Dive Into JXN
There is just no other restaurant or bar that compares to the classic Southern dive.
More often than not, their character was built over the years, so genuinely ingrained into the city’s history, without fuss, fanfare or trends. Dive in, JXN, and find a new favorite hole-in-the-wall, or rediscover a spot that’s been yours all along.
Hal & Mal’s – 200 Commerce Street
Established in 1985 by two brothers, Hal and Malcolm White, this local favorite sits in the heart of Downtown.
They self-describe as offering “Southern fare with regional flair, drinks and music in a multi-roomed venue with a funky retro vibe,” and it shows in the menu.
Hal & Mal’s has everything from locally-caught-catfish tacos to red beans and rice and Creole carbonara. Learn more at halandmals.com.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-CS.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7a4bf00a9929f74cd43cdb26a3c7ba4d 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-CS.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=76cfb2b6844491bfc79e842a77f9a7bd 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-CS.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=db911f70052349bbdb1f39237a028804 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-CS.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6d4d198dec6e8851398d912c6734e2bc 1024w)
CS's - 1359 WEST STREET
Open since 1978, CS’s greets customers with a comfortable and casual feel that can only be found at the best of any city’s dives. They’re a popular gathering spot with eclectically decorated walls, pool tables, cold beer and unique burger offerings.
Try the Inez burger- topped with homemade chili, nacho cheese, and jalapeños – a CS’s specialty that is particularly popular with the late-night college crowd. To learn more and stay up to date, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/cssrestaurant.
![Fenian’s Shepherd’s Pie](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-Fenians.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f475c248e2896006d7577c80083051c6 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-Fenians.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b1a4c2237c4033a51dd447ce66c613c8 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-Fenians.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=84f9b5a90d009230bfee7b4f06cb0e6b 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives-Fenians.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f8ebd2aa9dd8eef51070ec41fd59812b 1024w)
Fenian's Irish Pub - 901 East Fortification
Fenian’s has been around since 1996. This restaurant is a sit-down place with that great pub feel to it and a lovely Irish-inspired menu.
Look for curry poutine (chips, sharp cheddar cheese and curry sauce), Scotch eggs made with Irish sausage, farm eggs, pickled onions and mustard, and leek and potato soup. The menu also boasts burgers, “paddy” melts and a Mississippi Reuben sandwich. See the full menu at fenianspub.com.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/dives-martins.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=28cbf4077bdd7067f07dcb6e4fb8c37d 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/dives-martins.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9f41fe1946cd0d2ef63c542b37bd7af3 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/dives-martins.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=eb30dac0095c41d8327e3667c5c25620 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/dives-martins.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d47f67893e259d2e916e8eb1cb679e41 1024w)
Martins' Downtown - 214 State Street
Martin’s Downtown has been open since 1953, offering great food and live music. It originally began as a breakfast place and has grown into a classic Southern pub with live music scheduled throughout the week.
Favorite menu items include the 1953 hamburger steak, fried catfish, fried chicken, Martin’s patty melt, seafood po’boys, Philly steak and cheese and country fried steak. Learn more at martinsdowntownjxn.com.
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives_EL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=382d12d233b377bfae06de404c792bfa 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives_EL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=35a4e99d23027f9bb9c08fa4f17c9282 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives_EL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=90d943f13f5b35247c3d5214ea1850b4 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Dives_EL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=56156280d2acf8259b6e56793ab08237 1024w)
E&L BBQ – 1111 Bailey Avenue
E&L BBQ was started by Eddie and Lula 30 years ago and is still going strong.
This restaurant is a no-frills kind of place, serving down-home specialties like pulled pork, ribs and fried chicken. Local customers think E&L offers the best ribs in town, and the wings and fries, dipped sausage and rib tips are all popular items, too. Stay in the know with E&L BBQ at facebook.com/EandLBBQ.
*This site covers a variety of restaurants and cuisines, though not always in the same post. Is this list missing your favorites? Search the blog for more content or add your favorites to the comments.
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Lunch Under $10 in JXN
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Gulf Coast Centric Menu, Classic Jxn Bar
200 S. Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(601) 948-0888
Website
Hal and Mal's200 S. Commerce Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Dive Bar & Burgers, Locally Owned Since 1978
1359 N. West Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
(601) 969-9482
Website
CS's1359 N. West Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Irish Bar, Chef-Driven Cuisine
901 E. Fortification Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
(601) 948-0055
Website
Fenian's Irish Pub901 E. Fortification Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Restaurant + Bar + Venue
214 South State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(601) 354-9712
Website
Martin's Downtown214 South State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Old-School Southern BBQ
111 Bailey Avenue
Jackson, Mississippi 39203
(601) 355-5035
Website
E & L Barbeque111 Bailey Avenue
Jackson, Mississippi 39203