Mississippi Locals Guard These 10 Sandwich Counters Like Hidden Treasures
In Mississippi, some sandwich counters are more than lunch spots: they’re cherished secrets.
Locals guard them for their perfectly crafted sandwiches, piled high with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting touches that make every bite memorable.
Each counter carries its own story and loyal following, turning a simple meal into a beloved tradition.
Visitors quickly learn that these hidden treasures offer more than sandwiches; they deliver a taste of Mississippi pride and culinary craftsmanship.
1. Big Apple Inn — Jackson
Pig ear sandwiches might sound wild, but this Jackson institution has been slinging them since 1939, and they’re absolutely legendary.
Juan “Big John” Mora started this spot, and it’s still family-run, serving up tamales and their famous “smokes” (hot sausage sandwiches) that have locals lining up daily.
The tiny counter barely fits a dozen people, but the flavor packed into every bite makes the cozy quarters totally worth it. Cash only, no fuss, just pure Delta soul food tradition that hasn’t changed in over 80 years.
2. Brent’s Drugs — Jackson
Walking into Brent’s feels like time-traveling to 1946, complete with a working soda fountain and pharmacists who still fill prescriptions in the back.
Their chicken salad sandwich has achieved cult status among Jackson residents, made fresh daily with a secret recipe that’s never been written down.
Grab a seat at the original lunch counter and order a cherry Coke float to go with your sandwich.
The pharmacist might even chat with you between filling prescriptions, making this the friendliest prescription pickup you’ll ever experience.
3. Beagle Bagel Café — Jackson
Finding authentic New York-style bagels in Mississippi sounds impossible, but Beagle Bagel nails it every single time.
Their bagels get boiled then baked the traditional way, creating that perfect chewy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture that bagel snobs demand.
Try the lox and schmear if you’re feeling fancy, or go wild with their breakfast sandwiches piled high with eggs and bacon.
The quirky dog-themed decor adds extra charm, and their homemade cream cheese flavors change seasonally, giving regulars something new to obsess over.
4. Steve’s Downtown Deli & Bakery — Jackson
Business professionals flood Steve’s every weekday lunch, creating lines that snake out the door, but nobody complains because the sandwiches are worth every minute of waiting.
Their Italian sub comes loaded with Genoa salami, capicola, and provolone, all nestled in bread baked fresh that morning in their own kitchen.
The breakfast crowd swears by their croissant sandwiches, flaky and buttery enough to make you weep with joy. Bonus points for their rotating daily specials that keep the menu exciting and unpredictable.
5. Oby’s — Oxford
Ole Miss students have been fueling late-night study sessions with Oby’s sandwiches since forever, and for good reason.
This Oxford staple serves up massive portions at prices that won’t drain your student loan fund, making it the ultimate college town hero.
Their club sandwich towers so high you’ll need both hands and possibly an engineering degree to eat it properly.
Open until the wee hours, Oby’s has witnessed countless post-game celebrations and exam cram sessions. The fries deserve their own fan club, crispy and perfectly salted every time.
6. Gold Post Sandwich House — Hattiesburg
Southern hospitality meets serious sandwich craftsmanship at this Hattiesburg favorite that’s been feeding locals since the 1970s. Gold Post doesn’t mess around with their portions, piling meats high enough to require structural engineering knowledge for proper consumption.
Their roast beef po’boy drips with gravy in the best possible way, requiring at least a dozen napkins per sandwich. University of Southern Mississippi students and professors alike consider this place sacred ground. The homemade desserts rotating daily provide the perfect sweet ending to your savory adventure.
7. Bozo’s Seafood Market & Deli — Pascagoula
Coastal Mississippi knows seafood, and Bozo’s proves it with every single sandwich they construct.
Their shrimp po’boy features Gulf shrimp caught locally, fried to golden perfection, and stuffed into French bread that’s crusty outside and pillowy soft inside.
The market side sells fresh catch daily, so you know everything’s incredibly fresh.
Locals swing by after work to grab sandwiches for dinner, often picking up seafood to cook at home too. Their oyster po’boy during oyster season becomes the stuff of legend around these parts.
8. Quave Brothers Po’Boys & Meat Market — D’Iberville
Family recipes passed down through generations make Quave Brothers special, combining old-world butcher shop traditions with amazing po’boy construction.
Their hot sausage gets made in-house using recipes that date back decades, giving their sandwiches flavors you can’t replicate anywhere else.
The meat market side means they’re slicing premium cuts fresh for your sandwich, not pulling pre-packaged stuff from some industrial supplier.
Their muffuletta rivals anything you’ll find in New Orleans, loaded with olive salad that’s tangy, salty, and absolutely addictive.
9. Lil’ Ray’s Poboys & Seafood — Gulfport
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t keep Lil’ Ray’s down, and they came back stronger, continuing to serve Gulfport the best po’boys on the coast.
Their catfish po’boy features Mississippi farm-raised catfish, cornmeal-crusted and fried until it practically shatters when you bite down.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps prices reasonable and attention focused squarely on the food, which is exactly how it should be.
Their daily lunch specials pack serious value, feeding hungry construction workers and beachgoers alike. Locals know to arrive early because they sell out regularly.
10. Pirate’s Cove — Pass Christian
Beachside vibes meet serious sandwich game at this Pass Christian hideaway that locals fiercely protect from tourist hordes.
Their grouper sandwich showcases fresh Gulf grouper, grilled or fried to your preference, topped with a homemade tartar sauce that’s tangy and perfectly balanced.
Eating here feels like hanging at a friend’s beach house, casual and welcoming without any pretense.
The sunset views from their patio make every sandwich taste even better somehow. Their crab cake po’boy contains actual chunks of crab meat, not filler, making it worth every penny.