Greek chic: Jackson's culinary heritage

Open since 1972, this hidden gem began as a hamburger joint, started by Bill, who is originally from the "old county," an island in Northern Greece called Thasos. He soon realized Americans love Greek food as much as a burger, and started serving authentic greek seafood. Fresh salads and gyro platters along with Mediterranean shrimp are a taste of the isles indeed. Lunch platters are $7.95 and dinner entrees are $11.95. They have divine homemade Baklava that completes the meal.

Crechale's has been serving Jackson for over 50 years in the same location, and is renowned for their steaks and seafood. You can pick your own steak from their butcher counter at the front of the restaurant, so you know you're getting a quality cut of meat. Add in its frozen-in-time ambiance, blast-from-the past jukebox, the down-to-earth wait staff and unpretentious vibes and it's easy to see why it's one of Jackson's best-kept secrets.

This local institution, open since 1947, is known for its made-from-scratch yeast rolls and fresh seafood. A cornerstone of the downtown restaurant establishment, Elite also serves steaks and other American cuisine. Some signature dishes are charcoal broiled steak, Mexican enchiladas, grilled cutlets, hamburger steaks smothered in onions, jumbo fried shrimp, homemade soups with onions, and famous blue plate specials for lunch and dinner. Two people can dine for under $15 for lunch and dinner and breakfast is usually around $4-$5 a person. Located downtown it gets more business with the lunch crowds and was recognized for best lunch in 2005 in the Best of Jackson awards.

Keifer's is a Jackson institution. No visit to Jackson is complete without experiencing this iconic Greek cuisine. It is probably most loved for its addictive creamy feta sauce that some customers eat with crackers to get a fix. The secret recipe is held tight within the bounds of this local favorite and isn't going anywhere. The signature or standard order is as follows: a pita mozz (for an appetizer)-a round mini pita topped with grilled fresh mozzarella with a side of feta dressing, a gyro with tender lamb and zazeeki sauce wrapped in a pita and a side of cottage fries (thick slices of potatoes, fried). Other things to try are the pitatilla (a spicy appetizer with feta) or the popular pita club. And don't forget to order a pitcher of Amber Bock served in frozen mugs. Budweiser, Bud light and Michelob Ultra are also served in pitchers or by the mug. It's the perfect place to sit for hours and drink continuous pitchers when you're too full to get up or can be an option for a moderately brief business lunch. The waiters are fast-paced and get you in and out. There's a crowd at prime hours (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) during the week, and (5-9 p.m.) on the weekends.

Located in downtown Jackson the the Lamar Restaurant has been family owned and operated for many years. They serve a great breakfast each day and have lunch plate lunch specials as well as a full menu. An American restaurant with a Greek flavor and a must stop place to dine.

A Jackson institution, the Mayflower Cafe has been open since 1935. Mayflower is where you go for an original and nostalgic experience to usually dine before an event downtown or some formal affair you plan to attend. This is where you take someone visiting Jackson to understand the classic urban character that the city is known for downtown. Serving beer and BYOB allows you to bring your favorite wine to accompany your meal. And you'll find something to accompany white or red because it's a favorite for seafood and steak entrees. The red fish, scallops and fillets are are just a sampling of the dishes that give the Mayflower its continuing reputation of excellence.

Nick's is one of Jackson's premier fine dining restaurants. Since 1983, Nick's has been known as a great place to be with friends, a quiet business lunch or a warm date with someone special. The menu offers fresh fish, crisp salads and thick steaks for around $15-$32 per plate. Nick's Bar is also a great place to meet and enjoy a drink after work or to watch the game.

The Primos family of restaurants has become legendary to the Jackson area. Opening its doors in 1929 as a bakery its style has been revamped many times to still offer the best food around. Daily lunch special and yummy homemade desserts will make you a regular. They also offer rooms for private functions and an extensive catering menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.