Slow-cooked over an open pit, the tender pork at this popular downtown barbecue joint is not ready until it has been baptized in Homer's closely guarded secret sauce. Do not bother asking the recipe, but feel free to grab a bottle or two so you can recreate the flavor at home. Known primarily for its grand champion ribs, Homer's also puts out chopped and pulled pork and beef (sandwiches as well as plates), plus the finest side of coleslaw in the state. Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Fine dining comes in many forms, and one of Jackson's homegrown opportunities can be found right downtown on Congress Street. Open during the week for lunch only, this handsome cafe offers hot down-home grub to both the upscale capital crowd and to more blue-collar types. Choose from a list of healthy and relatively standard sandwiches and soups, or go local with an order of fried green tomatoes. The sisters' reputation is well established in town, however, so it is a usually a good idea to go early in the lunch hour.

Located north of downtown near Ridgeland's Northpark Mall, this busy joint brings the spicy food and the laidback fun of the bayou home to Jackson. A full menu of authentic Creole and Cajun cooking awaits you, including red-hot shrimp and mudbugs, seafood gumbo and po' boy sandwiches. After a steaming bowl of jambalaya, cool off with a bottle of Dixie Beer or anything else from the cozy bar, which stays open late and draws a festive crowd most nights.

Occupying the second floor of an old brick building at the corner of Fortification and Jefferson streets, this cozy pub is as known for its raucous parties as for its warm and quiet moments. A model train circles overhead as local bands take the stage, and big plates of Irish stew, shepherd's pie and the signature Beef Boxty satisfy the need for stick-to-your-ribs fulfillment. A menu of great bar appetizers is also available, featuring such unusual treats as fried dill pickles. A comprehensive bar doles out great Irish malt whiskeys and stouts. For a twist, try the Guinness and 7UP.

An old marquee bearing the familiar name hangs over the corner and shows the way to this long-standing Jackson favorite. Guarded by a pair of grumpy Greek brothers, the requisite long counter with its vinyl spinning stools make this greasy spoon as authentic as they come. Grab your own spoon to ladle generous portions of pork, beef and chicken bathed in thick Southern gravy. Open late by Jackson standards, this is a great choice for those whose business keeps them downtown until late evening.

This is a favorite stop for those who want a heavy lunch in a light atmosphere. The red beans and rice plate, jambalaya, fried pickles and Works Burger are particularly good. The restaurant also attracts a regular after-work crowd to its deck for a quick pitcher of beer and endless banter about the woes of office life. For the sports lover, the televisions are always on, and the bar is always open. It is located in the Fondren shopping district only a few miles from downtown.

A locally-owned restaurant with typical barbecue choices and a little bit more-for the person in your party who does not do barbecue. The dining area is comprised of large open sections, and the walls are filled with blues memorabilia and autographed glossy photos. The food is good, and patrons can order from a full bar. Although soulful tunes flow throughout, this reasonably priced restaurant is not quite as down home as a barbecue place in Mississippi should be. Families are welcome.

Located on the main downtown thoroughfare, Blue Cafe is a lunch-only throwback, with large plate glass windows, a long chrome counter, spinning stools and just a few tables. Forced intimacy aside, it is a convenient place where interesting sandwiches, lunch platters and healthy salads are the rule, but tasty exceptions are offered as well. You will find yourself satisfied for under $10, and if the weather is nice, you can sit outside at one of the sidewalk tables.

This relaxed and decidedly hip restaurant also offers a brewpub and the best live music in the state. The downtown spot offers distinctly Southern fare, including red beans and rice, po' boys, burgers, quiches and seafood, with a creative twist and a variety of sandwiches. A blackboard reveals the daily plate lunch (three vegetables and a meat). All items are moderately priced. Keep your eyes peeled, as actors who regularly film in the state like to hang out here. Be sure to check out the Elvis décor in the bathroom.

You will love this restaurant for its famous Inez Burger with chili cheese fries. The Inez is a massive, heart-stopping hamburger-and-fries combo that will meet your cholesterol quota for the entire week. If that does not suit, try the plate lunch special with all the usual Southern side items. Located across from Millsaps College, this diner is a staple for college students and downtown businesspeople alike. Like its preferred customers, this place is long on character and short on fanciness. No credit cards accepted.