To think of Jones Bar-B-Q Diner as simple is to misunderstand just how difficult it is to do the exact same thing, day in and day out, for over a century. In a time where restaurants come and go every week, these establishments (listed in no particular order) have staying power for a reason-they are simply legendary. Our guiding thought when making this list was to include places that were meaningful and have had a lasting impact on their communities. The Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas has been making pies since 1929. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma opened in 1910 and still serves up prime cuts cooked over charcoal. Hospitality is key-the best places always remember their regulars, while making newcomers feel right at home. Or a storied meat-and-three like Ajax Diner in Oxford, Mississippi, where generations of students return for their favorite plate lunches.

Others might picture an iconic barbecue joint, like Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City. Some might say legendary means white tablecloths and an expert wine list, like at Bern’s in Tampa. It’s not everyday that a Michelin starred restaurant (Atlanta’s Bacchanalia) is put in the same category as a small town ice cream parlor (Trowbridge’s in Florence, Alabama). When it comes to restaurants, “ legendary” can mean many different things to people, resulting in this somewhat unusual combination of iconic dining establishments.

Throughout the year, we publish many lists of the best places to eat in the South, and this one is probably the most unique.

Oxford casino bar and grill