Cruise down Liberty Street in Canton on a Saturday afternoon, and you’ll swear the air tastes of smoked hickory. The scent of slow-cooked barbecue is everywhere, but heed this—not all pits are created equal. Some serve merely serviceable pulled pork, while others achieve that perfect bark-to-smoke-ring alchemy. Always seek the latter (as though it needed reminding).
Two Rivers Restaurant
$$$ | (601) 859-9999 | WEBSITE
Join the steady stream of diners that fills the cozy dining room at this Canton favorite, and prepare for the feast: Across the rustic wooden tables arrive an array of sizzling bone-in pork chops, creamy filet specials with portobello mushroom and crab meat, and char-grilled oysters so plump you’ll need both hands to pry them open, and so flavorful they’ll leave your taste buds as satisfied as the patrons at Perry’s Steakhouse. You’re here for the pork chop but don’t skip the gumbo.
It’s one of the only ones in Canton worthy of the name, and so rich it practically has savory steam trails. You’ll also find them all at Two Rivers’ central location just steps from the historic Canton Square.
Penn’s Fish House Restaurants
$ | (601) 859-0696 | WEBSITE
Penn’s Fish House Restaurant is best known for its perfectly cooked catfish and cheese bites, served with a side of friendly service. They’re delicious, but we always sideline them for the fried mushrooms. Crispier than others in town, their golden-brown form clearly shows they’re made fresh to order. We’d gladly sit through a wait at the counter for the pleasure of dipping them in their signature sauce.
There’s also a green tomato appetizer that’s a welcome change up to those that taste like they’ve been dunked in heavy batter. Appetizers aside, it should be against the law to skip the modest fish portions, which arrive hot and flaky despite their smaller size.
Bamboo express
$ | (601) 790-7508 | WEBSITE
If you want the Crispy Black Pepper Chicken from Bamboo Express, get there before the lunch rush—the extra drive is worth it to avoid the inevitable sellout. There’s no skimping here. Instead, the well-seasoned exterior is satisfyingly crunchy, and the tender interior reminds us more of a proper stir-fry than your typical takeout. Save the crispy bits for last—the black pepper makes them the best bite.
The spacious restaurant’s generous portions, arranged like feasts on the table will also grab your attention but zero in on the Pork Fried Rice with the slightly savory pork paired with Shrimp Hibachi or Singapore Noodles.
JS Seafood & Wings 2.0
$$ | (601) 859-1144 | WEBSITE
No other seafood basket in town matches the generous heft of the one at JS Seafood & Wings 2.0. It’s so intensely fresh and hot that this place should be selling branded napkin rolls to catch all that garlic butter goodness. Alongside the perfectly plump shrimp baskets, these made-to-order dishes are surprisingly light, with a flavor profile that’s not excessively heavy. They’re buttery enough to be delicious, but not so much so that you’ll need a nap right after.
Don’t sleep on the boiled shrimp, a house specialty for seafood fans who want things a touch less fried.
Marlo’s Backyard BBQ
$ | (769) 257-2748 | WEBSITE
Marlo’s Backyard BBQ keeps it simple—and it works. Behind the restaurant’s unassuming storefront on a quiet street in Canton, you’ll find generous portions of BBQ’d chicken with two sides and dessert for under $15, amazing greens with a touch of sweetness and spice, and the prototype for classic Southern comfort food. The blackberry cobbler remains a must-try. It bursts with flavor the moment you take a bite.
And while it totally delivers in the satisfaction department, the portions are hearty enough to keep you full for hours without needing another meal first.
SANTAFE BAR & GRILLE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
$ | (601) 407-6217 | WEBSITE
Santafe Bar & Grille Mexican Restaurant’s 3 enchilada plate was named one of the best in Canton in 2026—and it still deserves the title. The crisp tortilla exterior gives way to tender shredded chicken on first bite, and the smoky red sauce, which tastes like it’s been simmered with roasted chiles, makes it the most flavorful contender on our list.
So expect a (fast-moving) crowd of regulars eager to snag this feast from the open-kitchen restaurant overlooking Main Street, which buzzes with activity on weekdays thanks to the lunch rush. Insiders know to ask when the next fresh chips are coming out—the answer is rarely more than five minutes. Grab a basket of warm chips and salsa to munch on while you wait.
Down South BBQ & Burgers
$ | (601) 707-5824 | WEBSITE
This cozy barbecue joint’s fall-off-the-bone ribs may seem to outshine this almost-too-perfect burger, but one bite is all it takes to understand just how much of a flavor bomb it is. Inside its tell-tale greasy wrapper, it’s got a shiny toasted bun that almost looks lacquered, and at the base of the juicy patty, a dense, smoky line of brisket showcases just how intensely savory it is.
It’s far from too heavy—instead, it’s majorly satisfying, with a lovely tender chew that makes up for its lack of frills.
El Patio Mexican
$ | (601) 391-3223 | WEBSITE
Grown-ups say, “Don’t play with your food,” but it’s hard to resist breaking apart the gigantic taco shell at El Patio Mexican, which crunches like a perfectly fried tortilla chip. Take a bite, and you’ll be rewarded with moist, fresh chicken taco salad spilling out, the cool lettuce and tangy salsa keeping the seasoned chicken center stage.
It’s no surprise this spot systematically ranks among the top eleven in Canton’s annual list, and the well-deserved reputation fills this welcoming restaurant so completely there’s barely space to find a table, even on the rare occasion it’s quiet. Luckily, the friendly staff does their best to keep the ice-cold tap beer flowing so you can dig into generous quesadillas or tasty fajitas without waiting another minute.
Dragon’s Garden
$ | (601) 859-8998 | WEBSITE
Think of this egg roll as the Southern cousin of the Cantonese classic. The crispy crunch and slightly savory filling balance out the richness, and you even get a hint of garlic. Once you’ve got your hands on one, head to the cozy dining area, only ten paces away, for a satisfying meal. If you can’t wait that long—who could blame you?—there’s quick service too, with perhaps an even better view of the kitchen, a landscape of sizzling woks and steaming plates.
While you’re here, grab Canton’s best Mongolian beef, with a stir-fry-style caramelization and tender beef slices—and direct any effusive praise to the attentive staff just around the corner on the main floor.
Ratliff on the River
$ | (601) 859-9586 | WEBSITE
There’s something rustic about Ratliff on the River’s atmosphere, from the backwoods bar vibe to the leisurely view of the river stretching beyond the windows. It feels unassuming, but settle in, and you’ll be rewarded with a pleasantly relaxed, almost unhurried pace, and an overwhelmingly scenic backdrop. Don’t skip the live music, the reason many locals traverse Canton to gather at this riverfront spot near the water.
The tunes, almost folksy, drift pleasantly through the air, and the casualness contrasts nicely with the busy energy of the crowd. Even if you arrive during peak hours, the staff won’t have sapped the patience from their service—basically sorcery in the world of packed riverfront joints.
Picante’s Tacos & Tequila Resturant
$ | (601) 691-5141 | WEBSITE
Make a beeline for the Hawaiian nachos—they disappear fast. If you’re one of the fortunate ones, snag a booth in the dining area, and savor the harmony of its cheesy layers before digging in. Balance is the secret at this Canton spot, with a queso con carne that walks the line between creamy and savory, hearty and smooth: a total family favorite. If you miss out, comfort yourself with a strawberry margarita in a salt-rimmed glass or a kid-friendly meal served with a smile.
Think of it as sunshine in taco form.
