Mississippi is known as the chicken capital and for good reason. We can grow, fry, and enjoy chicken better than any state in the nation. No offense to chicken, but I get more reader requests for steakhouse recommendations. I’m always quick to respond with my favorites: BR Prime at Biloxi’s Beau Rivage and Doe’s Eat Place for special occasions. For regular steak nights, Sully’s in Hattiesburg and The Vault in Magee can’t be beat.
However, to accommodate readers from other parts of the state, friends provided the name of their favorite family-owned or locally-operated steak house. The response was so overwhelming I had to divide the list. First, I’ll focus on locations west and north of the Jackson metro area. The remainder will be shared in future columns.
If you’d like to share your favorite steakhouse with me, drop me an email I’ll add it to the list. In no particular order, here are the recommendations I received for some of the best steaks in Mississippi:
1. H. D. Gibbes and Sons in Learned must serve an outstanding steak judging from the accolades and number of votes it received. Located at 140 Main Street in the picturesque village of Learned (30 miles southeast of Vicksburg), Gibbes is an unassuming-looking place. However, appearances can be deceiving; I found the menu to be surprisingly substantial. Filet mignon, ribeyes, New York strip, hamburger steak, and seafood are just a few of the juicy grilled offerings. Their steak, pictured right, can even be enhanced with grilled shrimp. Hours are limited, so call 601-885-6833 before you go.
2. Columbus is a thriving city with its own university and Air Force Base, so you’d expect to find numerous steak houses to keep residents well-fed. Two on the recommended list are Old Hickory and Huck’s.
Located at 1301 Highway 45 North, Old Hickory’s rustic exterior mirrors its name. Once again, appearances can fool you. This Columbus staple since the 1960’s has been on several “best steaks in Mississippi” lists. After one bite of its famous char-grilled steaks, ambiance or the lack thereof won’t matter. Call 662-328-9798 for more information.
Huck’s Place in downtown Columbus is more upscale, with a menu full of seafood, salads, and steaks. From petite filet mignon to giant cowboy ribeyes, the selection of grilled steaks is impressive. Call 662-327-6500 to check on hours and menu items.
3. While we’re in the Golden Triangle, I’ll pass along a tip: Anthony’s Good Food Market at 121 W. Main Street in West Point. I haven’t been, but friends rave about the food, particularly the steaks. After I viewed the delectable-looking food photos on Anthony’s website, I realize I’ve been missing out. The menu is extensive, but the long lineup of steaks received more than a passing glance. Creole and seafood-stuffed ribeyes are on my must-try list. For more information, contact Anthony’s at 662-494-0316.
4. A little further north, Oxford boasts several steak houses ranging from casual to fine dining. A favorite stop in the Courthouse Square is Oxford Grillehouse. Described as a “casual fine-dining restaurant in a contemporary atmosphere,” the restaurant serves delicious filets, ribeyes, and New York strip steaks, pictured left, topped with your choice of homemade sauces. There’s also another location in Southaven. Call 662-701-8285 for more information.
5. Another north Mississippi steakhouse that comes highly-recommended is the Como Steak House. Located in a 125-year-old former mercantile store in downtown Como, the restaurant has been featured on food shows and documentaries and attracts visitors from around the world. It’s only right that those of us that haven’t sampled its famous steaks make the trek to Como just north of Batesville. Call 662-526-9529 to find out more.
These are the top recommendations for areas north of the Capital City. If reading about these delectable steaks has triggered a craving, throw one on the grill this weekend and dip each bite into my homemade steak sauce recipe. It’s similar to a name-brand sauce, but without unpronounceable additives and preservatives.
Copy-cat Homemade Steak Sauce
1-1/2 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard (can use yellow)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Tabasco (add drops to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
In a food processor or blender, blend ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. Keeps several days in the refrigerator.