At This Mississippi Meat-And-Three Cafeteria, The Side Dishes Constantly Steal The Show
Walk into Primos Cafe and you quickly realize the star of the meal is not always the main plate.
The real magic happens along the steam table, where sides shimmer in trays that never stay full for long.
Locals line up for servings that feel like they came straight from a family kitchen, each one packed with comforting flavor.
It is the kind of place where you plan to order one thing and leave talking about something entirely unexpected.
Mac and Cheese That Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Creamy, gooey, and loaded with cheese that actually tastes like cheese (not that powdered stuff), this mac and cheese has locals plotting their lunch breaks around it.
The noodles stay tender without turning to mush, and the cheese sauce strikes that perfect balance between rich and not-too-heavy.
People have been known to order double portions and skip the meat entirely. Some regulars swear it’s better than their grandmother’s recipe, though they’d never admit that out loud at Sunday dinner.
Turnip Greens Cooked Low and Slow
Simmered for hours with just the right amount of seasoning, these turnip greens pack flavor without that bitter punch some greens deliver.
They come swimming in pot liquor that’s so good you’ll want to sop it up with cornbread (which, conveniently, is also available).
The kitchen doesn’t rush the cooking process, and you can taste the difference.
Each forkful delivers that authentic Southern taste that reminds you why this vegetable has been a staple for generations across Mississippi kitchens.
Cornbread That Crumbles Just Right
Golden on the outside with a tender crumb inside, this cornbread walks the line between cake-like and crumbly without falling into either extreme.
It’s not overly sweet like some versions, letting the corn flavor shine through with a hint of butter. Break off a piece and watch it practically dissolve on your tongue.
Whether you’re using it to soak up those turnip green juices or just enjoying it plain, this cornbread proves that simple done right beats fancy every time.
Mashed Potatoes Whipped to Perfection
Fluffy clouds of potato goodness arrive at your table with a pat of butter slowly melting into creamy perfection.
These aren’t the lumpy, instant kind; real potatoes get peeled, boiled, and whipped until they reach that ideal consistency.
The seasoning stays subtle, letting the natural potato flavor take center stage. Pair them with gravy (available upon request) or enjoy them solo.
Either way, you’ll understand why comfort food earned its name and why regulars always save room for this classic side.
Black-Eyed Peas Seasoned to Perfection
Cooked until tender but not mushy, these black-eyed peas come seasoned with onions and spices that bring out their earthy flavor.
They’re the kind of side that doesn’t demand attention but quietly wins you over bite by bite. In the South, black-eyed peas mean good luck, but at Primos, they just mean good eating.
The texture stays firm enough to give a satisfying bite, and the seasoning hits all the right notes without overwhelming your taste buds with salt or pepper.
Green Beans Cooked Down Southern Style
Forget those crisp-tender green beans you find at fancy restaurants. These get cooked down for hours until they’re soft, flavorful, and infused with smoky goodness from whatever meat the kitchen decided to throw in the pot.
They arrive tender enough to cut with a fork and packed with flavor that makes you forget vegetables were ever considered boring.
Some folks order them specifically because they taste like the ones their grandmother used to make on the stovetop every Sunday afternoon.
Fried Okra That Actually Converts Skeptics
Coated in cornmeal and fried until golden and crunchy, this okra manages to win over even people who claim they hate the vegetable.
The exterior delivers a satisfying crunch while the inside stays tender without any of that slimy texture okra-haters complain about.
Each piece comes out hot and crispy from the fryer. Season with a little salt and pepper if you want, but honestly, they’re pretty perfect as-is.
First-timers often order it hesitantly and end up fighting over the last few pieces.