Culinary Standouts in Jackson, Mississippi

A restaurant doesn’t necessarily have to be one of the latest to be one of the greatest in Jackson.

chicken and waffles
Sugar's Place

Sugar’s Place

This tiny wing shack in the historic Farish St. district serves basic breakfast foods along with exemplary fried chicken. There’s no printed menu at Sugar’s, but if you’re looking for wings or chicken and waffles in the morning accompanied by a funky soundtrack, this is your place!

Broad Street Baking Company

A Jackson stalwart, Broad Street has been baking artisan breads and pastries since 1998. They also serve full menus for all three daily meals with egg dishes and varieties of avocado toast at breakfast, burgers and sandwiches for lunch and rich pasta dishes for the evening repast. A beverage menu of coffee drinks plus beer and wine completes the dining experience.

The Manship

Focusing on wood-fired meats, seafood and pizzas and boasting the largest whiskey collection in town, The Manship sounds like it would be named after a decidedly masculine sailing vessel. In truth, the name comes from the historic gothic revival mansion located not too far from the restaurant in Belhaven. The Manship strives to utilize whole animal cookery whenever possible out of respect for the farmers and their livestock that provide the proteins. This philosophy shows up throughout the Mediterranean-leaning menu from charcuterie boards of cured meats to pasta sauces to pizza toppings.

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill

Flavorful selections, competitive prices and a real neighborhood feel make Aladdin the kind of spot that invites regular travels, and that’s just as owner/chef Yoseph Ali intended. Opened on Lakeland Drive in November 2004, Aladdin’s Mediterranean cuisine wraps in flavors from Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, a bit of Greece. With the sprawling University of Mississippi Medical Center just across Lakeland Drive and St. Dominic Hospital right down the street, Aladdin is in a sweet spot to reach health-conscious professionals as well as diners in Fondren and beyond with a taste for adventure. They also serve breakfast, Monday through Friday, and a Saturday brunch.

a sampler platter of bbq meat and sides
The Pig & Pint
Credit: Ben Hon

The Pig & Pint

The “Pint” in the name of this affable barbecue bar refers to the taproom in the back which features one of the most impressive selection of craft beers in Jackson. The bar is lined with trophies from competitive BBQ events, and that’s where the “Pig” comes in. The pitmasters moved from contests to serving their delectable smoked meats to the public instead of just lucky judges. From super smoky cola-glazed ribs to peppery beef brisket to their popular smoked bologna, Pig & Pint is a winner. Try their cheesy Bacon Melt sandwich with pork belly, brisket and collard greens for a taste of Mississippi on toast.

Urban Foxes

This family-owned pie shop is located in a lovely restored Craftsman-style bungalow divided into many distinct spaces where you can find people working quietly on their laptops or sharing a flight of sweet and savory scones. They take their coffee very seriously at Urban Foxes, and that care is evident in each deliciously complex cup that they brew. Evenings feature occasional live music and trivia nights, so there’s always something going on in the Foxes’ den.

Stamps Superburger

Adventurous diners from across the country have discovered what locals have always known: Stamps’ burgers are some of the best they’ve ever had. Located in West Jackson near Jackson State University, this small mom-and-pop grill turns out thick, juicy pattied burgers that are big enough to feed even the hungriest diner. Many people around town swear by their turkey burger as well.

Keifer's On Poplar

Just across Poplar Boulevard from its original location, Keifer's is a longtime fixture in the Belhaven neighborhood. Opened in 1980, “Jackson didn’t know what hummus was, or gyros or falafel or cottage fries,” current general manager Chip Holden explains. Keifer’s was also one of the very first restaurants in the Jackson area to offer outdoor seating. Today, the menu hasn't changed and the decor - painstakingly recreated from the original location - lives on.

Pizza from Sal and Mookie's Restaurant in Jackson, MS

Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint

Intriguing pizza combinations and a commitment to their New York-style make this 15-year-old Jackson restaurant a local treasure. Relocating to The District at Eastover in 2021, the red-checkered tablecloths, welcoming patio, and dough made from scratch daily made a move, too. Sal & Mookie’s also brought along their family-friendly ice cream scoop shop that opens to an outside pickup window for after-school treats on good weather days.

Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues

Johnny T’s occupies a beloved spot on historic Farish St., the former home of the iconic Crystal Palace which was the hub of entertainment in the middle of the 20th century. Murals of some of the entertainers who performed there like Lena Horne, Muddy Waters and Redd Foxx show up in murals that decorate the interior and exterior of this stylish cafe. The bar offers premium spirits, and the food menu takes inspiration from classic Southern dishes with a real focus on seafood. A hip lounge upstairs showcases diverse musical acts in a classy showroom with floor-to-ceiling mirrors to make it easier to see and be seen.

A culinary guide curated in partnership with The Local Palate and writer Chris Chamberlain

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