Story and photos by Gwyn Goodrow
Johnnie’s Drive-In – 908 East Main Street
After a morning touring the Elvis Presley Birthplace, Museum and Chapel, I was hungry for more Elvis. I had to go to Johnnie’s Drive-In and sit in the booth of the famous photo shoot. I did! For those not familiar, a copy of the impromptu 1956 photo is on the wall above the plaque that designates “The Elvis Booth.”
Johnnie’s Drive-In in Tupelo, Mississippi is renowned for its doughburger, but I opted for a hearty hamburger steak smothered in brown gravy with sauteed onions. It’s a favorite Southern meal, and this Southern girl loved every bite. The hamburger steak was tender and spiced to perfection. The tater tot potatoes were crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicious.
For those who love Guy Ferrari’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” this is your ideal destination. For those who love everything about Elvis, it’s your place too…come over to the Elvis booth with its memorabilia displays and the photos that put Johnnie’s Drive-In on the map as a place where Elvis loved to stop in for lunch. You’ll soon understand why.
Romie’s Grocery – 804 West Jackson Street
Before I entered the building, the aroma of meat on an outdoor grill captured my senses. The overhead sign says Romie’s Grocery. While I sometimes judge a book by its cover, I know judging a restaurant by its name is a mistake. This former grocery store is now a restaurant, sports bar, and outdoor venue for social gatherings. Our table for two was cozy and private, even though a group of 12 was dining nearby. Couples and families enjoyed meals in the main dining area. At the same time, music lovers gathered on the patio to hear the evening musicians’ warm-up sessions.
Each wall of the dining area has a different theme. Upon entering, I saw the word REVIVAL painted on a wall above a church pew. This wall is a touchstone to the importance of faith in a city that has seen and overcome many heartaches. Another wall was covered in a photographic collage of images, like an unfurled family and friends’ scrapbook.
A third wall pays homage to the original grocery store. Doors of a freezer cabinet line the wall, underneath a colorful image of notable towns in the area. Nearby, daily specials, chalked in bright 8″ letters, are easy to read from anywhere in the dining space.
Tonight’s specials included brisket nachos, shrimp po-boy with a side dish, or cheesy chicken over rice with a salad. I chose from the menu when the pimento cheese bacon burger caught my eye. The thick burger was served on a bun with dill pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, ketchup, and mustard. The generous share of pimento and cheese sauce had a zippy tang but was not overtly spicy. The cheese sauce covered the entire burger, and expecting a bit of overflow is undoubtedly reasonable.
If you’re tracking the “Off the Wall” murals trail, see the Historical Landmark mural inside the patio space.
Ethel Mae’s for Brunch – 1014 Commonwealth Boulevard
As if Ethel Mae signed her name on this space. No, not as if. She truly signed her name in the hearts of her family, and her signature graces the restaurant signage. The legacy of Ethel Mae Gates Tubbs lives forever in this family. Love is evident in everything they do, especially in this one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Above the hostess stand, Ethel Mae’s mounted portrait is the welcoming showpiece – the eyes, the smile, and the affection for her tiny daughter, Demetra, dressed in red. The distinctive red palette in these elegant surroundings immediately makes sense.
At Ethel Mae’s, the Sunday Brunch Neo-Soul menu offers tasty chef creations or a choice of some favorite traditional southern dishes. Come for the food or for the jazzy blues background music. Our Sunday morning brunch was a full house; it’s easy to understand why.
Fairpark Grill – 343 East Main Street
A prime location for visitors to downtown Tupelo, The Fairpark Grill in Tupelo is just one block from Fair Park, rendering a lovely park view for patio diners. Inside, the restaurant has a sleek, modern vibe.
The restaurant prides itself on quality food, fair prices, and generous portions. Our table ordered the spring rolls appetizers. The four portions were hearty with cabbage, carrots, onion, and celery vegetables, delicately fried, then served hot and crispy with two dipping sauces.
As an entrée, the chicken piccata was served with generous portions of grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, and flatbread. The Fairpark Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner and has a brunch menu offering southern favorites.
Strangebrew Coffeehouse – 220 N Gloster Street
It’s Maroon and White to the championship with this #hailstate early morning beverage. Step into the Strangebrew Coffeehouse (or use the convenient drive-through window). You’ll soon be captivated by the casual atmosphere and friendly hometown service. Since I rarely drink coffee, the “Brewpelo” barista asked thoughtful questions about my preferences and recommended a drink I thoroughly enjoyed. The Maroon and White drink, known as the #hailstate beverage, is a blended mix of raspberry and white chocolate. It was perfect for a chilly morning.
Jobos – 314 East Main Street
Jobos, inside the Hotel Tupelo, is a vibrant surf-and-turf restaurant devoted to fresh seafood and savory meats with a coastal flair. The restaurant has traditional dining spaces (with tables and chairs), or guests can relax and unwind with friends while seated on plush couches and enjoying the street view. The egg-dipped Monte Cristo Flatbread is a substantial pork belly and ham appetizer, smothered with Havarti, then served with a flavor-laden peach jam. So delicious. Try the short rib hamburger steak stack, chicken and cheese quesadillas, or shrimp basket meals for dinner.
Talbot House Bakery & Café – 101 North Industrial Road, Suite H
Talbot House Bakery & Café is a breakfast and lunch restaurant providing job opportunities for women through the Talbot House nonprofit transition program. This bright café is a happy place, and the team preparing the meals and serving the customers are top-notch.
The Talbot House Bakery &Café satisfies every appetite, from hot coffee to hearty breakfast sandwiches. For the morning sweet tooth, try their famous icing-laden cinnamon roll. It’s only available until they sell out for the day. Check the cafe hours on the website, as this restaurant is not open daily.
Come Dine in Tupelo, Mississippi
You may come to Tupelo for the thrills of Elvis, a history-themed excursion, or the solitude of outdoor recreation. However, the southern hospitality will coax you to stay a while. Tupelo is a growing city that might surprise you with its many culinary offerings. Tantalize your taste buds with more than just the expected fried Southern comfort food when you dine in style at these excellent restaurants in Tupelo, Mississippi.
