The Best Of Jackson 2008 [Local Restaurants]

Best Appetizer, Best Champagne Brunch, Most Innovative Menu: Julep
1305 E. Northside Dr., #105, 601-362-1411
by Ronni Mott

You’ll always get an enthusiastic “Yes!” when you suggest a meal at Julep. From the day the restaurant opened its doors at the former site of the Olde Tyme Deli at the corner of Frontage Road and Northside Drive, Julep became a Jackson favorite almost overnight. You’ll even forgive their corny tag line, “the way Southern food was ‘mint’ to be,” when you wrap your taste buds around the food. My favorite time to eat at Julep is Sunday brunch. Get there before the church crowd to enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth beignet or a hearty plate of shrimp and grits at a leisurely pace. My eyes always wander to the strawberry and chocolate chip pancakes, but I usually order my all-time favorite: fried green tomato benedict. At lunch or dinner, order several appetizers to share. Try the crawfish egg rolls, or the portabella and eggplant fries. Go for the tuna tower if you’re feeling adventurous. Julep never fails to provide audacious combinations with a Southern twist. Whether it’s sweet potato risotto with the beef filet, their award-winning fried chicken with its honey-rosemary glaze, a catfish taco or a tuna burger with wasabi mayo, you simply can’t go wrong. But, you could forget to invite me. And that, I’ll be the first to tell you, would be a mistake.

Best Appetizer
Second: Bonefish Grill (201 Colony Way, Madison, 601-607-3334) / Third: Walker’s (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633) / Good Showing: Bravo! (4500 I-55 N., #244, Jackson, 601-982-8111)

Best Champagne Brunch
Second: Char (4500 I-55 N. #142, 601-956-9562) / Third: Que Sera (2801 N. State St., 601-981-2520) / Good Showing: Bravo! (4500 I-55 N., #244, 601-982-8111), Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429)

Most Innovative Menu
Second: Elixir (4800 I-55 N. # 6B, 601-981-7896) / Third: Walker’s (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633) / Good Showing: Koi (20 N. Congress St., # L3, 886-488-2069), Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919), High Noon (2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1513)


Best Barista: Eamonn Cottrell, Cups Fondren;
Best Place to Get Coffee; Best Free Internet: Cups multiple locations
by Margaret Cahoon
Photo by Nate Glenn

I walked into Cups this morning at the relatively slow hour of 9:30. Most people were already at work (I know I should have been); patrons inside were sipping their daily brew, quietly reading or typing away on their laptops and likely taking advantage of the wireless access. But the best part of Cups isn’t the free Internet (though it’s a nice bonus) or the coffee (though it keeps you going). The best part of Cups is what’s going on behind the counter, because the baristas here are some of the most hilarious characters in town. Best Barista winner Eamonn Cottrell, for example, briefly adopted a silent routine this morning, which included mouthing and violent gesturing, both to me and to his coworker. If you haven’t seen Cottrell’s FNA Show and corresponding “Coffee Toss” online, you are really missing out. And I would be remiss not to mention that Joe Breazeale makes the best lattes with the prettiest designs in the milk. Just saying.

One final note, guys: Starbucks Internet ain’t free. In fact, it’s not even cheap. Better stick with the winner and go to Cups.

Best Barista
Second: Joe Breazeale, Cups Fondren (2757 Old Canton Rd., 601-362-7422) / Third: Michael Laskin, Cups Downtown (120 N. Congress St., 601-944-9888) / Good Showing: Hannah Gross, Cups Fondren (2757 Old Canton Rd., 601-362-7422); Joey Tannehill, and Megan LaCherittte, Cups Quarter (1855 Lakeland Dr. # D10, 601-981-9088)

Best place to get coffee
Second: Starbucks (multiple locations) / Third: Seattle Drip (multiple locations) / Good showing: Broad Street (4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900), Fusion (1111A Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001)

Best Free Internet
Second: Starbucks (multiple locations) / Third: (tie) Broad Street (4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900) and Computer Coop/Rainbow Plaza (2807 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39216 601-366-1602) / Good showing: Fusion (1111A Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001)


Best Barbecue: Hickory Pit
1491 Canton Mart Rd. 601-956-7079
by Adam Lynch

Somewhere inside the DNA of mankind is the phrase: “Barbecue! What a great idea.” For those willing to give in to that call Hickory Pit awaits. Yes, the menu items are messy, but no true barbecue enthusiast takes a damn fork to such an engagement in the first place. Fingers are what truly count. The pork ribs, naturally, are remarkable fare, and the half-chicken plates will stay with you long after the meal - in a good way, trust me. Don’t be afraid to make a mess. If you have to run home and take a bath after supper, you’ve done a good job.

Second: E&L Barbecue (1111 Bailey Ave., 601-355-5035) / Third: Corky’s, Ribs & Bar B Q (4245 Lakeland Dr., 601-936-9901) Fourth: Sonny’s Real Pit Barbecue (2603 Hwy. 80 W., 601-355-7434) Fourth: Haute Pig (1856 Main St., Madison 601-853-8538)


Best Asian Other Than Chinese: Thai House
1405 Old Square Rd., 601-982-9991
by Andi Agnew
Photo by Cheree Franco

My taste buds leapt for joy the first time I saw the red Thai House sign smiling back at me on I-55. I was always willing to make the trek to South Jackson before, but since their move to Old Square Road in 2007, Thai food is available for lunch as well as dinner. Green curry—hot, with chicken—is my first recommendation, but you really cannot order anything that isn’t delicious here. The reasonably priced lunch buffet offers red curry, spring rolls, soups and a variety of other items. Tom Kha is another favorite. The portions are big enough for two (or for yourself, twice), and you can bring your own wine in the evenings. I’d suggest a Riesling to counteract the spicy goodness.

Second: Pan Asia (862 Avery Blvd. N., Ridgeland, 601-956-2686) / Third: P.F. Chang’s (910 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, 601-605-4282) / Good Showing: Little Tokyo (876 Avery Blvd. N., Ridgeland, 601-991-3800)


Best Buffet: Ichiban Buffet
359 Ridge Way, 601-919-8879
by Tiffany Fitch

My children live for buffets, and Ichiban’s is one of our favorites. It was no surprise that Jackson agreed, naming them best buffet. They are open daily, and have reasonable prices, a beautiful atmosphere (including a fish tank built into the wall) and exceptional service. A large selection of quality foods including a variety of delicious sushi, fresh seafood (crab, oysters and shrimp) and a Chinese buffet, draw the crowds.

Second: Two Sisters (707 N. Congress St., 601-353-1180)/ Third: Hamil’s Barbeque (751 Hwy. 51, Madison, 601-856-4407)/ Good Showing: Ryan’s (438 Riverwind Dr., 601-932-4481); Wellington’s (1001 E. County Line Rd., 601-957-2800); Barnhill’s (1169 E. County Line Rd., 601-956-9188)


Best Hotel Restaurant: Wellington’s at the Hilton
1001 E. County Line Rd., 601-957-2800
by Tiffany Fitch

Mouth-watering smells, a comfortable atmosphere and jazz music during Sunday brunch make Wellington’s worthy of top honors. Wellington’s features a Southern buffet with carving stations, a variety of salads and melt-in-your-mouth desserts. Open for breakfast and lunch, they also offer a menu with a large array of seafood choices including down-home Mississippi catfish and Biloxi oysters. It’s a great place for people visiting Jackson, or locals looking for a scrumptious meal.

Second: Edison Walthall (225 E. Capitol St., 601-948-6161) / Third: Huntington’s Grille at the Hilton (1001 E. County Line Rd., 601-957-2800)/ Fourth: Sophia’s at the Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429)


Best Chef: Derek Emerson, Walker’s
Best Place to Go Off Your Diet: Walker’s
3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633
by Kristen Phillips

Completely dominating “Best Place to Go Off Your Diet” since the second this category was invented, Walker’s Drive-In is way more than the place to screw up your calorie counting; it’s the reason you never start calorie counting in the first place. When a food genius like Derek Emerson (who’s always a huge presence in the Best Chef category) creates a menu of divinity like you’ll find at Walker’s, you don’t question it—you just devour it. And devour it all you will. Try the tamales, the Nantucket Bay Scallop Appetizer, the Redfish Anna and the crème brule. Mmm.

Best Chef
Second: Dan Blumenthal, Bravo/Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919) / Third: Dowden Morrow, Del Sol (4659 McWillie Dr., 601-982-4956) / Good showing: Nick Apostle, Nick’s (1501 Lakeland Dr., 601-981-8017)

Best Place to Go Off Your Diet
Second: Crazy Cat Bakers (4500 I-55 N., 601-362-7448) / Third: Two Sisters (707 Congress St., 601-353-1180); Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919)


Best Catfish: Cock of the Walk
141 Madison Landing Cir., Ridgeland, 601-856-5500
by Jackie Warren Tatum

Corn-pone-flipping waiters erase frowns, while endless platters of crispy fried catfish, hush puppies, and fries widen diner’s smiles. Satiation and belching likely. The turnip greens rival Granny’s; fried pickles are a must-order; and chilled onion slabs add just the right zing to a catfish meal. As you eat, shout (optional), and sip sweet tea or your favorite beverage in this rustic setting with a reservoir view, you may spout knee-jerk thank-you’s for catfish and Mississippi.

Second: Penn’s (2085 Lakeland Dr., 601-982-9004) / Third: Jerry’s Catfish (3326 Hwy. 49 S., Florence, 601-845-8860) / Good Showing: Catfish Haven (13560 Hwy. 49 N., 601-362-0438); Cindy’s Fish House (2119 Hwy. 471, Brandon, 601-829-1332); Eddie & Ruby’s Snack Bar (1268 Valley St., 601-969-2723)


Best Biscuits and Best Breakfast: Primos Cafe
2323 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, 601-936-3398, and 515 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-898-3400
by Donna Ladd
Photo by Lynette Hanson

For a native Mississippian whose mama made the best biscuits ever, breakfast is biscuits. Yes, in New York City, I learned to love me a good bagel with a schmear, but it still ain’t nothin’ like a big fluffy biscuit, maybe with butter, maybe with syrup, or just as likely dry. Upon my return to Mississippi, the closest I found to my mama’s biscuits were at Frank’s Biscuits, first downtown and then when he cooked at Mikhail’s, in the old Primos Northgate location. And I admit that I didn’t venture out Lakeland to Primo’s until Mikhail’s closed up shop. But of late, I’ve been meeting a girlfriend at Primo’s for breakfast, and loving it. The biscuits are different from Frank’s—tall, fluffy, sprawling and still delicious. The grits are cheesy (another adaptation for me, a buttery-grits gal), and the plates are large. I like the atmosphere at Primos, where you know some of the people huddled around tables have been meeting for coffee-talk for many years, dating back to the Northgate days. Oh, and their caramel cake is to die for; it’s my request for every Oct. 9 to make me feel great about getting a year older.

Best Biscuits:
Second: Cracker Barrel (various locations) / Third: Broad Street Baking Company (Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900) / Good showing: Julep (1305 E. Northside Dr., 601-362-1411) and Frank’s Biscuits (closed)

Best Breakfast:
Second: Broad Street Baking Company (Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900) / Third: Waffle House (multiple locations) / Good showing: IHOP (multiple locations), Julep (1305 E. Northside Dr., 601-362-1411)

Correction added to above blurb: Primos Cafe was misspelled as Primo's Cafe in the print version. We apologize for the error.

Best Chinese: P.F. Chang’s
910 Highland Colony Parkway, 601-605-4282
by Herman Snell

Short of taking that drive to Trey Yuen in Hammond, La., you can do no wrong going “pass-the-plate family style” at P.F. Chang’s with a round of Kung Pao Chicken, Lemon Pepper Shrimp, Beef a la Sichuan, Singapore Street Noodles and Crispy Honey Shrimp. It seems appropriate that the top two contenders for Best Chinese come with a bit of yin and yang irony. The Fondren tradition for authentic and consistent Chinese, Best Wok, being a take-out only place, was beat out by newcomer P.F. Chang’s, whose weakness is their take-out. Ichiban’s strength is their buffet size with sushi and family-friendly line up. China Belle has their Mongolian grill where you can get crazy with the seasoning instructions as they cook in front of you.

Second: Best Wok (225 Meadowbrook Rd., 601-368-9555); Third: Ichiban Buffet (359 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-919-8879); Good Showing: China Belle (1855 Lakeland Dr., 601-368-9588)


Best Fresh Produce: Mississippi Farmer’s Market
929 High St., 601-354-6573
by Kelly Bryan Smith

Where else in town can you find a big bag of fresh, Mississippi-grown organic lettuces for only a few dollars? Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays year round (unless the weather’s really lousy), the Mississippi Farmer’s Market offers a smorgasbord of seasonal produce that usually tastes better and costs less that what you find at the grocery store. Every week is different, but you can usually count on a variety of fruits and vegetables, plants, crafts, and homemade jellies and treats. And if you want to make a list before you go, check out their Web site (http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/n_library/departments/farm_mkt/index_farmmkt.html) to see what is available that week.

Second: Rainbow Whole Foods Co-Op Grocery (2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1602) / Third: Kroger (multiple locations) / Good Showing: Old Farmer’s Market (352 Woodrow Wilson Ave.); McDade’s (multiple locations); Old Fannin Market (1307 Old Fannin Rd., Brandon, 601-919-1690)


Best Hangover Food, Best Hole in the Wall: Cherokee Inn
1410 Old Square Rd., 601-362-6388
by Margaret Cahoon

I’m pretty good at embarrassing the hell out of real-deal Southerners with my orders at restaurants. One such instance was my first visit to Cherokee, where I was really excited about the prospect of a cheeseburger and batter fries, but also didn’t want to forego cornbread by not getting the JFP readership-tested and approved plate lunch. So I ordered the cornbread as a side, much to the chagrin of my coworker and her fiancé, both of whom ordered the actual plate lunch and regard cornbread as merely a vehicle for soaking up plate lunch gravy and sides. None of us were hung over (I don’t think—it was 11:30 a.m. on a workday after all), but Cherokee hits the spot no matter how much alcohol you’ve got in, or leaving, your system. The dark, dank bar at the entrance—complete with pennants from every team you can think of; the jukebox and video games in back; the gingham plastic tablecloths; and the overwhelming sense that the only beer you should order in this joint is Pabst Blue Ribbon, all lend to the award-winning hole-in-the-wall atmosphere.

Best Hangover Food
Second: Pizza Shack (1220 N. State St., 601-352-2001) / Third: Keifer’s (705 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825) / Good showing: C.S.’s (1359 1/2 N. West St., 601-969-9482)

Best Hole in the Wall
Second: Pizza Shack (1220 N. State St., 601-352-2001) / Third: (tie) C.S.’s (1359 1/2 N. West St., 601-969-9482) and Martin’s (214 S. State St., 601-354-9712) / Good showing: Crechale’s (3107 Hwy. 80 W., 601-355-1840); Peaches (327 N. Farish St., 601-354-9267)


Best Italian, Best Pasta, Best Place for Dessert: Amerigo
6592 Old Canton Rd., 601-977-0563
by Ronni Mott

When it comes to Italian food, Jacksonians have declared Amerigo the Best Italian restaurant for six years running . The Best Pasta appellation is a natural fit. And it’s no wonder. With an extensive menu of traditional and “new world” offerings, whether you choose the smoked-chicken ravioli or a flame-grilled filet, let your server pair it with a wine from their extensive selection for the perfect dining experience. Save room for dessert though, because it’s not to be missed. The tiramisu is to die for, and the last time I had the crème brûlée cheese cake with Chambord and fresh raspberries, my mouth did its very own little dance of joy. Strictly speaking, Amerigo is a chain restaurant, with four locations in Tennessee and another in Kentucky, but you’d never know it by the quality of the food.

Best Italian
Second: Bravo! (4500 I-55 N., #244, Jackson, 601-982-8111) / Third: Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-2929) / Good Showing: Biaggi’s (970 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, 601-354-6600), Cerami’s Trattoria Caffe’ (5417 Hwy. 25, Flowood, 601-919-2829)

Best Pasta
Second: Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N. #244, 601-982-8111) / Third: Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-2929) / Good Showing: Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919), Macaroni Grill (6376 Ridgewood Court Dr., 601-957-3999)

Best Place for Dessert
Second: Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919) / Third: Char (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., #142, 601-956-9562) / Good Showing: Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-362-7448)


Best Doughnuts: (tie) Pillow Donuts
5036 Parkway Dr., 601 572-8332 and
Shipley Do-Nuts
103 Hwy. 80, Clinton, 601-925-0020
by Adam Lynch

Nobody plows into a dozen donuts without knowing the calorie-count of those things. We all know what we’re in for, but we go for it anyway. We can’t stop ourselves. Both Pillow and Shipley offer a wide variety of flavors, be it the typical bread donut or a nut-and-chocolate-covered concoction fit for Kate Moss’ worst nightmare. Pillow, in particular, prides itself on its sausage and cheese biscuits as well. Shipley offers a sausage and cheese wrap that’ll fill you up good past lunch. Don’t hesitate to grab a cup of coffee while visiting. Doughnuts just seem to go down better with a little hot-liquid follow-up.

Second: Donut Palace (119 Bozeman Rd., Madison, 601-898-2211) / Third: Scurlock’s Donut Shop and Eatery (4157 Robinson Rd., 601-922-8618) / Fourth: Donut Barn, (1069 Hwy. 51, Madison, 601-605-8100)


Best Gumbo, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Red Beans and Rice: Que Sera
2801 N. State St., 601-981-2520
by Margaret Cahoon
Photo by Jaro Vacek

If you don’t know by this point that Que Sera has the best gumbo, best outdoor dining, and best red beans and rice in Jackson, there’s really no helping you. Que Sera has swept all three categories as long as they’ve been in existence—starting with a solo act of Best Red Beans and Rice in 2003 and growing to all three categories from 2004 on. They really are the best. Red beans and rice with cheese and tomatoes doesn’t get much finer: It was one of my first meals in the city, and I haven’t eaten red beans and rice anywhere else since. Their outdoor dining offers the cooling shade of umbrellas in the summer and the warmth of a porch fire in the winter. I personally don’t rock the gumbo (regardless of location), but everyone I’ve seen eat it at Que Sera can’t seem to get enough. Say it with me now, everyone—Best … of … Jackson.

Best Gumbo
Second: (tie) Broad Street (4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900), Char (142 Highland Circle, 601-956-9562) / Third: Fat Tuesday (6923 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-2971) / Good Showing: Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888)

Best Outdoor Dining
Second: Keifer’s (705 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6835) / Third: Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633) / Good Showing: Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919)

Best Red Beans and Rice
Second: Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888) / Third: Fat Tuesday (6923 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-2971) / Good showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Rd., 601-362-6388)


Best Late-Night Dining: Waffle House
various locations
by Adam Lynch

Ye gods, who hasn’t run off to get a patty melt at Waffle House at 2 a.m.? Despite the freezing AC setting, the little restaurant is always inhabited, be it weary college students breaking from exam studies or a young couple engaging the missus’ late-night demand for a T-bone and cheese-filled scrambled eggs. The hash browns come with more add-ons than a pimp-mobile, and are guaranteed to either knock you out for the rest of the night or keep you milling about with restless energy at least until 7 a.m. You’re up anyway. Hell, go get some calories.

Second: Julep Restaurant and Bar (1305 E. Northside Dr., 982-5107) / Third: IHOP (various locations) / Good Showing: Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055) and Elixir Restaurant and Bar (4800 I-55 N., 601-981-7896)


Meal Under $10: Basil’s
2906 N. State St., 601-982-2100, and 120 N. Congress St., 601-944-9888
by Donna Ladd
Photo by Jaro Vacek

I could call Basil’s in Fondren a second home. Most of the JFP staffers could. I order either a bowl of penne with a small salad and a deviled egg or a veggie panino and a cup of tomato basil soup. I get an unsweetened ice tea with lemon appropriate for an uptown Italiany lunch. I sit at a table in the Fondren Corner building and people-watch and chat with all the neighborhood folks (or sit outside and do the same). I come back to work a happy woman. And one day, I’m actually going to get that Elvis peanut butter and banana sandwich. It’ll happen. (Meantime, I urge everyone to try Crazy Cat Bakers in Highland Village, which came in second here. The sandwiches are delicious, and there are multiple creative vegetarian options, including a jalapeno-pimento grilled cheese. And I swear I lick that Vidalia onion dressing off my plate every time.)

Second: Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village, 4500 I. 55 North, 601-362-7448) / Third: Newk’s (4450 I-55 North, 601-709-4990, and 379 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-919-8303 / Good showing: Keifer’s (705 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825)


Best Local Fried Chicken and Best Soul Food: Two Sisters
707 N. Congress St., 601-353-1180
by Donna Ladd

There’s long been a joke around the JFP that I end up writing about Two Sisters winning the best fried chicken award pretty often, considering that I’m a vegetarian. I think it’s because I go to the converted house on Congress Street a lot, and I watch people walk away from the buffet with plates piled with the primary symbol of soul food. I, on the other hand, walk away with a plate piled high with the veggie and carb side dishes that have always said “soul food” to me: lima beans, fried squash, rice-and-gravy, black-eyed peas, boiled cabbage, mashed potatoes, corn bread, floury rolls. Then I go back and I end with peach cobbler, or banana pudding or bread pudding with whiskey sauce, depending on the day. I drink a couple of glasses of sweet tea because you have to with southern home-cookin' . Fortunately, Two Sisters' soul food isn’t as chock full of ham hocks and heavy meat broths as many soul-food joints, even if I do invoke the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about the turkey broth that makes these vegetables a bit healthier, even as they are soul-food delicious.

Best Local Fried Chicken
Second: Julep (1305 E. Northside Dr., 601-362-1411) / Third: Char (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 North, #142, 601-956-9562) / Good showing: Primo’s Café (2323 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, 601-936-3398, and 515 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-898-3400), Fannin Mart (637 Hwy. 51 N., Ridgeland, 601-898-5008)

Best Soul Food
Second: Peaches (327 N. Farish St., 601-354-9267) / Third: Hamil’s Barbeque (751 Hwy. 51, Madison, 601-856-4407) / Good showing: Collins’ Dream Kitchen (1439 Terry Rd., 601-353-3845), Gloria’s Kitchen (2855 Bailey Ave., 601-362-0009)


Best New Restaurant, Best Pizza, Best Kid’s Menu, Best Ice Cream: Sal & Mookie’s
565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919
by Greg Williamson

Although Sal & Mookie’s has been open less than a year, it made an immediate impression and won in four restaurant categories for 2008. The Italian-themed menu is full of popular foods—pasta, pizza, salads, burgers, panini and ice cream, yet nearly every dish is distinctive and flavorful. The beverage menu includes cocktails, mocktails, spritzers made with fruit-flavored syrup and just about all of the coffee options you might expect from an Italian restaurant.

All the top pizza parlors make wonderful and truly worthy pies. However, only Soulshine has a whole-wheat crust option available. Sal & Mookie’s New York-style pizza is as authentic as you can get in Jackson and mighty tasty. The crust is not too thin, but thin enough to be folded like a glider into the hanger of your open mouth. By-the-slice options are available for lunch in meat, veggie, and white sauce versions of their pizzas of the day. Pizza Shack’s crust is just slightly sweet, and the cheese is thoroughly decadent.

Sal & Mookie’s kid’s menu has got your chicken fingers and plates of spaghetti, but also a few twists—peanut butter and jelly on grilled panini, for example. Children’s plates served with fruit or salad and fries, and are reasonably priced, but not free, like O’Charley’s. Sal & Mookie’s ice cream is dense and not always as sweet as most ice cream. The ice cream parlor is separate and to the left of the restaurant entrance. Samples are provided so you can find that perfect scoop du jour. Bop’s serves frozen custard for displaced Midwesterners, you betcha. Cold Stone and Marble Slab are musts if you love to mix goodies into your ice cream.

Best New Restaurant
Second: P.F. Chang’s (910 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, 601-605-4282) / Third: Koi (20 N Congress St., #L3 886-488-2069) Good Showing: Biaggi’s (970 Highland Colony Pkwy, 601-354-6600); Majestic Burger (1491 Canton Mart Rd., 601-899-8822);
Rapport (1029 Hwy. 51, Madison, 601-856-2522)

Best Pizza
Second: Pizza Shack (1220 N. State St., 601-352-2001) / Third: Soulshine Pizza Factory (1139 Old Fannin Rd., 601-919-2000 and 1111 Highland Colony Pkwy, 601-856-8646) / Good Showing: Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-982-8111); Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers (275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-7499); Old Venice Pizza Company (1428 Old Square Rd., 601-366-6872)

Best Kid’s Menu
Second: O’Charley’s (1270 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-6693 and 430 Riverwind Dr., Pearl, 601-932-6575) / Third: Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-982-8111) / Good Showing: Broad Street Bakery (4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900)

Best Place for Ice Cream
Second: Bop’s Frozen Custard (Multiple locations) / Third: Marble Slab Creamery (1057 E. County Line Rd., 601-899-9060 and 178 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-2772) / Good Showing: Cold Stone Creamery (1888 Main St., Madison, 601-853-7400); Bruster’s (111 Spann Dr., Brandon 601-919-9993 and 120 Orleans Way, Brandon, 601-824-3000)


Best Local French Fries and Best Veggie Burger: Cool Al’s
4654 McWillie Dr., 601-713-3020
by Donna Ladd
Photo by Ken Patterson

Cool Al’s is delicious proof that we vegetarians do not necessarily subsist off sprouts and lettuce leaves. The restaurant began when it was still Stamps Superburgers, making a veggie burger to simply die for. And our readers respond every year proclaiming it the best in a city and a world where that designation is getting harder to come by. It’s the best, frankly, because you can barely tell the difference between this big sloppy burger with all the fixins and one of their big sloppy burgers with all the fixins—plus a hunk of cow. It’s veggie heaven on a bun. More recently, Cool Al’s has introduced other veggie burger options, including very popular Jamaican and West African veggie burgers, infused with unexpected spices.

Kim and Al Stamps’ (pictured) culinary creativity also yields the best French fries in town every year. Their actual French-fried potatoes are wonderful—sliced fresh and spiced up with lemon pepper or Cajun salt, they’re divine. But the coup de grace of their potato menu has to be both the sweet potato fries and the sweet potato chips. It is always near impossible to choose which potato gets to dance with my veggie burger. So we usually get one of each, and then eat on the huge portions for a couple of days.

Best Local French Fries
Second: Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., 601-982-2001) / Third: Stamps Superburgers (1801 Dalton St., 601-352-4555 and 5752 Terry Rd., Byram, 601-373-7300) / Good showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Rd., 601-362-6388)

Best Veggie Burger
Second: High Noon (2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1513) / Third: Majestic Burger (1491 Canton Mart Rd., 601-899-8822) / Good showing: Fenian’s (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055)


Best Local Burger: Stamps Superburgers
1801 Dalton St., 601-352-4555
by Adam Lynch

Alas, the rivalry between the brothers behind Stamps Superburgers and Cool Al’s will continue this year—there’ll be smoldering stares at the family cookout. Stamps' burgers are just like the ones Dad used to make—and Dad didn’t cut corners. They’re thick-as-a-brick sandwiches and likely to shred any paper sack with sheer weight. Stamps offers its classic Superburgers, as well as lower-calorie turkey burgers. My personal favorite is the chili cheeseburger. Doubtless, you’ll develop your favorite burger, too. Expect a line if you show up around lunchtime. Be patient, the wait is worth it.

Second: Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie Dr., 601-713-3020) / Third: Mugshots (1855 Lakeland Dr., Suite H-10, 601-713-0383) / Good Showing: Majestic Burger (1491 Canton Mart Rd., 601-899-8822) and Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., 601-982-2001)


Best Plate Lunch: (tie) Primo’s
2323 Lakeland Dr., 601-936-3398 and 515 Lake Harbor Dr., Ridgeland, 601-898-3600 and
Cherokee Inn
1410 Old Square Rd., 601-362-6388
by Lori Gregory

In this year’s competition, Primo’s finally cut in to tie with long-running winner of the plate-lunch honors, the Cherokee Inn. For the past 80 years, Primo’s Café has served the residents of Jackson its delicious cakes and fine dinners. Its long-running reputation now extends to its Blue Plate Specials. At less than $7, it continues the great tradition Jackson residents have come to expect from Primo’s. I just wish they gave away free cakes with each one. Have I mentioned the cakes? The Cherokee continues to prove that a standard “meat and three with a glass of tea” warms southerners’ hearts in a way that can’t be shaken. Its traditional plate lunch still clogs traffic on Old Square between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Try to make it on Thursday—Roast Beef Day—and you’ll understand.

Second: Two Sisters (707 N. Congress St., 601-353-1180) / Third: Hamil’s Barbeque (751 Hwy. 51, Madison, 601-856-4407) / Good Showing: Scrooge’s (5829 Ridgewood Rd., 601-206-1211); Walker’s (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633)


Best Greek/Mediterranean: Keifer’s
705 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825
by Margaret Cahoon

It is mind-boggling to me that in a city this size, there can be four Mediterranean restaurants that are all really popular, really good and really reasonably priced. Keifer’s edges out the competition for speed, quality, price and (I’m going to go out on a limb here) beer availability. Start with the pita mozz and end with baklava, and you can’t go wrong in between. But don’t forget you can also BYOB to second-place winner Aladdin for a slightly more upscale experience. The former 24-hour dive now has one of the best dining atmospheres in town. If you don’t know your gyros from your dolmas, get yourself to one of these restaurants and learn.

Second: Aladdin (730 Lakeland Dr., 601-366-6033) / Third: Jerusalem Café (2741 Old Canton Rd., 601-321-8797) / Good showing: Mediterranean Café (6550 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-0082)


Best Place to Eat When Someone Else Pays: Nick's
Best Server: Janis Boersma, Nick’s
1501 Lakeland Dr., 601-981-8017
by Bailee Grissom

A long-time staple in the Jackson dining scene, Nick’s knows how to serve you best. Open since 1983, Jackson native Nick Apostle made his restaurant a local favorite by cooking in a distinct style—classy cuisine with a dash of seasonings and fresh herbs to give the dishes a southern flavor. They remain one of the few establishments in the area that use cuts of fresh fish for the best possible taste, and they specialize in steaks good enough to make your mouth water. Janis Boersma, repeat winner for Best Server, would know; she’s offered hospitality and good service to Nick’s customers for more than 15 years.

Best Place to Eat When Someone Else Pays
Second: Char (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N. #142, 601-956-9562) / Third: Walker’s (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633 / Good Showing: Shapley’s (868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601-957-3753); Tico’s (1536 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-1030); Schimmel’s (2615 N. State St., 601-981-7077)

Best Server
Second: Arthur Stubbs, Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-982-8111) / Third: Anne Friday, Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888) / Good Showing: Emily Bertram, High Noon (2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1513); Josh Stokes, Que Sera (2801 N. State St., 601-981-2520); Michelle Odom, Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888)


Best Sandwich: Broad Street Baking Company
Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900
by Andi Agnew

The cornerstone of Banner Hall, Broad Street Baking Company serves up some of the tastiest and most unique sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and even quiche, which is one of my favorites. But I’m here to award the Broad Street sandwich, and what a deserving recipient it is. There are a variety of breads to choose from—focaccia is a popular choice—and fillings can be as familiar as pimiento cheese, not-so-familiar like pork tenderloin and caramelized onions, or just a twist on an old stand-by like the pesto chicken salad, which is my personal favorite. The bustling deli has remained popular since the doors first opened, so get there early or call ahead for lunch; you don’t want to keep that sandwich waiting.

Second: Basil’s (2906 N. State St., 601-982-2100, and 120 N. Congress St., 601-944-9888) / Third: Newk’s (379 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-919-8303; 4450 I-55 N., 601-709-4990) / Good Showing: Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-362-7448); Jason’s Deli (1067 E. County Line Rd., 601-206-919); Lenny’s (multiple locations); Room Service (4107 Northview Dr., 601-362-4617); McAlister’s Deli (multiple locations)


Best Salad Bar: Jason’s Deli,
1067 E. County Line Rd., 601-206-9191
by Jackie Warren Tatum

Slowly graze this 12-foot long salad bar with organic selections, the only one of its kind in Mississippi. For more than seven years, Jason’s has filled it with an unexpected variety of fresh crisp greens, vegetables, pasta and vegetable salads, deserts, relishes, nuts, cheeses, breads and dressings. Try the kalamata olives, toasted red pepper hummus, oriental salad, artichoke hearts, whole peeled boiled eggs, pickled okra, sprouts, feta cheese, thumbprint-sized jalapeno corn and gingerbread muffins, toasted/buttered bread and organic flatbread slices. Don’t overlook the chocolate mousse.

Second: Rainbow Natural Grocery Co-op (2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1602) / Third: McDade’s Market (1200 E. Northside Dr., 601-366-8486) / Good Showing: Newk’s Express Cafe (4450 I-55 N., 601-709-4990)


Restaurant We Miss Most: Iron Horse Grill
by James Hughes

Brood not, nostalgic voters. You can still get those signature chips and salsa and spinach enchiladas at Foodies, which ex-Iron Horse owner Ken Crotwell runs today. The Iron Horse was a landmark downtown gathering spot in a pre-New Urbanist era as well as the city’s first true-blue Tex-Mex grill. Almost unbelievably, it burned twice, the second time on Halloween 1999. The great old building that housed it is gone, but Crotwell hasn’t given up on reopening the place elsewhere. “I would do it tomorrow,” he says. “There’s not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t mention the Iron Horse.” That lends new hope to fond sentiments. Now can anybody tell me where to find Frank’s biscuits?

Second: Bruno’s Eclectic / Third: Moe’s / Good Showing: Primo’s Northgate, Olde Tyme Deli, Frank’s Biscuits


Best Take-Out: (tie) Best Wok
(225 Meadowbrook Rd., 601-368-9555)
and OEC Japanese Express
(201 E. Layfair Dr., Flowood, 601-932-3588; 1139 Old Fannin Rd., Brandon, 601-992-2988; 1069 Hwy. 51, Suite C, Madison, 601-607-5888)
by Herman Snell

Wo/man cannot live by Chinese, pizza and sandwiches alone, but our JFP readers do love to eat well in the privacy of their homes. If you haven’t tried annual award-winner Best Wok, you’ve obviously missed the boat. And the no-frills OEC has become a favorite option for quick, fresh sushi take-out for busy Jacksonians. Regulars like the snow-crab and spicy tuna rolls. OEC also delivers within seven miles of each location.

I cannot even imagine the effort it takes to get in and out of Bravo! in Highland Village so I can only assume Bravo’s take-home fire-grilled pizzas are as good as when I dine in. If Bravo’s interior décor wasn’t so fine, perhaps they would move up a slot for take-out. For JFP readers, if you have little or no seating or have a convenient walk-up location, surely you have an edge in this category.

Second: Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-982-8111) / Third: Broad Street Baking Company (Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 N., 601-362-2900) / Good Showing: Newk’s Express Cafe (379 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-919-8303; 4450 I-55 N., 601-709-4990), Pizza Shack (1220 N. State St., 601-352-2001)


Best Seafood Restaurant: The Mayflower Café,
123 W. Capitol St., 601-355-4122
by JoAnne Prichard Morris

JFP readers have again named the Mayflower Café the city’s Best Seafood Restaurant—and for good reason. Broiled seafood dishes at the Mayflower have a tangy butter sauce that would turn sawdust into a delicacy, and the fried fish is crispy and light. And it’s all fresh. All the time. A smudged chalkboard lists the day’s specials, but you’ll never go wrong with the always-available seafood gumbo, broiled oysters, crab claws or catfish. What’s more, the Mayflower is an authentic Jackson experience. People of all ages and walks of life—local, newcomers and visitors—gather there to meet old friends, make new ones, swap stories, catch up on local politics, table hop, eavesdrop—and, yes, enjoy the best seafood anywhere around.

Second: AJ’s Seafood Grille (900 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-2588) / Third: Walker’s (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633) / Good Showing: Sal & Phil’s (6600 Old Canton Rd. #D, Ridgeland, 601-957-1188) and Steam Room Grille (5402 I-55 N., E. Frontage Rd., 601-899-8588)


Best Steak: Tico’s Steak House
1536 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-1030
by Kristen Phillips

It seems that Tico’s and Shapley’s take turns retaining top honors in this category. And, if you’ve ever eaten at either restaurant, then you can see why Jacksonians could be torn. Mouth-watering, out-of-this-world steak is a staple at both. Steak and rock lobster tail is an excellent choice at Tico’s.

I personally believe it is a crime against red meat to eat at Shapley’s and not order a filet topped with crawfish or lump crab meat. Tico’s marinated Gulf crab claws are to die for, and Shapley’s tamales are the perfect precursor to any meal. I could go on for days. But, let’s just say you absolutely can’t go wrong with either of these restaurants.

One online reviewer said about Tico’s: “Best steak in Jackson area, period. A little smokey, but it does have a cigar bar.”

Second: Shapley’s (868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601-957-3753) / Third: Char (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N. #142, 601-956-9562) / Good showing: Nick’s (1501 Lakeland Dr., 601-981-8017); Bravo! (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-982-8111)


Best Sushi: Nagoya
6351 I-55 N., 601-977-8881 and 111 Colony Crossing Way, Madison, 601-856-5678
by Bailee Grissom

Eating at Nagoya gives you a taste of Japan that locals have come to appreciate. With a great atmosphere and friendly servers, Nagoya shocks your taste buds with their delicious Nagoya rolls. If the Nagoya lacks what you seek, try their Dynamite roll for a flavorful punch, or their tasty Rock ‘n’ Roll, regardless of the bad pun. They also serve a fine chicken or beef teriyaki if raw fish doesn’t suit your palate. Grab a friend or go it alone as you step into a little slice of Asia right here in Jackson.

Second: Little Tokyo (876 Avery Blvd. N, Ridgeland, 601-991-3800) / Third: Sakura Bana (4800 I-55 N., 601-982-3035) / Good Showing: Haru (5834 Ridgewood Rd., #B, 601-899-8518)


Best Vegetarian Options: High Noon
2807 Old Canton Rd., 601-366-1513
by Donna Ladd

Every year this category gets tougher, as numerous Mediterranean places pop up and spots like Crazy Cat offer multiple vegetarian options. (Note to other restaurateurs: A salad does not a vegetarian option make. And we’re sick of portabellas.) Still, High Noon in the Rainbow Plaza has the upper hand and deserves it. For years, High Noon has offered delicious all-vegetarian food. Depending on the day, you can do Mexican, Southern or even “seafood.” OK, it’s fake crab cakes every Thursday, but they are delicious, and that comes from someone who used to devour crab in my pre-veggie days. (And I love the mashed potatoes on the side.) High Noon and Rainbow are, quite frankly, a major reason many creative, progressive types live in Jackson. They form an oasis of healthy gourmet dishes and ingredients in the heart of the Fondren district. Jackson wouldn’t be the same without them.

Second: (tie) Aladdin (730 Lakeland Dr., 601-366-6033) and Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village, 4500 I-55 N., 601-362-7448) / Third: (tie) Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie Dr., 601-713-3020) and Keifer’s (705 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825) / Good showing: Thai House (1405 Old Square Rd., 601-982-9991)


Best Wings: Buffalo Wild Wings
808 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-856-0789
by Ronni Mott

Jacksonians rated Buffalo Wild Wings as the best in town, but this is one place that’s just plain fun. Beer drinkers will appreciate both the selection of brews and their great prices for pitchers, while trivia fanatics can get their game on playing against the whole dang restaurant; winners are projected up on the numerous wide-screen TVs—that is, if a game’s not playing. But let’s not forget the wings. With 14 signature sauces, from Sweet Barbecue, to Asian Zing to Blazin’, surely there’s one that will make those taste buds sit up and pay attention. On the off chance that wings just aren’t your thing, the menu is stuffed full of burgers, wraps, salads, ribs and sandwiches. Grab some friends and go.

Second: Wing Stop (1430 Ellis Ave., 601-969-0606; 398 Hwy. 51 N., Ridgeland, 601-605-0504) / Third: Hooter’s of Jackson (4565 I-55 N., 601-981-0480) / Good Showing: Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919), Sportsman’s Lodge (Maywood Mart, 1220 E. Northside Dr., 601-366-5441)

 
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