May is National Barbecue Month, and since the South is the birthplace of BBQ, we’re excited to point you in the direction of some of the South’s most progressive barbecue offerings. You’ll find them in Tupelo, Mississippi (aka the birthplace of Elvis), which is garnering quite a bit of attention for its progressive barbecue scene.
When you’re ready to get your ‘cue fix, head to Tupelo. Here are six great barbecue stops that will scratch that BBQ itch!
Clay’s House of Pig
Located in a still-operating bait and tackle shop, Clay’s House of Pig, dubbed C.H.O.P. by Tupelo locals, is known for serving some of Mississippi’s best barbecue. Made from scratch daily, Clay’s in known for its generations-old “BBQ Taters” recipe, which features a baked potato topped with slow-roasted pulled pork, queso, slaw and jalapenos. And if you need proof it’s some of the best in town, arrive early because Clay’s sells out every day around 2 p.m.
Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen
Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen is a locally owned and operated farm-to-table restaurant that pays tribute to “The King” with their signature Elvis’ Coal Roasted Banana Boat. The grilled dessert features a whole banana, chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and honey. (Sounds like an Elvis craving, doesn’t it?) Wrapped in foil and tossed in the wood burning grill, this treat is served with sweet magnolia gelato.
Neon Pig
Neon Pig is a funky restaurant and butcher shop that features fresh cuts of the day, self-serve craft brews by the bottle and a variety of local goods for sale. Although it’s not technically barbecue, the restaurant’s famous Smash Burger is considered “Best Burger in America” and features a combination of aged filet, ribeye, sirloin, New York and Benton’s bacon ground together and served on a ciabatta bun with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, onion and a special sauce. (Yes, seriously.)
Blue Canoe
Blue Canoe is known as Tupelo’s home for original live music, but it’s also a tasty destination for top-notch Southern fare. Their decadent menu runs the gamut — everything from sliders and sandwiches to burgers and craft beer on tap. Mondays are especially intriguing as Blue Canoe offers up 50-cent wings every Monday with the purchase of a drinks.
BBQ by Jim
BBQ by Jim takes its passion for BBQ quite seriously, as the website says “There is no love more sincere than the love of BBQ.” We tend to agree! BBQ by Jim serves up drool-worthy BBQ that’s made exclusively from Boston Butts (that’s the front shoulders for pulled pork), and what butchers call “the St. Louis style” for ribs, where the meat is thick and well-marbled. A quick tour of the menu reveals an abundance of options in addition to BBQ — including pie — chocolate, lemon, peanut butter and caramel.
Cafe 212
Not all ‘cue is created equal — nor is it all made of meat! For the non-meat-eaters, check out CafĂ© 212, which features a grilled sandwich that’s meaty — but meat-free! The “Pleasantville,” as the sandwich is called, features a thick portabella mushroom as the star of the show. And rest assured, if you’re dining among carnivores, there are plenty of options for them at Cafe 212 as well.
Enjoy you barbecue adventures!
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Find more great Southern dining destinations in our “Food & Dining” section. Click HERE and prepare to drool!
