10 Mississippi Soul Food Joints Serving Flavors Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen
Across the Magnolia State, soul food restaurants keep Southern cooking traditions alive with every plate they serve.
These kitchens dish up comfort food that warms both belly and spirit, just like grandma used to make. Crispy fried chicken and buttery cornbread capture the heart of Mississippi’s food heritage.
1. Mama Hamil’s (Madison)
Stepping into this family-owned treasure feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. The buffet stretches with crispy fried chicken, buttery cornbread, and collard greens simmered to perfection.
Regulars swear by the candied yams that melt in your mouth. Southern hospitality flows as freely as the sweet tea here!
2. Aunt B’s (Tupelo)
Hungry travelers drive miles for Aunt B’s legendary smothered pork chops and creamy mac and cheese. Every recipe comes straight from owner Betty’s family cookbook, passed down through four generations.
Small-town charm fills the modest dining room where Elvis himself might have eaten had he discovered this gem.
3. Rosie Mae’s (Jackson)
Mouthwatering aromas greet visitors before they even open the door at this Jackson institution. Grandma Rosie’s recipes shine in dishes like fall-off-the-bone oxtails and perfect black-eyed peas.
Local politicians and everyday folks sit elbow-to-elbow at communal tables. Nobody leaves without trying the peach cobbler!
4. Fred’s Soul Food (Jackson)
Savvy locals know to arrive early at Fred’s before the daily specials sell out. What this hole-in-the-wall lacks in fancy decor, it makes up for with jaw-dropping fried catfish and heavenly sweet potato pie.
Fred himself might greet you at the counter, sharing stories while dishing up generous portions.
5. Eastside Soul Food (Hattiesburg)
Located in a converted gas station, Eastside surprises visitors with its melt-in-your-mouth ribs and perfectly seasoned greens. Family recipes dating back to the 1920s fill the handwritten menu board.
Weekend specials often include oxtail soup that sells out by noon. Cash only, but worth every dollar!
6. The Crystal Grill (Greenwood)
Generations of Delta families have celebrated special occasions at this Greenwood landmark since 1933. While famous for mile-high meringue pies, soul food aficionados come for the country-fried steak and turnip greens.
Wood-paneled walls display photos chronicling decades of local history. Regulars claim the recipes haven’t changed in 80 years.
7. Mama Jo’s Country Cookin’ (Oxford)
University students and professors alike flock to Mama Jo’s for comfort food that cures homesickness. Fried okra and creamed corn taste just like what grandma used to make on Sunday afternoons.
Joanne, the owner, remembers regulars’ names and favorite dishes. Her famous buttermilk biscuits alone justify the visit!
8. Big Daddy’s Soul Food To Go (Gulfport)
Gulf Coast fishermen start lining up at dawn for Big Daddy’s legendary breakfast plates. By lunchtime, the tiny takeout window serves up incredible gumbo and fried chicken that rivals any sit-down restaurant.
Most items come from recipes that owner Harold learned from his grandmother, a former plantation cook.
9. GrateFull Soul (Hattiesburg)
Music lovers appreciate the Motown soundtrack playing while savoring GrateFull Soul’s famous smoked turkey legs and macaroni and cheese. Vintage record covers and photos of soul legends decorate the walls.
Owner Marcus learned to cook from his grandmother while growing up in the Mississippi Delta. His banana pudding recipe remains a closely guarded secret!
10. Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant (Jackson)
Politicians and celebrities make pilgrimages to this unassuming cinder block building for authentic Mississippi cooking. Neck bones and butter beans simmer all day in seasoned potlikker that locals claim has healing properties.
Founded in 1982, Bully’s has earned multiple James Beard awards without changing a single recipe. Cash only, bring your appetite!
