Food & Wine
Love food, restaurants in Jackson? Vote now to help Mississippi city win Best in the South
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Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 11:08 GMT by The Clarion-Ledger🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Jackson, MS, is in the Top 3 for The Local Palate's Best Culinary Towns in the South. Vote now to help restaurants near you bring home the title, here's how
Vote Now: Help Jackson, Mississippi, Claim the Title of Best Culinary Town in the South
Jackson, Mississippi, the heart of the Magnolia State, is vying for a prestigious accolade that could put its vibrant food scene on the national map: the title of Best Culinary Town in the South. As announced in a recent USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards contest, Jackson has been nominated among a select group of Southern cities, and locals are rallying to secure the win. With voting open now through August 2025, residents, food enthusiasts, and supporters from across the region are encouraged to cast their ballots daily to propel Jackson to the top spot. This isn't just about bragging rights—it's a chance to celebrate the city's rich culinary heritage, innovative chefs, and diverse flavors that blend Southern traditions with modern twists.
The contest, part of USA Today's popular 10Best series, pits Jackson against other Southern gems like Charleston, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana, each boasting their own culinary prowess. But Jackson's nomination highlights its unique position as an under-the-radar destination where soul food meets global influences, all rooted in Mississippi's agricultural bounty and cultural melting pot. From farm-to-table eateries to historic diners, Jackson's food landscape tells the story of the South's evolution, making it a strong contender in this reader-voted competition.
What makes Jackson stand out? Let's start with its deep-rooted history in Southern cuisine. The city has long been a hub for comfort food classics, drawing on Mississippi's Delta influences and the legacy of African American cooking traditions. Think catfish fried to golden perfection, collard greens simmered with smoked ham hocks, and cornbread that's fluffy on the inside with a crispy crust. But Jackson isn't stuck in the past—it's a city where innovation thrives. Chefs here are reimagining these staples, incorporating local ingredients like heirloom tomatoes from nearby farms, fresh Gulf seafood, and artisanal cheeses from Mississippi dairies.
One can't discuss Jackson's culinary scene without mentioning iconic spots like Bully's Restaurant, a soul food institution that's been serving up chitlins, oxtails, and neck bones since 1982. This no-frills eatery embodies the warmth and hospitality of Jackson, where meals are more than sustenance—they're community gatherings. Then there's Walker's Drive-In, a fine-dining establishment that fuses Southern flavors with upscale techniques. Their redfish on the half shell, topped with lump crabmeat and a lemon beurre blanc, has become a signature dish, earning rave reviews from food critics nationwide.
The city's resurgence in recent years has brought a wave of new restaurants that elevate Jackson's profile. Take Saltine, a modern oyster house in the Fondren district, where fresh bivalves from the Gulf are paired with creative cocktails and small plates like pimento cheese fritters. Or Elvie's, a chic spot blending French bistro vibes with Southern ingredients—think duck confit over grits or shrimp remoulade salads. These venues reflect Jackson's growing appeal to millennials and food tourists, who flock to the city's revitalized neighborhoods for Instagram-worthy meals and authentic experiences.
Beyond individual restaurants, Jackson's culinary strength lies in its festivals and events that showcase local talent. The annual Mississippi Food & Wine Festival draws crowds with tastings from top chefs, while the Jackson Indie Music Week often pairs live performances with pop-up food trucks offering everything from Korean barbecue tacos to vegan soul food. These events underscore the city's role as a cultural crossroads, where music, art, and cuisine intersect. Moreover, Jackson's commitment to sustainability is evident in places like the Mississippi Farmers Market, where chefs source seasonal produce directly from growers, fostering a farm-to-fork ethos that's both eco-friendly and delicious.
Local leaders and chefs are vocal about why Jackson deserves this recognition. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has publicly endorsed the campaign, stating, "Jackson's food scene is a testament to our resilience and creativity. From our historic eateries to our innovative newcomers, we're serving up the soul of the South." Renowned chef Nick Wallace, a Jackson native and advocate for Mississippi cuisine, adds, "This nomination is about more than food—it's about honoring the stories behind every plate, from the cotton fields to the kitchen." Wallace's own ventures, like the Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace Culinary, highlight hyper-local ingredients and community-driven menus.
Voting is straightforward and crucial. Head to the USA Today 10Best website, search for the "Best Culinary Town in the South" category, and select Jackson. Voters can submit one ballot per day per device until the deadline in late August 2025, with winners announced shortly after. The contest emphasizes reader participation, meaning every vote counts in what could be a tight race. Supporters are sharing the link on social media with hashtags like #VoteJacksonMS and #SouthernEats, turning the effort into a grassroots movement.
But why does this matter? For Jackson, winning could mean a boost in tourism, economic growth, and national attention. The city has faced challenges, from infrastructure issues to perceptions of decline, but its food scene is a bright spot, attracting visitors who discover hidden gems like The Mayflower Cafe, famous for its seafood and ties to literary history (it's said to have inspired scenes in John Grisham novels). Or Big Apple Inn, a civil rights-era staple known for its pig ear sandwiches and role in the Freedom Rides.
Diving deeper into Jackson's culinary diversity, the city offers a global palate influenced by its immigrant communities. Vietnamese pho houses in West Jackson serve steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, while Mexican taquerias dish out al pastor tacos with fresh cilantro and lime. This fusion extends to fine dining, where establishments like Char Restaurant offer wood-fired steaks alongside international wines. Vegetarian and health-conscious options abound too, with spots like High Noon Cafe providing organic salads and smoothies made from local greens.
The influence of Mississippi's broader food culture can't be overstated. Jackson benefits from proximity to the Delta, where tamales—a surprising Southern staple with Mexican roots—are a must-try. Places like Doe's Eat Place, though technically in Greenville, inspire Jackson's versions with their juicy, Delta-style hot tamales. Seafood lovers rejoice in the abundance of crawfish boils and shrimp po'boys, often sourced fresh from Biloxi's shores.
Education and mentorship play a role in sustaining this scene. Institutions like Hinds Community College's culinary program train the next generation of chefs, many of whom stay local to innovate. Chefs like Derek Emerson of Walker's emphasize mentorship, saying, "We're building a legacy here, passing down techniques while encouraging bold new ideas."
As the voting period heats up, Jackson's community is mobilizing. Local businesses are hosting vote parties, complete with tasting menus to remind people of the flavors at stake. Social media influencers are posting mouthwatering photos of dishes like fried green tomatoes topped with remoulade or pecan pralines from local confectioners. Even celebrities with Mississippi ties, like Oprah Winfrey (born in nearby Kosciusko), have been name-dropped in campaigns, though no official endorsements have been confirmed.
In a region dominated by heavyweights like Atlanta and Austin, Jackson's nomination is a nod to the underdogs—the cities where authenticity trumps hype. Winning would affirm that great food doesn't require a big-city spotlight; it thrives in places like Jackson, where every meal is infused with history, heart, and hospitality.
So, if you've ever savored a plate of Mississippi mud pie or a bowl of gumbo in the Capital City, now's the time to act. Vote daily, spread the word, and help Jackson claim its rightful place as the South's best culinary town. The flavors of Jackson are waiting to be celebrated—let's make sure the world knows it. (Word count: 1,048)
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