A Fantastic Foodie's Meal-by-Meal Guide to JXN MS
Some take trips to see the mountains. Others prefer a quiet museum or a walk along the beach. But a certain subset of savvy travelers prefers a wholly indulgent excursion based on one thing and one thing only—food.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Elvies-dutchbaby.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6b47b387f484b04d2225cc6d7760e2fd 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Elvies-dutchbaby.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b85d1e4c0e51dde06e7ca5341507c64b 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Elvies-dutchbaby.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c5b3b031867190e578bf751c7b05f9b4 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Elvies-dutchbaby.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=cb0f0704ff3b2e42420e1fb470206763 1024w)
For these intrepid wanderers, the stomach is a compass. The palate aims to a culinary magnetic north which is located, as it turns out, in the Deep South. Jackson’s modern-day restaurant renaissance invites all gourmands, connoisseurs, bloggers, vloggers, and even everyday folks who just love great meals.
Breakfast & Brunch
Ah, the foundation(s) of the day!
Urban Foxes is a locally owned small-batch bakery featuring daily flavors for pies, cookies, and scones alongside every kind of coffee imaginable (plus kombucha and even beer).
For more filling fare, Elvie’s Restaurant is a pared-down, New Orleans-inspired brunch spot specializing in the savory with items ranging from duck fat hashbrowns and croque madame to brunch bread pudding and raw oysters. Eating at Elvie’s is a like taking a grand tour of Southern cuisine from a single seat.
Or try a brunch option: we have a list of suggestions to get your mid-morning going.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/halandmals-catfish.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=89704edf0cb327c0c758a25206f4493a 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/halandmals-catfish.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e06613bcefcfc5a349d1c35a24b76f6d 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/halandmals-catfish.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=827322e4e9c341a6a1c2ec8ef4b0b9ae 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/halandmals-catfish.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=053f6f743e4c10499954b55ac4d63765 1024w)
Lunch
Lunch is a special meal, the workday dividing delight of 9-to-5ers everywhere. Even in the age of “work from home,” lunch maintains its special place in our hearts.
Hal’s and Mal’s is a favorite local hangout with Gulf Coast vibes reflected in signature po boy sandwiches, gumbo, and catfish options. Locally famous for its easy ambience, friendly regulars, and funky tunes, Hal’s and Mal’s feels as familiar as your own weekly lunch spot.
As a family-run diner, Sugar’s Place Downtown prides itself on satisfying diners to the utmost limit. Ask any Jacksonian and prepare for a dissertation about the truly cherished menu and staff. The Loaded Momma Burger comes with a hand-pressed patty and a Kool-Aid to drink while the catfish and shrimp po boys serve up perfect crunch on a pillow-soft bun. Daily specials include chopped steak and gravy among so much more!
For those in the market for something else, try Stamp’s Super Burgers, Crazy Cat Eat Up, Godfrey’s, and Aplós.
![Nandy's Candy chocolates](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=978ba7652ee6577f66f2f8c259fc4ce2 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4586f12ed606b93bff38d94c3b574118 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=70ff44ffa3ba62678fe3585664ffe9bc 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=af1797c4b943d1d0a189e87f2fc586cb 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c4991bf1053292eeca0fe7c1aa13ff32 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6dade98d9b6ef5b94ece63f27d7b855f 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Nandys-Candy-chocolates.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=3366a6483a2e60653e851d79a3e8315d 1920w)
Snacks
Even after big meals, a discreet (and shameless) snack or two can make us feel like champions!
Nandy’s Candy is that certain kind of dangerous sweet shop where—if you’re anything less than careful—you may wind up buying “one of everything.” Sporting delights from pralines to truffles, candy apples to fudge, caramel popcorn to English toffee, the kid in you will come alive.
You won’t want to miss a specialty latte, cold brew espresso, or tea from Coffee Prose, Soulé, or Native Coffee.
![plated food at Walker's Drive-In](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a2b7e6e09647e80021e35eb6b9a7b908 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=059895bc2214ba868c62a4fdc9796cea 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c14c849ffc77c05da09a4c1e0a5fdfdd 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=91e8212f249dd6ff681b539ee13b91fc 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=6f0c6da45384725f0e5e5bf2bf95da91 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d4f6bfd4b2c3f283d37524c930b1c33f 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Walkers-CREDIT-Ben-Hon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=210de26e27949193f1a779061ff12845 1920w)
Dinner
The last meal of the day is all about taking chances, reaching for something new in the hopes of discovering the unexpected and sensational.
Derek Emerson is one of the deans of Jackson chefs, and his flagship restaurant in Fondren, Walker's Drive-In, presents sophisticated food in a casual environment. While the food is certainly elevated, the diner vibe is maintained by black and white tile floors and photos hanging on the walls depicting the history of Jackson and the restaurant.
At BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar, fresh ingredients and experienced chefs are create salads overflowing with freshly prepared vegetables, fruit and meat, to satisfying and soul-warming entrees like veal parmigiana.
Additional dinner choices worth a try: Johnny T's Bistro & Blues, The Manship, Drago's Seafood Restaurant, Pulito Osteria and Char.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/librarylounge1-1024x684.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3b5c2127ab193666b24ae28e4eb5e752 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/librarylounge1-1024x684.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ca6627af257e3ef8cb22d251bcb4c4b7 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/librarylounge1-1024x684.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9560b16d10f420b1a1cfb176779e1daa 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/librarylounge1-1024x684.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ba8c05023ed01c676ce2ac07ccf22d4c 1024w)
Drinks
Finally, after the last bite is had, some libations are certainly in order.
The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs is bound to be unlike any other cocktail bar you’ve been to. Styled in keeping with its pharmaceutical location, this speakeasy is located in the back of Brent’s Drugs—an obvious nod to those troubled times in our nation’s past when alcohol was less than legal.
At Fertile Ground Beer Co., Jackson's only brewery, beers available on a rotating basis include several different IPAs (West Coast, hazy, imperial), a peach Berliner and a chocolate stout. There are also fruited sour selections and seasonal beers. Weekends end with "small batch Sundays, with a special limited release available each week.
You’ll find other singular sipping opportunities at The Library Lounge located in the Fairview Inn—a booklined barroom slinging serious drinks.
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826 North Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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Urban Foxes826 North Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
All-Day New Orleans Café
809 Manship Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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Elvie's809 Manship Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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200 S. Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
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Hal and Mal's200 S. Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Soul Food — Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner + Saturday Brunch
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Jackson, Mississippi 39201
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Sugar's Place / Sugar's Catering168 W. Griffith St.
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
A Jackson Original Hole-In-The-Wall Burger Joint
1801 Dalton Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39204
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Stamps Super Burgers1801 Dalton Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39204
Weekend Brunch, Café Lunch, Casual Fine Dining Dinner
1491 Canton Mart Road, Suite 12
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Crazy Cat Eat Up1491 Canton Mart Road, Suite 12
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Jamaican Meets Southern Soul
5068 Parkway Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Godfrey's5068 Parkway Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Simple Mediterranean, Greek & Italian
4500 I-55 North, 174
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Aplos4500 I-55 North, 174
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
French-Inspired Artisan Baked Goods
2906 North State Street, Commercial Kitchen | Online Order - Pickup Only
Fondren Corner
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
(601) 988-2299
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La Brioche Patiserrie2906 North State Street, Commercial Kitchen | Online Order - Pickup Only
Fondren Corner
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
Handcrafted Chocolates Since 1980
1220 E Northside Drive #380
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Nandy's Candy1220 E Northside Drive #380
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Coffee + Books + Nick Wallace Food
1619 N. West Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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Coffee Prose - Midtown1619 N. West Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Coffee + Books + Nick Wallace Food
4500 I-55 North
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Coffee Prose - Highland Village4500 I-55 North
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Memphis in May Award-Winning BBQ and Craft Beer
3139 N State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
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The Pig & Pint3139 N State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
Modern Cuisine Mixed With America’s Music
538 North Farish Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
(601) 954-1323
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Johnny T's Bistro & Blues538 North Farish Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Speakeasy Bar
655 Duling Ave.
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
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The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs655 Duling Ave.
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
Literary-Themed Cocktail Bar + Bites
734 Fairview Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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Library Lounge At Fairview Inn734 Fairview Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Southern Accented Steakhouse
Highland Village Shopping Center
4500 I-55 North, Suite 142
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
(601) 956-9562
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CHARHighland Village Shopping Center
4500 I-55 North, Suite 142
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Mediterranean Reimagined, Fresh Upscale Dining
1200 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
(601) 398-4562
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The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen1200 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
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4500 I-55 North, Highland Village, Suite 244
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar4500 I-55 North, Highland Village, Suite 244
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Jackson, Mississippi 39216
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Walker's Drive-In3016 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
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1005 E. County Line Road
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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Drago's Seafood Restaurant1005 E. County Line Road
Jackson, Mississippi 39211