As a new year looms, many of us begin to think about resolutions. And while we have the best intentions when coming up with these resolutions, we often end up making ourselves miserable trying to stick to them. So, this year, why not add some goals to that list you’ll actually want to meet? Not sure where to begin? Well, a visit to each of these 13 restaurants is a great start (and practically guaranteed to be the tastiest of your 2017 resolutions).
1. The Tomato Place (3229 Highway 61 South, Vicksburg)
If you have yet to visit this one-of-a-kind restaurant, you’re definitely missing out. The former fruit stand serves some of the best home cooked food, real fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and other made-from-scratch goodies. While waiting for your food, spend some time looking around the shop area, where you’ll find plenty of handcrafted gifts, art, and other unique merchandise.
Click here to learn more about The Tomato Place.
2. Country 35 Diner (1504 Highway 35 South, Foxworth)
If you’re looking to get your fill of traditional southern cooking, then this is the place for you. Visit during breakfast and you’ll find a menu loaded with true classics, including tomato gravy, biscuits, and grits. Head to the diner later in the day and you’ll be met with a buffet overflowing with home-cooked classics, which includes the restaurant’s specialty, Mrs. Candy’s fried chicken.
Click here to learn more about Country 35 Diner.
3. The Shed (7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs)
Constructed out of old junk and scraps, The Shed is definitely one of the most unique looking restaurants in the state, and while the one-of-kind appearance may be what draws customers in, it’s definitely the mouthwatering barbecue that keeps them coming back. And it’s not only locals that love to "get fed at The Shed;" aside from winning a variety of prestigious awards, the restaurant has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Click here to learn more about The Shed.
4. Cowboy Jim’s Riverside Restaurant (186 Highway 35, Prentiss)
When it comes to great atmosphere, you can’t do much better than Cowboy Jim’s. Situated in the "middle of nowhere" on a Certified Wildlife Habitat along the banks of the Bouie River, this restaurant boasts a stunning, secluded setting, gorgeous views, and a menu filled with everything from hamburger steak and chicken tenders to filet mignon and seafood. Visit the restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night and you’ll be in for a real treat – live entertainment. Keep in mind, Cowboy Jim’s only accepts cash and checks; however, there is an ATM on site.
Click here to learn more about Cowboy Jim’s.
5. Onward Store (6693 Highway 61, Rolling Fork)
This still-functioning general store has been serving locals and hunters since 1913. In recent years, it has grown to include a restaurant that serves a variety of southern favorites, from homemade pig skins to fried chicken. And while the food is delicious, it’s not the only reason to visit the Onward Store. Truly a unique experience, the store is filled with old photos and historical artifacts that tell the history of the area along with a variety of merchandise, which includes plenty of bear-themed items since the store is built at the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s infamous bear hunt (You know; the one that resulted in the creation Teddy Bear).
Click here to learn more about the Onward Store.
6. The Dinner Bell (229 5th Avenue, McComb)
In business for nearly a century, the Dinner Bell is now one of the state’s most popular restaurants. Southern classics, like fried chicken, rice and gravy, chicken and dumplings, and corn bread, are served family-style on large lazy Susans in the middle of round tables. And in the true spirit of southern hospitality, customers are seated with friends and strangers alike, resulting in one of the most unique (and delicious) dining experiences imaginable.
Click here to learn more about The Dinner Bell.
7. H.D. Gibbes & Sons (130 Main Street, Learned)
You may not think of an old country store when craving a juicy steak, but that’s just because you haven’t been to this Learned gem. Gibbes first opened in 1892, serving as the local general store. Eventually, tables were added to the store, creating a makeshift restaurant. Before long, the store gained a reputation for its amazing food, including out-of-this-world steaks and mouthwatering lamb chops. After finishing off your steak, you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring the quaint general store, where you’ll find a variety of both new and vintage merchandise.
Click here to learn more about Gibbes.
8. Doe’s Eat Place (502 Nelson Street, Greenville)
Originally opened in 1941 as a honky tonk, Doe’s Eat Place eventually transformed into a full-time restaurant after one local resident showing up for lunch turned into two and so on. Initially, Doe’s served hot tamales and only hot tamales. Luckily for us, the menu has since grown and now includes award-winning steaks along with a variety of southern classics. And while there can only be one original, Doe’s Eat Place has expanded and now includes numerous locations in several different states.
Click here to learn more about Doe’s Eat Place.
9. Old Country Store (18801 Highway 61, Lorman)
Housed in a building that is over a century old, a visit to Lorman’s Old Country Store is truly an experience. The still-functioning general store and restaurant has become known for serving "the best fried chicken in the world." 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."
Click here to learn more about the Old Country Store.
10. Taylor Grocery (4 County Road 338, Taylor)
Attracting people from all over the country, Taylor Grocery has been serving up the "south’s best catfish" since the late-1970s. And at this local staple, the deep fried cuisine is always joined by good music and sweet tea, which can be enjoyed on the comfy front porch. The place tends to get pretty crowded, so a wait is likely but after just one bite of the restaurant’s perfectly fried catfish, you’ll agree it was worth it.
Click here to learn more about Taylor Grocery.
11. Weidmann’s (210 22nd Avenue, Meridian)
Weidmann’s first opened in 1870 and has been at its present location since 1923, with its popularity only increasing throughout the years. Visit the historic eatery today and you’ll find an impressive variety of southern cuisine along with a truly unique atmosphere, which includes walls covered in photos of famous diners, servers that are well-educated on the restaurant’s past so they can inform interested customers, and long-held traditions, such as serving peanut butter and crackers, a custom carried over from WWII since butter was scarce.
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12. Mammy’s Cupboard (555 Highway 61, Natchez)
When constructed in 1940, this 28’ tall mammy-inspired building was meant to attract tourists in town for the Natchez pilgrimage, which became increasingly popular after the release of "Gone with the Wind." Aside from its appearance, the eatery is known for its southern-style meals and decadent homemade pies. Throughout the years, the mouthwatering fare has brought locals, tourists, and even a few celebrities to the iconic Natchez restaurant.
Click here to learn more about Mammy’s Cupboard.
13. Mary Mahoney’s (116 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi)
If dining in one of the country’s oldest homes sounds like your idea of an unforgettable experience, then a trip to Mary Mahoney’s should definitely be in your plans. The beautiful home that houses the restaurant was constructed in 1737, and remained a residence until 1962 when it was transformed into Mary Mahoney’s. In the years since its opening, this coastal gem has garnered quite the reputation for its "elegant meals," which can be enjoyed in the ambient dining room or private courtyard.
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Have you ever eaten at any of the restaurants listed above? Have a restaurant to add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
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