Abbeville Catfish - Abbeville

Abe's BBQ - Clarksdale
(616 State Street, 38614 - 662 624-9211)

Abner's - Oxford
(662 236-3080) Terrific chicken tenders with three different sauces; a popular University of Mississippi student haunt; french fries are also better than average; walls feature Ole Miss promotional materials as well as autographed photos from the likes of Chris Berman and Archie Manning.

Ajax Diner – Oxford [Photo]
118 Courthouse Square, 38655 - 662 232-8880) Open daily from 11:30 am – 10 pm.  Visit them online at www.ajaxdiner.com.

An-Jac's Famous BBQ - Gulfport
(34 29th Street, 39507 - 228 863-5762)

Annie's Restaurant - Pass Christian
(120 W. Bayview Drive, 39571 - 228 452-2963) Featured in the March-April edition of Coastal Living.

Back Door Cafe - Columbia (Added May, 2006)
(705 Main Street 39429, 601 736-1490 Fax: 601 736-0902) Contemporary Mississippi Cuisine ... Back Door blends traditional southern fare with more contemporary items, catering to both the die hard traditional southern food lovers as well as the more adventurous ... Open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and for dinner Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM ... Reservations for large parties only ... Check 'em out on the web at www.backdoorrestaurant.com (or drop 'em an email at info@backdoorrestaurant.com).

Benigno's - Bay St. Louis (Added May, 2002)
(128 Blaize Avenue - 228 466-0105) Popular joint run by New Orleans native Roy Dedeaux; they offer up 17 varieties of Po Boys in a General Store setting; ask for a side of the Sweet Potato Fries; open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Betty Davis BBQ - Waterford (Added December, 2003)
(3359 Old Oxford Road) No relation whatsoever to the famous Hollywood actress; this is a true dive; a cross between a backwoods BBQ joint and rickety country store; their are only a few seats inside (at a picnic table), but the ribs here are worth the trip; very unique smoky taste --- almost like country ham; the sauce is nice and tart and the help is usually upbeat and friendly; sit inside (at the small table) or outside (on the hood of your car); Betty Davis Grocery can be found just off Mississippi Highway 7 (down a short gravel road) between Oxford and Holly Springs; give them a shot ... we're guessing you won't be disappointed!

The Big Apple Inn – Jackson
(509 North Farish Street, 39202 - 601 354-9371) Named for the old Big Apple dance ... not New York City! The specialty here is Pig's Ear sandwiches (hey, don't knock it till you've tried it!). In business in the same location since 1939, when a Pig's Ear sandwich cost 10 cents. They're still a bargain today at just 75 cents! You may also want to sample the spicy homemade tamales.

Bill's Greek Tavern - Jackson (Added July, 2004)
(4760 McWillie Drive; 601 982-9295) This classic Greek joint is highly regarded by longtime Jackson residents; Bill's is known for their excellent seafood and Greek specialties; many claim the Redfish is as good as anything you can find in New Orleans.

Bill's Hamburgers - Amory
(310 Main Street, 38821 - 662 256-2085) Your choice here is a hamburger with onions or without ... that's it; of course, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce are provided as condiments; patrons munch burgers while sitting on bar stools surrounding the grill; no plates ... just wax paper; french fries are served as a side; open Monday - Saturday for breakfast and lunch; closed Sunday.

Blow Fly Inn - Gulfport
(1201 Washington Avenue, 39507 - 228 896-9812) In business for over 30 years now, the Blow Fly serves up steaks, ribs and seafood with a sense of humor; strange custom of garnishing each plate with a plastic fly; you can dine inside or dockside; keep your eyes peeled for alligators and jumping mullet; closed Sunday.

Blue and White - Tunica
(1355 Highway 61 North, 38676 - 662 363-1371) They start early at the Blue & White; New hours are 6 AM to 10 PM for this quaint eatery along Mississippi's famed River Road; They offer a daily lunch buffet featuring many delicious homemade items. Don't miss the fresh greens (every day except Sunday), homemade chicken n' dumplins, and wonderful chocolate and coconut desserts; classic southern breakfast of eggs, grits, biscuits, and huge slabs of ham bathed in red eye gravy; blue plate lunches and dinner also served here 7 days a week; opened in 1937, the Blue and White is a combo gas station and cafe operated by Linda and Michael Tutor, who particularly recommend the Sunday lunch buffet, but try to make reservations --- it's a popular after-church stop for the locals; sort of a local landmark on the famous Hwy 61. Sunday specialties include turkey and dressing, roast beef, ham, fried chicken, and a wide variety of fresh country veggies. Call them at 662 363-1371. Good biscuits at breakfast!

Blue Front Cafe - Bentonia
(107 East Railroad Avenue, 39040 - 662 755-2278)

Borroum's Drug Store - Corinth (Added June, 2005)
(604 Waldron Street; 662 286-3361) Ice cream and slugburgers ... not necessarily in that order!

Bottletree Bakery - Oxford (Added June, 2004)
(662 236-5000) Cool place just off the historic square; funky folk art throughout the joint; eclectic breakfast crowd; the ginger scones and delicate apple tarts are sublime; good granola with fruit and coffee too!

Bud's Cafe – Greenville
(1718 Old Leland Road, 38702 - 662 378-8654) Terrific soul food lunches for about $5. The cafe is situated just a block or two from the mighty Mississippi River. How's that for atmosphere?

Bully's Soul Food - Jackson (Added June, 2004)
(3118 Livingston Road - 601 362-0484) Don't miss their greens!

Cafe 51 - Hernando (Added August, 2005)
(2450 Highway 51 South; 662 429-3033) Junior (aka Tim McMath) has cooked at Owen Brennan's and the Boiling Point before retreating to the quiet life in Hernando, MS (about a half hour's drive from downtown Memphis); McMath pulls it all off just fine with a blend of home cookin' and rustic atmosphere; the eatery is located in what was once a private residence; it's not a big place, so it's almost impossible to not interact with the help or the clientele; daily lunch specials include fried pork chops, BBQ chicken, hamburger steak and onions, fried chicken, a terrifically chunky chicken pot pie, and much more; choose from sides like butter beans, fried green tomatoes, turnip greens, string beans, mashed potatoes (with skins) bathed in pan gravy, etc.; entrees served with your choice of fresh baked rolls or cornbread; home made desserts are just $1.25 with banana pudding, peach cobbler and fried apple pies being served 7 days a week; wash it down with iced sweet tea, soft drink or fruit punch; full salad bar; all you can eat catfish buffet on the weekends; open for lunch every day from 10:30 am 'til 3 pm; dinner hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 5 pm 'til 9 pm; Junior's is a welcome addition to the historic Hernando Square and the NW MS dining scene; Y'all come!

Cane Creek Seafood Restaurant - Hattiesburg (Added October, 2005)
(3200 Lakeview Road; 601 582-7637)

Chamoun's Rest Haven - Clarksdale
Features both Lebanese and Down-home cuisine.

Chimneyville Smokehouse - Jackson (Added May, 2005)
(970 High Street; 601 354-4665) BBQ meats dished up cafeteria style; baked beans, cole slaw, mac and cheese; good food priced to move; come and get it!

Cicero’s – Stoneville
(4857 Old Leland Road, 38776 – 662 334-3315) Open Monday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm; Saturday from 5 pm – 10 pm; featured in Southern Living and Mississippi magazine.

Clancy's - Yazoo City
(1505 Jerry Clower Boulevard - 662 746-2339)

Cock of the Walk - Natchez
(200 North Broadway Street, 39120 – 601 446-8920 Buddy Clark) In the early days on the Mississippi River, the toughest man on each boat was called "The Cock of the Walk"; this character was easily recognized by the turkey feather stuck in his hat; waiters dressed like river men serve drinks in metal cups and meals on roughcast dinner ware; famous for their cornbread, which if flipped from a skillet before your eyes; specialties are catfish, chicken and shrimp, served up with sides of french fries, cole slaw, and pickled onions; you can also order a "pot o’ greens" or fried dill pickles; the restaurant is located on the bluff overlooking "Big Muddy".

Coleman's BBQ - Meridian

Como Steak House - Como (Added June, 2004)
(203 Main Street - 662 526-9529) Open for dinner only Tuesday-Saturday; known throughout the state for great steaks and chops; (as well as their uniquely retro atmosphere); Oyster Blues, a bar with a distinctly nautical feel, is housed upstairs in this historic structure (once a general store); the steakhouse has been in operation since the late 1980's; diners trek from Memphis, Oxford, Jackson and beyond; steaked are cooked to perfection in full view of patrons; in fact, the grillmaster and a vintage cooler filled with choice meats is located on the dining room side of the fire; you'll surely hear the cook as he frequently barks out commands to the youthful servers; steaks fall in the $20-26 range; I went for the 12 ounce filet mignon and I wasn't disappointed; the beef was served alongside a loaded baked potato, Texas toast, and a fresh house salad drenched in a homemade blue cheese dressing; my wife enoyed the grilled shrimp on a skewer; even the kids' french fries were top notch --- yep, they caught me sneaking a few!; one unusual appetizer we sampled was the fried stuffed olives --- pretty darn tasty; desserts are offered but rarely ordered --- folks are just too darn full; arrive early on weekends --- they get real busy; while in Como, be sure to take a few carefree moments to stroll down Main Street, once the stomping ground of Blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell; cruise along the railroad tracks past the rusty water tower (COMO is only visible from one side); the town has a number of charming well-maintained homes from years gone by; all in all it's a fun, "turn back the clock" experience that's well worth the time it takes to reach this sleepy Delta community; get here quick and then SLOW DOWN!

Country Kitchen - Collins

Crawdads - Merigold (Added May, 2004)
(104 South Park Street; 662 748-2441)

Crechale’s – Jackson (Added July, 2004)
(3107 Highway 80 West – 601 355-1840) Open Sunday – Thursday, 4 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4 pm – 11:30 pm.  A long time Jackson landmark; look for the retro neon sign out front; fine steaks, shrimp, and onion rings with "Comeback" Sauce (a slightly spicier variation of Thousand Island dressing).

Crystal Grill - Greenwood (Added December, 2003)
(423 Carrollton Avenue; 662 453-6530) Famous for its mile-high meringue pies. In business since the 1930s, this landmark restaurant is owned and operated by the Ballas family.

Dale's - Southaven (Added December, 2003) [Photo 1 | Photo 2]
(1226 Main Street, (662) 393-2060) A favorite lunch spot for many a year, Dale's is hard to miss along Southaven's main drag (just off I-55 about 10 minutes south of Memphis); just look for the bright salmon colored exterior; this eatery seats a bunch of folks and needs virtually all the room they have on weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. Stop by and find out why! Their Chicken and Dressing days are extremely popular. Home-owned and operated by Dale & Lillie Graham at this location since 1966.

Deke and Stella's Bar-B-Q - Oxford

Desporte & Son's Seafood - Biloxi (Added August, 2005)
(1075 Division Street; 228 432-1018) Sandwiches and fried fish platters; we recommend you try the seafood platter ... you get stuffed crab, boiled crawfish, fried oysters, fried shrimp and french fries for just ten bucks; lunch entrees are served with gumbo and potato salad; open Monday - Saturday; call for exact hours of operation.

Dilworth's Tamale Shop - Corinth (Added June, 2005)
(111 Taylor Street; 662 665-0833) Drive thru only; they have been in business since 1962 ... must be making them right!

Dinner Bell - McComb [Photo 1 | Photo 2]
(229 5th Avenue - 601 684-4883) Good down home cooking in huge quantities; housed in a colonial structure; diners sit around large, lazy Susan style tables; a simple spin will bring your choice of dish to you; choose from the likes of fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, ham, butterbeans, squash, biscuits and corn bread; fine desserts are also served; closed Monday; lunch is served Tuesday - Sunday; evening meals are served from April - September; closed the entire week between Christmas and New Years; Open 11am 'til 2pm Tuesday - Sunday, Closed Monday, Evenings by Group Reservation Only (36 minimum); Visit us online at www.thedinnerbell.net.

• DINNER BELL’S SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

8 sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon vanilla
3-5 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
½ stick margarine
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ to 1 teaspoon nutmeg (to taste)
¼ cup orange juice
marshmallows (large or mini)
Cinnamon sugar (optional)

- Boil or bake sweet potatoes till done. Remove peeling from the hot potatoes and mash well, removing all stringy pieces. Add all ingredients but marshmallows and cinnamon sugar, mix well. Spray or grease lightly a large pyrex or corning dish. Put a layer of sweet potatoes, then a layer of mashmallows, repeating until the dish is filled. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for added flavor. Bake at about 350 degrees until HOT. Remove from the oven and place marshmallows on top. Place again in the oven to brown lightly. Serves 10-12.

Dixie Springs Cafe & Lounge - Summit (Updated July, 2005)
(Highway 51 North; 601 276-7517)

Doe's Eat Place - Greenville (Updated March, 2004) [Photo]
(502 Nelson, 38701 - 601 334-3315) Nationally recognized as one of the best steak houses anywhere; certainly one of the more unique settings; opened in 1941, Doe's is located in a rundown house on the rough side of town; however, this hasn't deterred diners such as President Bill Clinton from making tracks to Doe's; you may be seated in one of the two small dining rooms or perhaps the kitchen; the perfectly cooked steaks are simply enormous, served up with french fries cooked up in a cast iron skillet; you can also order tamales, a Delta favorite; dinner only, Monday - Saturday; they have opened a satellite on Hwy 1 in Greenville, but stick with the original if at all possible; this dining experience is pricey but highly recommended; Open Monday – Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm; tamales are available as a takeout item from 9 am – 9 pm.  Check 'em out online at www.doeseatplace.com.  Doe's also has a location in Oxford,  Check 'em out at 1536 University Avenue.

Donanelle's Bar & Grill - Hattiesburg (Updated October, 2005)
(4321 U S Highway 49; 601 545-3860)

Doughnut Land - D'Iberville
(10282 Lamey Bridge Road - 228 392-2261) Featuring Bill's Famous Po-Boys.

E & L’s Bar-B-Q - Jackson (Updated July, 2004)
(1111 Bailey Ave., 601 355-5035) Follow your nose to this smoky BBQ dive; try the combo ribs and links, pan trout (a rare find!) or the rib tips; the rthymic chopping of a meat cleaver tells you that this is not your ordinary BBQ mush; "Q" such as this takes time, but you can taste the love and happiness in each bite!

Elite Cafe - Jackson (Updated May, 2005)
(141 E. Capital Street; 601 352-5606) In present downtown location since way back in 1911; seafood is a specialty including the Alabama favorites fried crab claws and West Indies salad; fresh veggies and corn muffins; Greek baklava is a rich treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Fat Baby's Catfish House - Shaw (Updated September, 2005)
(532 Highway 61 South; 662 754-4762)

Fat Mama's Tamales - Natchez
(500 S Canal St - 601 442-4548) "Let Fat Mama Light Your Fire" is their slogan; located in a log cabin; an eclectic mix of tamales, Chili, Gringo Casseroles, Cajun Boudin, Marinated Onions, and more; also worthy of note are the Fire and Ice Pickles, Natchez Nachos, and a decadent Snicker Bar Pie; wash it down with a "Knock You Naked" Margarita; open daily.

Fayard's BP Station - Biloxi
(2166 Pass Road, 39531 - 228 385-1044) Great crab meat Po-boys.

The 4 R's Restaurant - Pass Christian
(121 Davis Avenue - 228 452-7859) Featured in the March-April issue of Coastal Living; country cooking.

Frank's Restaurant - Jackson
(219 N President, 39201 - 601 354-5357) This downtown establishment is a long-standing Jackson tradition; the pride and joy of the personable Frank Latham, a jack-of-all-trades at this place; he'll often greet you at the door, take your order, direct you to the coffee pot, ring you up at the register, and wish you a great day; all with the unflappable personality and charm of a game show host; daily lunch specials (meat and 2 vegetables plus cornbread) top out at only $6 (tax and delivery included!), making eating here an exceptional value; vegetable plates (4 veggies plus cornbread or a biscuit) are also popular at just $5.65; daily lunch entrees include Baked Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, Chicken Pot Pie, Beef Tips, BBQ Ribs, Catfish and more; lovers of country-style veggies will be treated to Lima Beans, Greens, Cabbages, Black-Eyed Peas, and Okra; Rice and Macaroni & Cheese are also available; dessert items are highlighted by the Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler, and a daily special; but the real star of the show are ... yep... those big, buttery biscuits Frank starts serving up at 6 AM; they come plain (with jelly on the side) or loaded with your choice of bacon, ham, and smoked sausage; no butter needed; the friendly atmosphere and delicious biscuits have enticed diners such as Muhammad Ali, Harry Belefonte, and Sidney Poitier; Belefonte and Poitier stopped by twice during a brief 3-day stay in Jackson ... a testament to the strange and mighty power of Frank's World Famous Biscuits! serving breakfast and lunch, Monday - Saturday; local delivery available and (as we said) affordable.

Goldie's Trail BBQ - Vicksburg
(4127 S Washington - 601 636-9839)

Grant's Place - Port Gibson
(1090 Old Highway 61 North, 39150 - 601 437-0079) Yet another small-town soul food oasis. A typical lunch special here might include Fried Chicken, Rice and Gravy, Fried Okra, Turnips Greens, Cornbread and Peach Cobbler ... all for less than $6 (including tax!). Come and get it y'all!

Hamil’s Barbeque - Madison (Updated May, 2005)
(751 Hwy. 51; 601 856-4407) Homemade mashed taters; pork shoulder here is highly rated by locals; swine is smoked for up to 15 hours for a real treat; consistently voted one of Jackson's finest home cooking hangouts; veggies are about as fresh as they get - they grow their own!  Nice lunch buffet with smokey BBQ pig and fried fowl; good red beans & rice; turnip greens are done right; green beans (riddled with pork fat) are just like Granny used to make; dessert options the day we visited consisted of bread pudding or pineapple upside down cake - I topped both with a little vanilla soft serve ice cream; fine sweet tea brewed fresh on the premises (plop in a lemon wedge and you're good to go); located just a few miles north of Jackson, this joint is a bargain (all you can eat lunch buffet is just $5!); look for a new and improved Hamil's - coming soon!

Harbor View Cafe - Pass Christian (Added May, 2005)
(105 West Hwy 90; 228 452-3901) Small place with "great food, friendly service;" fried shrimp, oysters, and catfish; no credit cards accepted!

Hickory Pit - Jackson (Added May, 2005)
(1491 Canton Mart Road; 601 956-7079) Nicely prepared pork Q with good fixins like baked beans and slaw; homemade pies!

Hines Grocery - Yazoo City
(Highway 49 West, 39194 - 662 746-6518)

Hollywood Cafe - Robinsonville
(1585 Old Commerce Road, 38676 - 662 363-1126) This lively spot features music and dancing as well as good food; specialties include catfish, frog legs, and fried dill pickles; the Hollywood offers beer and wine coolers and is open Thursday - Saturday for dinner only; reservations are required.

Hooker's Restaurant – Lexington
(11881 Ebenezer Road, 39095 - 662 834-3777) Located within hollering distance of the grave site of Blues legend Elmore James, Hooker's serves up a mean lunch buffet of soul food. The buffet table offers a wide variety of stomach-satisfying fare including Red Beans and Sausage, Baked Chicken, Pork Steaks and Gravy, and Boiled Pig's Feet. Choose from sides such as Sweet Potato Casserole, Boiled Cabbage, Macaroni and Cheese, Rice, Pinto Beans, Biscuits, and Cornbread.

JB's Place - Port Gibson

Jack's - Waveland
(324 Coleman Avenue, 39576 - 228 467-3065) Housed in a refurbished shotgun shack in a small coastal town; they employ their own fisherman ... who brings in the daily catch and fillets it in the kitchen; specialties include Shrimp Bienville, Oysters Bordelaise and Swiss Baked Crab Meat; great char-broiled steaks are also served; voted best steak on the Gulf Coast by Coast magazine; terrific juke box jammed with oldies from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s; open for dinner only, 7 days a week – 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm; call ahead for reservations on weekends; NOTE: the food here is not cheap with steaks ranging in price from $15 - $26 ... but worth it!

• MR. EDDIE’S SPECIAL (JACK’S)

1 (6 oz.) Filet Mignon, cut into 6 pieces
½ stick margarine
8 peeled raw shrimp
½ cup chopped green onion
½ tablespoon coarse black pepper
1 oz. brandy

- Melt margarine in a skillet; add shrimp, green onion and black pepper; saute until the shrimp begin to turn pink; add the filet pieces and saute meat (turning with tongs) until the desired doneness; at the very end splash with brandy and flame serve with a salad and baked potato.

Jack's Sandwich Shop - Meridian
(714 24th Ave - 601 693-2401)

Jean's - Meridian
(2116 Front St, 39301 - 601 482-2348) combo lunch counter and sit-down restaurant; good plate lunches at a very affordable price; try the lemon ice box pie; located in the heart of historic downtown Meridian, just steps from the city’s new railroad station; Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 2:30 pm.

Jean's Red Door BBQ - Enterprise [Photo]
(3513 Meehan-Savoy Rd South, 39330 - 601 655-8249) Located 1/10 of a mile south of Hwy 80 West; operated by Jean McWashington and her fun loving son Willie, Jr.; a good selection of pork ribs, sliced beef, sliced pork, chicken, steak or Virginia smoked rope sausage; all orders come with lightly buttered Texas toast and two sides (choose from baked beans, potato salad or cole slaw); sweet tea, soft drinks and bottled beer; Willie often refers to the sweet tea as "bourbon", probably due to it's similar color; you won't find better BBQ ribs anywhere; Jean's homemade secret sauce has a very tangy citrus flavor; they could bottle this stuff and make a fortune ... on me alone!; gumbo is another house specialty; this out of the way place is highly recommended ... if you can find it; Open for lunch and dinner; closed Monday and Tuesday; private dining available.

Jim’s Café – Greenville [Photo]
(314 Washington Avenue, 38701 – 662 332-5951) In business for over 50 years; Open Monday – Saturday from 5 am – 7 pm.

Jocelyn's - Ocean Springs [Photo]
(Highway 90 East, 39564 - 228 875-1925) This hot pink building is easily spotted from the highway; upscale dining featuring beef, chicken and seafood; save room afterwards for some peanut butter or pecan pie; closed Sunday; cash only!

Johnny's Two Rivers Restaurant - Canton (Added July, 2004)
(1537 W. Peace Street; 601 859-9999) Open for dinner only, Monday - Saturday; fine dining with a Southern flair; good seafood choices; located west of I-55 just off Highway 22.

Kit's Oriental Kitchen - Yazoo City

Leatha's BarB-Que Inn - Hattiesburg
(6374 U.S. Highway 98 West - 601 271-6003) Check out their web site (www.leathas.com) for more information and history!   Some say Leatha Jackson is the Queen of Mississippi BBQ; one of 14 children in her family, she started picking cotton at age 5; smoky BBQ ribs are offered up with cole slaw, real fried potatoes and huge glasses of iced tea; hard to find but worth the trip; open for lunch and dinner Thursday - Saturday only; no credit cards or checks accepted; highly recommended.

The Little Dooey - Starkville/West Point/Columbus (Added December, 2003)
(701 Highway 45 North, Columbus, 39701 - 662 327-0088) The original opened in 1985; they now have 7 Mississippi locations; a favorite of ESPN's College Game Day crew ... especially the one and only Lee Corso; highly regarded pork BBQ; visit the Little Dooey online at www.littledooey.com for all the details; planning an opening in Mobile, AL in the near future.

Lusco's - Greenwood
(722 Carrollton, 38930 - 662 453-5365) A truly strange dining experience can be had here; each party dines privately behind drawn curtains with a buzzer provided to summon the waiter; originally opened as a grocery store and restaurant in 1933, serving Mama Lusco's famous spaghetti; since that time seafood, steaks and chicken have been added to the menu; dinner only, Tuesday - Saturday; reservations are suggested; featured in the Denzel Washington flick “Mississippi Masala.”

Mack's Fish Camp - Hattiesburg
(820 River Road, 39401 - 601 582-5101)

Malone's Fish House - Tupelo
(1369 Road 41 - 662 842-2747)

Mammy's Cupboard - Natchez [Photo]
(555 Hwy. 61 S, 39120 – 601 445-8957) From an appearance standpoint, Mammy's is one of the most unique restaurants in the US; from the highway it appears to be a giant statue of an Aunt Jemima character wearing an antebellum hoop skirt; the restaurant is actually housed inside the skirt; Mammy's was built by Henry Gaude in 1940 and it is still owned by the Gaude family; the lunch room is open from 11 am - 2 pm with a daily lunch special such as Chicken Pot Pie or Red Beans and Rice,  homemade desserts and a tart blueberry lemonade; they even offer a peanut butter and wild plum jelly sandwich on sourdough bread; Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Martin's - Jackson (Added May, 2005)
(214 S. State Street; 601 354-9712) Affordable and tasty lunch buffet; look for the catfish Fridays.

Mary's Drive In - Biloxi

Mary Mahoney's Old French House - Biloxi [Photo]
(110 Rue Magnolia, 39530 - 228 374-0163) Also check out Le Cafe Po Boys next door (228 436-6000).

Mattie's Soul Food - Greenwood (Added May, 2004)
(114 West Market Street; 662 453-5753)

Mayflower Cafe - Jackson
(123 W Capitol St - 601 355-4122) This nostalgic restaurant was started in 1935; good food at reasonable prices; hearty breakfasts, blue plate lunches and fresh seafood are the specialties; breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday – Saturday; closed on Sundays.

McElroy's Harbor House - Biloxi
(695 Beach Boulevard, 39530 - 601 435-5001)

Miss Clara's - Grenada (Added March, 2004)
(131 Main Street, 38901 - 601 226-4422)

Miz Lou's BBQ - Columbus
(903 Waterworks Rd - 601 327-2281)

Mr. Whiskers Family Catfish Restaurant - McComb (Added October, 2005)
(Highway 48; 601 249-3667)

Nat's Real Pit Bar-B-Q - Senatobia (Added October, 2003)

Old Biloxi Schooner - Biloxi
(159 Howard Ave, 39530 - 228 374-8071)

Peaches Restaurant - Jackson (Added December, 2003; Updated October, 2005)
(327 North Farish Street at Capital Street; 601-354-9267) Soul food joint can seat over 20 diners, specialties are smothered chicken, liver, greens and butterbeans; dessert included with dinner; 6a-9p Mon-Sat; founded 1961.  Peaches has been around for many decades now. Collard or turnip greens - take your pick - alongside longtime Southern favorites like smothered chicken, hamburger steak and more. You’ll also find pig ears and chitterlings on the menu; soulful tunes, a perfect soundtrack for your meal, float out of the battered jukebox. Meals here are a true bargain; Peaches also features a pretty tasty greasy breakfast --- the perfect way to start any day!  You can get alcoholic beverages here and even a "sandwhich" (as it is spelled on the yellowed menu board).  Now accepting credit cards!

Peggy's - Philadelphia
(512 Bay Street East, 39353 - 601 656-3478) Eating lunch at Peggy's is like taking a trip to Grandma's house; Peggy has been serving classic southern meals here for over 35 years ... and it doesn't get any better than this; the restaurant is housed in the lower floor of Peggy's home; the food is laid out buffet style on a wooden plank stretching across the hallway; family style seating prevails with daily, all-you-can-eat entrees of ham, beef tips, chicken and dumplings, pork chops and fried chicken; your meal also includes a salad, iced tea, cornbread, and dessert of cake, pie or cobbler; if you're lucky, you'll be there when they offer Lemon Ice Box Pie ... the best I've ever tasted; the honor system is in affect ... simply drop a mere $5 in the basket as you leave; talk about your bargains; this place is truly one of a kind and very highly recommended; lunch only; Monday-Friday; one of my personal favorites!

Peter Bo's Catfish - Isola
(Route 1 Box 320, 38754 - 662 962-7281)

Phillip's Grocery - Holly Springs
(541 East Van Dorn Avenue, 38635 - 662 252-4671) Opened in 1948, Phillip's Grocery received national acclaim in 1989 when USA TODAY named their burger in the Top 3 nationwide; this classic two-story building just off the railroad tracks was built in 1882; over the years it has operated as a prohibition saloon and a brothel; it has decidedly more family feel nowadays; closed Sunday; open Monday 9 am - 3pm; Tuesday - Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm; try the fried apple or peach pie for dessert; highly recommended; check out the old railroad depot across the street.  Phillip's Grocery has another location in Oxford at 2406 South Lamar Boulevard (662 236-5951).

Pig Out Barbeque - Natchez
(116 South Canal Street - 601 442-8050)

Primos Cafe - Jackson (Updated March, 2004)
(New Address: 2323 Lakeland Drive, 39232 - 601 936-3701) Opened way back in 1948 and nothing much has changed since; comforting atmosphere with red and white vinyl booths; rich creamy grits are a breakfast fave; some say they are tops in all of the Magnolia State; blue plate lunches and steaks and seafood for dinner; Fridays offer a special treat ... donut pudding; open for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week.

The Ranchero - Clarksdale (Added May, 2004)
(1907 Highway 61; 662 624-9768) To learn more about The Ranchero or to view their extensive menu, go to www.theranchero.com.

Rayner's Seafood House- Hattiesburg (Added October, 2005)
(7343 U S Highway 49; 601 268-2639)

Red Hot Truck Stop - Meridian

Revolving Tables - Mendenhall

Rib King - Meridian

Riverbend Catfish House - Yazoo City
(1017 South Industrial Parkway, 39194 - 662 746-6081)

The Round Table - Columbia (Added December, 2003)
(318 Church Street; 601 736-3438) Just off US Route 98; home cooked meals served up since 1940; owner Evelyn Williams and her staff serve up plate lunches for just $8 on weekdays and $10 on Sundays (drinks and tax included, of course!); favorites include the fried chicken and banana pudding; meals are served family style --- much like the wonderful Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Savannah, GA; chill out on the front porch after your meal --- you'll need some time to digest such a bountiful feast of southern delights!

Rowdy's Family Restaurant - Vicksburg
(60 Highway 27, 39180 - 601 638-2375)

Ruben's Fish House - Columbus
(171 Moore's Creek Road, 39701 - 662 328-9880)

Ruth and Jimmie's - Abbeville [Photo]

Scott's Tamales - Greenville
(304 Highway 1 South, 38701 - 662 332-4013)

Smitty's - Oxford

Solly's Hot Tamales - Vicksburg (Added March, 2004)
(1921 Washington Street, 39180 - 601 636-2020)

Spooney's BBQ - Greenwood (Added March, 2004)
(112 East Johnson; 662-451-7453) Pork Ribs, Rib tips, Chicken, Sausage, BBQ beef and pork; Open Monday thru Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m; Small Dining Area; Call in or Take out; Catering for up to 250; stop by Spooney's for BBQ Delta Style!

Stamp's Superburgers - Jackson (Added June, 2004)
(601 713-3020) Bluesman Bobby Rush loves the burgers here.  The owner/operator here is named Algernon Stamps (no kidding!); this joint has achieved legendary status in and around Jackson; the SuperBurger is 12 ounces of fresh, hand-pattied cow meat. Proceed with caution, folks: this mega-burger is a meal in itself. Stamp's has two Jackson, MS locations. We recommend you start with the location near Jackson State University, which is the original Stamp's; fresh cut fries are awesome; don't miss the Sweet Potato Chips --- yes!

Steven's Barbecue - Greenwood (Added May, 2004)
(208 Fulton Street; 662 453-0313) Lunch buffet; tamales are also popular items here.

Stub's - Yazoo City
(1902 Jerry Clower Boulevard, 39194 - 662 746-1204)

Sweet Daddy's Smokehouse (at Exxon Filling Station) - Jackson (Added August, 2005)
(4611 I-55 N, 39206; 601 366-6933)

Taylor Grocery - Oxford [Photo]
(4 County Road 338, 38655 - 601 236-1716) Along with Peter Bo's in Isola, this is perhaps the Magnolia state's most talked about catfish house; located in Taylor, a town of 300 or so about 10 miles south of Oxford; this is really a rickety old grocery store with loads of character; sign out front declares "Eat or We Both Starve"; fried catfish, hushpuppies, cole slaw, and french fries taste terrific in this rustic atmosphere; this is a favorite hangout for Ole Miss students with the munchies; BYOB; open Thursday - Saturday for dinner only; highly recommended ... bring your camera … restaurants don’t get much more rustic!

Timbeaux's - Hernando (Added January, 2003 / Updated December, 2003)
(333 Losher Street - 662 429-0500) www.timbeauxs.com ; lunch is served Tuesday - Friday 11 am to 2:30 pm; dinner offered Tuesday - Saturday from 5 to 10 pm; Sunday brunch is also worth checking out (10:30 am - 2:30 pm); closed Mondays; most credit cards accepted; opened in Feburary of 2002; for starters try the Oysters Hernando, Voodoo Spiked Shrimp Cocktail, or "A Study in Louisiana," which consists of fried gator, frog legs and crawfish served with a spicy green onion remoulade sauce; we also love the Dirty Bleu Potato Chips (house fried with melted blue cheese, smoked bacon and green onions); their Gumbo is out of this world ... some of the finest you'll ever taste; Timbeaux's bills itself as a steakhouse, so beef is obviously prominently featured; other entrees include a Bayou Fried Seafood Platter, Shrimp and Grits, a Blackened Chicken and Crawfish Linguini, and 14 oz. Double Cut Pork Chops with a cane syrup glaze; reservations are not accepted at Timbeaux's; a terrific small town restaurant located just a short drive from Memphis, TN; hats off to young owner and chef Miles McMath ... he has created a true dining sensation in tiny Henando, MS; it's good --- I gar - ron - tee!

Turner's Grill - Clarksdale (Added December, 2001; Removed May, 2005) [Photo 1 | Photo 2]

Two Sisters’ Kitchen – Jackson (Added July, 2004)
(707 North Congress – 601 353-1180) Open Sunday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm.  Great lunch buffet highlighted by top notch fried fowl, sweet tea and banana pudding; one bite and you'll be belting out your own rendition of Sam and Dave's "(I'm a) Soul Man."

Ubon's Barbecue - Yazoo City (Added October, 2005)
(80 N. Jerry Clower Blvd; 662 716-7100) Full menu featuring Champion Barbeque.  Open 11:00am-9:00pm Monday-Thursday and 11:00am-10:00pm Friday-Saturday.  Lunch Specials Daily - Chef's Choice/Weekends.

Uncle Henry's Place - Lula
(5860 Moon Lake Road, 38644 - 662 337-2757) Located outside of Clarksdale ... this former casino spot has hosted a reception and dinner during the Delta's annual Tennessee Williams Festival; Williams visited the Moon Lake Casino here as a child; today the old casino rooms are filled with cozy beds for guests wanting to stay overnight; steaks, seafood and Creole dishes are served with prices starting at about $10; the beautifully planted grounds overlook Moon Lake; beer is served but BYO booze; open for dinner Tuesday - Sunday; closed Monday; reservations are required.  Check 'em out on the web at www.unclehenrysplace.com.

Walnut Hills - Vicksburg
(1214 Adams St - 601 638-4910) Classic Southern home cooked food; typical menu includes fried chicken and country fried steak; snap beans, purple hull peas, mustard greens, and okra & tomatoes; biscuits and cornbread; sweet tea; blackberry cobbler for dessert; open Monday – Friday from 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday hours 11 am – 2 pm; mentioned in Southern Living and Bon Appetit; rated 4 stars by the Mobil Travel Guide.

Westside Bar B Que - New Albany (Added May, 2004)
(Highway 30 West; 662 534-7276) Once written up in the Oxford American, this is a BBQ joint most well-known for its pies and cakes; we found the chopped pork to be good if not exceptional; beans featured in the BBQ Pork Plate were tasty; the slaw was a bit dry the day I stopped in and the mustard based potato salad serviceable; as expected, the cakes and pies stole the show; the Caramel Cake is a huge favorite with the locals, but I prefer the Banana or Strawberry Cakes; both are moist and flavorful; the fluffy meringue pies looked equally appealing, but I was simply too full to continue sampling; if you've got a sweet tooth like me, please don't pass this one by when on the "Elvis Highway" between Tupelo and Memphis; really good stuff!

White Trolley - Corinth (Added June, 2004)
(1215 Hwy 72 East; 662-287-4593) Home of the infamous "Slug Burger."

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