Martha’s Tea Room has ‘the best front porch,’ Southern favorites and a good Reuben

You may remember Martha’s Tea room when it was on Washington Avenue in downtown.

That was years ago, and things have certainly changed, and in a lovely way.

It’s now located in what looks like a beautiful private home on Government Street, although it is relatively new, and certainly not private. It also has perhaps the best front porch of any restaurant I know, perfect for a leisurely lunch with friends.

Martha Reichard was the original owner, but Rhonda Villers purchased it in 2016. Although she continues to use some of Martha’s recipes, Rhonda has put her own touch on many things, and it is homey and comfortable as can be.

I visited with my friend, Diane Stevenson, on a rainy day, and the covered porch was just perfect. We spent two hours enjoying our lunch and sipping iced tea, how very Southern it was.

When the weather is better, there are also tables with sun-blocking umbrellas on the uncovered patio. The dining room follows the same theme of feeling like a private home, with light blue walls and no overly bright lights. This is not a place I would want to rush in and out of, but a place to take your time and enjoy the food and friends.

The menu is well-rounded for a lunch spot, with lots of salads, sandwiches and with homemade bread and desserts. Bestsellers include chutney chicken salad, cashew chicken salad, homemade gumbo and a good Reuben sandwich.

In the sandwich category, the Ocean Springer also looked good. It’s made with sliced corned beef and turkey, topped with onion, coleslaw and a special sauce and served on homemade pumpernickel bread.

There is also a chicken salad sandwich that has gained some notoriety. It’s served on a fresh buttered croissant, and it’s made with roasted chicken, Granny Smith apples, red and green grapes, and crunchy cashews.

There are also daily specials that are worth looking at. On the day of our visit the specials included grilled homemade pimento cheese, shrimp and crawfish etouffee, Margaret’s watermelon shrimp salad, chicken salad bagel, Don’s turkey sandwich and a roast beef ciabatta. You will also find gluten-free options.

I enjoyed a classic Reuben of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread and a good side of chips. The Reuben, by the way, was invented in 1914, and remains a classic of New York Jewish delis and has long been a favorite of mine.

Diane had the chutney chicken salad plate. It was made from roasted chicken, wild rice, pecans, Granny Smith apples, celery, green onions and purple grapes, served with a side of pasta salad and homemade walnut bread.

Next time you are out with friends at lunch time, give Martha’s a try.

Martha’s Tea Room

Location: 2113 Government Street, Ocean Springs

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-.Saturday

Tel: 228-872-2554

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 5:50 AM.