Dining Off The Beaten Path in Jackson

With over 200 locally-owned restaurants in Jackson, there are bound to be more than a few you may have never frequented.

Make your list (or use ours) and venture off the well-worn path to experience a richer dining scene in the City With Soul.

Taste of the Caribbean shrimp and wings plate
Credit: Ansley Crabtree/TREE Design Co

Bold Jamaican Flavor in a New Downtown Home

TASTE OF THE ISLAND

141 East Capitol Street

Now located in the former Elite Building in the heart of downtown, Taste of the Caribbean brings bold, vibrant island flavors to central Mississippi, led by Chef Richard Higgins. This Jamaican-focused kitchen is known for its jerk chicken, built on layers of seasoning and slow cooking that give the meat its signature smoky, spicy flavor. Curry goat is another favorite, arriving tender and deeply spiced, often paired with rice and peas or steamed cabbage. Fried plantains add a touch of sweetness to the plate, while patties and other island staples round out the menu.

Build-Your-Own Salads and Fresh, Healthy Fare

Loaded Lettuce

2584 Robinson Street

At Loaded Lettuce in Westland Plaza, you can find a variety of cuisines such as the build-your-own salad line, wraps, lettuce wraps, fruit salads & fruit cups. Ingredients like romaine lettuce, banana peppers, strawberries and nut are freshly chopped and Loaded Lettuce offers keto, low carb and vegan and vegetarian-friendly cuisine. Order online for carryout or delivery.

Jackson's Only Elaborate Indian Vegetarian Menu

Spice Avenue

4711 I-55 North

Known for its butter chicken and lamb curry, Spice Avenue is well-known for its Indian delicacies. Spice Avenue is also the only place in Jackson with an elaborate vegetarian menu with over 14 entrée dishes and specialty orders. For the main course, try the Lamb Chop, Tandoori Prawns, Chicken Tikka Kabab, or, for the best of all worlds, try the Tandoori Platter. It includes chunks of fish, prawns, lamb, and chicken lightly marinated in herbs and then grilled. Vegetarian specials include Aloo Ghobi (cauliflower and potatoes cooked in onions, tomato, ginger, and spices), Mixed Vegetable Korma, and Baigan Bhurta (eggplant cooked in the oven, then chopped and mixed with onions and tomatoes). If you're headed to Spice Avenue for lunch, check out their lunch buffet.

a breakfast plate with biscuit, grits, and eggs
Fred's Soul Food

A Country Breakfast Your Parents Would Write Home About

Fred's Soul Food

930 Palmyra Street

Fred's Soul Food holds the distinction on this list as being your absolute go-to for a good old-fashioned country breakfast your parents would write home about. With the convenience of opening at 6 a.m. for those on the early commute, Fred's has an extensive menu ranging from salmon croquettes and buttered rice to fried bologna and eggs. It is convenient and straightforward – and always made with love at Fred's. Foodie favorites include the salmon croquettes and buttered rice, a full breakfast platter and pancakes.

A Full Spread of Fried Fish, Southern-Style

Martin's Fish House

5249 Clinton Blvd

Serving chicken wings, pork chops and other Southern favorites, the menu at Martin's Fish House also boasts a large selection of fried fish dishes. Customers can choose from fried pan trout, fried catfish, whole catfish, catfish steak, catfish nuggets, tilapia and several other fishy options. Complete your meal at the Martin's with their golden-brown hushpuppies or French fries.

A plate of food - beans, cabbage, a corn muffin and fried chicken
Josephine's Kitchen

Elevated Comfort Classics, Cooked to Order

Josephine's Kitchen

4638 Hanging Moss Road

Josephine's Kitchen offers burgers, sandwiches, seafood, sides, sweets and more "with a hint of nostalgia in every bite." The restaurant is on a mission to create elevated, hand-crafted versions of the classics. Strictly a takeout spot (with local delivery through several vendors), Josephine's prides itself on a customer-focused experience with cooked-to-order meals. Satisfied foodies remark about well-seasoned and flavorful dishes like Josephine's wings, pasta and sandwiches.

A James Beard-Recognized Soul Food Institution

Bully's Restaurant

3118 Livingston Road

A neighborhood institution since 1982, Bully's has built a devoted following on soul food staples like beef tips, ham hocks, smothered oxtails and Southern fried catfish, with daily specials such as baked chicken and dressing rotating through the week. The James Beard Foundation named it one of America's Classics in 2016, recognition for a menu and a welcome that haven't changed much since the doors opened.

Historic Pig Ear Sandwiches Since 1939

Big Apple Inn

509 N. Farish Street

On historic Farish Street since 1939, Big Apple Inn is famous for two things: the pig ear sandwich and "smokes," a spicy sausage sandwich, both served on slider buns with mustard, slaw and hot sauce. Now run by fourth-generation owner Geno Lee, it's one of Jackson's oldest continuously operating restaurants. Don't leave without a half-dozen tamales, too.

Paul Wolf

Author

Paul Wolf

Paul is the Director of Destination Storytelling at Visit Jackson, managing the website, Soul Sessions podcast, and travel journalism initiatives. Drawing on three decades in communications, he brings expertise in writing, photography, video, and podcasting to showcase what makes Jackson special. When he's not working, Paul enjoys running, exploring the local food scene — great craft beer, coffee and BBQ.
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