Tucked inside an unassuming strip mall on the north side of town, this hidden burger spot is home to what Thrillist crowned the “Best Burger in America” in 2015.
Neon Pig operates as part butcher shop, part fresh seafood market, and part food bar, using aged, house-cut steak blends most burger joints wouldn’t dream of grinding. 🥩
It’s the kind of place where the burger might be the headline, but the in-house cured meats and fresh-cut produce keep locals coming back for everything else, too.
How Neon Pig won Tupelo hearts
Neon Pig didn’t become one of the most talked-about burger restaurants in Mississippi through flashy marketing — it earned that title one perfectly smashed patty at a time.
The restaurant’s signature Smash Burger won a nationwide Thrillist vote of over 27,000 ballots, beating out food-centric cities like Chicago and Austin for the title of Best Burger in America. 🏆
That national spotlight turned an unassuming Tupelo butcher shop into a genuine destination, but locals had already known the secret for years before the rest of the country caught on.
Part of what makes this hidden gem burger spot so special is the sheer craftsmanship behind every patty. The Smash Burger blends aged filet, ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip with Benton’s bacon, a combination that gives the burger a richer, beefier flavor than a typical single-cut patty. 🔥
The restaurant’s willingness to experiment while staying true to its butcher-shop roots has also played a big role in building loyalty.
Combined with a rotating craft beer selection and a market stocked with house-cured meats, Neon Pig has become one of the most beloved stops for anyone chasing the best Tupelo, Mississippi, burgers.
Food Highlights
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Belvis Burger: The Smash Grind patty topped with pork belly, Benton’s bacon-pimento cheese, jerky sauce, and creole mustard on a ciabatta bun.
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American Burger: A hearty burger topped with crispy bacon and a crunchy onion ring, featured as one of Neon Pig’s rotating burger-of-the-month specials.
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Smash Burger: A blend of aged filet, ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip topped with Benton’s bacon, cheddar, pickled onions, quick pickles, and comeback and hoisin sauces on a ciabatta bun.
- Project Pat-Ty Melt Burger: Made with the Italian-spiced Meatball Grind, topped with caramelized onion, pepper jack cheese, and a tangy secret sauce on an inverted brioche bun.
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Slaw Burger: A house-ground beef patty topped with spicy curry slaw and a smoky jerky sauce on a brioche bun.
- Space Ball Sliders: Mini sliders made with the same Meatball Grind and secret sauce, finished with quick pickles.
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The Bash Burger: Made with aged brisket for a deeper, more robust beef flavor than the classic blend.
Atmosphere
Neon Pig has a casual, market-style setup where guests grab a drink from the cooler before finding a seat and placing their order. 🍺
The space blends a butcher shop, seafood counter, and dining area into one lively, unpretentious room.
It’s the kind of spot that feels equally comfortable for a quick solo lunch or a group stop after a road trip.
The energy stays relaxed even as the kitchen churns out one of the country’s most talked-about burgers.
Bottom Line
Come for the award-winning Smash Burger, stay for the house-cured meats and craft beer, and enjoy the laid-back butcher shop charm. It’s a true Mississippi original. 🍔🥓
Address:
1203 N Gloster St, Suite F, Tupelo, MS 38804
📞 (662) 269-2533
🕔 Mon-Sat 11 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–4 PM