When Jackson, Mississippi shows up in movies and on TV, it's typically some sort of historical piece. And, despite that delightful Emma Stone's presence, it's usually a less-than-pleasant depiction of Southern life. The reality, though, is that in the past few years, the food & drink scene has undergone its own renaissance, giving the City with Soul dining options that celebrate Jackson's rich cultural heritage while bringing it into the modern culinary landscape.
To help you navigate the boiled peanuts and bluesy watering holes, we teamed up with restaurateur Tom Ramsey, Eat Jackson publisher Andy Chapman, Jackson Free Press features editor Kathleen M. Mitchell, and Cathead Distillery co-founder Richard Patrick. Yes, there is pie. No, it's not the disgusting kind they ate in The Help.
Brent's Drugs Just down the road from Cups, this neighborhood institution, which made its Hollywood debut in The Help and grabbed a name check in the book, has been operating since 1946, and happily maintains its old-school soda fountain style. Grab a stool and order a French Toast Sandwich-- two slices housing a fried egg and gooey American cheese. Pair it with a side of grits -- they're freshly ground at Delta Grind, located just North of Jackson in Water Valley.
Mayflower Cafe The Mayflower Cafe, a legendary downtown corner spot that's the longest operating restaurant in Jackson, is one of the top spots for the city's signature edible, Comeback Sauce; some people even credit the tiled, Greek-inspired eatery as the inventor. Most similar to remoulade, the creamy, orange sauce is a mayo-garlic-chili combo, and you'll want to try it over the Mayflower's Greek salad. And then take a bottle home to properly sauce all the fried pickles, boiled shrimp, and fried green tomatoes you'll be eating after this trip.
La Finestra The Italian spot rolls out creative spins on classics from the Boot -- and house-made pastas play a starring role -- but Chef Ramsey recommends dispensing with the menu and sticking to the night's specials, which include things like a lemon-infused tagliatelle with pickled asparagus in whey brodo, or buccatini with braised lamb-cauliflower soubise & red wine. But if you're a stickler for the book, check out the ravioli carbonara.
The Iron Horse Grill Grab a local brew, like Lucky Town's Ballistic Blonde, or an expertly-made cocktail from Tiffanie Ransome (named the best bartender in the city) while sampling local music. The spot's stage is a reminder that legends like Elvis and bluesman Robert Johnson are Mississippi sons. Since reopening at the beginning of the year -- it was shuttered after a fire in 1999 -- musical acts have ranged from Bill Morganfield -- Muddy Waters' son -- to local jazz favorites Southern Komfort Brass Band. There's also a blues museum on the second floor where you can ogle one of B.B. King's "Lucille" guitars.
Fondren Public The 30-tap craft beer bar just opened its doors last Fall, bringing a modern rustic vibe to its namesake neighborhood. You'll be able to grab a pint from Mississippi breweries, like Lazy Magnolia and Southern Prohibition, as well as beers without any Southern roots. If a night spent chatting sounds boring, get in on a round of bocce or shuffleboard. If you work up an appetite playing bar games, Parlor Market's chef advised on the bar menu, so this is bar food you'll want to snack on -- and the boiled peanuts are hard to pass up.
Liz Childers is a national food/drink editorial assistant at Thrillist and would like to thank her Mississippi family for ensuring she knows the importance of a bottle of Comeback Sauce in the fridge. Follow her to Southern musings at @lizchilders1.