Here are 5 of the top rated restaurants in Hattiesburg for travelers and tourists
Hattiesburg didn’t earn the ‘Hub City’ moniker for nothing.
Hattiesburg didn’t earn the ‘Hub City’ moniker for nothing.
Scott Watkins
Being a key travel point between the Mississippi Coast, Mobile, New Orleans and Jackson brings many people through Hattiesburg each year and has necessitated an important distinction for the town: a thriving food scene.
Hattiesburg is one of the hidden gems of the Deep South when it comes to food, offering a wide range of options that have pulled travelers off the interstate and highways for decades.
With the help of yelp.com and a little bit of experience, we’ll break down five of the top restaurants in the Hub City so you can better plan your next trip to, or through, Hattiesburg.
yelp review score: 4.5
The Keg & Barrel is a traditional American-style restaurant that will usually be one of the very first places a native will recommend to you.
The restaurant’s foundation is burgers and beer and the collection of both is worth the visit. The Keg & Barrel’s menu also features pizza, tacos, seafood and more.
It is a dog friendly establishment and has outdoor seating available for its patrons.
“Great beer selection with amazing food,” one reviewer from Texas said. “Highly recommend! Mushroom swiss burger is OUTSTANDING. The loaded nachos were OUTSTANDING. They had quite the beer selection. Vibes were immaculate. Green tea shot and lemon drops were the way to go!”
yelp review score: 4.0
For a more regional taste, Crescent City Grill may be the best place to drop in. The restaurant offers New Orleans style southern cooking with every offering made from scratch each day.
Seafood and pasta are the specialties and the wine list is expansive.
“If I could give Crescent City Grill 100 stars I would,” a North Carolina reviewer said. “The meal (eggplant orleans and mahi mahi) were outstanding! Best meal I’ve had in a very long time.”
The menu features items like bayou shrimp, catfish plaquemine and mardi gras pasta.
yelp review score: 4.0
Patio 44 has three locations around South Mississippi and has become a popular brunch spot. The Hattiesburg establishment represents the original Patio 44 and features a seafood-based menu and large wine collection.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and offers both a dinner menu and brunch menu.
The brunch menu includes various tastes of the area like beignets, pecan waffles and crab cake benedict. Fish, pasta and po’boys fill the dinner menu, which includes a collection of lunch time exclusive offerings.
“Patio 44 is a great spot for drink and food,” a reviewer from Washington said. “Loved the ambiance with the outdoor seating and lights and live music. The food was pretty good and the staff was nice.”
yelp review score: 4.5
Sitting inside the Indigo Hotel, Brass Hat Midtown is the hidden gem inside the hidden gem. Cocktails, local-style American food and a welcome ambiance make this spot an attractive one for locals and smart travelers alike.
The bar and restaurant serves chef-driven small plates, desserts and has a carefully curated wine list.
“Had the hotel special ribeye steak, fire roasted potatoes, and fried green tomatoes!” One reviewer from West Virginia said. “Food was mouth watering, even got an extra order of the fried green tomatoes. Service was a little slow, only had one waitress on shift that night, but she did her best. In and outside seating, nice soft lighting. Worth checking it out with the Mrs!”
“We had such a great time!” a Picayune, Miss. reviewer said. “Old friends meeting up for a drink turned into a wonderful night of laughs and fun times. This is a great bar, very comfortable, and very trendy with delicious cocktails and an impressive menu to satisfy everyone.”
yelp review score: 4.0
Sitting just across the street from the University of Southern Mississippi is the breakfast-lunch restaurant that locals flock to every morning.
Known for the generous portions and classic atmosphere, The Midtowner is a popular spot for many travelers spending a night in Hattiesburg.
Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, The Midtowner’s menu features french toast, omelets, pancakes and, a favorite at The Midtowner, the Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle dish.
“This is our GO-TO breakfast spot when we’re in Hattiesburg,” a reviewer from California said. “The Bananas Foster French toast is AMAZING. I’ve also had the Tex Mex omelet. Worth the stop! Go during the week as it gets quite busy on the weekends. Has an old school diner feel to it.”
Other popular locations in Hattiesburg to stop in at include the Blu Jazz Cafe, Mario’s Italian Restaurant and Bar and the Hattiesburgers and Blues.
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