Unearth The Voyage
Mississippi’s backroads hide some amazing BBQ treasures that most tourists never find. Small family-owned restaurants tucked away in tiny towns serve up the most authentic Southern barbecue you’ll ever taste. These humble spots focus on what matters most – perfectly smoked meats, secret family recipes, and that warm hospitality the South is famous for.
1. Ubon’s Restaurant – Yazoo City
Family recipes dating back generations make this unassuming spot a local legend since 2003. The owners still hand-mix their award-winning sauces using closely guarded family secrets passed down through the years.
What started as a small neighborhood joint has grown into something special while keeping that homey feel intact. Regulars swear by the pulled pork, but everything coming out of their smokers deserves serious attention from BBQ lovers.
2. Sonny’s Smokehouse – Ackerman
GPS might lead you astray trying to find this hidden gem, but dedicated BBQ hunters consider it worth every wrong turn. Tucked away in rural Ackerman, this place rewards adventurous eaters with some seriously good smoked meats.
Brisket here gets the royal treatment – low and slow for hours until it practically melts when you look at it. Road trip guides consistently recommend making the detour because experiences like this are becoming harder to find.
3. The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs
Built from reclaimed wood and old signs, this rustic shack looks like it might blow over in a strong wind. Don’t let appearances fool you though – locals know this place serves some of the best ribs on the Gulf Coast.
Live blues music fills the air most evenings while diners feast on fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender brisket. The atmosphere perfectly captures that authentic Mississippi vibe everyone talks about but rarely experiences.
4. The Little Dooey – Starkville
Behind this modest brick building lies a BBQ legend that consistently appears on every serious Mississippi food list. Old-school recipes haven’t changed in decades because when something works this well, you don’t mess with perfection.
College students and longtime locals crowd the simple dining room for good reason. The consistency here is remarkable – every plate of ribs tastes exactly like BBQ should, with that perfect balance of smoke, spice, and tenderness.
5. C.H.O.P. (Clay’s House of Pig) – Tupelo
Only in Mississippi would you find a bait shop that also happens to serve incredible BBQ. This quirky combination works better than anyone expected, creating a unique dining experience that Mississippi Magazine couldn’t ignore.
Their famous BBQ loaded potatoes have become legendary among locals who appreciate creative comfort food. The small operation proves that great barbecue comes from passion and skill, not fancy equipment or prime real estate locations in busy areas.
6. Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn – Petal
Since 1976, this unpretentious joint has been perfecting the art of Mississippi barbecue without changing much about their approach. Celebrities and food writers have discovered this place, but it still feels like your neighborhood’s best-kept secret.
The dining room looks exactly like a BBQ restaurant should – simple tables, friendly service, and the smell of hickory smoke drifting from the kitchen. State BBQ listings regularly feature this spot because authenticity never goes out of style.
7. Abe’s Barbecue – Clarksdale
Standing at the famous Crossroads where Highways 61 and 49 meet, this historic BBQ institution has fed travelers and locals for generations. Blues history and barbecue history intersect perfectly at this legendary Mississippi location.
Their signature sauce recipe has become part of state folklore, closely guarded but widely celebrated throughout the Delta region. Every bite connects you to decades of Mississippi BBQ tradition that helped define what Southern barbecue should taste like.
