It's been another great season of flavors classic and adventurous, hot and cold, casual and elite. Check out Katie Howerton's review of our spring 2017 #OurJacksonTable dozen, and join us in trying even more local restaurants, food trucks, and snack shacks this summer!

Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill

71 Carriage House Drive | 731.984.7401 | $$

Tulum might be famous for their unforgettable fish tacos, but don't be scared to venture out with their quesadillas, tortas, and fajitas, too! All meals run $7-$9 (lunch and dinner) and come with endless chips and six different kinds of salsa. The Baja California flavors are perfect for this spring weather, and it's always fun to try their signature items like elote, the machaca burrito, and some homemade horchata.

Read more about Tulum in this Hello Jackson review as well as our Top Taco Tour.

Old Hickory Steakhouse

624 Old Hickory Boulevard | 731.256.2040 | $$

Old Hickory Steakhouse is a country roadhouse and Greek grub spot all in one! Their lunch plates like country fried steak, BBQ pork chop, and baked ham all run under $7.50 and come with two scrumptious sides, so good luck deciding between black eyed peas, turnip greens, fried okra, and so much more. But don't miss their Greek salad, gyros, and marinated chicken breast for some Mediterranean flair. What about the steak, you ask? They've got plenty of that, and dinner runs $9-$16 (unless you're determined to get the $25 filet).

Perry's Hot Dog Hut

3114 Riverside Drive (mobile) | 731.267.2495 | $

Hot dogs for e'ryone! Perry's is doing great at their corner downtown (Lafayette and North Highland, there most weekdays), and ordering is simple—four dogs, all $4: All-American, Coney, New Yorker, or Chicago (or build-your-own if you're creative). Drinks, chips, and Cracker Jacks are available for $1, and wait time is minimal. Perfect for a quick lunch for downtown workers or an affordable outing for the family during these warm days.

Baba's Famous Steak & Lemonade

21 Old Hickory Boulevard | 731.736.3553 | $$

Ain't nothin' like a cold, homemade lemonade on a hot day. Baba's walk-up is perfect for a good weather lunch for $4 to $9. While famous for their Philly cheesesteak, don't miss their killer gyros, burgers, wings, and—get this—gizzards. All meals come with some delish seasoned fries and (of course) a frozen lemonade with your choice of about a dozen add-in flavors.

Burger Barn

123 Lexington Avenue | 731.427.2168 | $

Shakes all around! Cool off at Burger Barn's shaded picnic tables with an All-American lunch for just $2 to $5. Hit up their grill for a patty melt, chili dog, Polish sausage, or (of course) burger, but don't forget to add some fries, onion rings, and tots! And a $2 shake, sundae, or slice of pie is the perfect finisher.

Read more about Burger Barn on our blog.

Umphy's Chicken & Biscuits

645 Old Hickory Boulevard | 731.664.0183 | $

Got a big appetite but only $5? Umphy's has you covered. Enjoy their classic chicken biscuit, but don't miss every other chicken dish plus the scrumptious sides like mashed potatoes, potato wedges, or green beans. If you've got a crowd, get a family pack for $22 or 40 wings for $26. Don't forget to top everything off with a fried apple pie, fresh baked cookie, or tall cup of sweet tea.

Reggi's BBQ & Wings

292 Parkstone Place | 731.660.8600 | $$

If you want a lil bit of everything, try Reggi's. Whether you're craving ribs, beef brisket, wings, or just some classic pulled pork, they've got you covered for under $8. A meal isn't complete without some sides like baked beans, cole slaw, and potato salad or one if their famous desserts. And don't forget to get a tall cup of Reggi's lemonade!

Find out who you named Jackson's best barbecue amongst these four spots and others on our blog.

Pig House BBQ

1024 Campbell Street | 731.423.8566 | $$

In a hurry? Swing by Pig House BBQ for enough food for the whole fam without breaking the budget. Get a combo, nachos, or famous stuffed potato for under $8, or order sandwiches, sides, or fried pies a la carte for closer to $4. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the BBQ stew!

West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse

215 West Main Street | 731.300.4664 | $$

Pass the BBQ sauce, please! Pulled pork, bologna, ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken, even turkey—West Alley has you covered. Try a lunch special, stuffed potato, sandwich, or nachos for just $6 to $8, or if you're extra hungry, try a combo platter for $13 with a lil bit of everything. (Let's see if you're up for the Big Jim Dandy!)

Check out West Alley's version of a BBQ taco in our Top Taco Tour.

Diddy's BBQ

2384 Highway 45 South | 731.736.3460 | $$

Who's up for some ketchup slaw? Diddy's BBQ specializes in pork, ribs, and chicken, and their charming spot in South Jackson is perfect for a summer lunch. Sandwiches run $4 to $6, while combos and plates range $7 to $9. Their drive-thru is perfect for family packs and buying meat by the pound, too.

The Donut Truck

West Tennessee Farmers' Market (91 New Market Street | Shed 2, Stall 3) | $

There is no more quintessential Saturday morning activity for Jacksonians than to head down to the Farmers' Market and grab one of the famous Amish-made donuts from The Donut Truck, where $3 is your ticket to sweet, buttery perfection. Nothing more, nothing less, and 100% worth the wait.

Read more about The Donut Truck on our blog.

Hot Pop Kettle Corn

West Tennessee Farmers' Market (91 New Market Street | Shed 1, Stall 2A) | $

Calling all sweet-and-salty fans! Hot Pop Kettle Corn is just the place for you. Whether you're into chocolate and caramel, sharp cheddar flavors, or just classic kettle corn, this Farmers' Market booth will hook you up with an unforgettable snack for just $3 or $4 ($7 or $8 if ya want the big bag), popped right before your eyes.

The Snowball Shack

West Tennessee Farmers' Market (91 New Market Street | Shed 2, Shannon Street End) | $

A sno cone on a summer Saturday feels so right. Visit The Snowball Shack at the end of the Farmers' Market outer shed for the sweetest organic treat you can find in Jackson (some even sugar-free!). Choose from unique flavors like pear, Irish cream, and peach mango, available in 8 to 16 oz. for just $2 to $4. And if you lose your way, just look for the adorable kiddos in the bright tutus.

Read more about The Snowball Shack on our blog.

Want to join us in taking on the #OurJacksonTable challenge to try 100 local restaurants by spring of 2018? Click here to learn more.

Originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Katie Howerton moved to Jackson in 2011 to study Graphic Design and Drawing at Union University. She discovered Our Jackson Home in January 2015 and used it as a guinea pig for her senior design project, creating the first issue of Our Jackson Home: The Magazine. After graduating she was given leadership over Our Jackson Home at theCO, where she now runs the blog, designs the magazine, and coordinates events. She and her husband Jordan live in Midtown and are active members of City Fellowship Baptist Church.

Photography by Katie Howerton.

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