9 Mississippi BBQ Houses With Waitlists So Long, Locals Call It A Rite Of Passage
I remember the first time I waited two hours for brisket that made my taste buds throw a parade.
That day taught me patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s the price of admission to Mississippi’s most legendary BBQ joints.
These aren’t your average quick-stop eateries where you grab a sandwich and run.
Across the Magnolia State, certain smokehouses have earned reputations so mighty that locals wear their wait times like badges of honor.
When people drive hours just to stand in line, you know something magical is happening behind those kitchen doors.
1. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs
Picture a place where the smoke curls up like morning fog and the blues music drifts through the air like a sweet memory. The Shed started as a backyard dream and grew into a phenomenon that has folks planning their entire coastal vacations around a meal here. Owner Brad Orrison turned his passion into a pilgrimage site.
What makes the wait worthwhile? Every bite of their award-winning ribs tells a story of dedication and flavor crafted over years of perfecting the craft. The rustic atmosphere feels like stepping into your coolest uncle’s backyard party.
Weekend waits can stretch past three hours, but nobody complains much when there’s live music to enjoy. The pork belly burnt ends practically melt on your tongue, making every minute of standing feel like an investment in happiness. This place doesn’t just serve food; it serves experiences wrapped in smoky goodness.
2. Abe’s Bar-B-Q – Clarksdale
Standing since 1924, Abe’s has been slinging BBQ longer than most people’s grandparents have been alive. This Delta institution sits in the heart of blues country, where the music and the meat share equal importance in local culture. The building itself looks like it could tell a thousand stories.
Their pork sandwiches come dressed in a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness like a perfectly tuned guitar solo. Tourists flock here after visiting nearby blues museums, creating lines that test the patience of even the most devoted foodies. The wait gives you time to soak in the history seeping from every weathered board.
Regulars know to call ahead, though even that strategy doesn’t guarantee a quick turnaround during peak hours. The coleslaw provides a crispy contrast that makes each bite feel like a complete meal. This place proves that sometimes the oldest traditions create the longest lines.
3. Goldie’s Express – Vicksburg
Don’t let the word Express fool you into thinking you’ll breeze through this Vicksburg treasure. Goldie’s earned its reputation one perfectly smoked rib at a time, and now that secret is out in the open for everyone to experience. The line moves, but it moves at its own smoky pace.
What started as a small operation has become the talk of the town, with people driving from Jackson just to taste the pulled pork that practically dissolves in your mouth. The meat gets seasoned with a dry rub that adds layers of flavor without overwhelming the natural smokiness. Each order gets prepared with care that can’t be rushed.
Lunch hour transforms this spot into a test of willpower as the aroma wafts through the air, making stomachs growl in harmony. The beans come loaded with meat chunks, turning a side dish into a main event. Patience here pays dividends measured in satisfied smiles and empty plates.
4. Memphis Barbecue Company – Horn Lake
Sitting just south of the Tennessee border, this place brings Memphis-style excellence to Mississippi with lines that prove great BBQ knows no state boundaries. The smokers work overtime producing ribs that have won over even the pickiest pit masters. Competition-level quality comes standard with every order.
Their dry rub ribs showcase the Memphis tradition beautifully, creating a crust that crackles with flavor before revealing tender meat underneath. Weekend waits regularly exceed an hour, especially when word spreads about their smoked turkey that could convert lifelong pork devotees. The staff handles the chaos with grace that comes from years of experience.
Families make this a regular pilgrimage, with kids growing up measuring special occasions by trips to this BBQ haven. The mac and cheese achieves that creamy consistency that makes adults fight over the last spoonful. Every visit feels like joining a club where the membership fee is patience and the reward is pure satisfaction.
5. Little Dewey Barbecue – Starkville
Game days at Mississippi State turn this modest spot into the hottest ticket in town, with lines rivaling those at the stadium gates. Dewey’s has been feeding hungry Bulldogs fans since way back when, creating traditions that span generations of families. The walls practically vibrate with school spirit and BBQ passion.
Their brisket gets smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect point where a fork slides through like butter. Students consider waiting here part of the authentic college experience, swapping stories while the smoke works its magic. The portions come generous enough to fuel an entire afternoon of tailgating.
Even during off-season, locals keep the place packed, proving that great BBQ transcends football schedules. The potato salad has a secret ingredient that nobody can quite identify but everyone agrees makes it special. This spot reminds us that sometimes the best things come in small packages with really long lines.
6. Sonny’s BBQ – Laurel
While Sonny’s operates across the South, this Laurel location has achieved legendary status that sets it apart from its siblings. Something about the way this particular crew runs their smokers creates results that keep the parking lot perpetually full. Local fans swear this spot just hits different than any other location.
The pulled pork here gets piled high on buns that somehow manage to contain the juicy goodness without falling apart. Families celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and random Tuesdays at tables that have hosted countless memory-making meals. The sweet BBQ sauce option provides that perfect complement for folks who like their meat with a sugar kiss.
Lunch rushes require strategic timing or a willingness to embrace the wait as part of the experience. The smoked wings fly off the menu faster than you can say extra napkins, please. This place proves that even chains can become cherished community gathering spots when the food and service hit all the right notes.
7. Pig & Pint – Jackson
Jackson’s capital city energy meets down-home BBQ tradition at this spot that has redefined what a smokehouses can be. The menu pushes boundaries while respecting the classics, creating dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. Urban professionals and BBQ purists find common ground over plates piled with smoky perfection.
Their burnt ends achieve cult status among regulars who time their visits around when fresh batches emerge from the kitchen. The modern atmosphere doesn’t sacrifice authenticity; it enhances the experience with touches that make every meal feel special. Wait times during dinner service can test even patient souls, but the payoff justifies every minute.
Innovative sides like smoked cauliflower prove that vegetables deserve the smoker treatment too. The location draws crowds from across the metro area, creating a diverse mix of diners united by their love of quality BBQ. This place shows that tradition and innovation can dance together beautifully on the same plate.
8. Clay’s House Of Pig (CHOP) – Tupelo
Tupelo’s BBQ scene got a serious upgrade when CHOP opened its doors and immediately started collecting fans faster than Elvis collected records. The playful name hints at the fun atmosphere that greets guests lucky enough to snag a table. Every dish celebrates pork in all its glorious forms.
Their ribs come glazed with a sauce that walks the tightrope between sweet and spicy without falling either direction. The lunch crowd builds quickly as word spreads through office buildings and construction sites about the daily specials. Meat gets treated with respect here, smoked to specifications that would make any pit master nod in approval.
The staff maintains their cool even when orders pile up like cordwood, keeping smiles intact and food flowing steadily. Cornbread arrives warm enough to melt butter on contact, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce. This relative newcomer has already earned its place among Mississippi’s must-visit BBQ destinations.
9. Hickory Pit BBQ – Jackson
Operating since the days when Jackson was a much smaller town, Hickory Pit has watched the city grow while maintaining the same commitment to quality that built its reputation. The smokers work around the clock, filling the neighborhood with aromas that make car windows roll down automatically. Generations of families have made this their go-to celebration spot.
Their chicken quarters come out with skin that crackles and meat that stays moist, achieving that balance many attempt but few master. The line at lunch looks like a who’s who of Jackson’s workforce, from lawyers to landscapers, all united by their craving for authentic pit BBQ. Nobody gets special treatment; everyone waits their turn.
The banana pudding dessert provides the perfect sweet ending to a savory feast. This place reminds us that some traditions deserve preservation, especially when they taste this good. Every visit feels like coming home, even if you’ve never been before.