Landmark eatery dating to 1935 featuring Greek-inspired seafood & steak dishes in retro digs.
Scott McCarty
Friendly, attentive staff; delicious food; excellent prices; classic diner appeal.
A coworker and I were staying at the Hilton nearby and decided to head here for dinner. I ordered a cup of the gumbo and knew from the aroma when it was set in front of me that this was legitimate gumbo. Delicious and full of seafood. I also had the catfish plate and the fish was perfectly cooked, delicious, and light and flaky. I was in foody heaven. Not sure why they’re not rated higher. Being from South Louisiana, I consider myself a gumbo snob – and they nailed it. Everything about the experience, including the manager stopping by to chat, was great.
… moreDouglas George
What a beautiful and iconic cafe in downtown Jackson. The new owners have honored the founders wonderfully by preserving the past and delivering amazing food and drink. The service is outstanding from the moment you walk in the door. Our food was delicious, full of flavors and perfectly prepared. Easy to find parking steps from the front door, we will make this a regular spot for us!
… moreMadeline Demetriou
We hosted our engagement party in the Mayflower’s event space and had the most wonderful evening! The process to reserve the room was simple and straightforward. The staff took such great care of us and our guests The food and drinks were 10/10 and I cannot recommend the Mayflower enough!!
… moreCharlotte Walker
Dropped in for lunch with my Foodie Girlfriends & had a lovely experience. There were 2 blue plate offerings which we selected — crawfish tetrazzini & hamburger steak. I had the feta burger. Excellent choices! Fresh tea, homemade rolls, friendliest service at a reasonable price. Definitely 2 thumbs up! Love it!
… moreJeffrey Couch
The Mayflower Cafe was founded in 1935 and is located on 123 W. Capital St. in Jackson. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Mississippi and was created by two Greek immigrants from the island of Patmos, George Kountouris and John Gouras. The restaurant has received statewide acclaim as “a must go to” restaurant in Jackson and was featured in films such as The Help and Ghosts of Mississippi.
Beginning as a hamburger joint during the Great Depression, the Mayflower featured a beer garden before Kountouris and Gouras expanded it into a full-service restaurant. The restaurant’s decor is old-school café with tile floors, glass mosaics, and leather booths. The owners chose the name the Mayflower Cafe as a result of a poll taken in the Jackson Clarion Ledger, and locals often comment that the neon sign above the awning is a landmark that welcomes them back every visit.
… moreTaylor Morgan
I hadn’t been to Mayflower Cafe in years – it’s an oldie but a goodie. We ordered the fried crab claws (needed more seasoning), broiled oysters (prefer oysters in the shell), stuffed crabs, scallops, rolls, and bread pudding – every thing was good (even the loaded butter). The restaurant is small and gets very crowded, but that’s part of it. Service was a little slow but it was a Friday night.
What really stood out was the kindness of their staff. The sweetest older gentleman working security walked us to and from our car and even opened the door for me.
Please support this local gem – it’s a Jackson classic for a reaon.
… moreLeo Stevens
Y’all…we loved our lunch at the Mayflower! What a joy to see the new incarnation of this Mississippi classic! The catfish was superb… fresh and perfect in every way. The sides were off-the-charts, too. Service was attentive and super friendly. And don’t get me started on the peach cobbler… can’t be beat! This is definitely our new favorite. Pay them a visit… you’ll love it, too!
… morePaul lavallee
It’s always a great food and dinning experience at the Mayflower Cafe in downtown Jackson. The atmosphere and dinning experience, especially after their recent renovation, has been exquisite.
A big shout out to Hunter and Cody for their direction and leadership. They’ve preserved the historic parts that make the Mayflower special, while also bringing a new twist and sense of life to the restaurant and to downtown Jackson.
Our team has had a great private dining experience here. Highly recommend.
I also recommend them for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or a group event of any size. Also, check out their cocktail menu—their bartenders are serving up delicious creations.
… moreJanet Marie Smith
Love the retro vibe. It’s authentic and well executed with many original elements – but new and fresh. Great bar from the original counter with favorite selections. Food excellent. Try the fried oysters. With a salad and comeback sauce of course. Great service and all around good energy and good quality! Very reasonable prices too and easy parking on Capitol Street.
… moreAnnie Longo
Born and raised in Coastal Connecticut—I’ve grown up around seafood and the ocean. We came for happy hour, and I absolutely loved my time at The Mayflower! Octavian provided the most fun, effortless, and pleasant service! The daiquiris were amazing and I loved the classic, Southern take on the charbroiled Oysters in Mississippi. What a gem Jackson has—my best wishes and continued success to The Mayflower!
… more