Jackson's Best Comfort Food: BBQ, Burgers, Blue Plates & Pizza
Some meals just feel like home.
Whether it's a plate of smoked barbecue, a burger piled high, a blue plate special with three sides, or a slice fresh out of the oven, Jackson's comfort food scene runs deep.
Fondren's Award-Winning Pit Stop
The Pig & Pint
3139 N. State Street
A Fondren staple, The Pig & Pint routinely wins "Best Of" accolades from the community for its classic pulled barbecue and ribs, along with clever creations like the loaded "Fondren Fries," Nachos, and Smoked Pimento Cheese. While you're there, check out their rotating craft beer selection with brews from throughout Mississippi, the Southeast, and beyond. Their extensive outdoor seating is perfect for bringing friends and family to enjoy the neighborhood. Remember to order Banana's Foster Banana Pudding to sweeten the occasion.
A Jackson Institution Since 1989
E & L Barbeque
1111 Bailey Avenue
Started by Eddie and Lula in 1989, E & L Barbeque has been a Jackson institution for over 30 years. With roots in Chicago, the couple brought their expertise back to Mississippi, where second and third-generation family members are now at the helm. Hungry patrons can smell the pit's sweet and smoky aromas before E & L's storefront comes into view, where pulled pork, fried and smoked chicken, fish, and their famous rib tips are being fired up alongside the homemade sauce recipe passed down from Lula herself.
An 11-Ounce Burger Worth the Trip
Stamps Super Burgers
1801 Dalton Street
Since the 70s, the Stamps family has been grilling up some of the best burgers in Jackson. Locals and travelers stop by Dalton Street for the famous 11-ounce "Big Burger," packed with flavor, freshness, and a blend of their secret house seasoning. Pair with a side of their Lemon Pepper Fries for the ultimate Stamp's experience. If you're not a red meat eater, you're in luck: the vegetarian and turkey burger options are just as delicious.
A Midtown Dive with a Century of Stories
CS's
1359 N. West Street
Opened in 1978 by Pat Boland, CS's draws a mix of politicians, artists, loyal regulars, and out-of-towners alike. One of the most popular items on the burger menu is the "Inez," smothered with chili, cheese, and jalapeños, an homage to nearby college students who drop by for a late-night bite post-game or study session. Other standouts include the Suzy, the Joe B, and the Mushroom Burger, along with their everyday burger lineup.
Double Stacks and a Side of Fried Chicken
Rooster's
2906 N. State Street
Known equally for their fried and hot chicken, Rooster's Fondren location serves traditional American burgers alongside options like Mushroom Swiss, a Nacho Burger, and "The Stupid Burger"—which you'd be stupid not to try. A customer favorite is the "Double Stack Combo" with Rooster's secret sauce, sandwiched between two jalapeño cheddar buns.
Downtown's Daily Plate Lunch Favorite
Sugar's Place
168 James H. Meredith Drive
A true Jackson gathering spot, everyone loves Sugar's daily plate lunches that are as comforting as they are mouthwatering. Baked chicken, fried pork chops, chicken and waffles, and chicken tetrazzini and sides are available for dine-in or pickup. Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth while you're there with desserts like baked honey bun cake.
A Meat-and-Three on Museum Grounds
George's Museum Cafe
1150 Lakeland Drive
Located in the LeFleur Museum District on the grounds of the Mississippi Ag Museum, George's has fresh and savory main and side options that utilize Mississippi flavors and ingredients. Meat-and-two or meat-and-three plate lunches are served buffet-style. Pop by for smothered steak and pulled chicken & dressing and stick around for a rotating list of sweets, cakes, and pies.
Blue Plates Worth the Nap After
Scrooge's Fine Food & Drinks
You'll want to make sure you've got time blocked out for a nap after digging into one of Scrooge's signature blue plate specials. The neighborhood pub is known for its meat and side options with proteins from pot roast to pork medallions to baked chicken. Sides range from savory to acidic with cornbread dressing and mac & cheese to cucumber and onion salad. Each order comes with three sides and a homemade cheese biscuit, cornbread, or hushpuppies.
New York-Style Pies Since 2007
Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint
Sal & Mookie's has been dishing up New York-style pizza in Jackson since 2007. Their pies, named after New York landmarks and people, are enormous with authentic toppings, baked to perfection in brick-lined ovens. The restaurant spent a year developing the dough recipe and red sauce for the restaurant, including trips to New York for pizza-eating research, so you know it's authentically good!
Wood-Fired Pizza with a Mediterranean Twist
Aplos
4500 I-55 North, Ste. 174
Aplos offers fresh, light Mediterranean fare, including various pizzas baked in their pizza oven imported from Italy. For any cheese lover, one to try is the Quatro Formaggi, a four-cheese pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, fontina and feta cheeses along with roasted garlic. Their happy hour also offers half-priced pizzas, this time seven days a week, 3-6 pm.
Looking for more? Check out our full roundups on Jackson BBQ, Jackson Burgers, Jackson Blue Plates, and Jackson Pizza for even more comfort food favorites across the city.
