Jackson was founded by European settlers in Tennessee in the early 1800s, before being renamed after Andrew Jackson, hero of the War of Independence, and later the seventh President of the United States. Find out where to eat in this historical city.
Flatiron Grille and Bistro is a much-loved restaurant in Jackson. As well as a fantastic seasonal menu that specializes in grilled meat and fish, with subtle French influences, Flatiron hosts regular brunch events throughout the month. Dishes currently include Shrimp Louie, where Gulf shrimp are fried in a buttery garlic sauce. Similarly, Santos chicken is a delicious combination of chicken, prosciutto and parmesan risotto, a delightfully warming dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening.
The Old Country Store is a historically inspired restaurant found at the Casey Jones Home and Railway Museum. Casey Jones was a famous railway engineer, celebrated for his heroic sacrifice in 1900 where he lost his own life to save the lives of his passengers. The restaurant serves a buffet that exhibits some of the best in Southern-style cuisine, with fried chicken, corn, and gravy available in large and delicious portions.
Complete with a fully functioning smoked hickory-pit barbecue, Reggie’s BBQ and Wings serves classic Southern barbecue to its guests on a daily basis. The restaurant is independently owned and family run, with recipes passed down by different generations. Head chef and owner Reggie has over 28 years of experience in barbecuing all manner of delicious meats, including pork and beef, with techniques he picked up while working in the Mississippi Delta. Diners can choose between steaming plates of slowly smoked meat, or sandwiches piled high with tender pulled pork or chicken. Guests can choose combinations as well.
Tulum is a Mexican grill with a difference, only the freshest in local ingredients are used. Tulum takes inspiration from the tropical flavors of Cancun, Cabo, San Lucas and San Diego to create a menu that is quite unlike any other Mexican restaurant. The California burrito comes stuffed with tempura shrimp, French fries and guacamole, while the Cabo Catoche chimichanga comes packed with four different types of cheese and a selection of meat.
Picasso has won numerous awards for its pizzas, but the restaurant is not just about food. The walls are adorned with artworks provided by Any Art Studio in the downtown Jackson area. As well as a number of brilliant pizza, pasta and meat dishes, the Picasso restaurant also boasts a great selection of ‘master calzones’. These are fully customizable, folded pizzas that can be filled with all manner of meats, vegetables and delicious sauces.
With a homely name like Dumplins of Jackson, this spot has people flocking from all over west Tennessee. The restaurant has been going strong since 1990 and has enjoyed almost a quarter-century of fantastic home-cooked food. With casseroles, family dinners and weekend brunches, Dumplins of Jackson is perfect for every day of the week. There are a selection of daily specials available, with meatloaf, chicken pot pie and roast beef available once a week. Desserts are the main event however, as Dumplins is celebrated for its many puddings, including fruit pies and baked cheesecake.
Combining a love of pizza and rock music, Rock’n Dough is the brick-and-mortar establishment of husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Amanda Denno. Greeting guests as they arrive, Rock’n Dough is a true family affair. With a pizza oven that is heated to more than 700 degrees fahrenheit, and filled with smoky hickory wood, the pizzas are cooked in a distinctive Memphis style. Pizzas come with a variety of toppings, with meat and vegetarian options available throughout.
Catfish Cabin originally opened its doors in 1980, and has gained a reputation for serving fantastic food. Known locally as ‘The Cabin’, Catfish Cabin’s menu features a great number of different items, all with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant specializes in fried fish dishes, but there are a great number of meat options as well, including steaks, for the carnivores out there.
Right on the corner of Exit 87 in Jackson Tennessee, this barbecue spot is a small, family-run truck stop. Specialising in smoked and barbecued meats, Exit 87 BBQ is frequented by hungry truck drivers and barbecue enthusiasts alike. Every day, Exit 87 BBQ’s broiler is packed full of meat, briskets, pork butts and whole chickens, which are then slow cooked until the meat falls at the touch. This is then served in combination plates, or sandwiches, to the ravenous guests that hold it so dearly.
