Lunch in the Capital City

This article was first published in Portico Jackson Magazine, June 2011. All rights reserved.

Restaurants are rapidly popping up in the Capital City, and there are many options for the age-old question, "What do we want to eat for lunch?" No matter what part of Jackson you happen to roll through, there is a restaurant for any and every inclination. Whether it's the perfect lunch spot to meet friends and clients, or a grab-and-go kind of day, here's a guide to help make your decision a little easier.

Keifer's

Keifer's is the place in town for a gyro. Skip the tzatziki sauce, unless you are particularly attached to it, and go for the feta dressing. It's delicious with everything. You can even dip your cottage fries in it. And speaking of cottage fries, the sliced, whole-potato-French-fry spectacular is best shared with a friend. Two locations: downtown and on the edge of Belhaven. Both are great for take-out orders. 705 Poplar Boulevard and 120 N. Congress Street.

Brent's Drugs

Brent's Drugs is a step back in time and so is the menu with its laundry list of sandwich options and salads. But let's not kid ourselves: the reason we walk through those doors is to sit in the retro diner booths (or at the counter to watch the lunchtime action) and fill out our order ticket for a hamburger, crinkle-cut fries, and chocolate milkshake. 655 Duling Avenue. 

Cherokee Inn

The Cherokee is a Jackson institution, dimly lit, but packed with a lunch crowd. Each day has a different home-cooked lunch special at the ready. If Comeback sauce isn't immediately brought to the table, be sure to ask for some. Spread a little on a cracker to take the edge off your wait, or order some fried pickles for starters. Out of all the blue plate specials, you can't beat the roast beef on Thursdays. 1410 Old Square Road.  

Mimi's Family and Friends Restaurant

If you're looking for something a little to the left of regular blue plate specials, Mimi's is your best choice. Its atmosphere is just as colorful and eclectic as the food. Fresh, made-to-order lunch specials like chicken enchiladas, smoked barbecue on Cuban bread or red beans and rice are just a few of the options. Try the salad sampler with honey chicken salad (a family recipe), tuna salad, and bleu cheese egg salad. If you like the pickle on your plate, don't forget they are homemade and you can buy a jar to take home. 3139 North State Street.

Walker's Drive-In

Walker's on the Fondren strip is a meet, greet and be seen kind of place during the bustling lunch hour. Walker's has affordable meat and three specials, and great soup, salad, sandwich combinations. But since we're talking about Walker's, you know it's not going to be any run-of-the-mill option. For something a little different, try the fried green tomato BLT, the chili-crusted tuna salad, or the grilled veggie sandwich. 3016 North State Street.

Steve's Downtown Deli & Bakery

Watch the specials like a hawk and make sure Steve's Senegalese Peanut soup is on tap for the day. It's the clear stand-out on the menu. They make a lot daily for good reason because it's a popular dish and it often sells out quickly. Other lunch specials include dishes like chicken pot pie, lasagna, chicken and black bean tacos with fresh cantaloupe salsa, or veggie quiche. Don't forget about the salads, either. Steve's special vinaigrette dressing is too good to pass up. 125 South Congress Street. 

Tony's Tamales

Tony's Tamales is an easy drive-thru option, and if you're factoring in healthy options, don't even think twice. Tony makes his tamales with turkey, and you know only because I just told you. Tamales aren't the only thing on the menu worth having. The tacos, filled with meat, lettuce, tomatoes and shredded cheese will hit the spot. Between you and me, he also makes a mean hamburger. 230 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue.

Lumpkin's BBQ

Who doesn't love it when lunch is done right? Known for their soul food buffet that offers a spread of beef brisket, catfish, chicken, and myriad veggies, the Lumpkins family uses their own recipes as the foundation to feeding and educating people about healthy ways to eat. Their "waste not" philosophy helps people stay mindful about how much they eat, taking no more than they can stomach. 182 Raymond Road.