Mississippi hides some of the best BBQ treasures in America. Beyond the famous joints, locals guard their favorite smoky hideaways like family secrets. These humble shacks serve up history and flavor in equal measure, with recipes passed down through generations.
Each bite tells a story of Southern pride, patience, and pitmaster tradition. Ready to eat like a Mississippi regular? Here are hidden BBQ gems worth the journey!
1. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Built from actual junkyard scraps, this ramshackle roadside spot screams authentic Mississippi charm. The walls tell stories while the oak-smoked ribs fall off the bone.
Owners Brad Orrison and his sister Brooke started young, and their passion shows in every sauce-slathered bite. Blues music fills the air on weekend nights, making the experience complete.
2. Abe’s Bar-B-Q
Standing at the legendary crossroads where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul, Abe’s has been serving Delta-style BBQ since 1924.
Their tangy sauce recipe remains unchanged for generations, creating the perfect companion to slow-cooked pork sandwiches. Blues travelers and locals alike crowd the worn booths, bonding over plates of Southern comfort.
3. The Little Dooey
What started as a gas station takeout counter evolved into Starkville’s BBQ headquarters. Mississippi State fans pack this joint before and after games.
Their pulled pork sandwich topped with homemade coleslaw creates flavor magic that keeps folks coming back. The walls covered with Bulldogs memorabilia tell you everything about their loyal customer base.
4. Sonny’s Smokehouse
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny cinder block building where Sonny has been tending his smokers for over 40 years. No fancy frills here – just honest, hickory-smoked meat.
The brisket develops a perfect bark during its 14-hour smoke bath. Locals know to arrive early because when Sonny runs out (usually by mid-afternoon), that’s it until tomorrow.
5. Clay’s House Of Pig (CHOP)
Found inside a gas station convenience store, CHOP shatters expectations with championship-caliber BBQ. The smoked bologna sandwich, a Mississippi specialty, draws pilgrims from counties away.
Owner Clay Coleman competes in BBQ contests when he’s not serving customers. His trophy-winning techniques translate perfectly to daily specials. Don’t miss the banana pudding finale.
6. Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn
Miss Leatha’s legacy lives on through her family who maintains her sacred BBQ traditions. Football legend Brett Favre counts himself among the regulars at this unassuming house-turned-restaurant.
The ribs, smoked until tender then brushed with sweet-spicy sauce, have converted many BBQ skeptics. Photos of satisfied celebrities line the wood-paneled walls, proving great food transcends fame.
7. The Pig & Pint
Traditional meets innovative at this craft beer and BBQ haven. The Mississippi State Championship team behind this spot creates unexpected flavor combinations that somehow feel perfectly Southern.
Their smoked chicken salad topped with pork rinds exemplifies their creative approach. The restaurant’s brick walls and casual vibe make it an ideal spot for Jackson locals seeking quality without pretension.
8. Bully’s Restaurant
Soul food meets BBQ at this James Beard Award-winning institution tucked away in west Jackson. Founded by Mr. Bully in 1982, the restaurant remains a gathering spot for community leaders and hungry workers alike.
Their smoke-infused greens and tender ribs showcase Mississippi’s culinary heritage. The plain exterior hides a warm interior where every customer gets treated like family returning home for Sunday dinner.
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