Mammy's Cupboard - Roadside Attraction in Natchez, Mississippi

For anyone who has ever been tempted to peek under a ladies skirt or literally get your hands within its forbidden boundaries, now is your chance without getting slapped. Of course the skirt that I am referring to isn't your normal run of the mill skirt that is made of fabric; I am talking about a skirt made of bricks. This particular skirt is actually the bottom half of a restaurant that locals have known for nearly seventy-years as Mammy's Cupboard.

The entrance to the family owned restaurant is actually located at the front of the skirt, leading you straight to a large comfortable table surrounded by atmosphere. Mammy's Cupboard is located in the border town of Natchez, Mississippi on Highway 61 south, just 15 minutes from the Jerry Lee Lewis Museum in Ferriday, Louisiana, and 28 miles from the ghost town of Rodney, Mississippi, two other popular roadside attractions listed on their site of places to see in America.

The peculiar architecture looks strangely familiar to anyone that has ever eaten syrup from a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth. Of course this popular black woman hails from the south and is known as mammy to all that loves her, thus comes the name Mammy's Cupboard where pancakes to roasted pork loin and pot pie are homemade, hot and ready to savor.

To say that the restaurant is unique would be an understatement in the very least. In fact the restaurant is a huge roadside attraction due to the stammering height of the 28-foot African-American woman that peers out to onlookers with a welcoming smile and a serving tray in hand. The locals scamper in regularly for the delicious food and quick service that Mammy's Cupboard offers.

The restaurant has not always been a welcoming gathering spot due to restoration issues that left the establishment looking like a war relic from days gone by. However since the restaurant's original opening date in 1940 the local favorite eatery has been renovated to her prior beauty. Once amputated arms have magically grown back, and her skirt has had new color applied to it.

Reactions from visitors stopping by to see what secrets are hiding within the ladies skirt are often surprised by the décor, and the staff, which happen to be all related. The food is akin to the area with offerings of specials which may include black beans with yellow rice, broccoli cornbread, layered green salad and sweet tea. Of course the turkey sandwich with blueberry chutney is also hugely popular with the locals.

A different special is offered everyday of the week during Mammy's Cupboard's operating hours which is from Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for lunch. A fast sweet sugar fix for locals that know what they love would most definitely include the famous hummingbird cake for dessert. This southern specialty is delightfully packed full of pineapples, bananas, and pecans and is outrageous in both taste and texture.

There can be a bit of a wait as the restaurant offers homemade pies and desserts that are simply delectable, as well as lunch entrees that are all made from scratch and worth the wait. The prices are also very reasonable, and the welcome feel of the place is a comforting place to rest up for the remainder of your day.

The majority of visitors that have graced Mammy's Cupboard have left excellent ratings at various sites online and many feel that the dessert bar looks like grandma was in the kitchen cooking all day and is a perfect end to a wonderful meal. This alone speaks for itself when it comes to whether Mammy's Cupboard should be on your list of places to see and dine at. Not only is it a famous roadside attraction that has outlived the elements, it is a mainstay and excellent choice for a quick, delicious, low cost lunch, and for any traveler this is welcoming news within itself.

Mammy's Cupboard, Address: 555 Highway 61 South, Natchez, Mississippi

Hours: Only lunch, Tues-Sat, 11 am - 2 pm. Phone: 601-445-8957

Food category: southern Price: Specials $8.00-$9.00

Fast Fact: Natchez is located along the Mississippi River in the southwestern bottom of the state that borders with Louisiana. It is famous in American history for its role in the development of the Old Southwest, particularly with respect to its location on the Mississippi River. For almost 300 years Natchez has been an international destination glistening with Southern charm & grace, along with infamous roadside attractions that make you want to stop and take it in for all that it is worth.