2 Mississippi restaurants make AFAR list of best places to travel. What to know
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2 Mississippi restaurants make AFAR list of best places to travel. What to know
AFAR chose two Jackson restaurants that are “bridging old and new in the Deep South” Both are owned by Chef Hunter Evans and Cody McCain. Elvie’s, a James Beard Award semi-finalist, “has earned national acclaim for its chic take on Southern hospitality” Mayflower Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in, near Jackson, Mississippi, at 90 years old. “Order the daily blue plate special, which might include crawfish tetrazzini or feta-brined fried chicken — plus salad, two sides, bread, and iced tea”
“In celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we’ve searched the country for the boldest, artsiest, buzziest, friendliest, tastiest, booziest things going on right now,” AFAR wrote.
They found 52 “unique places and experiences that have us ready to book a flight and go explore.”
Which Mississippi restaurants made the list?
AFAR chose two Jackson restaurants that are “bridging old and new in the Deep South.” Both are owned by Chef Hunter Evans and Cody McCain — Elvie’s and Mayflower Cafe.
Grandmother’s love of New Orleans, Cajun and French food lives on at Elvie’s
Elvie’s, a James Beard Award semi-finalist, AFAR noted, “has earned national acclaim for its chic take on Southern hospitality.”
The restaurant, which opened in 2020, is named for Evan’s grandmother. She introduced him to New Orleans cuisine and Cajun cooking and helped him fall in love with French food, and that shines through in the menu.
“The space effortlessly glides from a.m. bakery (bacon and egg grit fritters) to afternoon bar (French 75 Jell-O shots), and dinners highlight area farmers and anglers,” AFAR wrote.
Nearly 150 years in the making: 10 of the oldest restaurants in, near, Jackson, MS
Mayflower Cafe is one of oldest restaurants in, near Jackson
In 2024, Evans and McCain also revamped the 90-year-old Mayflower Cafe.
Greek immigrants George Kountouris and John Gouras opened the Mayflower as a hamburger stand in 1935. Jerry Kounrouris ran it for a few decades, and Evans bought it in April 2024. It re-opened in August 2024.
“Order the daily blue plate special, which might include crawfish tetrazzini or feta-brined fried chicken — plus salad, two sides, bread, and iced tea for under $15,” AFAR wrote.
See photos from the Mayflower renovation
Staff writer Ross Reily contributed to this story.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.