The cuisine here is Greek-American with a Southern bent. What does that mean exactly? For starters, it means mouth-watering lamb gyros and pita mozzarella, delicious hummus and salads, and greasy potato skins that are clearly addictive. You can wash down your meal with an ice cold pitcher of beer served with chilled mugs. (You may bring your own wine, but not liquor.) Keifer's great, low-priced food is matched with a hip, casual atmosphere. Open and covered decks flank the rambling dining rooms with a bustling kitchen in the center of the chaos.

A cozy, much-loved landmark across from the McCoy Federal Building, this warm restaurant is famous for its homemade rolls, home-style cooking and friendly service. The Elite opens early weekdays for the downtown breakfast crowd and stays open all the way to dinner. Standard dinner fare includes fresh fish, Greek favorites and Mexican dishes. The breaded veal cutlets are a favorite choice among the locals. Beer is served, and you can bring in other alcoholic beverages. Credit cards are not accepted.

Manship, who served as mayor of Jackson during the Civil War, built this home for his wife and 15 children in a secluded neighborhood on the edge of Jackson. This 1857 house is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture. Much of Manship's handiwork can still be seen today in the house, which has been restored to its 1888 condition. Although the house resides in a densely urban area, much of the original landscaping has been preserved, and many of the home's outbuildings have been excavated. The guided tour lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. Admission is free.

World-renowned professional pool player Reed Pierce's upscale restaurant and sports bar features great food and great atmosphere. Foodies, sports fans, and music lovers will all feel at home here. Enjoy the bar area complete with high-defintion TV, play some pool in the 9-Ball Lounge, or savor the area's best rib-eye steaks, Fried Shrimp, Po-Boys, Catfish, fried chicken and burgers while dining on the 3000 square-foot outdoor patio complete with bar area. Music lovers will appreciate the weekend's nightly live music choices, while the ladies will delight in each Thursday's Ladies' night. Don't miss Happy Hour from 4p-7p M-F! Reed Pierce's truly has it all. -Cindy Leggett

Inspired heavily by Cajun cuisine, Monte's Steak & Seafood is a popular restaurant. The most popular dishes on the menu are the Stuffed Shrimp Chef Monte and the Bourbon Street Ribeye that is coated with a special Cajun flavored sauce.The Stuffed Catfish and the Chicken Linguini are also good. The venue is casual and welcoming, with a staff that genuinely cares about the diners. It is packed most of the time, even thronged by the glamorous crowd who like to grab a leisurely meal in its classy ambience. The bar has TV screens for uninhibited match viewing.

Huttington's Grille is a spectacular fine dining steakhouse inside the Hilton hotel. An impressive venue, its food is equally brilliant. Bite into deliciously cooked Sweet Potato Crisps as you decide what to order from among the entrees. The Tuscan Chicken, Marinated Skirt Steak  and fresh fish are popular favorites among the patrons, though the other items are also tasty. A good selection of wine from across the globe is also available. An elegant and pretty place to host private celebrations, the staff is well equipped to manage large events easily.

Char fulfills the craving of steaks and classy American cuisine. A good spot to try out some traditional creations, the Fried Green Tomatoes is an excellent appetizer, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. The Steak And Bleu is a good meal by itself, with beef served alongside greens, onions and a raspberry sauce. The venue is casual and easygoing, giving a chance to lie back and enjoy the meal at leisure, sans the fancy embellishments. Grab a mug of beer from the bar and allow the affability of the ambience to seep into the being.

The large French windows and the potted plants create a beautiful and bright setting to enjoy a leisurely meal at Sophia's Restaurant. Located inside the Fairview Inn, it serves outstanding French cuisine that is unmatched in the region. Try the awesome Mushroom Quiche, Crab Cakes or Pecan Crusted Rack of Lamb to get an idea of the deliciousness of the food.  A bar fulfills the need for quenching the thirst as one digs into the irresistible menu. The restaurant has a classy air to it, though it is delightfully humble and unpretentious. The staff and service are good too.

Bon Ami is a quaint restaurant located off of Interstate-55 in Maywood Mart (just look for the chef's hat). The décor inside the restaurant resembles a French garden and could not be more inviting. The cuisine could best be described as adding a French twist to some Southern classics (like grits with goulda cheese). They begin serving breakfast at 6:30a Monday-Friday and offer brunch Saturday and Sunday. Their lunch and dinner menus have some great salads and pastas on it. The best kept secret in the tri-county area is perhaps Bon Ami's dessert brownie with ice cream. Just the dessert brownie is well worth a visit to this restaurant!

This fabulous sushi bar and hibachi grill is located just off of Interstate 55 and Highway 51. This restaurant is famous across the whole tri-city area for its impeccable food and comfortable dining. Perhaps the best part of the meal is when the server brings the diner a hot towel and warm miso soup. One side of the restaurant is hibachi style dining and the other side is for sushi (but both can be ordered at either side). A traditional menu is also available which offers everything from tempura to teriyaki. This meal is a little bit pricey (about USD15-USD20 per person on average), but it is well worth a visit.