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By Andy Baeuerle
I often see articles detailing the best stops to make on a road trip around a state or area. A lot of times, these are made by critics or people who are not from that area. So I thought, being Mississippi-raised, I should give some insight into what I think the best stops are in my beloved state. This is a new series of articles I’m planning, and this is the first. These are not in a particular order, but they are the 10 restaurants that stick out in my mind. After the restaurants, there will be more articles on parks, attractions, and landmarks around the state. But for now, here are the Top 10 Restaurants for a Missississippi Road Trip, made by a Mississippi guy.
#1 – Zip’s Cafe, Magee
Known for juicy burgers topped with the signature “Zip’s Sauce,” Zip’s Cafe has become a favorite, not only in Magee but in Mississippi as a whole. Founded in 1963 by Zeak “Zip” Windham, this restaurant’s fame has been further expanded by winning the “Best Burger in Mississippi” Award in 2015 and 2022.
Menu Favorites:
- Zip Burger
- Fried Chicken
- Hamburger Steak
Location: 405 Pinola Drive, Magee, MS, 39111
#2 – Jerry’s Catfish House, Florence
Everyone in the Deep South loves Fried Catfish. It’s a regional classic. But some places just do it differently. Jerry’s Catfish House is one of those places. Founded in 1986 by Jerry Bridges, this restaurant is known for more than just its homemade food. The restaurant was built in an iconic igloo shape, and, let’s face it, you don’t see igloos in Mississippi. At all. But everyone loves the one we have, and I’m sure you will too.
Menu Favorites:
- All You Can Eat Catfish
- Fried Shrimp
- Fried Oysters
Location: 3326 Highway 49, Florence, MS 39073
#3 – Deb’s Pizza, Poplarville
I myself am a big pizza lover. Chains are good places for it, but if you find a home-cooked pizza, it can be just as good or better. Deb’s Pizza has this. Located in historic downtown Poplarville, Deb’s is an old favorite, with homemade sauces and crusts, and even homemade pastas and calzones. With a friendly staff and great atmosphere, you’re sure to get a good meal and a better day at Deb’s.
Menu Favorites:
- Build Your Own Pizza
- Calzones
- Fettucine Alfredo
Location: 950 S Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470
#4 – Crescent City Grill, Hattiesburg
When it comes to food in Mississippi, Robert St. John is one of the most popular figures on the scene. St. John is the owner of eight restaurants, all great too, but Crescent City Grill is one synonymous with not only his name, but the city of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as well. A longtime favorite, Crescent City brings the cuisine New Orleans and South Louisiana are known for to Mississippi. Menu items such as oysters, po-boys, and steaks are sure to bring out your inner Cajun.
Menu Favorites:
- Cajun Cobb Salad
- Catfish Plaquemine
- Grilled Catch of the Day
Location: 3810 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
#5 – Woody’s Roadside, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport
With three locations across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Woody’s Roadside is a staple on the beach. This restaurant is one that brings you a sports bar, but also a very good family atmosphere. Burgers and beer, and tacos and fish are sure to strike some interest, as well as the lively atmosphere of the restaurant, where you can watch your team as you relax on the Mississippi Coast.
Menu Favorites:
- Southern Fried Chicken Salad
- The Cruisin’ Burger
- NOLA Burger
Locations:
- 1894 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39531
- 1121 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507
- 3008 Bienvile Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
#6 – Bulldog Burger Co., Starkville, Ridgeland, and Tupelo
Everyone loves a good burger, right? How about ones in a college town? I thought so. In Starkville, not far from Mississippi State University, you will find the Bulldog Burger Co. restaurant. Known for delicious juicy burgers, this establishment has seen expansions into Tupelo and Ridgeland.
Menu Favorites:
- The Bulldog Burger
- The Mission Burger
- The Lauren Burger
Locations:
- 879 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157
- 702 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759
- 311 S Gloster Street STE 101, Tupelo, MS 38801
#7 – Taylor Grocery
Another restaurant famous for fish in Mississippi is the Taylor Grocery. Located in the small town of Taylor of course, the Taylor Grocery traces its roots all the way back to 1889 when it was founded by Duff Ragland. Despite this long time back in history, it was not a restaurant until 1977 when Jerry and Evie Wilson took over and began cooking catfish to sell at the store. And it all grew from there. The Taylor Grocery has even made its way into the hearts of many football fans, as it is a game day favorite when Ole Miss has a home football game.
Menu Favorites:
- Taylor Sampler
- Whole Catfish Plate
- Rah’s Pecan Pie
Location: 4A Depot Street, Taylor, MS 38673
#8 – Roy’s Store, Chatham
Between Vicksburg and Greenville, you’d be lucky to find a large town with a lot of restaurants. All you’re likely to see are thousands of acres of farmland. But in the midst of farms, you’re bound to come across Lake Washington, an oxbow lake with two communities surrounding it known as Chatham and Glen Allan. Chatham to the north has a little place loved by locals and travelers known as Roy’s Store. This simple little cafe offers an array of breakfast and lunch options, as well as dinner once the hunting seasons roll around. Roy’s Store also offers cabins for rent along Lake Washington.
Menu Favorites:
- Roy’s Burger
- Hamburger Steak Box
- Fried or Grilled Chicken Box
Location: 7 Roy’s Store Road, Chatham, MS 38731
#9 – Leatha’s Bar-B-Q, Petal
Next to fish and burgers, in the south, we also love our barbecue. One that is a favorite of the Pine Belt residents is Leatha’s. Located in Foxworth for the majority of the restaurant’s time, Leatha’s was founded by Mrs. Leatha Jackson, also known as the “Queen of Barbecue,” in the mid-1970s. In 2000, Leatha’s was moved to Oak Grove, just off of Highway 98. Mrs. Leatha passed away in 2013, but her memory lives on through the restaurant, now located in Petal. From ribs and pulled pork to chicken and pies, Leatha’s has grown to become one of the most recognizable names in BBQ, even hosting a booth at the Washington Parish Free Fair in Franklinton, LA, and being featured on the Cooking Channel’s show Man Food Fire.
Menu Favorites:
- Hungry Man Plate
- ½ Chicken
- Leatha’s Secret Recipe Cole Slaw
Location: 1225 MS-42, Petal, MS 39465
#10 – Frisco Deli, Pearl
For the indecisive, there’s always a restaurant that deals in a little of everything. You’ll find this at Frisco Deli in Pearl, Mississippi. From burgers and sandwiches, to ribs and fish, Frisco Deli has just about anything that comes to your mind. The Frisco Deli is in an interesting place, as there are many chain restaurants around it including Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Steak and Shake, but Frisco Deli is different. While you can get a sandwich or a burger, you also get that unique, nostalgic feel of a simple restaurant in a bustling city.
Menu Favorites:
- Rib Plate
- Chicken Dinner Plate
- Catfish Plate
Location: 1227 Phillips Lane, Pearl, MS 39208
MageeNews.com is an online news website covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
You should try hall of fame burgers in little Yazoo in bentonia Mississippi
Woody’s is in NO WAY a coast staple! How could anyone choose that basic crap when theres countless locally owned Coast and Creole Cuisine establishments within a stones throw of that dump?
Cry more ❄️
Frisco’s muffuletta is one of the best ever! This is the only place that has the muffuletta that I like! Try it! You won’t be disappointed, I promise!
I can’t believe you didn’t include Weidman’s in Meridian.
That’s what I was thinking.
I’m hoping the next list will include Mary Lous Biscuit bar in Louisville. They offer plate breakfast and of course biscuit sandwiches. But Oh my Ghaaa their eggs are simply AMAZING. Worth a mention and a taste! I drive from Little Rock at least once a month for them eggs! Lol
What about Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville?
That looks like some really good plates of food.
Nana js in ocean springs
Would love to visit Bulldog Burger. I’m from Belden Ms . Meal menu please.
You can find the entire menu on their website