11 Mississippi Roadside Spots Travelers Can’t Resist Pulling Over For
Mississippi highways hide some of the most mouthwatering and memorable stops you’ll ever encounter on a road trip.
From smoky barbecue joints to old-fashioned soda fountains, these roadside gems offer more than just a quick break, they deliver authentic Southern flavor and hospitality.
Travelers who zoom past these legendary spots are missing out on the real heart of Mississippi.
Pull over, stretch your legs, and discover why locals have been flocking to these places for generations.
1. Old Country Store
Step back in time at this legendary establishment that’s been feeding hungry travelers since 1875.
Located at 18801 Highway 61 in Lorman, this weathered building looks like it jumped straight out of a history book.
Their fried chicken is so famous that people plan entire road trips around it.
The crispy, golden pieces come with sides that’ll make your grandma jealous, all served on checkered tablecloths that add to the nostalgic vibe.
2. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Barbecue smoke billows from this tin-roofed paradise at 7501 MS-57 in Ocean Springs, where meat meets music in perfect harmony.
The atmosphere screams backyard party, with string lights, mismatched furniture, and live blues that’ll have your toes tapping.
Sauce options range from sweet to “holy-moly-hot,” so choose wisely unless you’re feeling adventurous.
Bring cash, bring your appetite, and bring your dancing shoes for weekend performances.
3. 4 Corners Chevron – Chicken-On-A-Stick
Who knew a gas station at 502 S Lamar Blvd in Oxford would serve up some of the most addictive chicken you’ll ever taste?
This isn’t your typical highway fuel stop—it’s a full-blown culinary destination.
College students and professors alike line up for those magical skewered chicken tenders, perfectly seasoned and impossibly juicy.
The genius lies in the simplicity: quality chicken, secret spices, and a stick for easy eating while driving.
4. Reagan’s Corner
Nestled at 640 Highway 98 W in Kokomo, this unassuming spot punches way above its weight class in the flavor department.
Locals guard this secret like buried treasure, but word keeps spreading anyway.
Their burgers are hand-patted daily and cooked to juicy perfection, with toppings piled so high you’ll need an engineering degree to bite them.
The homemade onion rings deserve their own fan club, crispy and golden without a hint of grease.
5. The Little Dooey
Mississippi State fans and barbecue lovers unite at 100 Fellowship St in Starkville, where pulled pork reaches legendary status.
Game days transform this place into absolute chaos—the good kind where everyone’s smiling despite the wait.
Their tangy sauce strikes the perfect balance between vinegar and sweetness, complementing the smoky meat without overpowering it.
The hush puppies arrive hot and crispy, ideal for soaking up every last drop of sauce on your plate.
6. Hicks Tamales & BBQ Shop
Since 1936, this tiny joint at 305 S State St in Clarksdale has been rolling out tamales that make grown men weep with joy.
The Delta-style tamales here differ from their Mexican cousins—softer, spicier, and utterly addictive.
Order them by the dozen because six won’t cut it once you taste that first bite.
The meat filling is seasoned with a secret blend that’s been passed down through generations, wrapped in cornmeal that’s pure comfort food.
7. Rose’s BBQ & Catering
Hickory smoke perfumes the air around 4697 US Highway 49 South in Hattiesburg, drawing hungry travelers like moths to a flame.
Rose’s has perfected the art of low-and-slow cooking, resulting in meat so tender it barely needs teeth.
Their brisket develops a bark that’s crunchy and flavorful, while the inside stays moist and melts on your tongue.
Sides rotate daily, but the baked beans with burnt ends mixed in are worth requesting specifically.
8. Abe’s Bar-B-Q
Blues legends have fueled up at 616 N State St in Clarksdale since 1924, making this one of Mississippi’s oldest continuously operating barbecue spots.
The walls practically vibrate with musical history and decades of satisfied customers.
Their pork sandwiches come piled high with coleslaw already on top—no questions asked, no substitutions needed.
The vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness perfectly, creating a flavor profile that’s distinctly Delta.
9. Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain
Time-travel to 1865 at 604 E Waldron St in Corinth, where this authentic soda fountain still serves ice cream floats and phosphates the old-fashioned way.
The original marble counter and spinning stools transport you straight to simpler times.
Their malts are made with real ice cream and malt powder, blended thick enough to stand a spoon upright.
The grilled cheese sandwiches pair surprisingly well with cherry Cokes, creating the ultimate retro lunch combo.
10. Vine Brothers
Hidden at 220 Highway 24 E in Centreville, this family-run treasure serves sandwiches that’ll ruin you for chain restaurants forever.
Everything gets made fresh daily, from the bread to the potato salad sitting in the cooler.
The roast beef po-boy comes dressed with all the fixings, messy and magnificent in equal measure.
Local farmers stop by for lunch, and their presence guarantees the quality—these folks know good food when they taste it.
11. Sonny’s Smokehouse
Smoke signals rise from 8936 MS Highway 15 in Ackerman, alerting barbecue pilgrims for miles around that something magical is happening.
Sonny’s operates on a simple philosophy: cook it slow, season it right, and let the meat do the talking.
Their pulled pork develops a pink smoke ring that’s the hallmark of authentic pit cooking, with flavor that goes deep into every shred.
The sauce selection ranges from mustard-based to tomato-sweet, letting you customize your experience with every bite.