Four of the Best Steak Houses in the South

Okay, I realize that Mississippi is not exactly a tourist hot spot. Though, I assume that the September 26, 2008 Presidential Debate hosted at Ole Miss University will bring a mass of political junkies and media to my lovely state. So, here are the top four steak houses in Mississippi.

Conestoga Steak House

Located at 6313 U S Highway 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5:30pm. From the unique rustic wood exterior of the building to the wait staff dressed in their Liberty overalls with red handkerchiefs, nothing is typical about Conestoga. The menu touts ribeye, sirloin, porterhouse t-bone, steak and shrimp, lobster and shrimp, prime rib, ny strip, etc. However, my favorite is the filet mignon with home-style fries. It literally cuts like cream cheese. The outside of the meat has slightly crusty bite to it, then the center melts away in your mouth. It is always cooked just how I order it. Their fries are freshly circular sliced Idaho potatoes that are fried crisp with a tender center. Of course, I can never finish it all because I have already ordered an appetizer of fried crap claws and indulged in the complimentary beer muffins. Those sweet crumbly bits of beer muffin goodness will be etched in your brain. They are gently sweet, yet have a subtle tartness from the beer flavor. Prices will range from $24.00 for a 8oz filet to $64.00 for steak and lobster. All entries come with beer muffins, salad, and choice of one side. Full bar.

Aymars

Located at 362 Shiloh Firetower Rd Foxworth, MS 39483. Open Thursday thru Saturday- at 5pm. Tip: bring a map! This tiny restaurant is in the middle of nowhere…literally. You might mistake it for someone's storage shed, but do not be fooled by appearances. Inside you will find an eclectic blend of seafood and steak menu items. Every week features a Thursday special and Friday- Saturday special that are not routine menu items. One week you may find a marinated ribeye with mushrooms, the next week may be fried soft shell crabs with crab and butter sauce. On the menu you will find an extensive fish list and steak list. The filet mignon is served with jumbo grilled shrimp in an auju that is so scrumptious you could easily drink. For an appetizer try the crab meat Kristi, eggplant, or crawfish pie. My favorite is the Kristi. Served on a giant clam shell, each bite is filled with lump crab meat surrounded by a creamy sauce of cheese. Each table is lined with freshly made garlic and butter bread crisps. Prices range from $18.00 to $24.00. For dessert be sure to try the Bananas foster or bread pudding. The owner, Aymar Dore', is a native of New Orleans and spend his career behind the stoves of some of New Orleans most exclusive restaurants. FYI: Mr. Dore' claims to be the inventor of bananas foster. I don't know about that, but if he isn't….. he should have been. It is the best this southern gal has ever tasted.

The Steam Room Grille

Located at 5402 I-55 North East Frontage Road Jackson, MS 39211. Open Monday thru Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday is dinner only. This menu has nothing but certified black angus beef that is aged to perfection right in the restaurant. If you like lobster and steak, the fresh Maine lobster is at your fingertips. Just pick one from the live tank. The menu has a variety of lobster, seafood, and steak dishes. My favorite is the smoked filet covered in mounds of crawfish tails and shrimp, then covered with a cabernet au ju. The side items vegetables are steamed to a perfect tenderness and served with light butter sauce. The freshness and the quality of dishes here is really amazing. Complimentary with each entrée is a steamed batch of sweet garlic cloves and fresh French bread…..mouth watering. Full bar. Prices range from $22.00- $68.00.

Cowboy Jim's

Located at 186 Mississippi 35, Covington County Mississippi. Open Thursday thru Saturday at 4pm. Tip: no credit cards accepted. Atmosphere is spectacular. The bucolic setting is on a waterfront that overlooks a tranquil lake and the Bouie River. Massive live plants line the decks and paths. A live piano, jazz, or country music player churns out soft relaxing tunes. All of the steaks are grilled with a blend of mesquite wood chips over an open fire, producing a one of a kind flavor. Just be sure to save room for the homemade ice cream or strawberry shortcake. Prices range from $14.00 to $20.00.