Short Drive from New Orleans into Mississippi

[briox]

I live here in NOLA, and my husband and I are headed out of town for a weekend in fabulous Columbia, MS. Does anyone know of any good restaurants (particularly for breakfast, but other meals are needed, too) in or near Columbia or Hattiesburg. While you're at it...what are your favorite restaurants in Mississippi in general?

There's not a board for Mississippi nor for a town there, so this could be very informative!

[briox]

Gosh, this is 2 years too late, but I wanted to thank y'all for the suggestions. My grandfather died that week and we never made it to Hattiesburg. But, looking at this post, I'll have to try to get out there. Thanks, y'all!

[Juvu]

I second @rockbound. Leatha's is some extremely amazing barbecue. Leatha's actually originated out of Columbia. It was supposed to close due to leasing problems or something, I forget. But everyone in that town loved it so much, particularly this one politician (state rep, maybe?) who ended up investing in the place just so they could remain open. They now operate out of Hattiesburg, but the barbecue is still ridiculously good. (Fair warning though, the sauce is really sweet, so go light at first).

Of all shows for it to have been featured on, it was featured in Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods when he visited the South. He of course ate off-menu and had some bizarre stuff, but the bbq will do you good. You can't go wrong with either ribs or pulled pork. It literally melts in your mouth.

Leatha's is located on Hwy. 98 in Oak Grove behind a camping trailer dealer. A little hard to find, but it is right off the highway, and some of the best barbecue I've ever had.

[elledélicatesse]

One of the best restaurants in Mississippi (or perhaps THE best)...Walker's drive-in in Jackson. Derek Emerson, the chef there, is nominated for the James Beard Best Chef of the South this year.

[LisaDenise]

We like to go to Shaggy's in Pass Christian. It is kind of a funky restaurant in style. During the winter it is closed with plastic and they burn a fire in a fireplace in the middle of the dining area. In the summer it is outdoor dining right over the Gulf. The food is pretty good too. The fish sandwich, the jerk shrimp and grilled oysters have been solid. They have a fried catfish app (enough for an entree) that my husband loves.

[rockbound]

If BBQ strikes your fancy,Leatha's in Hattiesburg is worth a stop.

[Littleman]

Rose's in Hattiesburg walks circle around Leatha's. Have you actually set foot in Leatha's It's terrible. It may have been fine when it was in Columbia but the place in Hattiesburg is a real dump. Have you been to Tupelo, Southaven, Greenwood, Greenville, Jackson, Vicksburg or any other city in the state for BBQ. Leatha's is one of the very worst.

[briox]

Wow, this is great! Thanks for the advice, guys! My husband and I will definitely try to check out one of these places. Southern Fried Rabbit sounds particularly intriguing.

Any good breakfast places? I'm especially looking for early morning breakfast places.

[Doctor_Technical]

I have found myself in Columbia -- around lunchtime -- more times than I would like to admit. If you are feeling locally-adventurous, and remembering this *is* fabulous Columbia after all, see if either the Round Table or Southern Fried Rabbit is open.

The former is one of the old-line, Southern-food, round table restaurants located in a boarding house just off downtown. The latter is a drive-through / walk-up burger 'n' fries joint that also just happens to serve rabbit cooked in various forms.

[stvtunlvzn]

Actually Mississippi's board is located in Central South section. I'm not a big fan of Mahony's in Biloxi, overpriced and overhyped. I think they have gone downhill since the patriarch Mary died. If your traveling to Hatty town then by all means stop by Robert St. Johns place The Purple Parrot http://www.nsrg.com/purple-parrot-cafe/

[Uncle Bob]

Ditto the Purple Parrot Cafe ~~~ Be sure to click on the Crescent City Grill and Mahogany Bar tabs in the link...All at the same address!

http://www.nsrg.com/purple-parrot-cafe/

Enjoy!

[hazelhurst]

That is simply astounding...I shall have to check this out on my next trip thru...ever since Weidmann's died, I've had nowhere between New Orleans and the Northeast.

[nikinik]

Mary Mahoney's in Biloxi.

In Hattiesburg - Walnut Circle Grill

If you're anywhere near or through Picayune - Joyce & Darnell's

[briox]

Nikinik,

Thanks for the reply!

What kind of food is available at those restaurants?