Brian Nagele
Mississippi has a strong barbecue scene rooted in tradition and local pride. From small towns to bigger cities, you’ll find spots that have been serving for years alongside newer places gaining attention. What makes these restaurants stand out isn’t just the food, but the people behind them and the way they stick to what works. Many are family-run, and their methods have been passed down over time. No matter where you go in the state, you’re likely to find a BBQ joint that locals swear by.
This article rounds up 30 of the best BBQ spots across Mississippi. Each one has built a solid reputation for serving food people keep coming back for. These places were chosen based on local reviews, word-of-mouth, and overall popularity. Whether you’re traveling or just want to try something new, this list gives you a simple, honest guide to some of the most well-loved barbecue restaurants in the state.
#30 – Hog Heaven BBQ
Hog Heaven BBQ in Laurel is a local go-to for classic Southern-style barbecue, served from a small spot on Ellisville Boulevard. The restaurant is known for its slow-smoked meats and generous portions that keep regulars coming back. They stick to time-tested methods using hardwood smoke and simple seasoning to bring out deep flavors in each plate. While the setup is simple, the focus is on getting the food right. The casual, no-frills atmosphere makes it a comfortable place to grab a filling meal, especially for folks who like honest, straightforward barbecue without the extras. Hog Heaven continues to build its reputation in the Laurel area by keeping things consistent and true to the basics of Mississippi barbecue.
#29 – Drake’s BBQ
Drake’s BBQ in Greenwood, Mississippi, is a trusted local spot known for its slow-smoked meats, generous portions, and steady service. The restaurant focuses on Delta-style barbecue, using hardwood to smoke meats until they’re tender and full of flavor. Customers often mention the ribs, wings, and sides like smoked cabbage and baked beans as standouts. The setting is no-frills but welcoming, with quick service and fair prices. It’s a place where the focus stays on the food, not the extras. Reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other platforms point to consistent quality and a taste that feels true to the region. Whether you’re nearby or passing through, Drake’s BBQ has earned its reputation as one of Greenwood’s go-to barbecue spots.
#28 – Mo Jam’s BBQ
Mo Jam’s BBQ in Columbus, Mississippi, has built a strong reputation for its slow-smoked meats, generous portions, and friendly service. The restaurant uses traditional hardwood smoking to bring out deep flavor in its ribs, chicken, and other classics. It also stands out for offering a mix of barbecue and soul food, with daily specials that often include items like fried pork chops, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Customers appreciate the steady quality, fair pricing, and relaxed atmosphere. The food is consistent, filling, and made with care, which keeps people coming back. Mo Jam’s proves that solid cooking and a local feel go a long way in Mississippi’s barbecue scene.
#27 – Handy Andy BBQ
Handy Andy BBQ in Oxford, Mississippi, is a longtime local favorite known for its steady service, smoked meats, and old-school charm. Open since the early 1970s, this no-frills spot has built a loyal following among college students, locals, and families. The menu keeps things simple with pulled pork, burgers, and smoked turkey sandwiches served in a casual, diner-like setting. The meat is cooked low and slow, giving it a tender texture and solid flavor that regulars keep coming back for. Guests often mention the friendly staff, quick service, and fair prices, which all add to the laid-back atmosphere. It’s not flashy, but Handy Andy gets the job done with honest cooking and consistent quality. For anyone in Oxford looking for a reliable barbecue spot, this place continues to stand out after decades of steady service.
#26 – Mike’s BBQ House
Mike’s BBQ House in Blue Springs, near Tupelo, Mississippi, is known for its steady cooking methods, large portions, and laid-back service. The restaurant focuses on real-wood smoking, which gives its pulled pork, ribs, and other meats a rich, smoky flavor that regulars appreciate. Customers often mention the pulled pork sandwich and rib plates as standouts, along with sides like baked beans, fried okra, and coleslaw that feel homemade. The setup is simple with indoor and outdoor seating, and the staff is known for being friendly and fast. Mike’s BBQ House doesn’t rely on trends or gimmicks, it just delivers honest, well-prepared barbecue that keeps people coming back.
#25 – Manning’s BBQ
Manning’s BBQ in New Albany, Mississippi, is a local favorite known for its hickory-smoked meats and steady service. The restaurant focuses on traditional Southern barbecue with pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and brisket cooked low and slow over real wood. Guests often mention the pulled pork as the standout, served with classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw. The setting is clean and welcoming, with staff who are friendly and quick to serve. Manning’s also offers family-style meals that work well for groups, giving diners a chance to try more of the menu. Whether you’re passing through or live nearby, Manning’s delivers consistent quality without overcomplicating things.
#24 – Sylvester’s BBQ
Sylvester’s BBQ in Raymond, Mississippi, is known for serving smoked meats like ribs, rib tips, and sausage dogs using traditional low and slow cooking methods over wood. The barbecue is served with a signature sweet and tangy sauce on the side, allowing guests to add as much or as little as they like. The menu focuses on simplicity and flavor, offering hearty portions with a strong focus on consistency. The setup is casual and straightforward, with a smoker often running outside. Sylvester’s operates with limited hours, usually open only a few days a week, which adds to the steady demand. Its location just outside Jackson makes it a convenient stop for those traveling through the area or looking for a reliable barbecue meal close to the capital.
#23 – Barbecue by Jim
Bar-B-Q by Jim in Tupelo, Mississippi, has been serving wood-smoked meats since 1995 using traditional Southern barbecue methods. The restaurant is known for items like St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and turkey, all cooked low and slow over wood for a deep, smoky flavor. It also offers meat-and-three plates with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. The location operates mainly during lunch hours and provides catering for events and gatherings. Bar-B-Q by Jim focuses on consistent quality and simple preparation, keeping the menu clear and rooted in traditional Southern barbecue styles.
#22 – Jefferson’s Grill
Jefferson’s Grill in Jackson, Mississippi, is a gas station barbecue spot that serves wood-smoked meats using hickory for a traditional flavor. The menu includes ribs, turkey legs, and smoked sausage, all cooked low and slow. Customers can choose between sauced or non-sauced options, depending on their preference. The grill also offers items like stuffed Philly cheesesteaks along with classic sides such as potato salad and baked beans. It operates as a takeout-only setup without dine-in space and also provides catering services. Jefferson’s Grill focuses on straightforward cooking with a steady approach to Southern-style barbecue.
#21 – Hickory Pit
Hickory Pit BBQ in Jackson, Mississippi has been cooking with hickory and oak wood since 1979. The restaurant is known for making most of its food from scratch, including the sauces, sides, dressings, and desserts. Its menu includes pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, brisket, sausage, burgers, and barbecue grilled cheese sandwiches. Customers can choose from combo plates, meats by the pound, or party packs for larger meals. Hickory Pit offers dine-in, carryout, outdoor seating, and catering services. It’s located near I-55, making it an easy stop for both locals and people passing through. The restaurant also sells its homemade sauces, rubs, and pies in-store and online. Though the cooking methods stay traditional, Hickory Pit has added menu items like taco night and gluten-free options to meet different tastes while keeping the focus on smoked meats.
#20 – Jimbo’s Brickhouse
Jimbo’s Brickhouse BBQ in Byhalia, Mississippi, serves a wide selection of wood-smoked meats in a casual indoor and outdoor setting. Their menu includes brisket, pulled pork (chopped rather than pulled), ribs, chicken, smoked sausage, barbecue spaghetti, baked potatoes topped with meat, and a variety of sides such as fries and mac and cheese. The restaurant is family owned and features live music on weekends to enhance the relaxed experience. Patrons often mention that the ribs are especially tender and the brisket is moist and flavorful. Jimbo’s runs a lunch and dinner schedule midweek through Saturday and offers online ordering for pick-up and delivery.
#19 – Bishop’s BBQ Grill
Bishop’s BBQ Grill in Tupelo, Mississippi, is a local chain with locations in Tupelo, Mooreville, Belden, and Booneville. The restaurant specializes in wood-smoked meats, offering pulled pork, ribs, smoked turkey, smoked sausage, brisket, and smoked burgers. It serves combo plates and sandwiches, each paired with a side and drink, and also offers appetizers like fried pickles and onion rings. Family-style “fixins” are available for large groups, and the restaurant supports catering calls. Bishop’s emphasizes fresh ingredients, daily scratch prep, and online ordering through its website and delivery platforms. With a clean casual setting and menu rooted in classic Southern barbecue and smokehouse staples, it remains a go-to for hearty, takeout-friendly meals in the region.
#18 – Ubon’s BBQ of Yazoo
Ubon’s BBQ of Yazoo in Yazoo City, Mississippi is a family-run spot known for its traditional Southern barbecue and slow-cooked meats. The restaurant serves pulled pork, ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, and sausage, using recipes that have been passed down for generations. Their signature sauce blends Memphis and Kansas City styles and is used both in-house and sold in bottles. Ubon’s keeps things simple and focused on technique, using low and slow smoking methods with wood to bring out deep flavors. The building itself has a casual setup with walls full of messages and signatures from visitors.The business remains committed to tradition, quality, and strong local roots while also reaching fans outside the state through its bottled products.
#17 – Hank’s #1 BBQ
Hank’s #1 BBQ in Columbus, Mississippi is known for using high-quality meats and wood smoking to create classic Southern barbecue. The menu features items like brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked sausage, and turkey, all prepared slowly over wood for rich, smoky flavor. They pair these with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and barbecue-spiced baked potatoes. The restaurant sells its own bottled BBQ sauce and rub online and on-site, extending its reach beyond the local crowd. The setting is casual, focused on the food and smokehouse tradition, and the business includes online ordering and catering services.
#16 – Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Olive Branch, Mississippi is an extension of the Memphis-based chain that brings its wood-smoked, Memphis-style barbecue south of the state line. The restaurant smokes ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and sausage over real hardwood until they reach a tender texture and rich smoky taste. They offer dine-in, takeout, drive‑thru, and catering services, and customers can also order packages to ship nationwide. Corky’s bottles its signature sauce and dry rub for retail sale, and its success in competitions has helped build a wider fan base. The dining setting includes a full bar and seating, plus options for family meals. Known for its classic approach and consistent cooking, Corky’s has helped shape the regional barbecue scene.
#15 – Kenova Smokehouse
Kenova Smokehouse in Flowood, Mississippi serves a mix of regional barbecue styles, offering brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, ribs, pork steaks, and Mississippi sausage. The meats are smoked over wood, and the sides and desserts are all made from scratch with no canned or pre-packaged ingredients. The restaurant also sells its own sauces and rubs, and it hosts weekly specials like all-you-can-eat BBQ nights. Everything is focused on traditional cooking methods and fresh ingredients, helping it stand out as one of the newer but respected barbecue spots in the area.
#14 – E & L Barbecue
E & L Barbecue in Jackson, Mississippi has been serving smoked meats since 1989 using hickory and oak in a glass-front smoker. The menu includes rib tips, pulled pork, hot links, brisket, catfish, and smoked chicken. Sides like baked beans, fries, and potato salad are made fresh and served with most meals. The restaurant follows a traditional Southern barbecue style and uses a family recipe for its barbecue sauce that adds a sweet and tangy flavor. E & L mainly operates as a takeout spot with limited indoor seating. It also offers catering for events and gameday meals. Still run by the same family, E & L has stayed consistent with its cooking method and portion sizes, earning a strong reputation in Jackson over the years for straightforward, no-frills barbecue done right.
#13 – Clay’s House of Pig
Clay’s House of Pig, also known as C.H.O.P., is a casual barbecue spot located inside a bait and tackle shop in Tupelo, Mississippi. The restaurant is known for smoking its meats using a custom-built smoker fueled by charcoal, hickory, and pecan wood. Its menu features smoked pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork belly, served in plates, sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. Customers can also order house-made sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. C.H.O.P. has a laid-back setup with indoor seating and counter service, making it easy to grab a meal on the go. They also bottle and sell their signature sauces and rubs in-store and online. Since opening in 2017, the spot has built a strong following for its focus on wood-smoked flavor and its unique setting that combines barbecue and bait in one local stop.
#12 – Pig Out Inn Barbeque
Pig Out Inn Barbeque in Natchez, Mississippi is known for slow-cooked meats made in a custom wood-burning smoker. Located near the Mississippi River, this spot serves a wide range of barbecue options including pulled pork, brisket, hot sausage, turkey, and ribs. All meats are smoked on-site, and the menu also includes sandwiches, combo plates, and sides made fresh from scratch. The restaurant is also known for offering original items like the “Bubbadelic” sandwich and a house sauce that can be purchased in-store. Desserts such as mini pecan pies and banana pudding are made in-house using long-time recipes. Pig Out Inn has indoor seating and a covered patio for private gatherings. It also offers catering services for events in the region. With a focus on traditional cooking and homemade flavor, Pig Out Inn continues to be a local go-to for barbecue in southwest Mississippi.
#11 – Sonny’s Smokehouse
Sonny’s Smokehouse in Ackerman, Mississippi is a locally owned barbecue spot that uses oak wood to smoke meats low and slow. The menu includes brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, and steak, all cooked over real wood and served in generous portions. The restaurant has a casual, no-frills interior with both indoor seating and a window for carryout. They also offer takeout and cater to local events. Sonny’s bottles its own sauces and rubs, which are available for purchase in-store. It has been a community staple for years, focused on straightforward, well-prepared barbecue served in a relaxed setting.
#10 – Westside Bar-B-Que
Westside Bar-B-Que & Cakes in New Albany, Mississippi has been serving hickory-smoked meats since 1988. Known for using a real wood smoker, the restaurant offers pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and brisket, all prepared with time-tested techniques. Everything is made from scratch, including classic sides and house desserts like banana cake and chocolate pie. The space is casual and family-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Guests can also order takeout or book catering for local events. The business is locally owned and remains focused on quality and consistency.
#9 – Squealer’s Hickory-Smoked Bar-B-Que
Squealer’s Hickory-Smoked Bar-B-Que in Meridian, Mississippi has been serving barbecue since 1998. This family-owned spot uses a traditional wood-fired smoker that has remained in use since the restaurant opened. Meats like pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, and chicken are cooked low and slow over hickory wood. The restaurant focuses on simple, honest cooking without heavy seasoning, and sauces are offered on the side. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy the outdoor patio. The relaxed setting and commitment to its original smoker have helped the restaurant maintain a steady following in the local area.
#8 – Little Dooey
Little Dooey in Starkville, Mississippi started in 1985 and has grown into one of the best-known barbecue spots in the state. The restaurant uses hickory wood and traditional methods to smoke pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken, and sausage. Their original sauce recipe, developed in-house, is served on the side. The building looks like a Southern home, giving the place a laid-back and familiar feel. Inside, you’ll find rooms filled with photos and memorabilia, while outside there’s porch seating that adds to the relaxed setting. Along with barbecue, the menu includes items like catfish and pulled pork nachos. Little Dooey keeps its focus on home-style cooking and friendly service, making it a steady favorite for both locals and visitors.
#7 – Murky Waters BBQ
Murky Waters BBQ is a family-owned barbecue chain with locations along the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Hattiesburg, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The restaurant uses dry-rub seasoning and slow-cooks its meats over pecan wood in custom-built smokers, giving dishes like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and smoked chicken a deep smoky flavor. Each location offers indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed, casual atmosphere with a focus on Southern blues music and local art. Murky Waters also serves craft beers on tap and sells its signature sauces and rubs in-store. With a mix of wood-smoking tradition, seafood accents, and regional culture, Murky Waters has built a strong following across southern Mississippi.
#6 – Two Brothers Smoked Meats
Two Brothers Smoked Meats in Starkville, Mississippi blends traditional smoking with a creative menu that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Open since 2014, it uses a custom pecan-wood smoker to cook meats low and slow, which helps bring out deep flavor in their brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and more. The restaurant is known for putting its own spin on Southern barbecue, offering items like pulled pork grilled cheese, barbecue tacos, and sliders. It sits in the heart of the Cotton District and has a laid-back vibe with a large outdoor patio and local art. Its approach to smoked meats with unique menu options has helped it become one of the top barbecue spots in the area.
#5 – The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, Mississippi started in 2001 as a small takeout trailer and eventually grew into a large wooden setup near I‑10. The place is known for its relaxed atmosphere, decorated with old license plates and reclaimed items. It uses wood-smoking techniques to prepare pork, brisket, chicken, ribs, and sausage, often served with their signature sauces. The menu covers combo plates, sandwiches, and meats by the pound. Live blues music is often part of the experience, along with local craft beer on tap. The Shed also sells its sauces and rubs in bottles for those who want to take home a piece of the place. Its growth and style have made it a go-to barbecue spot along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
#4 – Abe’s Bar-B-Q
Abe’s Bar-B-Q in Clarksdale, Mississippi has been serving Delta-style barbecue since 1924. Located near the famous crossroads of Highways 61 and 49, this long-running spot is known for its wood-smoked pork, ribs, hot sausage, and tamales. The meats are cooked low and slow, and their tomato-based barbecue sauce is served on the side so customers can add it how they like. The restaurant sticks to traditional cooking methods and has kept its approach simple over the years, focusing on smoky flavor and consistency. Abe’s is part of the local culture and often visited by people passing through the Mississippi Delta, especially those following the blues trail.
#3 – Leatha’s Bar-B-Que
Leatha’s Bar‑B‑Que Inn in Petal, Mississippi is a family-run barbecue destination that dates back to the 1970s. Originally located in Foxworth and later in Hattiesburg, the restaurant moved to Petal in 2020 while keeping its roots in slow-cooked, wood-smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and beef ribs. The meats are smoked over pecan wood and served with a tangy tomato‑vinegar sauce on the side. The simple menu offers plates or sandwiches paired with fresh sides such as mustard-based coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. Catering and bottled versions of the restaurant’s signature sauce are also available. Leatha’s remains tied to its past through its original cooking methods and welcoming service, keeping the focus on hearty, gently seasoned barbecue prepared with care and tradition.
#2 – Memphis Barbecue Company
Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi focuses on traditional Memphis-style barbecue, known for its dry-rubbed meats and balanced use of sauce. They slow-smoke everything over pecan wood, from pulled pork and ribs to brisket, sausage, and smoked chicken. The menu offers classic sides like red beans and rice, barbecue nachos, stuffed potatoes, and smoked meat sandwiches. Guests can choose from combo plates or family-sized party packs. The restaurant keeps the atmosphere casual, and services include dine-in, takeout, catering, and online ordering. Their dedication to proper technique and Memphis-style flavor has made them one of the most respected barbecue spots in the state.
#1 – The Pig & Pint
The Pig & Pint in Jackson blends Southern barbecue traditions with fresh takes on flavor and presentation. While it uses methods like smoking over pecan wood that are common in Memphis-style barbecue, it doesn’t stick to just one style. Instead, the restaurant mixes slow-cooked techniques with ingredients that aren’t usually found in classic barbecue spots, such as duck and lamb. The variety on the menu reflects a broader Southern influence rather than a strict regional one. The casual setup, indoor and outdoor seating, and craft beer selection have helped it become a go-to barbecue stop in the area. Its popularity comes from its ability to stay rooted in classic cooking while adding just enough variety to stand out.
