The city boasts creative dishes from some of the state’s best chefs, amazing food in places you would least expect, and unique culinary experiences that can only be enjoyed in the city where anything is possible.

Chef Cooper Miller prepares southern food perfected at Forklift in the Jackson West neighborhood. With dishes like the Mississippi rabbit trio and cider-braised pork cheeks, Forklift offers creative dishes that taste like home. Park Heights serves modern American cuisine and panoramic views of Downtown Tupelo from its rooftop in the Fairpark District. Chef Tom Lester’s pan-seared redfish and springer mountain brick chicken are local favorites. Visit Downunder, Tupelo’s home for international pub grub, and try the kangaroo dip sandwich or butter chicken. Chef Josh Livesay’s weekend specials are nothing short of true culinary masterpieces.

Try some of the city’s best barbecue at Clay’s House of Pig, housed in an operating bait and tackle shop. Sample crispy fried chicken and all the fixings at King Chicken Fillin’ Station, housed in what was once Lee County’s oldest gas station. Romie’s Grocery serves a southern “meat and three” daily with live music on the weekends in a former neighborhood grocery store in Jackson West. Grab a handcrafted coffee and a sweet treat at Strangebrew Coffeehouse inside a former service station in the heart of Tupelo.

Those looking for a unique culinary experience should visit Mississippi’s first and only meadery. Queen’s Reward Meadery makes small-batch meads with 100% Mississippi honey. Enjoy a tasting at their location in West Tupelo and take home a bottle of your favorite variety, or sip one of their famous mead slushies on the vast lawn under the lights. Stop by for one of their special events to enjoy a charcuterie board, food truck fare, and delicious Queen’s Reward mead.

            Tupelo’s Cocktail Trail is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful weather and delicious craft cocktails. Visit tupelo.net/cocktail trail/ to download your digital passport or pick up a passport at one of the seven Downtown Tupelo participating locations. Enjoy delicious, local artisan cocktails at each restaurant, and once you've completed all seven stops on the Cocktail Trail, visit the Tupelo Visitors Center for a free #MyTupelo cocktail shaker.

             Tupelo’s restaurants offer something to satisfy every appetite. Visit tupelo.net/food-drink to explore all of the city’s exceptional eateries and follow #tupelofoodie on Instagram for more culinary inspiration. With so many foodie experiences waiting to be explored, plan your culinary journey to Tupelo today and imagine what you can eat here!