10 Mississippi Fried Chicken Spots That Even Grandma Would Line Up For
Mississippi knows how to fry chicken. Across the state, small diners, buffets, and meat-and-threes send out plates that feel like home. Crunchy skin, juicy meat, and sides that soak up every last drip of gravy.
Lunch crowds show up early; supper crowds hang around for seconds. Families claim favorite tables, travelers follow the smell, and nobody argues with a full plate.
Here are Mississippi spots where fried chicken stays hot, simple, and done right. Bring cash, watch the hours, and be ready for a short wait during peak times.
1. Connie’s Fried Chicken, Tupelo
Family recipes passed down through generations make this Tupelo favorite stand out. Every piece comes out perfectly seasoned with a crunch that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.
Locals have been making the trip here for decades, and visitors quickly understand why. The portions are generous without being wasteful.
You can taste the care in every bite. The chicken stays hot and fresh because they cook it throughout the day instead of letting it sit under heat lamps.
2. Walnut Hills Restaurant, Vicksburg
Round tables with lazy susans create a family-style dining experience that feels like Sunday dinner at your relatives’ house. Platters of fried chicken rotate around the table alongside bowls of vegetables and cornbread.
The restaurant has been serving this way since 1948, keeping traditions alive in every meal. You’ll sit with strangers who quickly become friends as dishes pass around.
Each piece of chicken has that perfect balance of crispy coating and moist meat. The atmosphere alone makes you slow down and enjoy your meal.
3. Old Country Store (Mr. D’s), Lorman
This place sits in a tiny town but draws crowds from all over the state. The buffet stretches long with fried chicken as the star, surrounded by classic Southern sides that change with the seasons.
Everything gets cooked fresh daily in cast iron skillets. The building itself has character, with wooden floors and walls covered in old signs and photographs.
You pay one price and eat until you’re satisfied. The chicken has a simple seasoning that lets the quality of the meat shine through.
4. The Dinner Bell, McComb
Ringing an actual bell signals when the meal is ready. Guests gather around long tables where platters of fried chicken get passed from person to person, just like at a big family reunion.
The restaurant only opens for lunch, making it a special midday treat. Reservations are recommended because word has spread far beyond McComb.
Their chicken has a lighter batter than some places, letting you eat more without feeling weighed down. The sides change daily but always complement the main attraction perfectly.
5. Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin’, Madison
Walking in feels like visiting a relative who loves to cook. The menu changes based on what’s fresh and what Mama Hamil feels like making that day.
Fried chicken appears regularly because customers would revolt if it didn’t. Each piece gets hand-battered and cooked to order when possible.
The restaurant doesn’t try to be fancy. Simple tables, friendly service, and food that tastes exactly like you hope it will. You’ll leave planning your next visit before you even get to your car.
6. Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House, Florence
Another seafood spot that happens to excel at fried chicken. Their secret seems to be in the oil temperature and timing, producing chicken with zero greasiness.
The meat stays incredibly moist inside while the outside shatters with each bite. Regulars know to order extra pieces to take home because it reheats surprisingly well.
Located in a small town, the restaurant has a loyal following that fills the parking lot most nights. The casual atmosphere lets you relax and focus on the food without any pretense.
7. Cock of the Walk, Ridgeland
Cornmeal-battered fried chicken sets this place apart from others using flour-based coatings. The result is a completely different texture that fans absolutely love.
Meals come with cornbread and turnip greens as standard sides. The restaurant sits near the reservoir, making it a popular stop after a day on the water.
Service is quick without feeling rushed. The cooking method produces chicken that’s somehow both hearty and light at the same time, a difficult balance to achieve consistently.
8. Blue & White Restaurant, Tunica
This diner has been feeding casino workers and visitors since long before the gaming industry took over Tunica. The fried chicken remains unchanged, still made the same way it was decades ago.
You order at the counter and find a booth while they prepare your food. The chicken comes out hot every single time because they don’t cook it until someone orders it.
It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your face after just a couple visits. Simple, honest food without any unnecessary complications.
9. Restaurant Tyler, Starkville
College towns usually mean pizza and burgers, but Starkville has this gem serving elevated comfort food. Their fried chicken uses local chicken from nearby farms whenever possible.
The preparation stays traditional while the ingredients get upgraded. Parents visiting their college students often request reservations here specifically for the chicken.
The restaurant manages to feel both casual and special at the same time. You can come in jeans or dress up a bit, either way works fine.
10. Bully’s Restaurant, Jackson
Jackson residents have trusted this restaurant for years to deliver consistent, delicious fried chicken. The recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.
Each piece gets the same careful attention whether you’re ordering two pieces or twenty. The restaurant handles catering orders alongside regular dining, proving they can scale up without losing quality.
Prices remain fair for the portion sizes you receive. The staff works efficiently even during the busiest hours, getting hot food to your table without long waits.