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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I mean, what else can be said? Place is small, homey and fantastic. If you want excellent sandwiches with great grease, you've come to the right place. Place your order to the very friendly lady behind the counter (I went with a smoke sausage, pig ear and bologna), and everything is cooked on a verrrry seasoned griddle. They are famous for the pig ear (which is very tender and quite good) but my favorite was the bologna; I forgot how great fried bologna can be (and the lady said it was her favorite too). As authentic as it gets. read more

Big Apple Inn - Smoke, pig ear & bologna (counter-clockwise from left) - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

The smokes are like heaven on earth. Nothing like them anywhere. I can usually replicate ANYTHING but not these. I literally CRAVE THEM.... read more

I had been dying to go to this place since I saw it on Bizarre Foods. The sandwiches were really soggy. I thought the meat might have a little crunch or crispness but the little smokies tasted raw. The pig ears were squishy. Tamales were really good. read more

I've always patronized both locations, downtown is closer to me, but my last visit I saw different people in downtown location. Although it was crowded, I waited almost a hour for my $24 meal, I won't do the downtown anytime soon. The cabbage, was plan cabbage, not made up in a slaw like sauce. I don't know where previous employees went but I can say , not the same. Bring them back. read more

Love to stop here when I'm in Jackson! The smokes and tamales are my favorite...took my Dad and he absolutely loved it. read more

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

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Ok if you every come to jackson you have to stop by. It's a hole in the wall, you might be skeptical when you arrive but you won't be disappointed! Now if you like really spicy get hots, if you like just spicy get mild if you like no spicy get no hits. After that just order to your hearts content. Everything is priced very well so you can get multiple things. It's a landmark and historic and you will feel it when you walk in. read more

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

The workers are very rude.. I would hate for rude mfs to fix my food.. ugh disgusting

I was heartbroken to find the place closed and looking pretty forlorn. I hope it's only temporary! Long trip from Rochester, NY, only to find it shuttered. read more

This place bring back memories from my childhood. My parents would bring us here. We sat in the car as they brought our lil bag of sammiches lol "smokes." I like mine, mild, no slaw! I called this morning and asked what time they open? He said zealously .... now! I was like I'm on my way .... A lil bite of comfort !!!! They offer a few other items, but this all I need or want! read more

Big Apple Inn. Man! So let me start by saying that I'm in Mississippi because the navy has sent me to meridian, Mississippi to learn my trade. That said, I'm only in the Jackson, Mississippi area because of this place (Big Apple Inn). I'm not going to lie, I saw it on the Anthony Bourdain show and pretty much, if he can eat it, I damn sure know I can eat too. Not just because he ate it but because I love food! So I convinced my buddy to drive us down to try this place and he obliged and man was I glad he did. We navigated to Jackson and never been here before so seeing such an empty town was shocking. I mean downtown is like a ghost town. This particular location is the original place and everything around it is either demolished, broken down, and there are no signs of life for miles. It's creepy. The Big Apple Inn itself is attached to a building that should really be condemned by all structure standards. The upstairs is windowless and nature has started to overtake it. Ever seen an episode of Forgotten Planet? I have a feeling they're going to add Jackson to that series. Luckily for me, my buddy is a foody and a Bourdain fan as well. We stuck it out and dined! So upon pulling up to the half demolished location you naturally become aware. You don't feel comfortable. Yet the outside appearance seems inviting, mainly due to the clean exterior entrance banner and "OPEN" neon sign. But when you enter... God so, I just re-read what I've wrote up to this point and I feel like I'm bashing this place. I'm sorry, I'm really not trying to. So truthfully, the interior is very off putting, yet you get a whiff of what's cooking and it makes it all worth the shock. You get a look at the menu, which is very minimal and first thing you see is "Pig Ear Sandwich." Immediately I order 2. One hot, one mild. I also order the tamales. Wait "Tamales" in Jackson! I didn't see any Mexicans around except me!!! I get my Pig ears and BOOM. Mind is blown! The texture, the taste. It's all worth it. Pig Ears were delicious!! Hamburger delicious! Tamales were little to my standards, but the taste is amazing. The price is surprising. I got 2 of each item available and I paid $16!!! That's it! It greatly saddens me to think that this place will fall apart at any minute (but it's a real possibility). To what I've heard just by asking this section of town is historical not only to music history but to civil rights history, yet the city has failed to maintain it. Tragic. Note: On this visit, I experienced an ignorant, very rude, and very unnecessary moment. Two guys (white) drove up to Big Apple Inn: one was extremely excited about being in the same place as Anthony Bourdain, while the other, just as I explained, demonstrated awareness of the surrounding area, stepped into the restaurant, looked around, got a whiff and immediately, with no regard to the employees or waiting customers says, "I can't eat here, I can't even sit in here." What a rude dick!!!! Some people are just ignorant and can't be fixed, but your mom hopefully taught you manners. I hope that person reads this and knows taking about them. Yes this location is old, beaten down and if a California health inspector stopped by they would shut it down on the spot, but this is a gem. Hopefully the management figures something out and they can keep this establishment up and running. A little restoration and this place is a Jackson attraction for sure. read more

This is my favorite place to eat when I come to Jackson. my favorite is the spicy smokes with slaw, it will definitely warm you up on a cold winter day read more

You have two locations, one on Farish Street and then you have the location on N. State Street (Hwy. 51) - however this is the original location. Food is good! This is the kind of stuff you get while you are on the go, it is truly an original Jackson, Mississippi staple - make sure you check out both locations. I did my full review of the business at the N. State Street location, pictures and all. read more

Best home atmosphere i love my pig ears and smoked sausages. It is really a tradition here. If you never been you have got to go.

This is a hole in the wall and in a bit of a dodgy area but the folks are friendly and I did enjoy my Red Rose and Pig Ear sandwiches. Sort of like soul food Krystal, if you will. not for everybody unless you are a foodie adventurer. I am. read more

Had to stop in after watching the Anthony Bourdain delta show. Made the correct call in going to the original location as it has a lot of character. Stopped in on the way to New Orleans from Memphis and found the ladies working to be very nice and they made the sandwiches hot and fresh to order. The smokes were good and really spicy. One in our group actually got a cheeseburger and it was pretty good also. The pig ear had good flavor but as some have mentioned the texture/consistency was a little different. Two layers of fat with a chewy cartiledge in the middle. We did get hit up for money which being from Memphis wasn't anything new to me. I got a couple extra ear sandwiches for the guy and he was appreciative. Really glad we stopped as it is a mission in life for me to eat at family run places and especially ones with a long history. Big Apple Inn lived up to expectations! read more

Big Apple Inn - Ate our ears on the tailgate. - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Stoped by on our way back from Memphis for some good food. My husband raved about this place but when we got there it was one of the most disgusting places I've seen in my lifetime. GREASE GREASE GREASE. It was everywhere, then pilled on the grease was dust. Loads of it. I could even The the cook making my food because the grease was covering it. I guess because it was raining the entire back of the building was flooded which you could see from the counter. I frequent many hole in the walls but this place was not one I'd think I'd ever come back too. I only gave it 2 stars because the sausage sandwich wasn't terrible but I was afraid to eat it after walking in and seeing where my food was being cooked. I felt bad for going in a not ordering at least something. read more

Oh gosh this place is such a treat. They just do a couple of things but they are unique and excellent. The smoke is a smoked sausage sandwich. You can get it hot, mild or no-hot. I would advise hot or mild. This is a ground sausage patty smashed onto a soft soft soft bun with some sauce and slaw. It is basic but incredible. People probably have told you to come here for a pig ear sandwich. I am not a fan, but it may be the cheapest and quickest way to get some calories if you need them. Plus, it is unique. Their tamales are good too. Probably the same supplier as most places in jackson, but they do a good sauce that they cook them in. Everything is a little messy but it is delicious and easy to eat. I see people coming in and out all the time picking up bulk orders of sandwiches. They would definitely make an easy thing to feed a crowd. This is a must top by place in Jackson. read more

Quintessential Jackson. This place is a must do while in town. If you are up for it try the pigs ear. Simple and unassuming but full of flavor. Personally the mild topping was pretty mild. I'd say that if you get a medium when you pick up salsa at the grocery store you can probably handle their hot. read more

If you are a true foodie and you appreciate REAL culinary experiences - you have already had a PIG EAR SANDWICH. Well, compare your last one to Big Apple Inn's and Big Apple will win every time! Try one hot and one mild. Also try the SMOKE sandwich. I am not qualified to explain what a SMOKE sandwich is...ask when you get there. The staff is very friendly and the food is great. read more

My first time here...it's definitely an "iconic" place! Not my thing but hubby has wanted to come for years! He liked the pig eat sandwich but said the fried bologna and "smoked" were the best! I had half dozen tamales and they were surprisingly good! The customers and staff were genuinely nice, funny and lovely. Everyone should come by and experience it for themselves...it's funky! read more

My number one all time favorite food trip stop the legendary big apple inn. A can't miss time machine experience in Jackson Mississippi. It is the last survivor of the music capital farish street now the buildings there have trees growing in the windows but the big apple inn is alive and always hoping. The pig ear sandwiches are phenomenal and the smoke sandwiches deserve a place on the bucket list of every foodie on the planet. Their is no pretension in this place a simple small griddle and a few small utensils with a coke machine with every flavor of Sunkist available. The building seems to have had no renovation and the atmosphere speaks of times long past. Oh and never ever leave without trying the tamales. The business was originally built solely on these authentic Mexican delicacies by the current owners great grandfather. This place is a national treasure a must for anyone looking for the old south experience. read more

Big Apple Inn - Me at the big apple inn store front - Soul Food Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Big Apple Inn has the best smokes! I would definitely recommend them. Location isn't the best, but the food is good.

Hospitality at it's best and truly a Jackson historical location that will not be found in books. So much oral history can be learned from this place either from the staff, owners, or neighborhood locals. If you want down South soul food like tamales, smokes, or pig ears this is your best bet. Its small and friendly and probably one of the greatest original staples in the city. You have to know a local to know about this place. But be warned- its addictive and 'healthy options' is not apart of the menu. Its truly a local neighborhood place that has been around and will hopefully always remain. read more

Smokes and ears. That's Red Rose Sausage out of its casing and slow boiled pig ears. That's it. They do two things and they do them well. Both come on a small bun with mustard, slaw and hot sauce. You can order no hot, mild or hot. Everything is $1.05, with tax. There's a soda machine for drinks. Southern Foodways Alliance documentarian Joe York made a short film about The Big Apple Inn available here: http://vimeo.com/7439544 This isn't polished or fancy. It's in a part of town that's increasingly popular for live music and nightlife, but is obviously still run down. The attraction is the food and the fact that you're not likely to find either item on a menu anywhere else in the state. It's a chance to eat something simple and hearty that tastes good in a place with historical significance. read more

This one of my two favorite restaurants in Jackson. The red rose sausage sandwiches are nothing short of amazing. They also have pig ear sandwiches that many live. If you live out of town, order several as they are small sandwiches. They are ordered in spice levels of no hot, medium, hot & extra hot. I now live in California, but I often think about this place. You must treat yourself to either the Farish or State St location. Their State St location is in a better side of town, but neither location has the upper hand on the other in taste. Gino is one of the owners & he is a super nice guy. You won't be disappointed with their sausage sandwiches!!!!! read more

Finally got to try it out. Glad today was the day I went to the metro location ( couldn't find it on yelp xD ) I was greeted by a wonderful man and Geno himself I didn't expect him to be there. I've been living in Jackson my whole life and never tried Big Apple Inn. I watch food network and saw this place years ago but never went to go check it out. I'm glad today I got the opportunity to do so. I told Geno that I was new and it was my first time he said well since it is im gonna let you try one before you buy it to get the taste in your mouth lol. I like the vibe I dig it. I was blown away with the hot sausage slider it did not disappoint I finished it and it was delicious for sure. After that I got 3 hot sausage (hot) and 1 pigs ear, although the ear wasn't something for me I'm glad I got to try it and I appreciate the history that has been provided by the staff and Geno himself keep it up! Definitely recommend read more

Hold in the wall with tasty greasy and flavorful sandwiches. Pig ears, Krystal style sliders and hot sausage sandwiches are the taste of the day. A local spot to stop and check out when in the jackson area. read more

One of the the best restaurant in Jackson hands down the smokes are great good service a good family business if you haven't been I suggest you try it out its worth it read more

OMG !!!! How did I live in Jackson born and raise and not know that this place existed??? Where have the smoke sandwiches been all of my life? I am seriously craving one now. Thanks to my friend Carlyn for posting up a photo of her delicious looking smoke sandwich, I had to go try one and they are SOOOOOOOO GOOOD!!!!! I will be back often to eat here again. Lovely and friendly staff and great food. read more

The food is very GOOD at this place. My dad introduced me to this place years ago and I've food from here several times and it's still as GOOD as the 1st time I had the little spicy burgers with the onions & mustard....matter of fact. I will be there today to order some....thank ya'll and keep up the GOOD work read more

the smokes are amazing and the pig ears sandwich cant be beat. great staple on farish street love me some big apple.... read more

2 smokes and 2 ears with a Dr. Pepper. Doesn't get any better. read more

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

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I had a wonderful time with my sisters at The Big Apple Inn. The tamales, pig ear and smoke sandwiches were excellent. The staff was friendly and met our every need. If you haven't been to The Big Apple Inn, you're missing some great history. read more

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Hands down this was my fav place to eat when I ate meat. The Pig's Ear sandwich was great and not at all scary to eat .( I mean, you can see the pig's hairs on his ear when you get it!) The ambiance is classic JXN, and I wish there were more historic Farish street places still open. Big Apple Inn is a must go to not only because of the history---- there's great tamales too. read more

My mom would take us here every Saturday. I try to keep the tradition going with my kids. They smokes rae small but they are full of favor. I personally like the ears. My kids are afraid to eat those. ha ha read more

I started eating from Big John's while in college back in the late '60's. I moved out of state after college. EVERY time I come home I go to Big Apple Inn for 4 pig ears HOT to start. I take at least 20 home with me. Whether pig ears or smokes, they freeze well. Steam frozen wrapped for 3 minutes brings little sandwich back to original soft texture. I've been doing this 40 years now. read more

If you're up for something different other than the same old same old then give Big Apple Inn a try! I can only endorse the smokes as I would never willingly eat a pig's ear but to each their own. Also, can't explain it but the other 2 locations just can't cook em ( i.e. the smokes ) like the Farish ST location! read more

Totally over rated. Food was a total train wreck and sloppy mess. I don't mind sloppy and messy if the flavor is there but in this case - it was not. The Bologna was barely placed on the grill and I couldn't even find the slaw. Smooshed and smashed together this gets a one star. The famous smokes had no flavor other than the hot sauce. Tasted like partially cooked bacon bits that were soggy. Again couldn't find the slaw and smooshed together. Same for the ear. The menu needs updated - is it really that much trouble to keep it up to date? No drinks but for machine. The only positive was the lady who served me was courteous -not very friendly - but at least not ugly with me. Not sure where all the hype comes from unless cheap and greasy is the criterion. These TV shows always over rate these dives. Been to 50+ of them all over america that are highlighted on famous tv shows and about 10% meet the expectations. About 70% are not even close. This one fits in the not even close category. Wouldn't bother to go back even if they were free. My suggestion- go to Krystal's - cheaper and way better- don't bother to make this trip unless you really are hard up and want to verify this review. read more

Wonderful pig ear sandwiches !! The lil smokies are almost just as good! And the tamales were delicious. As anywhere in Mississippi the service was super hospitable, nice, and laid back. Even my buddy who isn't a foodie like me loved the sandwiches but I didn't share my tamales cause they are that good!! Nothing better than great food and great history at the same place. But be observant headed down to find it cause u can pass it up. But just look for Hamilton St on left and then it's 2 1/2 blocks ahead on left. If you are in downtown Jackson you have to go give it a try even if you aren't a foodie. The pig ears are so delicate and delicious. They almost melt in your mouth. They have the best Pork flavor I have ever tasted in my life. And the lil smokies are a sausage that's essentially ground sausage diced up. And they are delicious in their own right. Try the mild so u get a better flavor of the sausage. Both come with a type of slaw and some mustard. But that's all they need. The tamales come in 6 or 12 orders and they are great. They are some of my favorite. They are on par with all the delta staples. Please give this place a try. It's sooo worth it. There are even a couple blues trail markers on the street headed to the restaurant. read more