Jackson’s restaurant scene has seen a wave of newer energy, with chefs emphasizing wood‑fired cooking, Gulf seafood, and creative takes on Southern staples.
These relatively recent or newly buzzed‑about spots show off where the city is headed.
1. Fine & Dandy
Fine & Dandy sits at the intersection of classic diner food and modern, chef‑driven comfort cooking.
The space feels bright, fun, and contemporary, with a central bar and plenty of visual personality.
Burgers are a big draw, but the menu goes well beyond that: creative sandwiches, loaded fries, salads, and entrees that riff on familiar Southern flavors with updated techniques and ingredients.
The cocktail program is equally playful, offering updated spins on familiar classics.
2. The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
The Manship focuses on wood‑fired Mediterranean and Southern‑influenced dishes in a polished but relaxed setting.
The open kitchen and visible oven give the room a lively energy. Expect pizzas with blistered crusts, roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables that all get kissed by the fire.
Starters and sides often highlight fresh, seasonal produce, while the bar program offers a strong lineup of cocktails, wines, and local beers to pair with the smoky flavors coming from the kitchen.
3. Saltine
Saltine is Jackson’s ode to Gulf seafood and oysters, framed through a modern Southern lens.
The dining room has a crisp, coastal feel, and the bar is a central focus.
Raw and char‑grilled oysters are a signature, but the menu also covers fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and creative small plates.
House‑made pickles, sauces, and sides elevate the experience, and the beer list is typically strong, with plenty of regional options.
4. Iron Horse Grill (Revived Icon)
Iron Horse Grill is a revived Jackson icon that now feels both historic and fresh. The building itself has a story, and the interior showcases that character with brick, steel, and music‑themed details.
The menu leans into hearty, crowd‑pleasing dishes: steaks, fajitas, Southern‑style platters, burgers, and plenty of options that nod to both Tex‑Mex and Deep South traditions.
Live music, a buzzy bar, and generous portions make it as much an experience as a meal.
5. Babalu
Babalu, in the Fondren area, brings a playful, Latin‑inspired small‑plates concept to Jackson.
The room is modern and social, with a strong bar presence and an atmosphere that encourages sharing and lingering.
Tacos, tapas‑style small plates, and house‑made guacamole are staples, along with creative cocktails built around tequila, rum, and fresh juices.
It’s ideal for groups that want to sample a range of dishes rather than commit to a single big entree.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
