Since we’ve already featured the oldest restaurant in Mississippi, we thought it’d be a good idea to feature the most famous. According to the website Thrillist, which recently released a list of iconic eateries across the country, the Mayflower Café is the most famous restaurant in the Magnolia State. Located in Jackson, the legendary café has been in business for decades. Now known for its distinctive fare and retro setting, a visit to the Mayflower Café is sure to be a memorable one. Take a look:
Now a Jackson landmark, the Mayflower Café first opened in 1935, making it the oldest operating restaurant in the capital city.
Craig G./Yelp
The iconic café is popular among locals and tourists alike and has even been featured in several movies, including “Ghosts of Mississippi” and “The Help.”
marcpoloswisss/TripAdvisor
Using family recipes that have been passed down for generations, the cafe features a unique fare that perfectly combines local cuisine and Greek seasonings.
Blue A./Yelp
Coined “Mississippi’s original seafood restaurant,” the cafe’s menu is brimming with seafood options, which according to the owner is “unlike the seafood available anywhere else.”
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Visit during lunch, and you can get your fill of authentic southern cooking.
Rachel L./Yelp
The home cooked lunch specials change daily, but each includes your choice of an entree, two sides, dessert, and a drink.
Jason O./Yelp
Practically overflowing with vegetables, cheese, and other fresh toppings, even the salads at the Mayflower Cafe are brag worthy.
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For dessert, you’ll have a choice between homemade pies, bread pudding, baklava, and more.
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Aside from the great food, the Mayflower Café is known for being the creator of Comeback Sauce.
Mayflower Café/Facebook
Perfect on everything from salad to French fries, the famous house salad dressing was named the “nation’s number one condiment by Maxim” and was featured on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”
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Though a lot has changed since the restaurant first opened, the interior is sure to remind you of days long gone.
Kathleen H./Yelp
From the black-and-white tile floor to the mirrored walls, the café’s retro vibe is hard to ignore.
Jessica J./Yelp
Between the mouthwatering fare and the nostalgic atmosphere, the Mayflower experience is second to none.
Brent Moore/Flickr
Visit the Mayflower Café at 123 W. Capitol Street in Jackson. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 11 am – 10 pm, and on Saturday, from 4 pm – 10 pm. Visit the restaurant’s website or Facebook page for more information.
Craig G./Yelp
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Blue A./Yelp
Susan K./Yelp
Rachel L./Yelp
Jason O./Yelp
Thuy L./TripAdvisor
Mayflower Café/Facebook
Ryder T./Yelp
Kathleen H./Yelp
Jessica J./Yelp
Brent Moore/Flickr
Looking for another must-visit eatery to add to your bucket list? Check out “The Mississippi Restaurant That’s One Of The Most Unique In America.“
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