'Cue it up

A guide to Jackson's best barbecue joints

Carey Miller

Metromix
October 15, 2008

'Cue it up
A plate of goodies from the Pig Shak downtown. (Credit: Special to Metromix)

In the world of barbecue—which is sometimes much more like a competitive sport than a culinary art—Mississippi rarely gets its props.

And that's a shame. Being located smack dab in the middle of the South has given our state's barbecue chefs an opportunity to soak in the best traditions of limelight-hugging 'cue destinations like Memphis, Texas and Alabama, while managing to cook up a few unique variations themselves.

That's why Mississippi's got a little bit of everything 'cue: wet, dry, sweet, spicy, hickory, mesquite—you name it—and Jackson provides a slow-cooked cross-section of what the state has to offer.

So grab your bibs and your dental floss and check out some of these metro area 'cue champs.

930 Blues Cafe

pick 930 Blues Cafe

930 N. Congress St. - Jackson
601-948-3344

930 is a historic landmark venue in Jackson. This bar is not just a bar but rather a catalyst for keeping true blues and jazz alive. Customers can enjoy live music, drinks and the fun and flirty atmosphere. Famous and rising jazz and blues musicians stop at this club and grace customers where their art. It is a laid back, friendly and diverse atmosphere that is great for first or fifth dates. It is a must stop when visiting Jackson.

Big D's Tepee BBQ

pick Big D's Tepee BBQ

1153 Marine St - Jackson
601-366-7489

Big D's BBQ is a well known tourist spot serving up some of the best BBQ in Mississippi. Come see the world's largest display of American Indian tribal flags inside a tepee. There menu includes: baked beans, beef (chopped), pork or pulled chicken. According to local residents, Big "D" has been turning out these pies for 25 Years. The restaurant promises you that they are as good as grandma used to make and almost as cheap.

Chimneyville BBQ Smokehouse and Farmers Market Restaurant

pick Chimneyville BBQ Smokehouse and Farmers Market Restaurant

970 High St. - Jackson
601-354-4665

Chimneyville Smokehouse Farmers Market Restaurant and Catering is a family style barbecue and farmers market restaurant and catering service located in downtown Jackson. Founded almost 18 years ago, in a 12 by 40 trailer with outside seating only. They have grown and are now located in the old depot building across from the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. They started out with a few recipes for smoked meat but have expand the menu to now feature not only fresh hickory smoked barbeque, smoked overnight in real wood smokers, but also home-style vegetables from the State of Mississippi Farmers Market located directly across the street on High Street. The menu changes regularly, as the seasons change and new items come in fresh from the garden.

Fire

pick Fire

209 Commerce St. - Jackson
601-592-1000

Fire/Sin is Jackson's premier music venue, hosting a variety of concerts weekly.

The Haute Pig Restaurant

The Haute Pig Restaurant

1856 Main St. - Madison
601-853-8538

The name Haute Pig describes this restaurant perfectly. It could be described as a high-class pig stand. The Haute Pig prides themselves on the "Best Butt in Town" and they deliver on this promise. Their barbecue is some of the best around and their homemade barbecue sauces could make anyone's mouth water. This restaurant is a great place to bring co-workers for a quick lunch break or to bring the family for a nice dinner.

Hickory Pit

Hickory Pit

1491 Canton Mart Road - Jackson
601-956-7079

A barbecue restaurant that's been open forever. Their barbecue is good, but the Hershey pie is what you have to get. It's made with 19 Hershey bars with almonds that create a devilish filling, surrounded by an Oreo crust, and is topped with whipped cream, sprinkled in Oreo crumbs. Need we say more? It's easy to fill up on the ribs, but you better save room because the pie is, needless to say, rather rich.

Jay's Eat Shoppe & Catering

Jay's Eat Shoppe & Catering

4304 Welota Drive - Jackson
601-922-3646

Its all about the barbecue at Jay's. Stop in and grab yourself a hot plate. Get a meat, two veggies, and a bread. Jay's offers great tasting barbecue, good portions, and all a a great low price.

Natchez Best BBQ

Natchez Best BBQ

1695 Old Fannin Road - Flowood
601-919-2271

Natchez Best BBQ is conveniently located in, well, a convenience store, but don't think it's been sitting under a heat lamp for days. Everything is cooked fresh to order everyday. Pulled pork, ribs and chicken are the main meats on the menu. Sides include baked beans, potato casserole and salad. Even though the venue is located inside of a gas station, they have their own separate section with indoor seating.

Old Timers Barbecue

Old Timers Barbecue

1404 U.S. 49 S. - Richland
601-939-8795

A locally-owned barbecue restaurant operated for over 30 years in the same location. Serving their own special sauces and BBQ on U.S. 49 South in Richland for years. Great sandwiches, platters and plate meals.

Pig Shak

Pig Shak

227 E. Pearl St. - Jackson
601-965-6100

Guess what the specialty is here? Yep, nothing but great barbecue. Try the pulled pork sandwich plate, the little pig platter, or keep it simple with ribs straight up. They sell their meats in bulk as well.

Smiley's Bar-B-Que

Smiley's Bar-B-Que

255 E McDowell Road - Jackson
601-502-2827

There’s nothing that can leave you more satisfied than a mouthwatering meal off the pit at Smiley’s Bar-be-Que Restaurant. Whether it’s rib-tips, chopped beef, seafood, fish or burger and fries you can dine in or take out at this family style diner for dinner or lunch. Smiley’s invites all to dine in and enjoy the soft soulful music that’s available. This restaurant is a non smoking facility.

Pigskin BBQ

Pigskin BBQ

500 U.S. 51 - Ridgeland
601-988-1100

Great barbecue, catering and dine in restaurant on Highway 51 in Ridgeland. Offer a daily lunch special along with a buffet at lunch and dinner. Features include a wide variety of veggies and desserts to complement your meal. Serves fresh catfish at night and hot tamales are a favorite.

E and L Bar-B-Q

E and L Bar-B-Q

1111 Bailey Ave. - Jackson
601-355-5035

E and L Bar-B-Q is a neighborhood restaurant that has been serving the Jackson community for a number of years. Their specialty is their ribs, but the BBQ chicken and polish sausage are worth a taste. They feature daily specials and also have carry out. Besides meat, E and L has traditional sides that are eaten with BBQ. This includes potato salad, homemade fries, chips and a slice of warm bread.

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