Leatha, the original proprietor of "the best barbecue in the south" easily beating Texas decided 70 years ago that since "Colonel Sanders got rich off another man's cookin', and since Aunt Jemima still has a rag on her head," she'd open her own place. It is truly a time warp, with a Fried Green Tomatoes kind of feel. Leatha, now 78 in a spit fire manner, keeps things running, and hands out pecan pie with hugs to all customers. Leatha's BBQ is famous for the sauce. It's coveted nation-wide and like many southern recipes is kept a secret by Leatha's coyness. They serve the classic ribs, whole chickens, and wood grilled steaks, plus mouth watering sides (also secret recipes) that make this, along with its cotton farm beginnings, a place of southern nostalgia. An obvious must-try, if anything to meet Leatha.

See more: South restaurants, Hattiesburg restaurants, Barbecue restaurants, American southern restaurants, Steak restaurants