Where I Ate in Laurel, Mississippi
I went to Laurel, Mississippi, for the Home Town charm, but I came home talking about the food. Between a blue plate lunch that could feed a small army, tacos worth driving across town for, and a homemade breakfast at my bed and breakfast, this little town fed me well.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Laurel, MS, here’s exactly where I ate, what I ordered, and what I’d go back for. Looking for things to do between meals? Check out my full guide to things to do in Laurel, Mississippi over on TSA and Tacos.
Breakfast at Jenny’s Downtown Hideaway
One of my favorite meals in Laurel didn’t come from a restaurant at all. I stayed at Jenny’s Downtown Hideaway, and every morning started with a home-cooked breakfast.
That’s one of the best reasons to choose a bed and breakfast over a chain hotel. Instead of a waffle machine and a basket of muffins, you sit down to a real breakfast made by people who love to take care of their guests. Jennifer and her husband are the perfect hosts, and breakfast around the table is where I met some of the coolest people. Here’s looking at you, Garry and Becky!
Lunch at Pearl’s Diner
Pearl’s Diner is a must-visit for lunch in Laurel. It’s a classic blue plate diner with friendly employees, generous portions, and Southern favorites like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Be sure to check their hours, because they’re not open late, but it’s absolutely worth working into your lunch plans.
I ordered chicken fingers with three sides (this girl likes having options, know what I mean?). Also, since this was my first time at Pearl’s, I ordered banana pudding.
What lunch at Pearl’s cost me:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken finger plate | $17.99 |
| Mac n cheese (premium side) | +$1.00 |
| Coleslaw (premium side) | +$1.00 |
| Banana pudding | $4.99 |
| Cup of water | $0.50 |
| 9% sales tax | $2.29 |
| Total before tip | $27.77 |
That’s not cheap, but it was nearly enough food to feed a small army.
Can’t make it to Laurel? Make my Homemade Banana Pudding, Fried Chicken Tenders, and Chick-fil-A-Style Mac and Cheese for your own blue plate lunch at home.
Tacos at Los Primos
And since I can’t take a trip without tacos, I followed a local tip and headed to Los Primos. Let me tell you: those double corn tortilla tacos? Chef’s kiss. Just enough spice, lots of flavor, and the perfect break from all the fried deliciousness.
Tip: Heading to a taqueria where the menu is in Spanish? Brush up with my guide on how to order tacos in Spanish.
Sunday Lunch at Wilson’s Commissary
Open on Sundays (a rarity in small towns!), Wilson’s Commissary serves affordable, hearty Southern cooking: think fried and baked chicken, lima beans, mac and cheese, rice and gravy, and black-eyed peas. If you’re craving something comforting after a day of exploring, this is the place to go.
On My List for Next Time
One weekend wasn’t nearly enough to eat my way through Laurel. Here’s where I’m headed on my next trip:
- Phillips Drive-In: A Laurel staple since 1948, known for hand-spun milkshakes and hamburgers.
- Lee’s Coffee and Tea: Downtown’s original specialty coffee shop, serving breakfast and lunch.
- The Laurel Creamery: Homemade ice cream with plenty of toppings.
- Café La Fleur: A bistro with a New Orleans feel, known for Cajun and French dishes like crawfish po’boys.
Tips for Eating in Laurel
- Plan lunch around Pearl’s. It’s a lunch spot, so don’t wait until dinner.
- Sundays are tricky. Many small-town restaurants close on Sundays, so Wilson’s Commissary is a great one to know about.
- Stay where breakfast is included. A bed and breakfast like Jenny’s takes care of your first meal of the day, and it’s homemade.
- Come hungry. Portions are generous!
Last Bite
Laurel may be famous for Home Town, but this Southern foodie will be back for the blue plate lunches, the tacos, and that homemade breakfast. Have you eaten in Laurel? Tell me your favorite spot in the comments below so I can add it to my list! And if you’re planning a trip, don’t miss my guide to things to do in Laurel, Mississippi.
