Mayflower Cafe

Jxn's Oldest Restaurant

123 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Website

At 123 W Capitol St, in Downtown Jackson, the restored neon lights of The Mayflower Cafe once again beckon. At 89 years of age (one of Jackson’s oldest restaurants) the historic restaurant has been given a new lease on life.

Originally opened in 1935, The Mayflower Cafe was passed down through generations of the Kountouris family and was a Jackson staple. In April of this year, Jerry Kountouris sold the historic Mayflower Cafe to Jackson natives Hunter Evans and Cody McCain.

Evans and McCain
Credit: Mary Rooks/Midstory Photography

Evans and McCain are co-owners of the award-winning, nationally recognized restaurant, Elvie’s. Their first restaurant, located in the lively Belhaven Town Center, opened in 2020, just before the world shut down. Through their inventive menu, their commitment to using foods from local farmers and producers, and their focus on celebrating the South, Elvie’s has become a destination for those visiting Jackson, as well as a favorite for locals.

Evans said about the decision to grow the Elvie’s brand through a new restaurant venture: “The Mayflower has been such an institution not only for Jackson, but the state of Mississippi and growing up in Jackson I have always had a love for the downtown area. When the opportunity came for us to be a part of the Mayflower Cafe’s next chapter, we were so excited to keep this classic restaurant alive.”

oysters
Credit: Mary Rooks/Midstory Photography

After only a few short months, and a handful of cosmetic and functional changes, Evans and McCain reopened the restaurant in August. Updates such as the addition of a bar, and an impressive wine list with many Greek offerings, mean that The Mayflower is no longer a strictly ‘brown-bag’ establishment. While there have been some changes, the new owners were fastidious in maintaining the overall look and feel of the familiar space, as well as keeping many favorite menu items.

The Mayflower Cafe is open Monday 11-2, Tuesday-Friday 11-2 and 4:30-9, and on Saturday 4:30-9. Visit for lunch and dive into a blue plate special such as the Feta Brined Fried Chicken, or come experience dinner featuring fresh local seafood, Greek inspired classics, and everyone’s favorite Comeback Sauce.

Mayflower interior wide from left front
Credit: Mary Rooks/Midtsory Photography

To check out the menus, or to make reservations (which we recommend), go to: themayflowercafe.com

Cuisines

Details

  • American
  • Seafood
  • Steak

Amenities

Amenities

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Alcohol Served
  • Meeting/Event Space
  • Takeout
  • Open Mondays

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