My decision to highlight some of the best steak houses in Mississippi was cause for concern. The thought of readers disagreeing or questioning the absence of their favorite steak restaurant gave me pause. However, response was positive after the first installment, and many wrote to say they planned to visit some of the north Mississippi places I mentioned. This week, I’ll focus on some – not all – of the best locally-owned steak restaurants in the Jackson metro area. There’s no way I can list them all, but here are a few on my and others’ top places to enjoy a steak dinner.
I’ll start with an “oldie but goodie.” Tico’s has been around for nearly 30 years on County Line Road. Always packed with lawmakers during the legislative session and die-hard fans year-round, Tico’s sticks to what it knows best: steaks. Sure, there’s a choice of seafood and appealing appetizers and sides, but it’s the lineup of ribeyes, filets, and the restaurant’s mammoth 24-ounce porterhouse that packs ‘em in. Tico’s is located at 1536 E. County Line Rd. in Ridgeland; call 601-956-1030 for more information. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 4:30 to 10 p.m.
On the other end of the spectrum, upscale Koestler Prime opened last year in Highland Colony in Ridgeland in the former Ruth’s Chris Steak location. The owners brought a new name along with decades of steakhouse experience to a new location. Appetizers, seafood, chicken, veal, lamb, and the piece de resistance, sizzling steaks topped with a variety of seafood and sauces make this a prime place to dine. Koestler Prime is located at 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001 in Ridgeland at the Renaissance. Hours are Monday through Saturday; doors open at 4:30 p.m. Call 601-957-3753 for more information.
On the other side of town, The Steakhouse at McLain’s Lodge in Brandon is almost as big of a draw as the sprawling compound’s many attractions. From elk tenderloin steak to the popular McLain steak special, there’s a full lineup of beef, seafood, sides and appetizers on the menu. The Steakhouse at McLain’s Lodge is located at 874 Holly Bush Road in Brandon. The restaurant opens at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 601-829-1101.
Another Jackson-area favorite is Kathryn’s. Opened in 1979 as Brandi’s Steakhouse on Spillway Road, the restaurant moved to the current Ridgeland location and changed its name in 1989. Ranging from filets to ribeyes and everything in between, the restaurant consistently offers a memorable steak dinner with all the trimmings. Kathryn’s is located at 6800 Old Canton Road. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m., until 10:30 p.m. on weekends, and 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Call 601-956-2803 to make a reservation.
Consistently on “best of” lists, Ely’s Restaurant is a perfect date-night spot to enjoy a juicy steak. Overlooking the lights of downtown Ridgeland from its second floor location, Ely’s hand-cut steaks run the gamut from petite 8-ounce filets to large cowboy ribeyes. Gourmet sides are almost, but not quite, as delicious as the steaks. Check it out at 115 W. Jackson Street, Suite 2E; dining room opens at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The last recommendation from friends is MM Shapley’s. Another locally-owned spot, it serves a variety of sizzling steaks in an upscale, yet cozy environment. Hand-cut and house-aged filet mignons and porterhouses (and everything in between) are topped with Shapley’s famous beef reduction sauce and served with its signature hand-cut fries, along with anything else required for a truly outstanding steak dinner. The restaurant is located 868 Centre Street in Ridgeland; call 60-957-8000 to find out more.