Meridian, Mississippi, is growing by leaps and bounds. This city has the oldest restaurant in the state, Weidmann’s, and several places that deserve a visit, both old and new. Here are six great restaurants in Meridian that we enjoyed dining at while exploring all the town offers.
1. Weidmann’s
Weidmann’s is an exceptional restaurant situated in downtown Meridian. With its timeless decor and enticing menu, it has been delighting hungry patrons for over 150 years. The complimentary crock of house-made peanut butter and crackers on each table is just the beginning of the culinary experience.
Indulge in the Quiche Lorraine, soups, or the unique Shrimp and Grits for a gastronomic treat.
On Sundays, Weidmann’s Jazz Brunch takes center stage from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering live music, a specially curated menu, and an exuberant atmosphere. Treat yourself to the delectable Fried Green Tomatoes with 1870 Sauce topped with shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a spicy cream sauce.
Savor the Chicken and Waffles or the perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict for your main course.
2. Mr. Rodger’s Hamburgers
Mr. Rodger’s Hamburgers specializes in burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders at an affordable price. I experienced a warm and hospitable welcome on my first and only visit.
Mr. Rodger’s Hamburgers operates as a counter-service restaurant, but your meal will be brought to your table once prepared. I had a scrumptious burger and potato salad, an unexpected and delightful addition to the menu. Additionally, Mr. Rodger’s serves breakfast options, including platters, hotcakes, biscuits, and grits.
Need more tasty eats in Mississippi? Here are our favorites in Jackson.
3. Harvest Grill
Harvest Grill offers an impressive dining experience with an exceptional cocktail menu and unique food options. The Pimento Bites appetizer is perfect for sharing, while the Brisket Spring Rolls make for a delectable entree.
My spring rolls were filled with jalapeño, shallots, and white BBQ sauce, leaving me fully satisfied. My husband chose the Creole Carbonara, brimming with shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage. However, it could benefit from more seasoning and spice.
Adding spring peas and a tasty light cream sauce elevates the dish.
However, the true stars of Harvest Grill’s menu are the desserts. With an extensive selection, choosing just one will prove to be a delightful challenge. We indulged in the “Country Fair Style” Bread Pudding, an unconventional take on the classic dessert featuring puffy fried dough slices adorned with buttered rum and white chocolate shavings.
This sweet treat is a must-try, complemented perfectly by vanilla bean ice cream.
4. Mia’s Caffe
Located adjacent to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, this charming coffee shop offers an array of delightful options, including soup, paninis, pastries, sandwiches, and gelato. Mia’s is renowned for its expertly crafted coffees and teas, drawing a sizable crowd with their impeccably prepared sandwiches and welcoming staff.
My husband savored the sandwich and soup combination with the robust tomato basil soup. Opting for the Muffuletta on Sicilian sesame bread, I was happy with its abundance of meat, cheese, and tangy olive salad. I was shocked to find this quintessential New Orleans staple in Meridian, Mississippi.
Next time, I’m saving room for a coffee treat.
Are you an RV-er? We had the best stay at the East Meridian/Toomsuba KOA Journey campground, which you can read about here.
5. Mugshots Grill and Bar
Mississippi’s renowned Mugshots Grill and Bar offers an irresistible combination of enormous portions, gourmet burgers, and daily happy hour. With numerous locations across the state (and Alabama), this casual eatery elevates bar food to new heights.
Delighting customers with their burger-of-the-month creation and a carefully curated menu of flavorsome recipes, Mugshots is a must-visit for meat enthusiasts. Notably, their delectable toasted sourdough bun adds an extra touch of perfection to each bite.
The Gamble burger, generously smothered in chili, house-made Rotel, sour cream, and jalapeños, is a genuine contender for the adventurous palate. Not a burger fan? The appetizer sampler platter (Mombo Combo) is a great alternative dish. Choose any three: blankenshrooms, dill pickle chips, chicken tenders, cheese wedges, eggrolls, and nachos.
Sign up for the Mugshot eClub for a complimentary burger on your birthday.
6. The Rustler
The Rustler is the only restaurant we didn’t make it to. This fine-dining restaurant is Meridian’s signature special date night or occasion hotspot, with a mouth-watering menu and classic steakhouse favorites. What’s your favorite dish there?
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