Basil's Downtown

First time coming here, so it had taken me a moment to figure out what I exactly wanted. Nice people there! I was recommended a sandwich and soup combo: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. So, I tried it out and it's definitely more superior than a regular slice of bread with cheese. You have a variety of melt cheeses in two deliciously soft bread, I think it has provolone, cheddar, ricotta, maybe cream cheese? But regardless, just a large blend of cheeses melted into one. Tomato soup goes great to dip your sandwich in. A lovely spot to grab a bite to eat!

Amazing food, friendly, helpful staff and service. Clean facilities, homemade, generous servings. The banana pudding reminded me of my grandma's and the unsweet tea was light, crisp, refreshing. That crab cake salad with the comeback dressing? Oh, I'm a comeback. *chefskissfantastic* Best meal I've had so far in Mississippi.

We were in Downtown Jackson, Mississippi today riding around and looking for somewhere to eat that we had never been to, well Basil's Downtown was where we ended up, and I am glad we did... We didn't read the hours on the door when we walked in, we just went in and walked up to the counter, well it turns out they close at 2 p.m. and it was 1:55 when we walked in. We honestly would have went somewhere else if we had known it was their closing time, but no one at the counter mentioned it, and they patiently answered all of our questions about items on the menu until we made up our minds. I ended up ordering the daily special, which was a Prime Rib Sandwich with Gravy for dipping, and I also ordered a cup of their Corn & Crab Chowder. When my meal arrived at our table a little while later, of course the 1st thing I tried was the Corn & Crab Chowder, and there was no disappointment there, as it was really good, so of course I moved on to my sandwich, which I immediately dunked in the gravy, now this is where things all of the sudden had a WOW factor, as the gravy was by and far the star of the show, with the hint of wine not only being an unexpected surprise, but also making it one of the best gravies that I have ever had in a restaurant. I cannot lie, I liked the gravy so much that after finishing my sandwich and seeing that there was still 1/2 a bowl of gravy left, I just grabbed my soup spoon and finished it off like it was a soup.... Not only was the food great here, the service was too, as we were not rushed, nor made to feel like we were inconveniencing the staff, and actually it was the exact opposite, as they were not only attentive, but also very friendly... I may not be in Jackson very often, but Basil's will now be one of my goto restaurants when I am...

Dine in or call in a to-go order. They're always cheerful and ready to serve. Everything I've had has been so good. I especially love the crab cakes garden salad. Excellent portion sizes too. My mouth is watering!

They put their foot in this food. OmG The Big Phil was very filling yet light and busting with flavor. The Cesar salad was huge and tasted like heaven with croutons. Last but not least, the basil tomato soup tastes like it came from mom's kitchen. To sum up my visit, I WILL BE BACK!!!!!!

My favorite spot for a simple, sit down lunch in downtown Jackson. Nice range of options for both mains and sides. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. But the food prep is done with care. The bread for the sandwiches is fabulous. Portions are generous but reasonable. This blows the doors off of waiting in line at Subway (which I loathe) or facing the mob scene at Chick-Fil-A (which I love). I can see this being a once a week at least spot.