The manager is an absolute delight. Of course LG is always the highlight of our visit. Can't wait to come back! read more

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So this is a cafe which offers some upscale food. By day they are more of a diner with some more basic eats like burgers, sandwiches, plate lunches etc. and also offering more upscale items like seafood while at night they focus more on the fine dining items like steak and seafood. They only start offering their raw oysters during happy hour and at night. I found it extremely strange to not be able to get raw oysters during lunch while being able to get fried oysters as that made no sense to me. My perspective is coming from New Orleans where we can get raw oysters anytime we want them and also my expectations are also based on New Orleans which isn't really a fair comparison to Mayflower Cafe but it is the measure I'm used to. So the gumbo and seafood items I ate here simply wouldn't cut it in New Orleans and this place would go out of business if they opened in NOLA. The diner food I sampled with the feta burger also wasn't all that good and I've had better burgers in Jackson. I still haven't tried the steak here so maybe that is the star of the show that might redeem my opinion of this place. Overall I really enjoy the ambiance here and the service is hospitable although they are really slow about getting your iced tea refilled. For the prices they charge here I could have far better meals in New Orleans and at least somewhat better food in several Jackson restaurants. I could see coming here with a group could be a lot of fun while I would have low expectations for the food at this point. I still haven't had a chance to try their raw oysters but I'm pretty sure I've sampled some oysters that came from the same place or a place very near. Overall I really wish I found the food to be better at Mayflower Cafe but to my taste it just wasn't up to my flavor expectations. I don't feel very motivated to make a return visit but maybe I will give it another shot and try the steak and raw oysters in the future at some point. read more

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New owners, still delicious. Portions are enough to be filling but not so large that you waste half of it and still feel like that girl the Oompa-Loompas rolled out of Willie Wonka's chocolate factory. read more

I've eaten here several times over the years, and always had a good meal. On this trip, I enjoyed a salad with their comeback sauce, a cool glass of iced tea, and a Captain's platter. Delicious ! I'm very happy that the place is under new management, and they saved this landmark restaurant in Jackson. I'm also very happy that there are first floor bathrooms now. In the past you used to have to walk outside and go to a door that opened to a long flight of steep stairs to go to the second floor These old bathrooms were near the kitchen. read more

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10/10!! Amazing ambiance, drinks and food. The stuffed mushroom crawfish and blackened red fish with cream spinach was one of the best meals I've ever had! Excellent service as well, LG is an icon! read more

Went last Friday first time since they have renovated. They did a great job preserving the character and history of the place while also giving it a slightly more "upscale" feel. I appreciate that they now have a good cocktail selection. We started with the fried onion rings and they were delicious with the comeback sauce. The redfish was just as good as it's always been and a slice of lemon ice box to top it off! read more

So good. Great atmosphere and good eats!! Great service too!! We were there with a rehearsal dinner. They took very good care of us!!

I've been going to this place for my entire 47 years and the food is incredible. I know it's under new ownership. I just wish they would have the original comeback mayflower dressing. Nobody is going to convince me it's the same. It's not even the same color. Please pay what it takes for the recipe. read more

Awesome little historic cafe with amazing food! We came for dinner, catfish, seafood pasta, and oysters. NOTHING was bad! Service was ON POINT. Dish no longer being used? They were quick to remove it from the table. Refills were frequent. Octavian was our waiter and was great! His recommendations were perfect for us! read more

Forever a Jackson favorite w fresh fish. 37 years of being a customer should say it all.

So a few nights ago, my husband and I went to The Mayflower, in downtown Jxn. The experience was amazing! We were greeted by their gracious host/Manager, Roberta, and seated right away with the Phenomenal, Colombia. Every staff member, including LG (the security guard) welcomed us. Colombia greated our table with water and took our drink and app orders. We started with their Half Dzn Oysters-Broiled. They were breaded and broiled in their Mayflower fish sauce. I ended up dipping mine their house made comeback ::chefs kiss:: For dinner, we shared their Captian's Platter. It came with a redfish filet, shrimp, oysters, stuffed crab, soft shell crab, a side and a salad. We added some extra shrimp and oysters, along with an extra side salad and paid an up charge for cream spinach (in lieu of fries or baked potato.) Colo made sure to course our meal out by brining our side salads out first. We ended our meal with their house made Lemon Ice Box Pie. I seriously been dreaming about this pie. EVERYTHING was done right at The Mayflower and we are looking forward to going back soon. read more

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The location is charming, the food was delicious and the staff were amazing. This place was named one of the best restaurants in the U.S. by the New York Times and I agree. Everything from the lemonade to my salad, to the shrimp was wonderful. And I fell in love with the comeback sauce for which they are famous. read more

Classic diner with modern menu. Everything was fantastic. Soft shell crab was outstanding. read more

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The food is delicious, fresh, appetizing. No wonder they just got one of the 50 best restaurants in the US. For me, the cocktails prepared by Sydney are a standout feature of this restaurant. Absolutely delicious and well thought out. read more

A favorite for most of my 60+years in Jackson... the new ownership saved it from demise, with 'new money' new interior decor & a totally new( needed) kitchen, fine restrooms on this main level... the new Chef, partner (a James Beard nominee) has saved this landmark 1936? downtown diner from extinction... The Greek salad surprised me as it used only spinach instead of mixed greens, then I had to ask for Greek salad dressing. Oysters (3) were $2 each... next time I'll just get the wedge salad which comes with six or seven oysters. Janettes 's chicken sandwich needed salt and pepper or other seasonings as it was quite plain. The vegetable plate was very limited (4) owing to the size of the kitchen, I presume. read more

Fantastic vibe. Just Ike I remembered but better! Clean and fresh but the retro decor still with us. Great bar made from the original counter. Nice dining in the booths and tables. Food was excellent. Highly recommend the fried oysters. And the comeback sauce on the salad of course! A Jackson landmark for sure. read more

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I am staying at the Hilton Garden in a block or so away. I planned to go to the Downtown Snack Shop to grab a sandwich for lunch but they were inexplicably closed and the Mayflower was on the next block and looked cute so I decided to give it a try. Now, you have to understand, I am a Jersey diner girl, so it was definitely a less inclusive menu than I am used to but everything sounded good and the prices are reasonable. I think the best word to describe this place is charming. It has been around since the 1930's and had a really nice "old school" feel to it. The servers were super friendly and professional. I had a club sandwich. Until it occurred to me that I could remove the middle piece of bread, I felt like all I tasted was the toast (but that is what a club sandwich is, so I can't really complain about that!) The sandwich was otherwise delicious. The fries were hot and fresh. If I get to come back here for work again, I would definitely go back. read more

Great food, drinks and service. They kept the original booths and vibe. Their comeback dressing is the best in town! I went there with my father regularly when I was a kid and will be returning soon! read more

We are delighted with the prospect of the future as the reincarnation of Mayflower is coming! Chef Hunter Evans bringing the icon Jackson eatery back with touches of the classic Mayflower traditions- and a twist of modern culinary excellence. Much anticipated going forward! Kudos to the team working to create a unique dining experience, in this storied location 123 W.Capital St. read more

I'm not sure why this place doesn't have a higher rating... I realize that the ambiance isn't what most people are looking for now days, but it has so much character! What they lack in decor, they make up for in food quality and staff personality. Tricia was an excellent waitress with good recommendations. My broiled fish lunch special was SO good!! Jackson, please support these older businesses!!!! I want it to be in business so I can come again when I'm in town! They had a newspaper article that said 66 years of service was printed in 2001, so now it's 86 years!!! How awesome is that? read more

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This little cafe is on the corner and has been rated one of the most charming cafes in Mississippi. We already had dinner so we ventured out for dessert. This was within walking distance of the Hilton garden Inn. T the place was pretty full, but I did hear one of the servers comment that it was still a on the slow side. The average age of the customers looked to be overwhelmingly 65+. It's also worth noting that we were the only POC dining there, so that could make you feel a little uncomfortable if you are a POC. Our server was wonderful. She did talk us into getting one of each dessert and that was probably the best decision we made all day. She assured us that all three were delicious and she was 100% correct. We had the icebox lemon pie, the coconut cream pie (this coconut cream pie was literally the best coconut cream pie I have ever had. Seriously, the best) and the bread pudding. Even the thoughI love coconut cream pie and there's was SO good, I had a really hard time picking the best. They were all good and my husband, so and I continued to rotate through the desserts as we ate read more

Wow, what a find! Stumbled across this joint on my way back to the hotel. Ordered stuffed shrimp with fries. Unexpected salad came out first with what appeared to be a home made thousand island dressing. Only complaint, I wish the salad I didn't know I was getting was bigger. It was delicious! The shrimp came out shortly thereafter. Came with a side of homemade tarter, but asked for cocktailsauce. Should have just stuck to the tarter. It was phenomenal! Cocktail sauce nothing special. Fries were very nicely done, though could have been a bit crisper. Did I mention the tarter sauce, crazy good. Finished with a bread pudding. Why? I think I was drunk. They don't sell wine, but have a nice selection of beers. Mr. Heineken forced me to have the bread pudding and I've since come to learn, they've had a long term relationship behind my back. The bread pudding was super tasty, as was the Heineken. Matterinfact, I would come back for the breadpudding alone, it was that good! read more

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Food was delicious. Highly recommend Stuffed Crab and seafood pasta. Great happy hour prices 430-530, too!!!

I had the Red Fish Jane and it was buttery and delicious. Mayflower is an old school fish restaurant and they don't skimp on the butter. I also had to try the softshell crab and those were plump, juicy and delicious as well. Definitely would order again. On other visits, I've tried the broiled oysters and they were definitely juicy and delicious also. The Mike's gumbo was filled with seafood and a delicious red gravy. I was too full for dessert, but next time I'll try their lemon icebox pie. The ambiance is definitely historical, old school diner and I really felt comfortable and enjoyed my time eating there. The waitstaff were friendly and efficient. If you're in downtown Jackson, it's well worth it to stop by and enjoy the Mayflower Cafe. I know I'll be back. read more

using frozen fish now instead of fresh fish from the gulf as previous owner used. Also, new Chef detouring from original recipe's. I will not return. New owners spent a lot on renovations and then changed the food I would assume to regain their investment. I give it a year before it closes as word will get out. read more

Mayflower recently reopened under new ownership (the same team at Elvie's), and it is so nice! They renovated and revamped, but stuck with the classics on the original menu. Ignore the old negative reviews and go! read more

Got the Blue Plate hamburger steak with okra (very fresh) and candied yams. Excellent visit overall.

Probably the most iconic restaurant in Mississippi. Food quality is every bit as good as it was in 1935. Redfish and gumbo are a specialty. Some people go just for the comeback salad dressing. The Mayflower is the second restaurant to add this item to their menu and one of the most famous. read more

Mayflower Cafe - Iconic Ship models and posters. - Seafood Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Classic jackson. Great blue plates with large selection of different meats and veggies. Everything is so good, you can't go wrong with any option. I love the nostalgia in this place, but I love the fried eggplant and fried onion rings even more. read more

This place was outstanding!!! Most certainly one of my favorite restaurants ever! Small, quaint, you'd likely pass it right by unless you already knew it existed, it is a diamond in the rough friends! We heard from some of the valet guys at our hotel about this gem and so we decided to try it out. It is a historic family treasure. I ordered the Red Fish Jane and it was so savory and fresh, it was like magic in my mouth. Explosions of flavor and zesty rich red fish seasoned perfectly paired with the comeback sauce which The Mayflower Cafe is famous for- y'all, I can't say enough about this place. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The staff is super friendly. You must try it! read more

It had delicious redfish and bread pudding. Quaint place with friendly staff in an old cafe style building.

FYI mayflower cafe is closing for 8 weeks. Went for lunch today and they ran out of food!!!!

This newly renovated restaurant is beautiful. The space is crowded, but the ambiance is exactly what you remember if you've been here before. A plus is that you can now make a reservation. A minus is that the air conditioning is overpowering - either freezing cold or actually comfortable. The service was very attentive, but the kitchen had things to improve. We started with sautéed crab claws, which were perfectly cooked, but served in a sauce that was underwhelming. It was actually bland. Strangely it was accompanied by a ketchup based cocktail sauce which would have been good for fried claws, but inappropriate with the sautéed crab. We had to ask for bread. The Greek salad was really good, and substantially larger than in the previous iteration of this restaurant. We both had broiled red snapper, which was good, but nothing special. It was rather bland. It comes with a baked potato (wrapped in aluminum foil, like a cheap steakhouse) or French fries. There was a dinner special that included a crawfish stuffed baked potato, but they wouldn't serve that potato to me unless I ordered the special. That seemed odd to me. Any really good restaurant would happily accommodate my request. My wife said her baked potato was good, and my fries were also good, but likely frozen, not hand cut. When the AC came on it was freezing!! The prices were higher than I expected. The total bill, with 2 small pours of wine, was $146 before the tip. We were not impressed. It was good, but not special. Just good. read more

It's kind of crazy that I almost passed this place up. I was in town and in need of dinner. I headed a few blocks down from here to another restaurant (which shall remain nameless) and they completely dropped the ball. They only had one person working and she literally said to me "You're going to have to wait here for a bit before I seat you - that couple just left because they didn't want to wait, so you decide." What? How is that the way you greet someone.....so I decided. And left. SO. GLAD. I DID. Just a block away on the way to my hotel? I found Mayflower Cafe. Mayflower Cafe has a long history in Jackson. They've filmed a couple of scenes from movies here - and right before my trip to Jackson I watched The Help - which had a few scenes here. Kinda cool! As soon as I walked in I could tell these were all locals - and as my meal went on and I overheard conversations you could tell they were all regulars. They were nice enough to give me a booth for myself. The place was pretty packed - and they could of easily sat me down at one of the smaller tables....I wasn't complaining though. I ordered a Coke - and it was in a small glass bottle. I've never seen these served at a restaurant. But Coke in a bottle is always better (even if it's tiny). The menu here is very seafood heavy - with a couple of steak options. I actually wasn't expecting that - had I taken the time to read the reviews (duh!) I would of known they are actually known for their fish dishes. I went with the Redfish and French fries. They started me off with a salad- the dressing was awesome! It's homemade and kinda like Thousand Island - which I usually hate. The fish was incredible! I added a squeeze of lemon -and it was perfect! Simple yet amazing - the fish was braised and in its own juices (perfect seasoning) it was hard to explain - but I'd say possibly the best fish I've ever had. The fries were just fries - until they soaked up the juices from the fish. WHOA! They were incredible at that point! And then...dessert...why not. I heard everyone talking about (and at this point read some of the reviews at my booth) about the Ice box lemon pie - not overwhelmingly lemony - delicious whip cream with pie crust dust on top! It has a crunchy pie crust on the bottom and tart lemon custard in the middle...perfect. Then the only bad part of the experience - dessert was gone- I waited....and waited. And waited. And waitress chatted with her regulars - and I waited. And she kept carrying a convo with another table and I waited. It wasn't a crazy amount of time - but a good 15 minutes that I waited after my meal was done. I'm not deducting stars because she came over as soon as she glanced over at me and brought the bill. I get it - she was catching up with her regulars....I hope to one day be one of those regulars! I've literally thought of this fish almost every day since. Mainly because I was so surprised by just how good it was - especially since I wasn't expecting to have seafood here. When I get back to Jackson I'm definitely going to stop back in - and order it again. read more

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My food was ok, stuffed shrimp, house salad was good. The house sauce and onion rings were the second best part next to the staff. Security guard was amazing! read more

Please update your hours. Didn't get a chance to try. Walked in around 8:20 pm to a half full house waiting for their food. Was told by a woman that the kitchen was closed and couldn't order to got either. A little disappointing. Please update your hours on Yelp and Google. After sleeping on it I decided to update my 1star to 3. Since I wasn't able to try the food. My rating is based on service and feeling like I was lied to. read more

On our way home from Pensacola we decided to stop here as this place was listed as Mississippi's most iconic restaurant by Thrillst magazine. You can see the history in this place, luckily we were able to find parking in the back we arrived at 11:00am there were only two spots left. By 11:30 all the tables were taken. We decided to try a little bit of everything my wife ordered the red Jane and I ordered the captains platter. To start sweet bread rolls with butter is brought to the table reminds me of Hawaiian bread. Afterwards a salad is brought served with their famous comeback sauce. According to the reviews comeback sauce taste like remoulade with a smoky flavor. I thought it tasted like spicy thousand island, it was good did not blow me away. The red Jane came with the red fish fillet served with oysters, shrimp and served with fried green tomatoes. The fish was very flavorful, nicely spiced, the fried green tomatoes where served chopped instead of whole, prefer it whole but these were tasty. The captains platter was wonderful came with broiled catfish, scallops, soft shell crab, shrimp, and fries. The broiled sauce was absolutely wonderful just dipped my food in that did not bother with the cocktail or tarter sauce. The soft shell crab was my favorite had a nice spicy little kick and the crab and shell was real tender. Would love to come back here one day. My only complaint is the bathroom is located outside the restaurant on the side of the building, kind of annoying, but I imagine with a place this old hard to renovate. read more

This is a favorite, old time Jackson seafood restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner. I believe you can bring a bottle with your meal but call to confirm. Always fresh seafood, from gumbo, crab cakes and crab stuffed fish of the day. My first meal here was a steak and it was very good. It's a tradition for us and I recommend your putting it on your must try while in Jackson. read more

Mayflower Cafe - Stuffed (with crabmeat) flounder, bake potato - Seafood Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

They advertised that they are open until 10 and we arrived before 9 pm and they didn't let us in and said their hours vary in summer which they should have updated the website. They said they have turned off the grill and that's why they can't accept us . I don't recommend this place as one can go around 8 and get denied . Website is not updated at all. read more

Looked up Diners Drive-ins and Dives locations for the route my family was taking during my move. Passing through we stopped and my wife and I got the seafood platter and a couple slices of lemon ice box pie. I'm not sure if being from Texas has my standards too high, but I don't think anyone would ever knowingly spend $50 for the quality of food we received. Hopefully it was just an off night, but it was not the "fresh fish" that was advertised. The fish fillet was very fishy - like canned sardine strong - and Fish is usually my favorite protein. The 4 fried oysters were the smallest oysters I've ever eaten. The 2 fried shrimp were good size just not seasoned at all. And the stuffed crab had at least 5 pieces of crab shell in the mix, and the smallest amount of crab I've ever seen in one. Main points: 1. all the fried items were under-seasoned & soggy. 2. The portions were very small 3. The price for the quality did not match up 4. Price for quantity did not match up either read more