Newcomer's Guide to the Clinton Food Scene

Local restaurants in college towns add to the unique draw to the universities. These Clinton eateries have served MC students and locals well since their beginnings.

The Froghead Grill (pictured above), located next to PineLake Church of Clinton, offers an array of cajun cuisine and a unique atmosphere to those who venture through its doors.

A standout college town is one of the most important aspects of a good college. Large universities and their cities often become inseparably associated with each other. When someone mentions the city of Oxford, one thinks of Ole Miss. Whenever Baton Rouge gets brought up, minds gravitate toward LSU and the school’s unique culture. The same can be said for Clinton and Mississippi College. 

The Fall 2023 incoming freshman class is bound to be one of the largest in Mississippi College’s history. Because of this, having a diverse food selection is more important than ever. With a campus full of hungry students, a large variety of preferences and dietary needs must be met. Fortunately, the city of Clinton meets them handily with its robust selection of high-quality restaurants. These five restaurants are key players in Clinton’s diverse culinary scene. 

The Froghead Grill

The Froghead Grill is a hot spot for students and tourists due to its unique frog-themed decor. The restaurant is geared towards a family demographic and specializes in Cajun cuisine. Customers frequently praise their spicy chicken wraps and po-boy sandwiches. Froghead Grill is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cups Espresso Cafe

Cups Espresso Cafe is a charming, local coffee house boasting a broad array of brews, smoothies, baked goods and more. In addition to providing great coffee, Cups makes for a peaceful study spot for MC students, thanks to its artsy decor and tranquil music selection. The shop’s baristas are often praised by customers for being knowledgeable and courteous.  

303 Jefferson

This highly acclaimed family eatery has been serving Clinton since 1870 and is showing no signs of slowing down. 303 Jefferson serves a plethora of traditional Southern and Cajun dishes. Appetizers range from crab claws to boudin balls, and the lunch plates are even more impressive. The juicy ribeye cheesesteak and pasta alfredo are some of the most recommended orders. Per TripAdvisor, 303 Jefferson is the second-ranked restaurant in Clinton. The establishment is a must-try for local residents and students alike. 

The Spring Nutrition

Nutritious shakes and energy drinks are the staple items of The Spring Nutrition. Located on the brick streets, The Spring offers a wide variety of flavored energy teas and meal replacement shakes. The store is hailed by reviewers for its diversity of sweet, satisfying flavors, in addition to standout customer service. Anyone looking to get some pep in their step is greatly encouraged to support this local business. 

Lillie’s

Lillie’s Restaurant primarily serves traditional Southern food, like home-cooked meatloaf and smothered steak. Reviewers frequently praise Lillie’s meals for their similarity to home-cooked food. Lillie’s updates their menu daily, which serves as a great way to build customer intrigue. Out of 36 local establishments, Lillie’s is ranked tenth on TripAdvisor. Lillie’s may become a new favorite spot for those who love home-cooked meals and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

The incredible food scene is just one of the reasons Clinton is the perfect college town for Mississippi College. The city hosts a broad selection of food categories to choose from, which should satisfy the appetite of any new student.