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Mar

16

2021

Down Home Cookin’ In Tunica

 Down Home Cookin’ In Tunica

Southern culture has no better representative than its food. The spirit, tradition, and values of the South are spices in themselves, translated through the tastebuds for a deeper understanding of place and people.

Both inside and out of its six world-class casinos, Tunica, Mississippi, is still very much a Southern city. In fact, the glamor and neon only accentuate the unique qualities of Southern living. With suites looking out on the mighty Mississippi, college football on the TVs, and beloved Deep South staples hot and ready from the kitchen, Tunica’s identity remains passionately and proudly Southern.

These iconic local examples of Southern eateries are sure-to-be favorites on your next trip:

Blue & White Restaurant

Since it’s opening in 1924 alongside Tunica’s Blues Highway 61, the Blue & White Restaurant has served countless gamblers, guitarists, travelers, and oilmen. Some of the patrons may have changed over the years, but the menu remains as faithful as ever.

Serving breakfast all day long, diners can order such classics as the country fried steak and eggs, the 61 Hobo Breakfast, or—of course—pillow-soft biscuits with homemade sausage gravy. For lunch, a Mississippi catfish hoagie or meatloaf sandwich is sure to do the trick, and for dinner, some turkey and dressing or a plate of homemade “country” spaghetti (read: even better than Momma makes it!).

Nearly a hundred years after its humble beginnings as a Pure Oil Company service station diner, the simplicity and honesty of downright satisfying meals remains at the Blue & White Restaurant.

The Hollywood Café

As a bonafide stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail, The Hollywood Café boasts some serious former guests. Pianist Muriel Wilkins was a café regular and even played here for a period of years. This Mississippi phenom was shouted out in Marc Cohn’s classic “Walking In Memphis.” (“Now Muriel plays piano every Friday at The Hollywood…”)

To its Blues credentials, The Hollywood Café can add another distinction: the best fried pickles in the Delta.  Known as the home of the fried dill pickle, The Hollywood was even featured on the show “Deep Fried Paradise” to showcase the magic of what happens when you batter and golden fry the sour pickle to snacking perfection!

The Hollywood Café vegetable platter inducts the uninitiated guest into a world of fried Southern staples including fried pickles, fried tomatoes, and your choice of fried onion rings or jalapenos. Small and large catfish platters round out the fried feast, while a slice of pecan pie or the cobbler of the day complete the meal on a sweet note.

Guests can also enjoy white and red wines, champagne, and even cocktails at this classy-but-casual institution. Trips to Tunica often begin and end with a stop in at the Hollywood Café.

Try it Yourself

The Blue & White Restaurant and Hollywood Café represent only a small piece of a thriving, Southern cuisine scene in Tunica. You’ll find fried delights and Southern charm just about everywhere you go, including at the casinos!

Until we see you again, try this absolutely fantastic fried pickle and dipping sauce recipe courtesy of Southern Living.

For more information about the good times and great memories that await in Tunica, be sure to click here.


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