Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is a city of traditions, with soul food joints, drive up fried fish stands and multigeneration restaurants specializing in seafood, steak and classic Southern cooking. It is also a city with a vibrant food scene, driven by a younger generation experimenting with Southern cuisine and producing delicious results.
Beef tips with rice
Where: Bully’s Restaurant
Tyrone Bully, a former bricklayer, built this soul food restaurant with his own two hands. Bully and his kitchen team make classic soul food, like beef tips, fried catfish and smothered oxtails. But they lavish it with the kind of care that is all too rare. In 2016, Bully’s won a James Beard America’s Classic Award, which recognizes long-running, beloved regional restaurants.
3118 Livingston Road, Jackson, 601-362-0484
More:Bully’s Soul Food restaurant has satisfied Jackson’s soul for 40 years
Cheeseburger
Where: Stamps Super Burgers
Every city has a cheeseburger, but only Jackson has a Stamps Burger. The massive burger is 10 ounces of beef. The truly famished can order a double, although not many people finish that one. The third-generation joint, near Jackson State University, does everything by hand, from forming the burger patties to cutting the fries. And if the latest generation has its way, Stamps might soon be coming to cities across the South.
1801 Dalton St., Jackson, 601-352-4555
More:‘The perfect recipe’: Three generations built Stamps Super Burgers in Washington Addition
Hangtown Fry omelet
Where: Elvie’s
Chef Hunter Evans keeps his New Orleans-inspired bistro open from morning until night. For breakfast, Evans makes biscuits and classic rolled French omelets, like the Hangtown ry with bacon, fried oysters and hollandaise sauce. Salads, a steak frites and po’boys anchor the lunch menu. At night, Evans gets creative and shows why he is one of the most talented young chefs in the South. His seven-course tasting menu is worth the splurge.
809 Manship St., Jackson, 601-863-8828
More:Upcoming ESPN show celebrates “excellence in Jackson
Pig ear sandwich
Where:Big Apple Inn
Go ahead. Be brave. Try a pig ear sandwich. The sliders stuffed with tender ears have been a mainstay for decades at this popular Farish Street restaurant that opened in 1939. The hot sausage sliders are equally popular. And the tamales, made with a recipe from Big Apple Inn’s Mexican immigrant founder, are worth buying by the dozen.
509 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-354-9371
More:Big Apple Inn: The story of a family’s legacy of smokes, ears and tamales on Farish Street
20th Century cocktail
Where: The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs
Brent’s Drugs, founded in 1946, draws customers young and old for cheeseburgers, club sandwiches and soda fountain drinks. The unmarked cocktail bar in the back, named The Apothecary and added in 2013, is strictly for the grown-ups. The dark retreat specializes in classic cocktails, like the 20th Century, although here made with bitter orange vodka from Jackson’s own Cathead Distillery instead of gin.
655 Duling Ave., Jackson
More:‘It’s been humbling’: Brent’s Drugs owner preserves a Jackson legacy
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