Unearth The Voyage
Memphis gets the spotlight, but Mississippi’s smoke rings hit just as hard. From coastal shacks with blues on the patio to small town pits turning out championship ribs, you’re in for a road trip that tastes like tradition and grit.
Bring an appetite, because these spots pile plates high with barky brisket, sticky ribs, and tangy slaw. Ready to discover the pits locals swear by and travelers whisper about?
1. The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint
You can hear the blues before you smell the smoke, and both are pure Mississippi. The Shed lives up to its legend with pecan-smoked ribs that tug clean, plus pulled pork piled messy on toasted buns.
Order beans, slaw, and plenty of napkins, then settle under string lights.
What makes it rival Memphis is swagger backed by trophies. Sauce leans sweet-tangy, but the meat’s bark carries peppery bite.
Grab extra to-go, because that late-night craving is guaranteed.
2. Memphis BBQ Company
Founded by a world champion pitmaster, this place cooks like it is competition day, every day. Ribs arrive lacquered with a pepper-sweet glaze, tugging between clean and sticky.
Smoked beans carry brisket trimmings, and the mac is creamy comfort with smoke-kissed edges.
You taste discipline in every bite, the kind Memphis fans brag about. Order a sampler if indecisive, because chicken, pork, and brisket all shine.
Expect a line, but it moves fast and ends with full bellies.
3. The Pig & Pint
Craft beer meets serious smoke at this Jackson favorite. Flights pair perfectly with brisket that sports a deep bark and rosy ring.
Pork belly tacos hit sweet-salty notes, while vinegar slaw keeps every bite bright and balanced.
You come for casual vibes and stay for seconds. Ribs run St. Louis style, meaty and kissed by spice.
Order burnt ends when available, then snag banana pudding to finish strong.
4. Murky Waters BBQ – Gulfport
This joint bleeds blues and barbecue in equal measure. Smoked wings come charred and juicy, begging for a dunk in house sauce.
Ribs balance savory rub and caramelized glaze, while pulled pork stacks high beside hushpuppies and fries.
When the band tunes up, plates empty faster. The vibe is Gulf Coast casual, but the pitwork is tight.
Grab a local brew, linger a while, and let the smoke do the talking.
5. Hog Heaven BBQ
Laurel’s Hog Heaven keeps things humble and delicious. The chopped pork is tender with just enough crispy bits to crunch.
Beans run sweet with a whisper of spice, and potato salad cools the palate between saucy bites.
Ribs are the draw on busy days, rubbed assertively and smoked slow. Order a plate, then add a sandwich for later.
It is the kind of place where regulars nod hello and newcomers become regulars fast.
6. Tommy’s BBQ
Tommy’s feels like a backyard cookout that never ends. Rib tips steal the show, charred at the edges and dripping with juices.
The chopped pork sandwich is classic Southern comfort, especially with a scoop of slaw.
There is pride in the pit and patience in the cook. Sauces range from mild to kicky, so sample and pick your favorite.
Grab peach cobbler if you spot it, then stroll the riverfront satisfied.
7. Swamp Shack BBQ
Small but mighty, this Ellisville hideout turns out serious smoke. Ribs come with a peppery bark and clean bite, no tug-of-war needed.
Sausage snaps satisfyingly, especially dipped in the tangy house sauce.
It is the kind of joint where the menu is short because everything sells. Cornbread lands warm and buttery beside your tray.
Bring cash, bring friends, and bring a plan to order seconds.
8. The Rib Shack – Amory
Amory’s Rib Shack proves less can be more. Spare ribs are meaty, smoke-ringed, and seasoned with restraint that lets oak speak.
Pulled chicken surprises with juicy texture and a peppery finish that begs another bite.
Sides are honest: green beans, slaw, and white bread for mopping. You will leave sticky-fingered and smiling.
Prices are fair, portions generous, and the welcome feels like family.
9. The Rib Shack – Meridian
Meridian’s take on the Rib Shack leans bold on rub and steady on smoke. Ribs slice clean with a rosy ring, and sauce comes on the side, just like purists prefer.
The crew moves fast, but never rushes the meat.
Expect hearty plates, a friendly nod, and a full belly. Add slaw for crunch and potato salad for comfort.
If you like heat, ask for the spicy blend and thank me later.
10. Tex-Mex Smokehouse BBQ
Madison’s Tex-Mex Smokehouse blends oak-fired brisket with vibrant border flavors. Think brisket tacos with salsa verde, elotes dusted with chili, and smoked queso that disappears fast.
The brisket bark crunches, then melts into silky slices.
It is playful without losing respect for the pit. Order a three-meat tray, then add tortillas and pickled onions to build perfect bites.
Save room for churro bread pudding if you spot it.
11. Barbeque Shine
Ridgeland’s Barbeque Shine keeps the focus on honest smoke and simple hospitality. Pulled pork lands tender with caramelized edges, begging for a drizzle of vinegar sauce.
Smoked turkey surprises with juiciness and peppery snap.
Ribs finish with a light glaze that never hides the rub. Sides rotate, but creamy slaw and beans are steady winners.
Grab a sweet tea, claim a picnic table, and watch the pit roll steady.
12. Big Smooth BBQ and Catering
Big Smooth brings the party, whether it is a festival day or a Saturday pop-up. Brisket slices drape over your fork with buttery fat and pepper bark.
Ribs lean meaty, finished with a balanced glaze that sticks just right.
Because it is mobile, menus rotate, but flavor stays locked in. Ask about specials and do not skip the house pickles.
When the trays sell out, that is it, so arrive hungry and early.
