In the town of Corinth, many appetite-building activities are within a 30 minute radius of downtown. Whether it’s touring the Civil War battlefields of Corinth, Iuka, Farmingon, and Shiloh, a historical walking tour, or the magical Grand Illumination, you’ll eventually need to find a vittles or two. Whatever brings you to town, here are some family-friendly restaurants to consider on your next trip through northeast Mississippi:
Rib Shack: 920 Highway 72 East
If there’s only one remaining slice of strawberry pie under the glass pie plate as you enter the Rib Shack, do not pass go, immediately order dessert. Trust me on this one. Also do not let the rolls of paper towel dispersed throughout the dining room dissuade any finger licking. Kiddie Korner menu choices include smaller portions of chicken strips, ribs, and a smoked chicken breast for $3.80. Or for the same price, order a basket of fried corn nuggets and share a jumbo pork sandwich for about a dollar more.
Abe’s Grill: 803 Highway 72 West
I want Abe’s Grill to franchise right in my home town. Open only for lunch and dinner, come early and be prepared to seat in any available seat (belly up to the bar in more ways than one). For $4.13, try the famous country breakfast featuring sawmill gravy on a fresh-baked biscuit (Martha White would be proud). Surrounded by old license plates and road signs, chances are Abe will serve you himself.
Borrum’s Drug Store: 604 Waldron St.
To the nature lover, the famous “slugburger,” may not be your first choice. On the menu at Borrum’s Drug Store since the great depression, take comfort in the downtown crowd happily lunching at the old soda fountain and out into the original drug store. First sold for a nickle (a “slug”), you can try a slugburger today for $1.91 with tax and a bag of chips. While you’re there, consider adding an authentic chocolate malt or a cherry coke (as in, coke with cherry syrup) to the tab. Also new to our palate was pimento cheese on a cracker; sold as a scoop or on a sandwich.
The Dinner Bell: 1000 South Harper Rd.
The Dinner Bell restaurant serves the entire community with their home-style cooking. In the entry way you’ll see local high school football schedules, community events, and a poster supporting 100% Mississippi farm raised catfish. Kids may enjoy a trip to the salad bar as much as the smiley fries on the children’s menu (all items $3.99, including a drink and treat). But don’t forget to set aside a quarter for the jumbo gum ball machine on your way out (parents can participate too).
Pizza Grocery: 800 A Cruise St.
I was totally impressed by Pizza Grocery; and I would come back to Corinth just to lick the bottom bowl of spinach and artichoke dip. Upon entering the Pizza Grocery (originally a warehouse for dry groceries, produce, and beer), a person must head to the basement level for the full dining experience. Carrying a bottle of our own wine, we descended into a world of Italian cuisine. Open only for lunch and dinner, all items on the kids menu are $5.00 and include household favorites like lasagna, mac & cheese, spaghetti and meatball, and a one-topping pizza of course.
JuJu’s Shrimp Boat: 1907 Shiloh Rd.
If the character Private Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue would have survived his fate in the movie Forest Gump, I imagine he would have loved JuJu’s Shrimp Boat. Decorated with fish nets, Mardi Gras beads, and the occasional voodoo doll, it only seemed right to order a bowl of gumbo with a bowl of etouffee (with hushpuppies for dipping purposes, of course). With shrimp and fried fish strips on the kid’s menu for $4.95 (fries and drink included), don’t be afraid to split grilled tilapia, chicken breast, and catfish between the kids. Made from scratch by owner Cheryl Wilson, end on a note of key lime pie ($2.95/slice).
Dining in the south required a paradigm shift for the Feed Me family. Catfish, sweet tea, and fried pickles aside,we finally figured out if we slowed down, sat a spell, and let everything digest, some of our Northern Aggression would fade away. So, go ahead, talk to your neighbors, play some checkers, and stay longer than you planned. Heck, you might even think twice about a big slice of pecan pie!
Abe’s Grill
