10 Mississippi Soul Food Restaurants Even Grandma Would Approve Of

Mississippi holds the crown for authentic soul food that warms hearts and fills bellies with pure comfort. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these restaurants serve up dishes made with love and tradition. Every bite tells a story of Southern hospitality and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Get ready to discover places where the cornbread is always fresh and the sweet tea flows freely.

1. Eastside Soul Food Restaurant

Family recipes shine brightest when served with genuine Southern hospitality and care. Located in the heart of Mississippi, this beloved establishment has been feeding hungry souls for decades with authentic flavors.

Their famous fried chicken arrives golden and crispy, while the collard greens simmer with smoky ham hocks. Fresh cornbread accompanies every meal, baked daily using grandma’s secret recipe.

Sunday crowds gather for their legendary banana pudding and peach cobbler. The friendly staff treats every customer like extended family, ensuring plates stay full and glasses never run dry.

2. Nana J’s Soulful Kitchen

Walking through these doors feels like stepping into your grandmother’s warm kitchen on Sunday afternoon. The aroma of slow-cooked comfort food fills every corner, creating an atmosphere of pure nostalgia.

Their signature catfish comes perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection alongside creamy coleslaw. Homemade biscuits arrive hot from the oven, begging for a generous drizzle of honey or molasses.

Sweet potato pie remains the star dessert, crafted using Nana J’s original family recipe. Regular customers often claim this spot serves the most authentic soul food experience in all of Mississippi.

3. Big Daddy’s Soul Food To Go

Sometimes the best comfort food comes wrapped in paper and served with a smile to go. Big Daddy’s proves that takeout soul food can match any sit-down restaurant when prepared with passion and quality ingredients.

Their massive portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, with heaping servings of mac and cheese that stretch like golden silk. Tender oxtails fall off the bone after hours of slow cooking in rich, savory gravy.

Busy families and workers rely on Big Daddy’s for quick, satisfying meals that taste like home cooking. The value and flavor combination keeps customers coming back week after week.

4. Maxine’s Old Country Kitchen

Country charm meets serious soul food at this delightful establishment where every dish reflects decades of cooking wisdom. Maxine’s reputation for consistency and flavor draws visitors from neighboring states who crave authentic Mississippi cuisine.

Their smothered pork chops arrive tender and juicy, swimming in rich brown gravy that begs for sopping with buttermilk biscuits. Green beans slow-cook with bacon until perfectly tender and flavorful.

The chess pie deserves special mention, featuring a custard-like filling that melts on your tongue. Local families consider Maxine’s their go-to spot for celebrations, Sunday dinners, and whenever comfort food cravings strike.

5. Aunt B’s Soul Food Restaurant

Generous portions and motherly love define every meal served at this cherished neighborhood gem. Aunt B’s philosophy centers on treating every customer like beloved family members deserving the finest home cooking.

Their fried green tomatoes provide the perfect appetizer, crispy outside with tender centers that burst with tangy flavor. Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with their famous meatloaf, glazed to perfection.

Red velvet cake serves as the grand finale, featuring cream cheese frosting that dreams are made of. The welcoming atmosphere and consistently delicious food make Aunt B’s a Mississippi soul food institution worth celebrating.

6. Bettina’s Soulfood Kitchen

Authentic flavors burst from every dish at this passionate cook’s labor of love establishment. Bettina’s commitment to traditional preparation methods and fresh ingredients creates memorable meals that satisfy both body and spirit completely.

Their jambalaya showcases perfectly seasoned rice mixed with tender shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage. Buttery cornbread muffins arrive warm, providing ideal vessels for soaking up every drop of flavorful sauce.

Bread pudding topped with whiskey sauce offers sweet redemption after hearty main courses. Food enthusiasts travel considerable distances to experience Bettina’s unique blend of Louisiana and Mississippi culinary traditions executed with remarkable skill.

7. GrateFull Soul

Modern soul food meets traditional flavors at this innovative restaurant where classic recipes receive contemporary presentation without losing authentic taste. GrateFull Soul attracts younger diners while maintaining respect for culinary heritage and time-tested techniques.

Their Nashville hot chicken delivers serious heat balanced by cooling pickles and soft white bread. Truffle mac and cheese elevates the classic comfort food with gourmet touches that enhance rather than overwhelm.

Salted caramel peach cobbler bridges old and new perfectly, honoring traditional Southern desserts with modern flavor profiles. The restaurant successfully proves that soul food can evolve while maintaining its essential character and emotional connection.

8. Wilson BBQ & Soulfood Express LLC

Smoky barbecue aromas announce your arrival at this dual-purpose establishment where pit-smoked meats meet classic soul food sides. Wilson’s mastery of both barbecue and traditional Southern cooking creates unique dining experiences that satisfy diverse cravings simultaneously.

Their pulled pork sandwich drips with tangy sauce while maintaining the meat’s natural smoky flavor. Baked beans slow-cook with bits of brisket, creating complex flavors that complement barbecue perfectly.

Pecan pie provides sweet endings with buttery crusts and rich, nutty fillings. The combination of barbecue expertise and soul food knowledge makes Wilson’s a destination for anyone seeking the best of Mississippi’s culinary traditions.

9. Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant

Bold flavors and generous hearts define every aspect of this beloved community gathering place. Bully’s reputation for consistency and quality has made it a cornerstone of local dining culture for generations of satisfied customers.

Their fried fish arrives crispy and flaky, seasoned with secret spice blends that create unforgettable taste experiences. Candied yams glisten with brown sugar and butter, providing sweet balance to savory main dishes.

Pound cake serves as the perfect dessert, dense and buttery with subtle vanilla notes. Regular customers become part of the extended family, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying meals that nourish both body and community spirit.

10. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House

Historic elegance meets soul food tradition at this distinguished establishment housed in a beautiful antebellum mansion. Mary Mahoney’s combines fine dining atmosphere with down-home cooking that honors Mississippi’s rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity.

Their famous red beans and rice showcase Creole influences with perfectly seasoned kidney beans and spicy andouille sausage. Shrimp and grits elevate humble ingredients into sophisticated comfort food that satisfies completely.

Bananas Foster provides theatrical dessert experiences with tableside flambéing and rich vanilla ice cream. The restaurant successfully bridges casual soul food and upscale dining, creating memorable experiences for special occasions and casual meals alike.