Some of Mississippi’s best restaurants aren’t exactly restaurants. For instance, you’ll find some great grub in gas stations throughout the state. But it’s not just gas stations that serve as amazing makeshift restaurants. Mississippi just so happens to be home to a bait shop that doles out some of the best BBQ in the state.

A Tupelo treasure, Clay’s House of Pig, which is also known as C.H.O.P., is a bait shop AND BBQ joint.

Clay’s House of Pig/Facebook

The combo might seem strange, but it hasn’t stopped swarms of BBQ fans from descending on C.H.O.P.

Michael Slaughter/Google

The bait shop came first; however, after years in business, was in danger of closing, as it couldn’t keep up with big-box stores and online retailers. And so, in 2017, the shop was renovated to include a restaurant.

Clay’s House of Pig/Facebook

And though the eatery was an afterthought, BBQ is in the owner, Clay Coleman’s, blood. In fact, the dry rub used at C.H.O.P. took the Coleman family 30 years to perfect!

Clay’s House of Pig/Facebook

The dry rub is just the start of what makes the BBQ so good, though. There’s also the fact that Coleman only uses pecan wood and a strict two-step smoking process.

Tony Le/Google

Whatever he’s doing is working. C.H.O.P.’s slow-smoked BBQ topped the 2019 readers’ poll in Mississippi Magazine as the best in the state.

Tony Le/Google

Today, the eatery smokes more than 100 pork butts a week, 12-15 brisket cuts, and copious amounts of ribs.

Clay’s House of Pig/Facebook

Ready to indulge in some of the state’s best BBQ? For more info, call C.H.O.P. at (662) 840-7980. You can also visit the eatery’s website or Facebook page.

Clay’s House of Pig/Facebook

Michael Slaughter/Google

Tony Le/Google

So, did you know about this Tupelo gem? Ever dined at C.H.O.P.? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!

This isn’t the only place you can get an unforgettable meal. Click here to read about an eatery that serves up the best grilled cheese in the state.

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Address: C.H.O.P. Clay’s House Of Pig, 205 S Veterans Memorial Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA