Road trips through Mississippi offer more than just scenic views and historic sites. The Magnolia State is home to some incredible roadside eateries where hungry travelers can find authentic Southern cooking and local flavors. From juicy burgers to world-famous tamales, these spots offer a taste of Mississippi’s rich culinary heritage without straying far from the highway.
1. Woody’s Roadside, Biloxi
A coastal gem tucked along Highway 90, Woody’s serves up mouthwatering burgers that locals swear by. The laid-back beach vibe matches perfectly with their menu of hand-pattied burgers and ice-cold beer.
Their signature Woody Burger comes loaded with bacon, cheese, and a special sauce that keeps drivers making detours just for one more bite. The outdoor seating area lets you enjoy the Gulf breeze while you eat.
Beyond burgers, their seafood options showcase the freshest Gulf catches, prepared with a Southern twist that captures Biloxi’s unique coastal flavor.
2. Walker’s Drive In, Jackson
Don’t let the name fool you – Walker’s isn’t actually a drive-in anymore, but an upscale neighborhood restaurant with humble roadside roots. Chef Derek Emerson transforms local ingredients into culinary masterpieces that have earned national recognition.
The redfish anna – a pan-seared fish topped with crab meat and lemon butter – remains the standout dish that keeps travelers and locals coming back. The restaurant’s cozy interior blends casual comfort with refined dining.
Located in Jackson’s Fondren district, Walker’s proves that roadside dining can be elevated without losing its soul or Southern hospitality.
3. Inez’s Drive Inn, Tishomingo
Since 1967, this family-run spot has been serving up no-frills Southern classics that taste like grandma’s cooking. The modest exterior hides a treasure trove of comfort food that’s worth every mile of the drive.
Famous for their jumbo cheeseburgers and hand-battered onion rings, Inez’s draws hungry travelers from across state lines. The sweet tea flows freely, served in giant styrofoam cups that keep it cold for miles down the road.
What makes this place special isn’t fancy decor or innovative cuisine – it’s the consistency of good, honest food served with genuine smiles by folks who remember your name when you return.
4. Pit Stop Drive In, Smithdale
Hidden along Highway 98, this unassuming spot lives up to its automotive name by refueling hungry travelers with some of the best burgers in southwest Mississippi. The red and white checkered decor gives it that classic race-inspired feel.
The Pit Stop Special – a double-patty burger with all the fixings – might require two hands and extra napkins, but it’s worth the mess. Their hand-cut fries, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, make the perfect companion.
Family-owned for generations, the walls are decorated with racing memorabilia and photos of satisfied customers who’ve made this essential stop part of their travel tradition.
5. Big Bad Breakfast, Oxford
James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence created this morning hotspot that elevates breakfast to an art form. Located near Ole Miss, the restaurant’s name pays homage to local literary giant Larry Brown’s collection “Big Bad Love.”
The Cathead Chicken Biscuit – a perfectly fried chicken breast nestled between a fluffy, oversized biscuit with cheddar and sausage gravy – might be the most satisfying road trip fuel ever created. Their custom-blended coffee will keep you alert for miles afterward.
While breakfast is their specialty, the lunch options shouldn’t be overlooked. The walls feature local art and photographs that celebrate Oxford’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Solly’s Hot Tamales, Vicksburg
A Mississippi Delta tradition since 1939, Solly’s proves that tamales are as much a part of Mississippi’s food heritage as catfish or cornbread. The tiny roadside stand might not look impressive, but the line of waiting customers tells the real story.
Henry Solly’s original recipe – spicy beef tamales wrapped in corn husks and simmered to perfection – remains unchanged after eight decades. Each order comes neatly packaged in wax paper with saltine crackers, perfect for eating on the road.
The current owner, Jewel McCain, has preserved the legacy while adding her own touch of hospitality. Many travelers plan their routes specifically to include a Solly’s stop.
7. Happy Daze Dairy Bar, Nesbit
Stepping onto the property feels like traveling back to the 1950s, when dairy bars were the highlight of family road trips. The cheerful blue and white building has been serving frozen treats to generations of travelers heading to and from Memphis.
Their hand-dipped ice cream cones tower with generous scoops, while the signature Daze Burger provides the perfect savory balance. Kids especially love watching their milkshakes being made the old-fashioned way – with real ice cream and a vintage mixer.
Picnic tables under shade trees make this a perfect spot to stretch your legs and cool down. During summer evenings, the place buzzes with locals and travelers sharing stories over soft-serve.
8. Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q, Southaven
Memphis-style barbecue makes a glorious appearance just across the Tennessee border at this legendary smoke joint. Founded by Jim Neely (uncle to the famous Pat Neely of Food Network fame), the restaurant’s strategic interstate location has saved many road-weary travelers from hunger.
The fall-off-the-bone ribs showcase a perfect pink smoke ring beneath a caramelized spice crust. Their tangy-sweet sauce, available in bottles to take home, complements everything from pulled pork to smoked turkey.
What began as a small roadside stand has expanded into a barbecue empire, but the original location maintains its unpretentious charm and dedication to slow-smoked perfection.
9. BOOMERS, Horn Lake
Rock-and-roll nostalgia meets comfort food at this 1950s-themed diner just off I-55. Named for the baby boomer generation, the walls are covered with Elvis memorabilia, classic car parts, and vintage record covers that give diners plenty to look at while waiting for their food.
The Blue Suede Burger – topped with blue cheese, bacon, and special sauce – pays homage to Mississippi’s most famous musical son. Thick, creamy milkshakes come served in classic metal mixing cups with enough extra to refill your glass.
Weekend nights often feature live rockabilly music that has spontaneous dance parties breaking out between the tables. The jukebox remains fully stocked with oldies but goodies.
10. Abe’s Grill, Corinth
Morning light filters through the windows of this historic diner that’s been serving breakfast to travelers since 1974. The building itself dates back to the 1920s and has witnessed generations of road-trippers fueling up before crossing state lines.
Abe’s famous slugburgers – a Depression-era creation that stretches beef with breadcrumbs – remain the signature item. Topped with mustard, pickle, and onion, they’re a unique taste of Northeast Mississippi culinary history that you won’t find elsewhere.
The breakfast special of country ham, eggs, and red-eye gravy draws early risers who appreciate that the coffee is always hot and the biscuits are always made from scratch.
11. Johnnie’s Drive In, Tupelo
Perhaps the most famous roadside stop in Mississippi, this tiny drive-in earned its place in music history as one of Elvis Presley’s favorite childhood haunts. The modest white building with red trim hasn’t changed much since the King himself sat in what’s now known as the “Elvis booth.”
The doughburger – similar to Corinth’s slugburger but with its own Tupelo twist – remains the must-try item. Paired with crispy onion rings and a bottle of Coca-Cola, it’s a taste of American food history that transcends its humble ingredients.
Photographs and memorabilia cover the walls, but it’s the unchanged recipes and friendly service that truly transport you back to Elvis’s youth in this working-class neighborhood.
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