So, you’re “looking for the best spots in Poplarville.” Welcome to the club – a club full of people craving something truly memorable, not just another predictable meal. Here are our top picks for 2026, from hidden gems that locals swear by to places that are both delicious and worth the trip.
Crossroads Seafood & Grill
$ | (601) 958-0067 | WEBSITE
Even though Crossroads Seafood & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant (with a dining room full of cozy booths to drive the point home), it takes some navigating to find the stuff on the menu that isn’t fried chicken or seafood platters. But it’s there. Weekly rotating salads with fresh greens, perfectly cooked steak dinners, and the generous portions of Mac & Cheese are all good choices when you want a satisfying meal.
The friendly service and homey atmosphere make it an excellent spot for a family gathering or special occasion, offering great value at around $15-25 per entrée.
Eclectic Café
$ | (601) 746-5200 | WEBSITE
Eclectic Café is perfect for when you want to eat somewhere cozy, but also indulge – despite having very little willpower. You can scan the menu and flip it over looking for something light, but you’ll have very little luck. What you’ll find here instead, aside from a charming indoor/outdoor space and pickup window, are mostly comfort foods and baked goods. Not to mention pretty generous portions. Get the sibling rivalry sandwich if you want something that didn’t come from a package.
The pimento cheese and crackers are good, too.
El Mariachi Garibaldi
$ | (601) 403-9930 | WEBSITE
This is a Tex-Mex restaurant, but that doesn’t mean everything here is heavy. Far from it, in fact. The Hot and Spicy Burrito with rice and beans is probably not what you’re looking for, but the lighter items at El Mariachi Garibaldi are still great – like the stuffed poblano pepper over guacamole salad, or the coach special for a low-carb meal.
Round things out with some generous portions from combos like #48 or #49, and even though it’s slightly against the spirit of this guide, you’re probably also going to want the authentic, flavorful dishes to share with the table.
Java Moe’s Coffee Company
$ | (601) 746-5154 | WEBSITE
Java Moe’s Coffee Company is the best place in Poplarville to throw down some serious money on a fancy coffee drink. OK, it’s kind of the only place in Poplarville to do that. But it’s great. Expect things like the frozen red velvet ‘hot’ chocolate, a delicious frappe, or some coffee with different kinds of milk.
There’s a single cozy atmosphere with pleasant music, which begins with the friendly and professional staff providing excellent service and talking about all the menu items that cater to various dietary needs. It’s definitely worth it, especially for a relaxing visit – even if you’re not a coffee person.
Ernie B’s
$ | (601) 590-3271 | WEBSITE
Ernie B’s thing – aside from its cozy, down-home atmosphere that feels like stepping into a friend’s kitchen – is its classic Southern comfort food, which makes indulging here a genuine pleasure. Go for the best hamburger or some fried shrimp Po’Boy alongside boudin egg rolls, plus some attentive, friendly service that makes the whole experience memorable.
Perry’s Seafood
$ | (601) 795-2050 | WEBSITE
This is a charming seafood spot in Poplarville that, despite serving indulgent dishes like bayou bread topped with cheese and crawfish tails, also has some lighter, well-prepared options. The Perry’s Sea Cruise special here offers a variety of seafood choices (including grilled fish and shrimp), plus Cajun potatoes that add just the right kick. You can also skip the heavier fare and go for the peel and eat shrimp or a simple roast beef po boy, which still hits the spot. We promise.
Chinese Inn Restaurant
$ | (601) 795-8806 | WEBSITE
Chinese Inn Restaurant, located in Poplarville, feels a little bit like a cozy neighborhood spot inside. Fittingly, it earns its mention here because of one dish: the fried broccoli, a generous plate of crisp florets, perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender-crunchy perfection. Even with seafood options and other entrees in close proximity, you’ll want this.
Arby’s
$ | (601) 403-9850 | WEBSITE
If convenience to you means a quick bite on the road, Arby’s should be high on your list of places to get one. Your roast beef sandwich at this stop will come with whatever kind of fresh food is available. And while we’re on the subject of convenience, no, you don’t need extra time – everything in here is wheelchair accessible.
Best Wok
$ | (601) 746-5006 | WEBSITE
This place is great for at least three things: General Tso’s chicken, custom orders, and honest prices. You can build a commendably satisfying meal here from fried dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, and made-to-order spicy options.
Sticky Sauce BBQ
$ | (601) 746-5256 | WEBSITE
If eating smoky barbecue while feeling like part of the family sounds ideal to you, then Sticky Sauce BBQ should be in your kind-of-indulgent dinner rotation. Just know up front that it’s in a building, not a backyard pit, and instead of a real smoker out front it has the lingering aroma of one. But we’re confident you can enjoy this BBQ spot with your favorite meat-lover(s) for a birthday, casual date, or dinner with out-of-town relatives.
The brisket and stuffed potato are highly praised, and the portions are generous enough to take leftovers home, which are just as good the next day. With massive sandwiches, weighty plates, and reasonable prices (most entrees under $20), Sticky Sauce BBQ has become a routine stop for those passing between Hattiesburg and the Gulf Coast. The owner is known for being kind and generous, adding to the welcoming atmosphere where the staff makes customers feel like family.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (601) 403-8500 | WEBSITE
Domino’s Pizza has all the pizza classics, like pepperoni, cheese, and specialty pies – only here it’s exceptionally fresh. The Large 1-Topping Pizza (which is our favorite in town) doesn’t have too much grease. The delicious pepperoni pizza with melty cheese and crispy crust doesn’t have a ton of oil involved. And, all of the pizzas come with a side of friendly, fast service. Add a $7.99 deal alongside some late-night pickup convenience, and you’ll be very satisfied.
Deb’s Pizza
$ | (601) 795-2277 | WEBSITE
There are some less-than-healthy routes you could take at this pizza spot. Like ordering the all meat calzone for yourself, or getting the (excellent) dessert pizza with extra toppings. But many of our favorite plates here actually happen to be kind of good for you. The salad bar is fresh, not wilted, and the grilled chicken sandwich is the best protein on the menu. Plus, you can swap salad for pizza crust on any of the buffet options.
Pay no attention to the person across from you eating cheese bread sticks covered in marinara and garlic butter.