Nothing says “summertime” quite like the irresistible appeal of enjoying good food in great company. In Tupelo, summer means smoky barbecue aromas wafting on warm breezes, ice-cold sweet tea in the hand, and the simple joy of biting into Southern classics made fresh and bursting with flavor. With more than 200 restaurants to choose between, each corner you turn in Tupelo brings more chances to explore the flavors of summer, putting the city amongst Mississippi’s prime dining destinations.
Tucked inside a former bait and tackle shop, Clay’s House of Pig offers an authentic taste of the South. Their family recipe for smoking meats has been passed down and perfected across generations. Go-to favorites include Clay’s jumbo barbecue sandwich, and an order of brisket nachos piled high with customizable toppings. Enjoy your meal inside, or grab it to-go for a laid-back Southern picnic in Tombigbee State Park—a lakeside retreat that’s popular with picnickers. Another local favorite, Bishop’s BBQ, is beloved for its smoky barbecue and signature sweet “jazzy” sauce, which pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese, baked beans, or house-made chips.
A BBQ sandwich at Clay's House of Pig
In West Tupelo, Sweet Tea & Biscuits Café is more than just a perfect ladies' lunch spot. This local institution is beloved for sugary sweet tea, decadent desserts, and for the fluffy biscuits that are served on every plate. The daily vegetable plates here are a showcase for local produce. Find it all inside The Vine Collection in West Tupelo.
Ice cream is the official dessert of summer in Tupelo. Step back in time at Dairy Kream, where the chocolate-dipped soft-serve cones, and handmade malts and shakes are local favorites on warm summer days. For something more playful, Funky Cones invites guests to get creative with specialty waffle cones, inventive toppings, and even a “Flight of Cream” that features six unique flavors.
The Tupelo Farmers Market at The Depot officially ushers in the summer season, promising “four hours of fresh” every Saturday from May through October. This Mississippi Certified Farmers Market is bursting with local produce, honey, baked goods, flowers, and more. Find it all, plus live music, kid-friendly activities, and coffee trucks each Saturday at The Depot in Downtown Tupelo.
From smoky barbecue to creamy ice cream, Tupelo’s culinary scene is more than a meal, it’s an experience. This summer, discover a destination where every bite tells a story, and every stop adds more flavor to your journey. Visit tupelo.net to plan your next flavor-filled getaway and imagine what you can eat here!
