The Little Mississippi Spot Serving Fried Chicken Worth The Trip
I still remember the first time someone mentioned a little spot in Lorman where the fried chicken was so good it once made a Food Network host cry tears of joy.
I laughed at first—every small town has its “best ever” legend—but curiosity got the best of me. One road trip later, I understood the hype. The Old Country Store isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who craves soul-soothing food and Southern hospitality at its purest.
Every crispy bite feels like a warm embrace, proving some meals aren’t just eaten—they’re experienced, remembered, and retold for years to come.
Finding Your Way to Lorman
Getting to 18801 Highway 61 S, Lorman, MS 39096 feels like stepping back in time, and honestly, that is half the fun. From the Natchez Trace, exit at milepost 30 onto MS-552, head east for 0.9 miles, then turn south on US-61 for one more mile.
Your phone might lose signal, but your nose will not lose the trail once you get close. The store sits just off the Trace, which means you can weave this stop into a longer scenic drive without adding hours to your day.
Keep 601-437-3661 saved in your contacts just in case you need directions or want to confirm they are open before you roll up hungry.
Open Doors and Hot Plates
Nothing stings worse than driving miles for lunch only to find a locked door and a handwritten note that says “Closed Today.” Thankfully, The Old Country Store posts daily hours around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for their legendary lunch buffet, and they keep their social pages updated with any changes.
If you plan to arrive close to closing time, a quick phone call can save you from heartbreak. The restaurant has been serving steady crowds for years, so they know how to keep the lights on and the fryers hot.
Consistency is rare in roadside dining, but this place delivers it with a smile and a full steam table.
The Alton Brown Stamp of Approval
When Alton Brown declared The Old Country Store served the best fried chicken he had ever tasted, the world took notice. His road series turned a quiet lunch spot into a full-blown pilgrimage site, and the buzz has not faded one bit.
Food Network features and repeat coverage keep the legend alive, drawing travelers from across the country who want to taste what made a celebrity chef so emotional. Brown did not exaggerate—the chicken is that good.
Every bite carries the kind of seasoning and crunch that makes you wonder why anyone bothers with drive-thru chains when perfection like this exists off a gravel lot.
What to Load on Your Plate
Skip the menu and head straight to the all-you-can-eat buffet, where fried chicken takes center stage and everything else plays backup like a well-rehearsed choir. You will find rotating extras like catfish or ribs, but the real stars are the sides that taste like a family reunion.
Mac and cheese, greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams, dressing, and cornbread line up like old friends ready to welcome you home. Each dish is made fresh, seasoned generously, and served hot.
Pace yourself, because the temptation to pile your plate sky-high is real, and nobody judges you for going back three times.
Mr. D and the Cornbread Song
Arthur “Mr. D” Davis does not just run the restaurant—he is the heartbeat of the whole experience. Step into the creaky, century-old storefront that doubles as a dining room, and you might catch him stepping out to sing about cornbread in a voice that makes strangers feel like kin.
It feels less like a restaurant stop and more like you were waved into a hometown gathering where everyone knows the words to the same songs. Mr. D greets guests, shares stories, and makes sure every plate leaves with a little extra love.
That personal touch turns a good meal into a memory you will retell for years.
Turn Lunch into a Full Adventure
Why rush home when you can stretch lunch into a whole day trip? Pair your meal with a short drive to the haunting Windsor Ruins, where towering columns stand like ghosts in an open field.
Then cruise a quiet stretch of the Natchez Trace between Port Gibson and Natchez, soaking in the kind of scenery that makes you forget your phone exists. The Old Country Store sits just off the Trace, so the detour feels effortless.
Pack a camera, bring a friend, and let the rolling hills and winding roads turn a meal into an unforgettable outing that feeds both your stomach and your soul.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Name: The Old Country Store, also known as Mr. D’s Fried Chicken. Address: 18801 Highway 61 S, Lorman, MS 39096. Phone: 601-437-3661. Typical hours: Daily, around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Claim to fame: Fried chicken praised by Alton Brown and a buffet lunch served every single day. If you need a later option nearby, check out Mr. D’s Restaurant at 2253 Hwy 552, often called “The Stretch,” which posts updated hours on Instagram.
Always verify same-day hours before you go, because country roads and country kitchens move at their own pace, and that is part of the charm.