Because of their obscure locations, a majority of restaurants in Mississippi don’t get the recognition they deserve. However, every once in a while, the state’s hidden gems catch their big break and land a spot on a television show, which is exactly the case with these 13 deliciously famous Mississippi eateries.
1. The Shed (7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs)
Serving up award-winning barbecue in a building made from actual junk, a visit to The Shed is sure to be a memorable (and tasty) one. The standout barbecue has been featured on several television shows, including Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Man v. Food Nation.
2. Blow Fly Inn (9415 Highway 49, Gulfport)
Head to this Gulfport eatery, and you’ll be treated to surf and turf with a southern flair along with amazing oceanfront views. The local favorite was fittingly featured on a 2009 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives entitled "Neighborhood Favorites."
3. Memphis Barbecue Co. (709 Desoto Cv., Horn Lake)
In 2012, this Horn Lake barbecue joint’s award-winning ribs, cheese fritters, and burgers with pork rinds gained national notoriety when the eatery was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
4. Darwell’s Café (127 E First St., Long Beach)
Despite its remote location, the coastal eatery is almost always jam-packed, especially on the weekends when a long line out the door is not uncommon. It has even been visited by Guy Fieri and his television show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Fieri loved Darwell's crawfish etouffee so much, he included the recipe in his cookbook.
5. Mayflower Café (123 W Capitol St., Jackson)
Aside from its mouthwatering fare, this iconic Jackson eatery is known as the originator of Comeback Sauce – a feat that landed the Mayflower Café a spot on the television series, Best Thing I Ever Ate.
6. Keifer’s Restaurant (120 N Congress St., Jackson)
Aside from ample outdoor seating, Keifer’s is known for its relaxed atmosphere and Mediterranean fare, which includes a variety of gyros. Of all the mouthwatering options on the menu, it was the gyro with feta cream sauce that caught the attention of Chef Cat Cora, the host of the Best Thing I Ever Ate.
7. Two Sister’s Kitchen (707 N Congress St., Jackson)
Please note, Two Sister's Kitchen has permanently closed.
Since 1989, Jackson residents have been heading to Two Sister’s Kitchen to get their fill of authentic soul food. In 2012, Adam Richman tried the buffet of southern favorites for himself, when his television series Man v. Food Nation visited the Jackson restaurant.
8. The Old Country Store (18801 Highway 61, Lorman)
Head to this Lorman eatery and you’ll find an impressive buffet of southern favorites, including some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. The famous fried chicken has been featured on the Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate and included in Yahoo’s 2015 listing of the "Best Fried Chicken."
9. Crystal Grill (423 Carrollton Ave., Greenwood)
Even though this iconic Greenwood eatery offers an extensive fare of steak and seafood, it’s the lemon ice box pie that Cat Cora couldn’t get enough of when she and her television show, Best Thing I Ever Ate, visited the Crystal Grill.
10. Phillips Grocery (2406 S Lamar Blvd., Oxford)
The expression, "if it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it," couldn’t apply more perfectly to Phillips Grocery, which has been using the same burger recipe since 1948! In 2013, George Motz, host of the series Burger Land, visited the long-running eatery to sample one of the nation’s top burgers for himself.
11. Hollywood Café (1585 Old Commerce Rd., Robinsonville)
Although its rich musical history is a big part of this cafe’s allure, it has another claim to fame – it’s the home of the fried pickle. The perfectly fried creation was featured on the "Deep Fried Paradise" episode of the Travel Channel series Food Paradise.
12. Latham’s Hamburger Inn (106 W. Main St., New Albany)
This New Albany landmark has been in business for decades now, and in that time has become known for its mouthwatering slugburger. Aside from catching the attention of Business Insider, which named Latham’s burger best in the state, the eatery was featured on the Travel Channel series, Burger Land, in 2013.
13. Bill’s Hamburgers (310 S. Main St., Amory)
Opened since 1929, Bill’s is the place locals go to when craving a juicy hamburger. The signature burgers are so good, in fact, they are only dressed with basic condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and hot sauce because "that’s all you’ll need." In 2013, Bill’s "original old school burger" gained national recognition when it was featured on Burger Land.
Have you ever dined at any of these famous eateries? Tell us about your experience in the comments section!
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