Posted in Mississippi February 23, 2020 by

Mississippi’s Mayflower Cafe Is One Of The Nation’s Most Charming Historic Restaurants

The loveFOOD website recently ranked America’s most charming historic restaurants – and Mississippi’s very own Mayflower Café landed the #8 spot on the list. Worthy of its recent recognition, the café has been in business since the 1930s, so it’s definitely got the historic part down. And with its neon signage and vintage décor, its charm is undeniable. Take a look:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Opened in 1935, Mayflower Café is one of Jackson’s oldest restaurants.
Carl B./FourSquare
Its vintage fluorescent sign has become a somewhat of a beacon, drawing in hungry diners from near and far for decades.
Jason Lykins/Google
Offering much more than a tasty meal, the café serves up heaping helpings of history – thanks in part to its retro décor and furnishings.
She_Just_iss/Google
The nostalgic vibe wasn’t lost on producers of the 1960s-period drama, “The Help,” who chose Mayflower Café as a filming location.
Jill G/TripAdvisor
That wasn’t the café’s only brush with fame, though. Its red fish has been featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" – and that’s in addition to Maxim naming the café’s Comeback Sauce the “nation’s #1 condiment.”
Mayflower Café/Facebook
Appealing to diners of all sorts, Mayflower Café hosts everyone from lunchtime regulars to out-of-towners and night owls.
She_Just_iss/Google
The expansive and varied menu has come a long way from the café’s early days as a hamburger stand.
Karen Middleton/Google
Steaks and seafood reign supreme at Mayflower Café and make up a big part of menu. In fact, the broiled redfish and stuffed flounder are among the eatery’s biggest sellers.
Jill G/TripAdvisor
But there’s more to the menu than steak and seafood.
Tim Lukasik/Google
Give it a glance, and you’ll find everything from burgers and sandwiches to authentically southern soul food.
Rachel-Phuong Le/Google
A legend in its own right, Mayflower Café is more than a place to grab some grub. It’s an experience!
Jason Lykins/Google

Mayflower Café opens at 11 a.m. Monday – Friday and at 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call (601) 355-4122. You can also visit the Mayflower Café website or Facebook page.

Ever dined at Mayflower Café? If so, what’d you think? Know of another restaurant that’s both charming and historic? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only restaurant that serves up great food with a side of history. Read about another here.

Address: 123 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA