Beatty Street Grocery has been a fixture of the downtown Jackson area for over 70 years. What started out as an inner city grocery store has blossomed into a Jackson icon for the metro area diehard burger eater. If you are expecting fine dining, don’t think about them, but if you are in the mood for a great burger, sandwich or breakfast then attempt to find an open parking space and come on in for some good Southern soul food.
The Food
Beatty Street is home of the famous “Beatty Burger” of 100% pure beef hand patted burgers that is a mouthful if you are planning on sampling the 16 ounce version. You might want to opt for the 8 ounce version that is fully dressed with all the toppings and oozing with deliciousness. ($3.00-$4.50) The other burgers include a 2 oz, 4 oz, and a ranch flavored burger. If you are hot dog hungry check out the regular dog, chili dog, corn dog or the smokey dogs. All the sandwiches are served on white bread and the fried bologna is what we are usually craving when we stop by. The fried version is only $2.75 and will definitely fill you up with all the toppings and a side order of regular fries or sweet potato fries. Through the years we have tried most all the sandwiches and burgers so it’s difficult to choose a favorite. The sandwiches include ham, sausage, rib eye, pork chop, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, grilled chicken, liver cheese, souse, egg, fish, club, tuna, grilled cheese, pimento and cheese, turkey, bacon or roast beef. Now that’s a sandwich menu for sure. We have always had our favorites but don’t mind venturing out to try any of the sandwiches, po-boys or burgers. If you are an earlier riser then catching a breakfast is a sure bet with a breakfast plate of eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, or ham with some good old fashioned buttered biscuits. The area favorite is the super Beatty breakfast sandwich for $4.50 that includes egg, cheese, ham, bacon and a sausage patty for $4.50. If you actually want a light meal at a burger joint then try one of their salads of garden greens, chef salad, or a grilled chicken salad but why mess up a greasy spoon good old fashioned treat unless you feast on some homemade chili or veggie soup with your salad choice.
The platters are also a favorite of many with a chicken tenderloin platter with fries, Texas toast and a salad, catfish, shrimp or a combo of both for $7.49. The fried pork chop platter is one of our favorites as we can share with two nice sized chops, plenty of fries, toast and a salad for a pocket friendly $7.49. The Buffalo wings and chicken nuggets fly out of the kitchen and come in a 6, 12, or 24 versions. That’s a great take along treat for the family, office or tail gating party.
Be sure to experience the different side items to go along with your burger or sandwich with fries, sweet potato fries, chili cheese fries, chili cheese tots, regular tots, onion rings, or potato salad. For the sweet endings with your meal, check out a slice of homemade pie, or a muffin.
The Drink
Plenty of iced cold sweet or unsweetened tea, fountain soft drinks, and coffee will definitely quench your thirst needs and refills are available.
The Scene
Eclectic, nostalgic, a bit of clutter, yet plenty of great eats and helpful and knowledgeable servers will definitely having you going back time and time again. They sell staple grocery items as well as serving up their homemade food every day except Sunday’s. If you have never been, it’s way past time to go, they will treat you like family, you will probably spot someone you know and man can they tell you some stories about the metro area. Inside you will find a long table of fixings and plenty of helpful servers to fix your meal just the way you like it. Be sure to carry some cash with you as they only take cash so leave the credit cards at home and experience the old days of cash only living.
The Bottom Line
Beatty Street has been around as I said, pretty much forever. You will see all walks of life enjoying their breakfast or lunch and they welcome you as soon as you come through the doors. An area classic, not much on décor or sit down quiet dining but if you haven’t had a Beatty Street burger you are missing out on a classic, unique experience that will have you wanting more. They know what they are doing, have been doing it for decades and although it doesn’t look like much, the food is above the norm, cheaper than most fast food joints and a definite must try eatery for a “step back in time” something special.
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