Welcome to Hicksville, one of Jackson, Tennessee’s most dynamic food neighborhoods. While it may not be the city’s most famous area, Hicksville has cultivated a culinary scene that locals adore and savvy visitors seek out. Whether you’re after down-home comfort food, international flavors, or Insta-worthy bakery treats, Hicksville serves up delights for every palate and budget. Let’s take a delicious stroll down the neighborhood’s best blocks to explore the standout spots and local traditions you won’t want to miss.
Where the Action Is: Hicksville’s Food Hotspots
Most of Hicksville’s foodie action clusters along Old Hickory Boulevard near the intersection with Hollywood Drive—a corridor where locally loved restaurants and hidden gems sit shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s the kind of area where breakfast can roll seamlessly into lunch or dinner, and where dropping by once just won’t be enough.
Standout Restaurants
- The Hicksville Depot Grill (Old Hickory Blvd & Hollywood Dr)
A longtime local favorite, The Depot Grill draws crowds for its friendly, retro diner vibe and reliably delicious Southern fare. Expect plates piled with catfish, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and some of the fluffiest biscuits in all of Jackson. Lunch entrees typically range from $10–$14, making it a solid everyday favorite. Don’t skip their homemade pies—fans swear by the chocolate meringue!
- Casa Mexicana Taquería (corner of Old Hickory Blvd & Devine St)
Lovers of bold, authentic flavors flock to Casa Mexicana for their tacos al pastor and slow-simmered barbacoa. The laid-back, family-run vibe is as inviting as the pricepoint: tacos start at just $2.50 each, and the massive burritos rarely top $12. Their salsa verde is legendary—ask for a side with whatever you order!
- Brooklyn Pizza Co. (Old Hickory Blvd, just east of the railroad tracks)
Looking for a pizza night? Brooklyn Pizza serves up authentic, New York-style pies you can buy by the slice or whole. Try their garlicky white pizza or the hearty meat lovers’ special; both are local legends. Brooklyn Pizza’s casual, by-the-slice setup makes it perfect for quick lunches or late-night cravings, with prices from $3 a slice up to $20 for a loaded XXL pie.
- Pho 731 Vietnamese Kitchen (at Hicksville Crossing Plaza, Old Hickory Blvd)
Hicksville isn’t just about Southern classics—there’s a delicious international thread as well. Pho 731 is a go-to for fresh, aromatic Vietnamese noodle bowls, crispy spring rolls, and hearty banh mi. A steaming bowl of soup runs about $10, and the grilled pork banh mi is a must-try. The warm, unfussy setting is great for both quick takeout and low-key dinners.
Beloved Cafés & Bakeries
- Hicksville Perk & Pastry (Hollywood Dr, near the Old Hickory intersection)
This cozy café has become the daytime heartbeat of the neighborhood. Start your morning with their house-roasted coffee and one of their decadent pecan sticky buns, or swing by for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with an oat milk latte and a slice of hummingbird cake. Baked treats change seasonally, and locals rave about their cinnamon rolls and lemon bars. Most drinks are under $5, and pastries top out at $6.
- Sunrise Sweets Bakery Truck (often parked by Devine St & Old Hickory Blvd)
Not a brick-and-mortar spot, but a true Hicksville hidden gem! This cheerful food truck serves cupcakes, cookies, and fresh-baked kolaches, all made from scratch each morning. Their strawberry shortcake cupcakes often sell out before noon—arrive early or call ahead to snag your favorites.
The Food Truck Scene
Hicksville’s love for quick, creative eats is showcased in its lively food truck gatherings, especially on Friday nights at the Hicksville Community Park (Hollywood Dr between Maple & Elm). Here, you’ll find:
- Big Daddy’s BBQ Wagon: Juicy ribs, pulled pork, and smoky baked beans—this truck’s slow-cooked barbecue draws fans from all over Jackson. Plates start around $12.
- Nana’s Noodles & Dumplings: Hand-folded dumplings and spicy sesame noodles, all made with local ingredients. Perfect for a grab-and-go dinner for $8–$12.
- The Tailgate Tostada: Tex-Mex style tostadas with generous toppings—from flame-grilled chicken to house-made guacamole—great for a light snack or a full meal.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
- Griot House (Maple St, west of Hollywood Dr)
This tucked-away soul food kitchen is a cult favorite for oxtail stew, fried green tomatoes, and Sunday-only peach cobbler. The prices are wallet-friendly, with most main plates under $14. Griot House is only open Thurs–Sun, so plan accordingly!
- Mama G’s Jamaican Eats (food stall inside Hollywood Mini Mart)
For Caribbean comfort with a Southern twist, Mama G’s is unbeatable. Jerk chicken, curry goat, and plantains fill the menu, with hearty lunch portions around $11. The sorrel tea on ice is the best way to beat the Tennessee heat.
Hicksville Food Traditions
Hicksville locals are famously welcoming—don’t be surprised if regulars offer tips on what to order. The area is also known for its “Third Thursday Food Crawl,” when restaurants and food trucks along Old Hickory Blvd stay open late, offering small-plate specials and live sidewalk music.
Another local favorite: “Pie Sunday” at The Depot Grill. On the first Sunday each month, the café whips up a dozen or more flavors, from classic apple to banana pudding pie. Lines sometimes wrap around the block, but the experience is pure Hicksville—friendly, delicious, and never rushed.
Price Range Overview
- Quick eats and food trucks: $2.50 – $13
- Diners, taquerias, and soul food kitchens: $8 – $15 for most entrees
- Sit-down restaurants and specialty bakeries: $10 – $20
Why Hicksville?
Hicksville’s food scene is Jackson’s best-kept secret: welcoming, diverse, delicious, and never pretentious. It’s the kind of place where chefs know regulars by name, new flavors are always on the menu, and the best bites come with a side of neighborly cheer. If you’re hungry to try something new or experience hometown hospitality at its finest, start your next Jackson food adventure in Hicksville—you’ll be back for more, guaranteed!