The “soul spaghetti” at Collins Dream Kitchen (1439 Terry Rd, Jackson) is on John T. Edge’s list of 100 Southern foods to try before you die, and I have been hearing good things about the restaurant since before I moved to Jackson. So it’s embarrassing that it took me this long to get there, but I’m glad I finally did.

The restaurant doesn’t look like much on the outside (true of so many of the best places), but inside it is bright and open. You order from a cafeteria line and take your tray into the dining room, where a server brings you water, iced tea, or lemonade.

Counting on my friend to let me try his soul spaghetti, I decided I was more in the mood for red beans and rice. The sausage was delicious, and had a unique texture that was almost spongy—that may sound unpleasant, but I liked it a lot. The skin was snappy and the dish was nice and smoky, with a little bit of spice. Although the beans didn’t come in a sauce, they were far from dry. I also really enjoyed the sides: the greens were mellow and not greasy, and the macaroni had a pleasantly crispy top. Despite the cafeteria-style set-up, neither suffered from tasting like it had been sitting out for hours.

My friend got the spaghetti and I had a few bites. I loved the fat, soft pasta and the savoriness of the sauce, but I actually preferred the red beans and rice. Overall, the restaurant was near the top of my list of good soul food in Jackson (a long list, obviously). I think as long as you eat something at Collins Dream Kitchen before you die, you’re probably set.

CDK is open 11-6:30 weekdays, 11-5:30 Saturdays and 11-5 Sundays.

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