The Outsider’s Guide to Mississippi Dining

Whether you’re seeking a scenic view or a perfect perch for people-watching, Mississippi‘s outdoor patios, balconies, and rooftop tables are an excellent way to bring some excitement to your dining experience. Find our guide to open-air Mississippi dining below.

In the capital city of Jackson, Walker’s Drive-In is a must-visit spot for outdoor-dining aficionados. The restaurant, which is located in the city’s hip Fondren neighborhood, combines a laid-back atmosphere with a finely-tuned menu that features locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood, and premium-quality steaks. At night, their patio is awash with neon lights and signage that was retained from their building’s former life as drive-in restaurant during the 1950s.  

Bouré, located in Oxford, Mississippi, is known for its “upscale, down-home” Creole fare. The restaurant is one of four owned by the city’s visionary chef and entrepreneur, John Currence. Diners seated on their balcony can enjoy a view of Oxford’s courthouse square, which is always bustling with people, especially during Ole Miss game weekends. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to come early if you want to get one of the coveted balcony tables.

Starkville’s Bin 612 is another popular college-town eatery. The restaurant is impossible to miss, given its location in a blueish-purple building that’s topped with a trio of neoclassical statues, a quirky indication of the unique vibe of the city’s Cotton District. The casual-dining restaurant is just blocks away from Mississippi State University, so you can expect the streets to be humming with students, alumni, sports fans, and other visitors. The patio is pet-friendly,  especially if your pet happens to be an English bulldog (like the MSU mascot).

In Vicksburg, you’ll find some of Mississippi’s most breathtaking vistas at 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill. From the open rooftop of the city’s First National Building, diners can view the Mississippi River and Yazoo Canal. Their menu offers a little something for everyone, from burgers to redfish to a massive 16-oz whiskey glazed ribeye. Specialty cocktails include their signature Mississippi Sunset, a fitting choice considering there’s no better place in Mississippi to watch the setting sun.

For those who prefer their sunsets over water, The Blind Tiger is a perfect choice. The restaurant’s spacious outdoor seating areas offer panoramic views of Biloxi Beach and the Mississippi Sound. In keeping with its beachfront location, The Blind Tiger’s menu emphasizes Gulf seafood favorites and beach-friendly cocktails (think margaritas, mojitos, and frozen concoctions).

These restaurants are just a taste of the vibrant outdoor dining scene Mississippi has to offer. As you travel through the state, you’ll find many more unique places where you can soak in the warm Southern hospitality, indulge in delicious cuisine, and relish the delights of outdoor dining.

Plan your trip today at VisitMississippi.org

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