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Three Mississippi restaurants made the Southern Living magazine list of the “South’s Most Beloved Burger Joints.”
Phillips Drive-In in Laurel, Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain in Corinth, and Latham’s Hamburger Inn in New Albany all made the list that includes 20 southern spots serving “tasty burgers.”
No Jackson burger spot made the list. But these three may be worth a drive.
The restaurants on this list were picked by the editors of Southern Living who report on, research and visit restaurants in the South. Each spot has been around for generations.
The intro to the list states: “These are the places that have been around since our parents and grandparents were kids. Maybe it’s a 1950s-style drive-in or a classic diner where the booths are cherry red and the floors don a familiar black-and-white checker. They’re the places where we’ve made memories near and dear to our hearts. The menus are often short and sweet, but one thing you can always count on at a legendary burger joint is a consistently great meal.”
Phillips Drive-In
Southern Living’s description of Phillips Drive-in states: “Home Town HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier are big fans of this Laurel, Mississippi drive-in that’s been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. Pull up to the drive-thru or park and order at the walk-up window. Either way, you’ll be leaving with your stomach and your wallet full. You can still score a single burger with all your favorite toppings, plus an order of fries for just over $5. For $3 more you can add a milkshake and complete your taste of nostalgia.”
Laurel has many more things to see while you make the 90-minite drive from Jackson, including Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Phillips Drive-in is located at 330 S. Magnolia St., in Laurel.
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Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain
Southern Living’s description of Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain states: “The oldest business in Corinth, the oldest drugstore in Mississippi, and the oldest drugstore in the country still operated by the same family (it’s on its seventh generation of Borroums) also has one heck of a burger tradition. The Slugburger, a Mississippi staple that developed during the Great Depression that involves flattening ground pork, soy flour, and spices into a patty and deep frying it. It may not be beef, but it’s a beloved burger all the same.”
It may be more than three hours away but could be worth the drive. The building dates to 1843 with hand-made brick according to its website. Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain is located at 604 E Waldron St., in Corinth.
Latham’s Hamburger Inn
Southern Living’s description of Latham’s Hamburger Inn states: “The homemade pie flavors change daily at this Magnolia State favorite, but the legendary dough burgers (beef mixed with flour, also known as a slugburger) haven’t wavered since the spot opened in 1928. Even through a move in 1974, Latham’s has retained its old-school feel using the same wood and cast-iron barstools and counter, original cash register, and a 1960s drink cooler where guests can help themselves to a glass bottle coke.”
Latham’s Hamburger Inn is located at 106 Main St. W. in New Albany.
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Know an event coming up or have a good story idea? Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com and Follow on X @Ki_dajournalist
