Tucked into the historic heart of Natchez, Mississippi, The Little Easy shines as a beacon of Southern hospitality with a boozy brunch twist. Filmmaker Tate Taylor, best known for The Help, envisioned the space as a response to a glaring local need—one that first became evident when Mick Jagger, while filming Get On Up, received a less-than-stellar room service breakfast sourced from a Chevron station. “He called me and said, ‘Y’all might need to get a breakfast joint,’” says Taylor. The result? A lively, unpretentious eatery that has become a gathering place for locals, visitors, and even Taylor’s own film crews.
The Little Easy embraces its namesake, housed in a charming, restored building downtown. “Natchez is often called the Little Easy, a nod to its New Orleans influence,” Taylor says. While the restaurant isn’t entirely Cajun or Creole, its menu leans into bold flavors and indulgent offerings. Take the Stump Jumper, a towering biscuit layered with fried chicken, hot honey, gravy, cheddar, and smoky collards. Or the bestselling chicken and waffles, where buttermilk-brined fried chicken meets crisp, golden waffles with a drizzle of hot honey.
The restaurant’s atmosphere reflects Taylor’s personal aesthetic—comfortable yet stylish, with a distinct New Orleans sensibility. The interior is intimate, with cozy seating and an inviting warmth. But it’s the open-air pavilion next door that steals the show. “The space lends itself to a New Orleans feel,” he says. “It reminds me of eating at Café du Monde. People love sitting out there with bottomless mimosas and breakfast.”
True to its name, The Little Easy takes brunch seriously, serving it daily until 2 p.m. Guests sip on espresso martinis— the only ones in town—or the Scratch margarita. The crowd is as varied as the menu, drawing in everyone from hungry road trippers to European tourists eager to experience small-town Mississippi charm. “The name says it all. The Little Easy reflects the ease and hospitality of Natchez,” Taylor says.
When crafting the menu, Taylor takes a pragmatic approach. “A town tells you what it wants,” he says. “We started with some healthier options, but in the South, especially with tourists, people don’t want that. They want an excuse to indulge.” And indulge they do, whether it’s through the rich, buttery biscuits with housemade jams and gravies or the perfectly fried Mother Cluckin’ chicken sandwich, a crispy thigh served on a soft bun with cold lettuce—a texture contrast Taylor swears by.
After discovering a prewar home about 20 miles north of town—a property he would later restore—Taylor decided to call Natchez home. His passion for revitalizing the town extends to his other ventures, including Smoot’s Grocery Blues Lounge, the blues club he purchased and restored just steps away. “Smoot’s used to be a neighborhood grocery store,” he says. “It’s perfect for my movie crews— they can eat breakfast at The Little Easy, work across the street, grab lunch, and end the day with drinks at Smoot’s.”
For those making the trip to Natchez, The Little Easy isn’t merely a breakfast stop. It’s an experience that encapsulates the relaxed charm of this historic Mississippi town. Whether you’re here for the scratch-made biscuits, the lively brunch scene, or the unbeatable Southern hospitality, one thing is certain: It’s worth seeking out.
