Nell Grace embodies the historical soul of the Farish Street District. Housed in a cozy, renovated brick home, the restaurant combines a bar, a decorative floral photo wall, and lounge-like leather furniture to create a distinctive atmosphere. Named by co-owner Marc Rowe after his mother, Nell, and his daughter, Grace, the restaurant has quickly won over locals and tourists since opening in January 2026. Its rich ambiance, classic Southern soul food, Cajun specialties, and live musical performances reinforce its role as a cultural hub in the area.

What Kind of Food Does Nell Grace Serve?

"My family background is from Louisiana, and we wanted to pull from that Cajun culture that we love so much, but also keep the traditions of Mississippi and Southern cuisine," said Devan Rowe, co-owner of the restaurant with his father, Marc. "So we have pork chops and chicken, and we have beignets and Cajun fries."

Leaning toward the Cajun side in both spice and flavor, the food delivers a subtle kick with every bite. Notably, the house-made Cajun mayo stars on the Cajun burger, crafted with a hand-pattied beef-and-sausage patty. Another favorite, the catfish atchafalaya, is a layered dish: a bed of white rice supports hard-fried catfish, which delivers a satisfying crunch beneath the etouffee sauce, all crowned with shrimp. Often ordered as an appetizer and dessert are the beignets—New Orleans style, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a choice of strawberry topping or peach cobbler beignets.

Affordable Eats in the Heart of Downtown Jackson

Marc, who served more than 25 years as Executive Director of Child Nutrition for Jackson Public Schools, believes in honoring tradition, sharing good food, and keeping it affordable. Their blue plate lunch special is $12, including an entree, two sides, and honey-drizzled cornbread. Nell Grace is located at 111 E. Church St., Jackson, MS, just about a block from Farish Street, making it a seamless choice for downtown employees, neighboring communities, and hungry tourists. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday, 11am–8pm, and Friday through Saturday, 11am–10pm.

Live Music and the Silky Sax Man

On Friday nights, entertainment takes center stage with a live saxophonist, Thomas Johnson, known around town as the Silky Sax Man. He brings energy to the restaurant, interacting with patrons as they eat, drink, and sing along to his popular brass tunes. Building on this lively atmosphere, the Rowes hope to contribute even more to the City with Soul, specifically to Church Street. Their vision is to renovate the buildings and homes on the street, turning them into a neighborhood hub for good food, music, and art of all kinds—an extension of their brand, People Eat Culture.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

"We want to be creative with what we have instead of tearing it all down," Devan said, emphasizing their respect for the area's history. Marc added, "Everybody told us you should tear them all down, but we were intentional in leaving the outside as it was. When you walk up, you may be thinking one thing, but when you open the doors and come in, it's like you're kidding me, right?"

Their approach brings new life to old structures while keeping their cultural roots visible.