MS has 2 of the ‘most beloved’ local diners in South, Southern Living says. Here’s where
From their nostalgic decor to classic American fare, diners are beloved in the United States for their reliability, ease and delicious food.
Visit a diner in the South and you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds as they often act as meeting places, allowing locals to sit and linger over a hearty meal.
Southern Living recently named two Mississippi spots among the 14 “most beloved” diners in the South to “sit a spell.”
Here’s where and what to know about those favored diners.
Brent’s Drugs in Jackson
Brent’s isn’t just an average diner — it’s a former pharmacy and soda fountain, according to the establishment’s website. Despite different owners and renovations, the soda fountain and bar stools have remained in the same spot since opening in 1946.
Here’s what to get, according to Southern Living:
- Salad Sampler with scoops of chicken, tuna and egg-and-olive salads on lettuce
- House-made limeade
- Sundaes, floats and shakes
- Craft cocktails from the speakeasy in the old storeroom
Address: 655 Duling Ave., Jackson, MS
Ajax Diner in Oxford
Located on the Oxford Square since 1997, Ajax Diner is an award-winning restaurant specializing in Southern Comfort food, according to the establishment’s website.
The diner is named after founder Randy Yates’ grandfather, A.J., who was nicknamed Ajax while working as his fraternity’s kitchen steward.
It’s a common lunch spot for Ole Miss students and locals, according to Southern Living.
Here’s what to get, according to Southern Living:
- Pork chops
- Chicken and dumplings
- Turkey and dressing
- Country-fried steak
- Fried okra
- Turnip greens
- Butter beans
Address: 118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
Where are the ‘most beloved’ local diners in the South?
Here are each of the 14 local diners included on Southern Living’s list:
- The Diner in Norman, Oklahoma
- Howley’s Restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida
- Mel’s Diner in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Brent’s Drugs in Jackson, Mississippi
- Strawn’s Eat Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana
- Rick’s White Light Diner in Frankfort, Kentucky
- Payne’s Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain in Scottsboro, Alabama
- The Neighborhood Diner in Harrison, Arkansas
- Clary’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia
- Broadway Diner in Columbia, Missouri
- Original Market Diner in Dallas, Texas
- Dolly’s Diner in Princeton, West Virginia
- Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Ajax Diner in Oxford, Mississippi
