Must-Visit Mississippi BBQ Restaurants

BBQ Restaurants in Mississippi

If the South is known for one thing, it’s BBQ. From baby back ribs to fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder, we can put just about anything over a pit and gently infuse it with hickory smoke. But like everything in the South, Mississippi BBQ has a history stretching back centuries.

In 1540, when the Chickasaw tribe’s homeland was what we know today as Tupelo, a feast was had in the presence of Hernando de Soto that involved cooking pork over a “barbacoa” (the original barbecue) – and left a lasting impact on the area. Today, Mississippi has produced several world champion BBQ pitmasters, making the Magnolia State a memorable location for those who love authentic BBQ cuisine. What makes Mississippi BBQ so unique? It’s a combination of techniques. Each individual pitmaster pulls from the regions around them, creating distinct flavors as unique as the chefs themselves.

For more information about Mississippi’s food and best BBQ spots, request a tour guide, use our trip planner, check out some of the places to stop, or contact us today to start planning your trip.

The Shed BBQ

Ocean Springs FEATURED

Down-home joint for barbecue & weekend blues in junkyard, shack-like digs with string lights & bar. […]

Sacred Ground Barbecue

Jackson FEATURED

Sacred Ground BBQ brings the best of Southern hospitality and expertly smoked flavors to the heart of Pocahontas, Mississippi. Opening in 2024, Sacred Ground reimagines classic BBQ with locally sourced ingredients and inventive twists from Chef Derek Emerson, who brings […]

The Pig & Pint

Jackson FEATURED

Located in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson, The Pig & Pint combines barbecued meats, tacos, and sides with an extensive menu of craft beers. […]

Two Brothers Smoked Meats

Starkville FEATURED

Two Brothers Smoked Meats specializes in serving a variety of meats cooked slow over the restaurant’s pecan-fueled outdoor smoker. The restaurant is located in Starkville’s Cotton District. […]

Abe’s Bar-B-Q

Clarksdale FEATURED

Abe’s Bar-B-Q is the oldest continuously operated barbecue restaurant in Mississippi. Located just down the street from the legendary Crossroads of Delta Blues fame, the restaurant offers a wide selection of smoked meats, tamales, and sides. […]

Leatha’s Bar-B-Que

Petal FEATURED

The family-owned restaurant has built a reputation as one of Mississippi’s finest barbeque restaurants since its founding by Leatha Jackson, “The Queen of Mississippi Barbecue,” in 1975. […]

Micks’d Up Kitchen

Biloxi

Micks’d Up Kitchen is award-winning Biloxi craft barbecue built around traditional offset smokers, 100% split hardwood, and scratch-made sides, sauces, and seasonings. Our food trailer is known for creative, constantly changing menus—we’ve never served the same menu twice—pairing traditional barbecue […]

Handy Andy

Oxford

Handy Andy is a restaurant in Oxford, specializing in barbeque and burgers. […]

Tay’s BBQ – Moss Point

Pascagoula

Tay’s Barbeque, founded in the 1940s in Columbia, Mississippi, is known for its unique flavor crafted from a blend of family recipes and traditional smoking techniques over hickory fire. Specializing in St. Louis cut ribs and tender chicken, all meats […]

Kewanee One Stop

Toomsuba

Kewanee One Stop, located in Toomsuba, is a gas station that also combines a convenience store and restaurant, with over two decades of operation. Their menu features everything from cheeseburgers and sandwiches to ribeye steaks and barbecue ribs. They provide […]

Johnnie’s Drive-In

Tupelo

Johnnie’s Drive-in is a renowned All-American diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, located in Tupelo. Established in 1945, it has become a popular spot known for its delicious dishes and association with Elvis Presley, who frequented the establishment during his youth. The […]

Murky Waters BBQ – Gulfport

Gulfport

Located in Historic Downtown Gulfport and accessible from Fishbone Alley, Murky Waters BBQ serves up barbecue favorites, local craft beers, and live music six nights a week. […]