Built in the late 19th century, Old Country Store was, in fact, an old country store. Today, it is a country restaurant serving a classic Southern buffet for very little money. Pull off Highway 61 in the tiny town of Lorman, north of Natchez, and park in front of what you would swear is part of a movie set depicting Mississippi circa 1920. Yet this is no movie set, or modernized, made-to-look-old theme restaurant. Walk up the steps to the creaky wood porch, while admiring the ancient Pepsi ad rusting on the building’s side. Enter to a surprisingly large dining room, sans buffet. That’s in the room to the back and left.
It’s not a large buffet, but the food is well-prepared and satisfying. The deep-fried chicken is juicy and deep-down flavorful. There are ribs, unsauced (there is a tub of sauce to apply, if you want it), and these have a pure essence of pig that’s hard to resist. Greens sitting in their pot likker with hunks of smoked meat, dirty rice, candied yams, and cornbread are also likely to be found on the buffet. Pay at the cash register, and head on your way. What could be bad?
Other Nearby Restaurants
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The Donut Shop
Natchez, MississippiA roadside stand that boasts hot, fresh raised glazed and other creative expressions of the donut art. But the biggest draw may be Big Pappa’s hot tamales.
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King’s Tavern
Natchez, MississippiThe oldest (and most haunted) free-standing building in Mississippi is an atmospheric tavern with a chef-driven menu.
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The Tomato Place
Vicksburg, MississippiVine-ripened tomatoes and other local produce fuel creative southern cooking at this funky roadside shack. There’s an entire menu of B.L.T. variations.
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Solly’s Tamales
Vicksburg, MississippiSolly’s is an 80-year old Mississippi Delta snack shop selling tamales topped with chili or stuffed inside burritos.
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Mammy’s Cupboard
Natchez, MississippiVernacular roadside architecture shaped like s Mrs. Butterworth bottle, Mississippi’s Mammy’s Cupboard serves traditional southern meat-and-three meals.
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Dinner Bell
McComb, MississippiThe Dinner Bell of McComb, Mississippi, serves traditional boarding-house meals — all you can eat at large tables shared with strangers. A Dixie joy!