Where to have lunch in Jackson, MS?
 

My family and I will be flying into Jackson this Friday. We arrive around 12:00pm and want to have lunch before driving down to Hattiesburg. Is the airport close to downtown? Any suggestions on where we should stop? We're looking for casual, Southern food. And we love ribs and cornbread if that helps!

Hello. Just wanted to respond to your emial regarding Jackson, MS. We moved from there approximately 2 yrs. ago and we did have a favorite barbecue spot. The name is Red, Hot & Blue on E. County Line Road. You can call 601-956-3313 for directions when you arrive in Jackson. It is very close to the Northpark Mall which has great shopping. Red, Hot & Blue is Memphis style barbecue with the best potato salad you will find anywhere. There is also a new chain barbecue place close to the airport..can't remember the name though. Red, Hot & Blue is about 20 minutes from the airport but worth the drive. The airport is not far from downtown. Hope you enjoy the food and the great Southern hospitality. Mississippi is a great place!

Red, Hot & Blue is a chain located in various, mostly Southern, states. I'd skip it if you are interested in a local place. Upon your arrival, ask some locals about where they would go for great barbecue.

Thanks! Yes, as much as I love Red, Hot & Blue (I used to live near one in Virginia), I'd like to try a local place...

check out chowhound.com

Yikes. I think I got to you too late. Just in case you'll be coming through on your way back, here goes.

Close to the airport, you won't find alot, but tool down I-20 to downtown (about a 20-25 minute drive), and you'll find TONS of choices.

For soul food, Peaches in downtown Jackson (Farish Street) cannot be beat. No frills here, but the fried chicken and the banana pudding are 100% authentic.

Jackson also has a long tradition of Greek resturant owners. To sample a taste, try the Mayflower Restuarant on Capitol Street. (Their crab bisque and their oysters are some kind of good.)

The Elite is another old-Jackson staple. I always get their veal cutlet, and the rolls there are probably the best I've ever had.

If you want something less nostalgic and more upscale, head up I-55 for a minute or two and get off on the Northside Drive exit. To your left, you'll see Julep (great contemporary Southern food), Bravo's (classic Italian - done very well), and Bon Ami (French bistro-style food - and they make their own desserts. Yum!).

Happy eating!