Southern Comfort and Barbecue Delights
Southaven, Mississippi, once a sleepy suburb, has blossomed into a vibrant and bustling city. Located just south of Memphis, Tennessee, Southaven attracts visitors and new residents with its affordable housing, family-friendly atmosphere, and increasingly, its impressive culinary scene. Gone are the days of limited dining options; Southaven now boasts a diverse range of eateries, from classic Southern comfort food joints to globally inspired restaurants. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the quest for the best food places Southaven MS can be an exciting adventure. This article aims to be your guide, highlighting some of the must-try culinary gems that this city has to offer, ensuring you have a delicious experience. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through Southaven’s diverse and delicious landscape.
No exploration of Southern cuisine is complete without indulging in the region’s iconic comfort food and, of course, barbecue. Southaven doesn’t disappoint, offering a plethora of options for those craving smoky ribs, creamy mac and cheese, and crispy fried chicken.
Memphis Barbecue Co.
This isn’t just barbecue; it’s an experience. Memphis Barbecue Co. has quickly become a Southaven staple, known for its award-winning ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. But it’s more than just meat; their sides, like the baked beans and coleslaw, are made with recipes passed down through generations, adding an authentic touch to every plate. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for a family gathering or a casual night out with friends. The aroma of smoking wood fills the air, immediately setting the stage for a satisfying meal. Their dry-rub ribs are particularly famous, boasting a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Don’t forget to try their homemade sauces, each carefully crafted to complement the different meats. Many locals rave about the generous portions and the exceptional value. Finding truly authentic Memphis-style barbecue so close to the source is a huge win for Southaven residents.
The Guest House at Graceland’s Delta’s Kitchen
While technically part of the Graceland complex, Delta’s Kitchen offers a genuine taste of Southern soul food that draws in Southaven locals and tourists alike. The restaurant provides a refined, yet comfortable, atmosphere. The menu showcases traditional Southern dishes with a touch of elegance, featuring fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and slow-cooked pot roast. This is Southern cooking done right. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of desserts, including pecan pie and bread pudding. Delta’s Kitchen provides a slightly more upscale dining experience compared to some of the more casual barbecue joints, making it perfect for a special occasion or a treat-yourself kind of night. The service is known to be impeccable, further enhancing the overall experience. Its close proximity to Graceland adds a unique charm, connecting diners to the rich history and culture of the region.
Southaven Donuts & Chicken
While the name might suggest a simple donut shop, Southaven Donuts & Chicken has garnered a loyal following for its unexpectedly delicious fried chicken. They offer a surprising combo of crispy, juicy fried chicken and sweet, glazed donuts. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior; the chicken is perfectly seasoned, incredibly tender, and consistently cooked to perfection. It’s a fast-casual spot, ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Local families appreciate the affordability and the kid-friendly options. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the best food places Southaven MS are the ones you least expect. This spot proves that great food doesn’t always need to be fancy.
Exploring International Flavors
Southaven’s culinary landscape extends far beyond Southern staples. The city boasts a growing number of restaurants offering a diverse range of international cuisines, allowing diners to experience the flavors of the world without leaving Southaven.
El Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant
For an authentic taste of Mexico, El Toro Loco is a must-visit. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes to create flavorful dishes. From sizzling fajitas to savory enchiladas, the menu offers a wide variety of options to satisfy every craving. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with colorful décor and friendly service. The margaritas are a local favorite, and the chips and salsa are always fresh and plentiful. Many regulars recommend the carnitas and the shrimp tacos. The restaurant has consistently earned high ratings for its quality of food and service. This establishment brings the vibrant flavors and hospitality of Mexico to the heart of Southaven.
Mulan Asian Cuisine
Mulan Asian Cuisine presents a diverse menu showcasing dishes from across Asia, featuring a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai specialties. From delicate sushi rolls to hearty stir-fries, there is something for every palate. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and artful presentation. The restaurant offers a wide array of entrees, but the sushi seems to be the most sought after. Mulan aims to provide a modern and elegant dining experience, making it a great choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
The Pasta Shop
Craving authentic Italian flavors? Look no further than The Pasta Shop, a family-owned restaurant that prides itself on homemade pasta and traditional Italian recipes. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy trattoria in Italy. Their fresh pastas, made daily, form the foundation for classic dishes like lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, and ravioli. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, and the sauces are all made from scratch. This place delivers a taste of Italy without ever leaving Southaven.
Casual Dining and Family-Friendly Options
When looking for a relaxed dining experience or a spot that caters to the whole family, Southaven has a variety of casual restaurants that offer something for everyone.
Buffalo Wild Wings
For the sports enthusiast, Buffalo Wild Wings in Southaven is a classic choice. With walls lined with TVs, this is the perfect place to catch a game while enjoying a wide selection of wings, burgers, and beers. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a popular spot for groups of friends and families. They are not just a sports bar, they have food for the entire family to enjoy. The menu offers a variety of flavors to choose from, including spicy, sweet, and savory options. Buffalo Wild Wings provides a casual and fun dining experience for all ages.
PizzaRev
PizzaRev offers a customizable pizza experience, allowing diners to create their own pizzas with a wide selection of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. The fast-casual format makes it a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner. It also provides a fun and interactive dining experience, especially for families with children. The thin crust is a crowd favorite. Everyone loves to be their own pizza master. PizzaRev provides a fun way to eat for both adults and children.
Unearthing Unique and Local Gems
Beyond the chain restaurants, Southaven is home to some unique and local gems that offer a truly special dining experience.
The Wing Guru
The Wing Guru is a restaurant that serves a variety of sauces and has a ton of flavor. They are a crowd favorite. They strive on bringing the best wings to Southaven. They continue to expand and grow. They are a Southaven staple.
Taco Felix
This Mexican restaurant in Southaven has raving reviews from the locals. Taco Felix has some amazing flavors. Locals claim their tacos are authentic and the best in town. The restaurant prides itself on being a family owned restaurant that delivers nothing but the best for the Southaven community. Taco Felix offers a range of different types of tacos and even quesadillas.
Indulging in Sweet Treats and Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Southaven offers a variety of options for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Smallcakes: A Cupcakery of Southaven
Smallcakes offers a wide array of gourmet cupcakes, baked fresh daily. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more unique options like red velvet and caramel crunch, there is a cupcake for every palate. The shop also offers ice cream and other sweet treats, making it the perfect place to indulge in a little bit of heaven. The beautiful presentation and delectable flavors make Smallcakes a popular choice for parties and special occasions.
La Michoacana Paleteria y Neveria
La Michoacana is an ice cream shop that specializes in some delicious ice cream with a Mexican twist. Locals go there to cool down on a hot summer day. You can find flavors from bubblegum, to mango. The shop is very welcoming and has the best ice cream in town.
Conclusion: Savoring Southaven’s Culinary Delights
Southaven’s culinary scene is a testament to the city’s growth and diversity. From classic Southern comfort food to globally inspired cuisine, there is something for every palate. Whether you are craving smoky barbecue, authentic Mexican flavors, or a sweet treat, Southaven has it all. This article has highlighted some of the best food places Southaven MS has to offer, but there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, embark on your own culinary adventure and explore the diverse and delicious landscape of Southaven’s food scene. Be sure to try everything to discover what you like the most. There is a restaurant for everyone in Southaven. What are some of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments below. Share your favorite Southaven restaurants in the comments below!
