconic live-music restaurant, with Southern comfort food and nightly entertainment in a converted warehouse.
Order: Red beans and rice with andouille, or the Sunday brunch plate
Tip: Thursday and Friday nights draw the best local bands; arrive early for a table near the stage.
Greek$$Sun-Thu 10:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:30-23:00
Keifer's Restaurant on Poplar Boulevard has been Jackson's first taste of Greek-inspired food since 1980, serving gyros, feta dressing, and hummus to a loyal.
Order: Classic gyro plate with hummus, or the Greek salad with Keifer's feta dressing
Tip: Late-night crowds from the Fondren bar scene fill the counter after 21:30; the kitchen runs until close.
Italian$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00
Amerigo Italian at Fondren's Duling School is a Jackson institution since 1987: fresh pasta, wood-roasted salmon, classic steaks for loyal regulars.
Order: House-made pasta of the day, or the wood-roasted salmon
Tip: No reservations at this location; arrive before 11:30 or after 20:00 to avoid a wait.
Cajun & Creole$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-20:00
Drago's Seafood in north Jackson is the Mississippi outpost of the New Orleans chain, famous for charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and Gulf shellfish.
Order: Charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and parmesan
Tip: Crawfish season runs February through May; call ahead to confirm live product is available.