Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Mississippi Restaurants

If you're a foodie and live in Mississippi, you're in luck—there are plenty of restaurants in the Magnolia State just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Beyond barbecue, we've got some great diners, creamy soft serve ice cream, and scrumptious Southern-style cooking.

Not sure where to start? Don't fret: we've compiled a list of the best restaurants in Mississippi to try this year, one for each month. Once you've checked these iconic eateries off your dining bucket list, you won't look at the Mississippi food scene the same again. You'll be in absolute food heaven.

1. January: Doe’s Eat Place - Greenville

Doe’s Eat Place opened its first location in Greenville in 1941, but has grown to include several chains across the country. You'll still find the same comforting, Southern classics on the menu, though, including homemade chili, ribeye, fried shrimp, and more. The exterior may be unassuming, but the food is bursting with flavor. Doe's is open Monday to Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2. February: Old Country Store - Lorman

The Old Country Store in Lorman is the perfect place to fill up on authentic Southern cooking. Enjoy a buffet of homemade classics like mac and cheese, collard greens, biscuits, and the "best fried chicken in the world." It's another hidden gem you might not necessarily think twice about, but it's so worth the visit. Be sure to say hi to the owner, Mr. D, when you're there! Hours are Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 p.m. on Saturday).

3. March: Taylor Grocery - Taylor

Taylor Grocery in the town of Taylor, Mississippi, has won many accolades since its opening in 1977. It's long since been considered the South's best catfish joint, and has been affectionately called "that catfish joint" by locals and visitors alike. Sure, it may not look like much on the outside, but the food is so good. If you don't get the catfish plate, order a variety of seafood from the à la carte menu. Hours are Thursday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4. April: The Hollywood Café - Robinsonville

The Hollywood Café in Robinsonville has several claims to fame—it's legendary, to say the least. Not only was it immortalized in the hit song, "Walking in Memphis," but it’s also known as the birthplace of the fried pickle. They go perfectly with an order of smoked ribs, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. You'll definitely want to put this iconic Mississippi eatery on your dining bucket list. It's open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m.

5. May: 1884 Café - Toomsuba

The Simmons-Wright Company is a historic general store that offers merchandise and an on-site eatery called 1884 Café. It's a charming little building with an atmosphere that's second to none. 1884 is open for breakfast and lunch, serving up a variety of Southern-style home-cooking that's the perfect comfort food. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

6. June Bozo’s Grocery - Pascagoula

Since 1956, Bozo’s Grocery has been serving up delicious seafood and offering fish market fare in one spot. The most famous thing on the menu? The shrimp po' boys are known as "some of the most delectable po' boys in the South," according to USA Today. Pick one up to eat at the restaurant or take it to go for lunch. Bozo's is open Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday until 6 p.m.

7. July: Ubon’s Restaurant - Yazoo City

Ubon's Restaurant in Yazoo City has come a long way since its opening in 1986. It's now a nationally recognized barbecue joint—complete with its own line of sauce and merchandise you can purchase online. The hole in the wall still serves up the best beef brisket, pulled pork, and sausages around. You'll never regret a feast here! The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m.

8. August: Velvet Cream - Hernando

Since 1947, Velvet Cream has been doling out its "nationally famous soft-serve," over 20 types of gourmet burgers, and lots of signature confections. It's the perfect dive to visit on a hot summer day—you can even get a snow cone, slushie, or milk or malt shake from this charming spot. Talk about nostalgic! Hours are Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

9. September: Phillip’s Grocery - Holly Springs

Housed in an old saloon from the 1880s, Phillip’s Grocery serves up amazing burgers with a side of nostalgia. While you're chowing down on seasoned fries, a juicy burger, or other diner-style sides, peruse the memorabilia and historic photos gracing the walls. It's a well-known and recognized establishment for a reason. Hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

10. October: Bill’s Hamburgers - Amory

Bill's Hamburgers, a famous Amory eatery, has been slinging old-fashioned burgers since 1929. They're still served the same way: with or without. "With" is served with mustard and onion, while "without" is served plain. Both are equally delicious and will certainly keep you coming back for more. Bill's is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday until 5 p.m.

11. November: H.D. Gibbes and Sons - Learned

H.D. Gibbes and Sons is part-restaurant, part-general store, and offers one of Mississippi's best dining experiences. Unique setting aside, the local favorite is most known for its mouthwatering steaks, flavorful gumbo, and scrumptious homemade desserts. The restaurant also hosts pretty cool events and classic car meetups, too. Hours are Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

12. December: Weidmann’s - Meridian

We couldn’t put together a list of Mississippi restaurants without mentioning Weidmann's—the state's oldest eatery. Since 1870, this Meridian restaurant has been satisfying diners with high-quality Southern comfort food, including classics like fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and catfish belvedere. It's open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for brunch.

Which of these Mississippi restaurants are you hoping to visit first? If you're already planning your trips to experience these beloved eateries, consider using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your schedule. It'll suggest top-tier lodging and sightseeing nearby.