A Day-to-Night Guide to Dining in Tupelo
From skillet cookies to fried chicken sandwiches and a number of gems in between, Tupelo is a foodie’s paradise.
Sure, the South is known for its food scene. It’s kind of our thing. Barbecue, fried chicken, cornbread, biscuits – there are plenty of classics to be found all around these parts. But that’s just the start of what makes our town a foodie’s paradise. See, we don’t settle for the tried and tested.
We believe in turning tradition on its head, thinking outside the box, and doing things differently, like, the best chicken sandwich you’ll ever have from a gas station or that game-changing blueberry donut that comes from a fried chicken restaurant.
We’ve got a big appetite for a small town, with more than 200 restaurants ready to serve up some Southern charm. Here’s just a sample of eateries to check out, whether it’s morning, noon, or night!
BREAKFAST
It’s not called the most important meal of the day for nothing! Before you embark on your Natchez Trace adventures or explore a transformational trail, fuel up on biscuits, coffee, and more at these classic Tupelo stops.
Strange Brew Coffeehouse
There’s nothing strange about the coffee at Strange Brew, except, how badly you’ll want a second cup. Serving Mississippi-roasted coffee and homemade baked goods, this community hub offers a variety of delicious creative espresso drinks and unique pastries to perk up any sleepy traveler. Just ask the folks at Mississippi Magazine, who voted it as the best coffeehouse in the state in 2018.
Fairpark Grill
If you’re serious about brunch, make a pit stop at Fairpark Grill. Ranging from chicken and waffles to crab cake benedict, the menu is as varied as it is tasty! And, did we mention that they have the biggest Bloody Mary bar in town?
Note: Brunch available at Fairpark Grill on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Connie’s blueberry donuts are certainly something you’re going to want to write home about. Or text – you know what we mean.
Connie's Fried Chicken
At Connie’s, don’t let the name fool you. Sure, you’re bound to get some top-notch fried chicken at this iconic Tupelo establishment. But it’s the blueberry donuts that’ll keep you coming back. Seriously, you can’t leave Tupelo without trying one (or three – who’s counting anyway?).
![](https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image4-683x1024.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a25c7d82b1c68543ad1e2a9857dad00f 320w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image4-683x1024.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=46d74418ab770e588fb5826c36342fd4 540w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image4-683x1024.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9e58cce962d6b7f5862d2590d5506cfa 683w)
Lunch
Phew! If all that exploring has left you feeling hungry, make your way to one of our many lunch spots! Here are some favorites.
CAFE 212
Right on Main Street, Cafe 212 serves up excellent sandwiches (including the Blue Suede Grill sandwich, which includes Elvis-approved ingredients, banana, peanut butter, and honey, grilled on wheatberry bread). This local favorite is also known for its colorful atmosphere, thanks to the artwork by locals decorating the walls.
KING CHICKEN FILLIN’ STATION
You can’t visit Tupelo without tasting the fried chicken from this gas station-turned chicken joint, King Chicken Fillin’ Station. It’s award-winning good, with two fried chicken accolades from Food Network and Mississippi Magazine in 2019 (and let us tell you, there’s stiff competition). See for yourself what the fuss is about.
![](https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=fc0855aa14fc64279a15d6f426d30ef8 320w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b680b23fdfd19de75e02079e1f37e289 540w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=95c4d7f1feef81026e854b063a8eefaf 768w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5481586fe88e76c0eb9948889e6a122d 1024w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=92e5765a6477b213c1e74218ca2f6f96 1200w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=ca7d37a28cccc2314d2e1417e559c20a 1440w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1d160893dda79d477f238aeead84f114 1920w, https://visit-tupelo.imgix.net/images/image3-1-e1622760934284.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=8802b848308516a95645904b7f0aab5b 1999w)
QUEEN’S REWARD MEADERY
You didn’t think we’d forget happy hour, did you? And the happiest of hours you’ll have at Queen’s Reward Meadery – Mississippi’s first and only Meadery (a.k.a honey wine, a.k.a deliciousness in a glass). You’ll find it on McCullough Boulevard, where you can see the mead being made, enjoy a drink in the tasting room, or pick up a bottle for your nearest and dearest (and maybe a couple for yourself, too!)
DINNER (AND DESSERT!)
NAUTICAL WHIMSEY ITALIAN BISTRO & WINE BAR
During the warmer months, Nautical Whimsey is all about al fresco dining. But that’s just the start of why you should pay a visit. Come along for some classic Italian fare and a top-notch wine menu to match. Cheers!
Trust us, there’s plenty more where that came from! Check out our other dining options, and remember to tag your favorite food moments with #TupeloFoodie.
Related Content:
Strange Brew Coffeehouse
220 North Gloster Street Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 (662) 350-0215 | Website
The Grill at Fairpark
343 East Main Street, Suite A Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 680-3201 | Website
Connie’s Fried Chicken
821 South Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-7260 | Website
Cafe 212
212 West Main Street Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-6323 | Website
King Chicken Fillin’ Station
3897 McCullough Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38826 (662) 260-4417 | Website
Queen’s Reward Meadery
1719 McCullough Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 823-6323 | Website
Nautical Whimsey Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
210 West Main Street Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-7171
Crave
108 East Main Street Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 260-5024 | Website