Merry Piglets Mexican Grill

Merry Piglets is Jackson's longest-running Tex-Mex restaurant, in operation since 1969 and located on North Cache Street in downtown Jackson. Mountain Tex-Mex done from scratch, with house-fried chips, fresh-squeezed margaritas, and a no-seed-oil cooking program (beef tallow on the line). The right fit is travelers, locals, and families who want a casual, lively, kid-friendly Mexican meal in walking distance of the Town Square. The wrong fit is anyone wanting refined regional Mexican (no specific Oaxacan or Yucatecan focus) or quiet date-night dining; this is a high-volume, family-room atmosphere.

Top Dining Highlights at Merry Piglets Mexican Grill

A casual Mexican grill running lunch and dinner daily, year-round. The menu hits the standard Tex-Mex playbook (enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, combination plates) plus a few mountain-leaning twists. House-fried tortilla chips and award-winning salsas are the signatures. Fresh-squeezed margaritas anchor the bar. Vegetarian options across the menu, kids' menu available. Online ordering for takeout and delivery; dine-in is the default. The "no seed oils, beef tallow only" cooking choice is the differentiator most diners notice.

Why people eat here

Three reasons. First, longevity. 55+ years on the same block of downtown Jackson has produced a refined operation: the salsas are real, the chips are right, the kitchen runs efficiently at peak. Second, location. Walking distance from any downtown lodging or the Square. Third, the kid-and-group friendly atmosphere. Big tables, fast service, real margaritas for the parents and a kids' menu that actually works.

How to plan a visit

Walk in during open hours; reservations are not the format. Expect waits at peak summer and ski-season dinner hours (6-8pm). Arrive at 5pm or after 8pm for shorter waits. Online ordering for takeout is reliable if you want to skip the wait or eat back at lodging. Hours are typically 11:30am to 9pm daily.

The catch

Two honest tradeoffs. First, peak waits are real. Second, this is mountain Tex-Mex, not regional interior-Mexican; calibrate expectations. If you're hunting birria or al pastor on hand-pressed tortillas, the menu is friendlier in feel than execution.

Before you go

Order the fresh-squeezed margarita on the rocks (not blended) and a basket of chips with the salsa flight as a starter. Then build a fajita order to share if your group is larger; the flame-grilled fajitas are the most consistent main on the menu. Save dessert for the bakery on the way out unless you've never had sopapillas; they're solid here.

The bottom line

For the longest-running Mexican grill in Jackson with house-fried chips, fresh margaritas, and a kid-and-group friendly downtown room, Merry Piglets is the right call. Walk in, plan around the rush, and order the fajitas.

FAQ

Do they take reservations?

No, walk-in only.

Are they open year-round?

Yes. Open daily, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM (typical).

Do they offer takeout and delivery?

Yes. Online ordering for both.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, across the menu.