I believe anyone who has ever come through Mississippi for a brief or long stay knows about The Hot Smokes at Big Apple Inn. Now, it's up to you if you want hot, mild, or no heat. But trust me, we all get the hot. It's the right amount of heat that doesn't set your mouth on fire. You don't need a glass of water nearby. The heat, in this case, adds flavor to an already-favorable sandwich. Another thing is that no one orders, just one smoke. In the past, I saw numbers go as high as ten hot smokes and five pig ears. Yes, they serve the most tender pig ears. But yesterday, the orders were as high as 35 smokes and several pig ears. And if you don't want the pig ears on a bun, it's your choice to have them put in a container. Also, I love the family atmosphere; it's a small place with a couple of long tables. Most people come in know the next person in line, and they shoot the breeze until their order is ready. I'm sure that during my college days, I accepted lots of dates in that line. We all did! But, I want you to know there is a second location now, and I'm sure it's just as good as this one with the same recipe, but I prefer this location in the heart of Downtown Farrish Street. read more

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This right here is down south at its best. I can't call this place a whole in the wall but it feels that way. The folks working here are entertaining and the experience or ordering is one that I have never seen before. They write your order on a paper bag or a piece of cardboard! Not to mention there is a line of people against the wall waiting on their orders and we just strike up a convo it was true southern hospitality. Now the menu is as Mississippi as you're gonna get. With fried bologna sandwich's to the chopped sausage sandwich, to the pig ear sliders. Yup pig ears. They also have delta tamales. I'm adventurous so I ordered 1 "ears" and people in line were like "oh man you gotta get at least five of 'em they small and you gonna love 'em". I'm adventurous but not like that lol. I said I'll give it a try and if they are that good I'm sure I'll be back. I talked with the locals while waiting on my "ears". Once I got my order I went to the car to give it a try. I was horrible lol the texture is not something I can't do. It's an acquired thing I'm told lol. But the rest of the food looked and smelled sooo good. The experience and the history of this place (look it up) is really worth a trip. I recommend going here if you're ever in Jackson and I recommend trying the "ears" but also get some tamales and a sausage sandwich read more

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Service is great would recommend going here before any other.. I will drive the extra mile to get to this one. read more

Had to make a pit stop while I was in Jackson at the famous big apple inn. I really wanted to try the pig ear sandwich that I learned about on tiktok. It does look really old inside like it's been there for a while. I got one pig ear sandwich and one smokee sandwich. Well more like a slides. I really enjoyed the pig ear slider if you don't like texture then proceed with caution lol but it was flavorful and I enjoyed it. Not the smokee slider I didn't like at all. All in all I give this spot 4 stars. Go and try this staple for yourself. Service was excellent. read more

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This iconic place in Jackson, MS has been around since 1939. It's small, no frills diner. They are known mainly for their pig ear sliders and smokes which is a smoked sausage slider. They also have hamburger sliders, bologna sliders, and beef tamales. I'm not adventurous enough to try a pig ear so I ordered a smoke and a hamburger slider and a half dozen tamales. The sliders are prepared when you order so there is a bit of a wait but its worth it. The sliders have a little bit of mustard sauce and slaw on them. The burger was very good. The smoke was delicious. I ordered it mild but I plan to return to try a hot one. The tamales are small but flavorful. They come in either a half dozen or a dozen. Its very easy to eat a half dozen in one sitting. They are just that good! I'm glad I was able to check out this historical place while visiting the area. I will definitely be back. read more

Big Apple Inn - Smoke sausage slider - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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Sooooooo in love with the Pig Ear Sliders! Ugghhhhhh I wish I didn't live so far!!! The Red Sausage Sliders and Bologna Sliders were bomb too. Now I'ma be missing it 'til my next trip back to Jackson, Ms :( read more

This is a very popular place with locals in Jackson. I picked out two baby sliders a hot and a mild. The mild, in my opinion, was better. The couple making all the food had an amazing rhythm and every move showed their efficiency of long term working together. One of the other diners advised me, that next time I needed to get the pig eat and the smokie hot. read more

I wanted to go here to see what the hype was about the pig ear sandwiches and the smokes; however, I didn't get to order. First, let's start by the outside appearance. There were no windows in the upstairs part of the building. How can they keep bugs and animals from the food areas? Next, I can understand nostalgia, however, basic updates and cleanliness is a must in the restaurant industry. Next, once we entered, there were several people waiting on food; however we were not acknowledged because one of the ladies was seated and on her phone. There was no restroom and being that we had traveled a long distance, it was a huge inconvenience to travel somewhere else to use the restroom and then come back. So we opted for somewhere else that was cleaner. I was highly disappointed because we wanted to patronize this long time and established business. I don't know how the received an A rating. read more

Big Apple Inn - Outside - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

My mom raised me on the smokes. She was born and raised in Jackson and she hadn't been back home in about 15 years so it was a must to stop by. Still taste it exactly the same. I love the hot sausage and she loves the pig ear. Thought I would have a chance to order a bunch before I left out of town on Monday and didn't realize that they were closed. So disappointed. Can't wait to go back and this time I will make sure to give more than a few. Must have if you're traveling through Jackson. read more

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I was visiting Jackson for work and I had seen this place on tv, I can't remember the show. Probably something on Food Network, but I'm not sure. So I tried it. The line is long so be prepared to wait. There were a few first timers, like myself in there but it mostly regulars. So I guess, that's speaks for itself. I ordered the bologna, the smoked sausage and the tamales. I did end up with a pig ear also. Ummm, I liked the tamales, they're hot, but they were good. read more

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Exactly what I was hoping to find. Perfect in every way. I've seen it in many food shows and it was a smaller hole in the wall than it appears on TV. I couldn't have been more impressed. Both sandwiches, the pig ear and the Smoke were perfect. I grew up eating pig ears as a young kid in the hills of Appalachia so they felt like a trip down memory lane. The Smokes were tremendous as well. Please don't ever change a thing Big Apple Inn. read more

It's wild to me that people love this place, and even while we were waiting for our food people were steadily in and out. perhaps i should have gotten the pig ear sandwich; i brought my crew here and upon arrival it looked like a greasy spoon. there is a big A rating on the wall from the food inspector, the place is need of some deep cleaning. all in all we got 3 burger slider add cheese, 2 sausage slider and 6 tamales. for three people. the beef slider are a greasy hot mess, it has a flavor that says this is gonna hurt later and it did. the buns are toasted on the flat grill soaking up fat, we did eat the burgers. the sausage sliders are another story. the color is gross and the texture is just wrong. i ate one, the other guy refused to even taste it. the tamales look like something from the grease trap and have an unrecognizable smell. we could not eat them. who knos it might have tasted good but it look and smelled so bad. i do not know how they got an A rating from the health dept or why anyone would say this is good much less come back. did they bribe that food inspector or photo shop the A? IDK read more

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Great to see an operation that has been around as long as they have and still doing everything the same. Many people may know of red hot sausage from there childhood if the were around in the 70's. But most young kids have no idea unless they are from the area. The simplicity of the smokes the mustard the slider buns just a great look into a time of segregation and a bygone era. Smokes were awesome and thin sliced pig ears something our youth just over look. And the hot tamales were something from my childhood growing up in south Louisiana. Ours were beef not turkey but still great. We were passing through and remembered Big apple inn from Andrew Zimmern. The foot was great but the look back into history was even better. read more

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Hope they never change a thing! Awning rotting off in front, inside looks like my dorm room did in college years ago but an awesome experience! Had the pig ear, hot sausage and hamburger sliders. All unique and all very tasty! Prices are CHEAP....don't know how they hold them so low. Pretty long lines at 11:30, all the locals know about this place! read more

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This place is just as I expected it to be. A small establishment that is one that you won't forget. I know this place has some history to it. The burgers make you want to throw away a Crystal Burger. What an experience. You have to go there to understand what I'm saying. read more

You want back of town service and food, here's your place. It's very New Orleans like. Dirty, old and good. Seriously.

Simple and unrefined. It's longevity is a testament to its charm and stability. I was impressed with the genuine simplicity of the establishment. I had three Pig Ear sandwiches but could have had 10. I shall return to conquer my belly. read more

Big Apple Inn - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Every thing was good I believe this is a must try. We enjoyed the pig ear the sausage and the tamales.

I had planned a trip to jackson ms for the sandwiches but now after visiting the place i am sorry to say that i am very disappointed with the conditions and lack of service it's not what i expected from what i saw on the website two employees were working, the place is in dire need of repair and maintenance. Out of 5 stars i have to give them a 1 out of 5 and 5 being the best read more

There are two locations in Jackson. Both great. Best pigs ears in the state. It is their signature dish and I recommend trying it if you have never had it. They have been around forever and deserve to be. The red hot sausage on a bun are also great. There are just a few things on the menu but you can't go wrong. I always order too much and take some home. Sometimes there is a line but most of the time the food is up before you have a chance to look around. I'll be back read more

Finally! The long awaited anticipation to try this Jackson establishment for the notorious pig ear sandwiches is over!!! Cross country or not, this is a worth a visit! At $1.50 a pop for a sandwich - this is 120% a great deal and a staple of Mississippi. Once visited by the late Anthony Bourdain, this is a spectacular almost hole in the wall of authenticity! You can't forget the Tamales either at $6 for half a dozen or $10 for a dozen, they really pack a punch! This is no modern joint, but the food is delicious, you can definitely devour a bunch of the pig ear sandwiches no problem and we even brought some to go. I'm so glad that I got to make a trip to visit such an iconic place in the south and try the delectable food items here. While pig ear sandwiches are their specialty, they offer tamales and other sandwiches as well. I would say the smoked sausage is a close second to the pig ear, but if you're visiting you definitely need to try the staple. They do have a vending machine for drinks inside, but I don't think they're opposed to you bringing your own in as well! Thanks so much!! read more

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Get the Hot Tamales, you won't be disappointed! But they are smaller than traditional tamales, so you may want to get a dozen. We also got Pig Ear sandwiches, they have an interesting texture but the taste was fine. I'm glad I tried them, but won't get them again. Order ahead so you can get them quickly. read more

2021 update- definitely visit the new Civil Rights museum to really know the legacy of this place. My smoke still kicked a**. The hubby loved his pigs ear sandwich and Hawaiian Punch. read more

Big Apple Inn - Pig ear sandwich - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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Good food, super dive, friendly people, blast from the past. If it's not broken they don't fix it. Panhandlers outside ask for food money but don't want Tamales?! I guess they are just tired of them? read more

Big Apple Inn - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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Today I experienced my first pig ear sandwich and It was unique moment in my that I will never forget. Apparently pig ear sandwich is a local / Mississippi delicacy. I'm not sure what to say....the locals love them, they say they are delicious.... Another item off my bucket list is all I can say. Maybe you'll like I'm just saying I didn't care for the taste or the texture. I would given one additional star but all I can say is cleaning up is essential in a restaurant. read more

First time visit, we got eat sandwiches and tamales. The ear sneaks up on you, kinda like an Italian beef, only the juice from the slaw mustard and ear mix in the bun to a satisfying bite, I'd go all spicy nettime. While there I heard regulars ordering special requests that probably takes awhile to learn. Tamales are awesome and would be my go to at this point. It was very tasty and the leftovers hit the spot. read more

Like everyone else, I saw this place on Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown. I started stopping here back when my blues rock band would book shows in Jackson. I respect the history here and admire how things haven't changed at all. The pig ear sandwiches are unique and taste like chewy bacon. I didn't know you could eat such a thing but they are boiled down soft. The hot sauce is what makes it. The half smoke ground sausage sandwiches are even better to me. They're hot so make sure you get 2 or 3 more cold drinks for yourself. What I feel is the best item of all are the hot tamales made with the ground half smoke sausage. I've been to Mexico and had great tamales, but Big Apple has the best I have ever had hands down. I haven't found tamales as good anywhere else. When I go to Jackson. I make sure I leave with a dozen. read more

Big Apple Inn - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Great sliders!!!! A must try especially if you like spicy food. This business has been for so long and I'm glad to see that they are still around. read more

The last time I bought food from this location on Farish street was horrible. The food has gone up there and if I'm paying that amt for a small sandwich, at least make it worth my while. I paid almost $22 for 5 smokes n 5 pig ears. They're not like they used to be. I guess the cooks make a big difference too. I will not spend anymore money there for that distasteful food read more

This spot has been here since I was a child. It's nothing fancy, but they serve the best hot sausage sandwiches in town. The cook is standing over the grill as soon as you walk through the door ready to take your order. There's no pen and paper. The cook ask "What would you like?" and immediately starts cooking your order. The restaurant serves a couple of different sandwiches: sausage, pig ears, and bologna. They all come hot or mild. My brother and I arrived at the restaurant as soon as it opened and there was a line of people at the door already. It was worth the wait. I ordered four hot smokes and a peach soda. These are slider type sandwiches filled with spices and slaw. I enjoyed catching up with my brother and the sandwiches. If you're ever passing through Jackson and you like real soul food give this place a try. There's nothing like it! read more

Big Apple Inn - Hot sausage sandwich - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Ever had a Pig Ear sandwich? Me neither until I went here!! It's a little hole in the wall, would've never known it was here. I ordered 2 sandwiches and it was a winner!! Stacked with flavor and the ear wasn't chewy at all. Would eat it again! read more

It isn't often that I'm faced with a food situation like the one that I had at Big Apple. I've tried just about every food known to man, and some known only to dogs.........BUT....I've never even heard of anyone eating Pig Ear Sandwiches. Only in Mississippi! ( And I mean this with respect) I ordered a Smoke (Smoked Sausage out of the casing), and an Ear (Pig Ear --actually two per sandwich). I ordered mild on both and they were prepped the same way. They come on a bun the size of a White Castle, with a little slaw, a bit of mustard, and hot sauce. The mild was pretty spicy. The Smoke was really very good. Let's move on to the Ear, shall we? I'm sure this was the best Pig-Ear Sandwich ever created, but I couldn't eat it! I ate one good-size bite, finished it, and couldn't eat the rest. The flavor was OK, but the texture of it put my stomach in knots. There's no meat in a pig ear, just ear. I wanted to like it, and the family that runs this place are nice, so I say support them if Pig Ear Sandwiches are your calling! I felt bad throwing it away--- i just hope there's not a deaf pig wandering around the Delta at my expense. read more

Big Apple Inn - Pig Ear Sandwich - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

When the menu said "hot tamales" I pooh poohed it cuz I'm from Tuscon and Las Vegas... I am impressed!!! Gonna take a few beers after this good meal... read more

Big Apple Inn - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

I ain't a smoke fan but I'll kill 10 hot ears extra slaw n a coke in a minute... if your a pig ear fan , then you'll love their pig ear sandwiches .... I have to have em at least once a month and take a nap behind em lol... they're that darn good thanks Geno and team for making my month for the last 15 years...farish street location is the bomb I love the old ambiance just makes the food taste better...Enjoy folks read more

We tried this spot when we saw it had a good amount of reviews and 4.5 stars. We had no clue about its history or that it was on Anthony Bourdain's show. I'm originally from Atlanta so its location didn't "scare" me like I've seen other reviews online say. It's not scary. It's not unsafe. People inside and outside of the restaurant were more than nice. The food was so incredible and life-changing. I highly, highly, highly recommend going here. Also, I recommend learning about its history and role in the civil rights movement. Google "Farish street" and prepare to be amazed and enchanted. read more

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Service was horrible. No Southern hospitality, no eye contact. No love. It was as if zombies were serving me. That being said, the price is pretty good: $1.50 for a Pig's Ear Sandwich slider. The mustard dabbed on it with good grease and grilled onions was not bad. But when I opened it, the sammich looked like a train wreck. Just a big greasy mess. It filled me up and I'd eat it again if I were starving to death, but because of the negativity of the service, I doubt I'd ever step foot in here, and I get the sense that the people working here would be happier if that were the case. I learned about the Big Apple Inn when I saw Anthony Bourdain stop by here on his Mississippi show. The staff treated Bourdain like a god. But I guess the staff only act nice when television cameras are around. The place inside is dingy and doesn't even have a bathroom. No love, no smiles, no happy times here. Well, at least there wasn't spit in my Pig's Ear Sandwich, so I'll give 'em an extra star. read more

Pig ear sandwiches are the cats meow , Geno n staff are awesome this is my Saturday fix...

This is a community staple. I have been coming to the "Big John's" for almost 40 years. Ascetically, it's nothing fancy, but the food is delicious! read more

I've been to the one one North State St but never the original. Love this place. What a dive. Gotta try a pig ear sammich. If that's too much a hot little smokie sammich. $1.50 each. Drinks $85 Eat in. Take out. Made right in front of you. Classic Jackson. Step out and see this place. read more

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This is where childhood memories are born. Standing in the same spot so many civil rights activists stand before him. To have these moments as a child, is more than just a meal. It's history, it's just a bonus to have good food. To be here and here stories of someone who was brought here as a child, and now they are bringing their grandchildren. This place is a permanent staple in our community. read more

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