10 Must-Stop Mississippi Roadside Restaurants That Locals Swear By

Down the winding roads of Mississippi, hidden culinary treasures await hungry travelers. These roadside eateries might not look fancy from the outside, but locals know they serve up some of the most mouthwatering food in the state. From crispy fried chicken to smoky barbecue and homemade tamales, these spots dish out authentic Southern flavors that keep folks coming back for generations.

1. Johnnie’s Drive In, Tupelo

Elvis Presley’s favorite burger joint still sizzles with the same small-town charm that attracted the King himself. The tiny cinderblock building hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, preserving a slice of American history with every doughburger served.

Locals pack the handful of booths daily, sharing stories while waiting for their famous Doughburgers – depression-era patties stretched with flour that somehow taste better than pure beef ones. The walls showcase Elvis memorabilia, including his regular booth marked with a small plaque.

2. BOOMERS, Horn Lake

Neon lights and nostalgic 1950s decor set the stage at this beloved Horn Lake institution where burgers reign supreme. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time – checkered floors, vinyl booths, and walls adorned with vintage license plates and Coca-Cola memorabilia.

The hand-pattied burgers arrive sizzling hot with perfectly caramelized edges, served alongside hand-cut fries that locals claim are the crispiest in the state. Don’t miss their thick, old-fashioned milkshakes mixed in vintage Hamilton Beach blenders and served with the metal mixing cup alongside your glass.

3. Abe’s Grill, Corinth

Sunrise at Abe’s Grill means fresh coffee brewing and local farmers gathering around worn wooden tables to start their day. Since 1974, this unassuming cinder-block building has served as Corinth’s unofficial town hall, where everyone from judges to factory workers rub elbows over breakfast.

Famous for their slug burgers – a Depression-era creation mixing meat with soybean meal – Abe’s keeps tradition alive with every crispy patty. The griddle has decades of seasoning, giving everything cooked on it a distinctive flavor that newcomers quickly become addicted to.

4. Happy Daze Dairy Bar, Nesbit

Summer evenings in Nesbit revolve around this cheerful roadside stand where families gather under shade trees, enjoying soft-serve cones that drip faster than kids can lick them. The little white building with its rainbow-colored sign has remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s.

Beyond incredible ice cream, Happy Daze serves burgers that put fast-food chains to shame – each one cooked to order and topped with fresh vegetables. Their footlong hot dogs smothered in homemade chili draw visitors from neighboring states during summer road trips.

5. Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q, Southaven

Smoke signals rise from this roadside barbecue joint, drawing hungry travelers off the highway with promises of Memphis-style ribs and pulled pork. The Neely family’s barbecue legacy spans generations, with pitmaster Jim perfecting slow-cooking techniques that make meat fall off the bone.

Walking inside, the sweet-smoky aroma hits immediately – a preview of the flavor-packed plates to come. Their signature dry-rubbed ribs develop a perfect bark during hours in the smoker, while their tangy-sweet sauce complements without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavors.

6. Big Bad Breakfast, Oxford

Morning magic happens at chef John Currence’s tribute to the most important meal of the day. Unlike typical greasy spoons, this Oxford favorite elevates breakfast classics with locally-sourced ingredients while maintaining Southern soul.

The signature Cahaba lily logo welcomes hungry patrons who gladly wait for tables on weekend mornings. Their house-cured Tabasco and brown sugar bacon deserves its own fan club, perfectly complementing fluffy omelets filled with seasonal vegetables from nearby farms.

College students nursing hangovers swear by the Big Bad Breakfast Plate – eggs, grits, bacon, and a buttermilk biscuit that could make grandmothers jealous.

7. Inez’s Drive Inn, Tishomingo

Country roads lead to this family-owned treasure where Inez’s granddaughter still uses the original recipes from 1967. The small white building with red trim might not look special, but locals know better than to judge this book by its cover.

Hand-breaded chicken fried steaks arrive smothered in peppered gravy made from scratch each morning. Their homemade rolls, baked fresh throughout the day, have such a following that regulars call ahead to reserve them before they sell out.

Weekday lunch specials draw farmers and factory workers who fill the parking lot with dusty trucks, coming for the food but staying for the gossip shared across red checkered tablecloths.

8. Solly’s Hot Tamales, Vicksburg

Mysterious and mouthwatering, Mississippi Delta tamales found their perfect home at Solly’s unassuming cinder-block stand. Since 1939, this Vicksburg landmark has served spicy beef tamales wrapped in corn husks and newspaper, creating a unique culinary tradition that blends Mexican influence with Southern soul.

The secret recipe remains closely guarded, passed down through generations of the family. Locals know to order them “all the way” – smothered in chili, onions, and crackers for the full experience.

During holiday seasons, lines form around the building as families pick up dozens to take home, continuing traditions started by their grandparents.

9. Walker’s Drive In, Jackson

Despite its humble name, Walker’s serves upscale cuisine in a casual setting that makes everyone feel at home. The brick building in Jackson’s Fondren district started as a true drive-in during the 1950s before evolving into one of the city’s culinary landmarks.

Chef Derek Emerson transforms local ingredients into sophisticated dishes like the legendary redfish Anna – a perfectly seared fillet topped with lump crabmeat and lemon butter. The restaurant’s walls showcase black and white photographs documenting Jackson’s history, connecting diners to the city’s past.

10. Pit Stop Drive In, Smithdale

Rural Southwest Mississippi holds this hidden gem where hungry travelers pull over for burgers that rival any big-city offering. The converted gas station maintains its automotive theme with racing memorabilia covering every wall and oil-can napkin holders on red formica tables.

Their signature Pit Stop Burger arrives wrapped in checkered paper – a half-pound patty topped with bacon, cheese, and a mysterious “pit sauce” that locals would fight to protect. Hand-cut onion rings, battered and fried to golden perfection, make the perfect side.

On Friday nights, classic car enthusiasts gather in the gravel parking lot, showing off vintage vehicles while enjoying milkshakes under the stars.