Brookhaven, Mississippi · Since 2013
Chism's Diner
“Southern style at its best!”
Plate lunches, fried catfish, pan trout, gumbo and hamburgers, cooked to order by a family-run diner in the white-brick storefront on Union Street Ext.
Order at the counter or call ahead · Closed Sunday & Monday
Homestyle cooking, done well
Chism's Diner was opened in 2013 by Chester and Cassandra Chism, and it is still a family business: “A family owned business with southern style food!” From the street it doesn't look like much. Guests describe the building as an old convenience store and service station, and the only clue is the lettering on the windows: Plate Lunches, Catfish, Hamburgers, Breakfast, Gumbo, Pan Trout.
Inside it's clean and roomy, with wood-panelled walls, a red-trimmed counter and hand-written menu boards. You order at the counter, take a number, and the food comes out hot to your table. The napkin holders say it best: “Homestyle cooking done well.”
Menu highlights
Straight from the diner's printed menu, with seafood that's “soul seasoned.”
Tuesday – Friday
The plate lunch
The lineup changes every day and goes up on Facebook as “Today's Lunch”: think liver & onions with mustard greens and lima beans, or red beans & rice, chicken & dumplings, fried chicken and brisket.
- 1Pick a meatwhatever's on the board today
- 2Pick your sidesone, two or three
- 3Cornbread or a rolland dessert is included
Whole catfish & fries
Three pieces of whole fried catfish with fries, or go all-catfish. Pan trout, shrimp and oysters come the same way, with two sides.
Traditional hamburger
A juicy burger on a butter-grilled bun, fully dressed with mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Add cheese, bacon or a double patty.
Fried green tomatoes
An order of five, sliced thin and fried crisp. Get them as a side with any plate or burger.
Also on the menu
- Gumbo, cup or bowl
- Catfish po'boy
- Shrimp po'boy
- Oyster po'boy
- Pan trout sandwich
- Half dozen shrimp or oysters
- Hot wings & fries
- Chicken strips & fries
- Pork chop sandwich
- Philly cheesesteak
- BLT
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- Tater tots
- Kids: grilled cheese, corn dog, chicken strips
Menu and prices change. Call the diner for today's plate lunch.
What guests say
“Great $ for good food right off I55 Brookhaven exit”
Tripadvisor review, March 2026
“Don’t let the exterior of this restaurant scare you away.”
Tripadvisor review, June 2026
“The best burger in town with crinkle cut fries”
Tripadvisor review, May 2024
“The fried green tomatoes were sliced thin & crunchy.”
Tripadvisor review, January 2020
A 2022 Tripadvisor review also mentions the hamburger being voted best in Brookhaven in the Daily Leader's reader poll.
Hours & location
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM – 7 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
1389 Union Street Ext NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Look for the white-brick building with the diner's name on the front windows. Parking is available.
Off the line
Photos shared by guests on Tripadvisor and map listings.
Frequently asked questions
When are plate lunches served?
Tuesday through Friday. You pick one meat and one, two or three sides, with cornbread or a roll and dessert included. The day’s lunch is posted on the diner’s Facebook page.
How does ordering work?
Order and pay at the counter; you get a number and the food is brought to your table. Or call ahead for takeout.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is parking at the diner. Look for the white-brick building with the diner’s name painted on the front windows.
Hungry? Give us a call.
Call ahead for takeout or just come on by. Closed Sunday & Monday.
Call (601) 833-2300