You’d Never Guess Mississippi’s Crispiest Fried Chicken Is Served In This Family-Run Joint
Last summer, I decided to get lost on purpose along the Natchez Trace, chasing the kind of roadside magic you only find in Mississippi.
That’s when I spotted a weathered old store that looked more like an antique shop than a restaurant—Coke signs fading on the porch, rocking chairs creaking in the heat.
Stepping inside felt like walking into another time. Behind the counter, a family was serving up golden, perfectly seasoned fried chicken that crackled with every bite. But what truly makes this place unforgettable isn’t just the food—it’s the warmth, nostalgia, and sense of home packed into every corner.
Where You’ll Find It (and Yes, It’s Open)
Tucked along US-61 in Lorman, Mississippi, The Old Country Store doesn’t scream “destination dining.” It whispers it—if you’re paying attention. Mr. D’s fried chicken calls this unassuming spot home, and trust me, your GPS will question your life choices before you arrive.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the place keeps reliable hours that work for road-trippers and locals alike. You can check their official page for day-of updates, but honestly, if you show up hungry between those hours, you’re golden.
It’s the kind of place where you park in the gravel lot, dust off your jeans, and prepare for something unforgettable.
The Family Behind the Bird
Arthur “Mr. D” Davis didn’t set out to become a fried-chicken legend. He just wanted to feed people good food the way his family always had. Over the years, word spread—first to neighbors, then to food writers, and eventually to anyone with a taste for authenticity.
National outlets have name-dropped this humble country store, but Mr. D keeps it small-town and soulful. No corporate buyouts, no franchising—just a man, his family, and a fryer that’s seen more love than most kitchen appliances ever will.
When you eat here, you’re not just a customer. You’re practically family, even if it’s your first visit.
Why Locals Call It the Crispiest
Crispy is a word that gets tossed around like confetti at a parade, but at Mr. D’s, it’s a promise kept with every bite. The crust shatters under your teeth—not in a greasy way, but in that perfect, audible crunch that makes you close your eyes and nod.
Locals don’t just recommend this chicken; they guard it like a state secret. It’s shown up on “best fried chicken” roundups and Southern food bucket lists, earning praise for seasoning that goes beyond salt and pepper into something almost magical.
Juicy meat, crisp skin, zero regrets—that’s the trifecta here.
What to Order First
Skip the menu anxiety and head straight for the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Fried chicken is the star, but the supporting cast—mac and cheese, collard greens, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, and cornbread—deserves its own standing ovation.
Every dish tastes like someone’s grandmother made it, because that’s basically what happened. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and nothing feels mass-produced or microwaved.
If luck’s on your side, Mr. D himself might step out mid-meal to sing a tune or two. Yes, really. It’s dinner and a show, country-store style.
When to Go (Hours, Lines & Logistics)
Because the doors close at 4 p.m., timing matters. Aim for an early lunch—around 11 a.m.—if you want to avoid the weekend rush. Locals know the drill, and once word spreads on a Saturday, the line can stretch out the door.
The address is 18801 US-61, Lorman, MS 39096, and updates pop up regularly on their official page if you want to double-check before you roll in. Parking’s easy, seating’s casual, and the vibe is come-as-you-are.
Just don’t show up at 3:45 p.m. expecting a feast. That’s a rookie move.
The Atmosphere: Time-Capsule Country Store
Walking into The Old Country Store feels like stepping through a portal into rural Mississippi circa 1950. Worn wooden floors creak underfoot, vintage signs hang crooked on the walls, and shelves are stocked with knickknacks that range from charming to wonderfully odd.
It’s part diner, part gift shop, and entirely authentic. First-timers often pause in the doorway, unsure if they’ve arrived at a restaurant or a museum. Then the smell of fried chicken hits, and all confusion vanishes.
Serious cooking happens here, even if the setting suggests otherwise.
Make It a Natchez Trace Detour
Traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway? Congratulations—you’re already halfway to the best lunch decision you’ll make all trip. The Old Country Store sits just off the route, making it an easy and essential pit stop for anyone cruising through Mississippi.
Road trips are about more than scenery; they’re about discovering places that surprise you. This is one of those places. Pull off, grab a plate, and let Mr. D’s fried chicken become the highlight of your journey.
Your stomach will thank you, and your travel stories will get a whole lot tastier.