No Applebee’s? No problem! Try these five local Hattiesburg favorites instead
Applebee’s?
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good chain restaurant. A Chili’s Triple Dipper? Always. Soup, salad, and breadsticks from Olive Garden? Sign me up? A Caniac from Raising Canes? Sounds like the perfect date night meal for two to me.
Why Tennessee fans chose to try to shade Hattiesburg for not having an Applebee’s is beyond me, but not to worry.
As the Vols take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Monday to determine who will advance to the College World Series, I would like to show all the folks in orange what Mississippi hospitality is all about.
As record-breaking crowds enjoy the Hub City and Pete Taylor Park, here are five local restaurants in near Southern Miss Hattiesburg that are top-notch and could knock Applebee’s out of the park.
Keg and Barrel, Hattiesburg and Oak Grove
The Keg and Barrel’s pub fare is some of the best in Mississippi. The beer selection never ends and the outdoor patio at the Hattiesburg location is minutes away from Pete Taylor Park.
What you should try: Pimento cheese bites, the Fatty McFat chicken sandwich, the Dirty Diana burger
Glory Bound Gyro Co., Hattiesburg
Chain restaurants often put a Greek appetizer or salad on their menus and don’t always get it right. Glory Bound’s Greek-American fusion is a favorite among Southern Miss students and everything is good. It’s a quick drive from campus and their pasta salad is a hidden gem on the menu. Glory Bound also is home to the best appetizer in the Hub City, the cheese rolls with sweet chili dipping sauce.
What you should try: Cheese rolls, pepperjack gyro, falafel plate, chipotle lime hummus with pita chips
Jutama’s, Hattiesburg and Oak Grove
This is the top rated restaurant in the Hub City on Yelp and Google Reviews, and for good reason. The Thai noodle dishes have people driving from miles away to eat at Jutama’s. You won’t find these sauces, recipes or portions at a chain restaurant.
What you should try: Pad Thai, drunken noodles, shrimp asparagus
Crescent City Grill, Hattiesburg
Robert St. John’s Midtown restaurant is one of the most iconic in the city. The New Orleans-inspired eatery is known for its great service and expansive yet affordable menu. I ate here multiple times a week in college. It’s a must try if you haven’t.
What you should try: Nachos au gratin, crabmeat wontons, sensation salad, cajun enchilada
Ed’s Burger Joint, Hattiesburg
What’s better than a smash burger or hot dog after the big game? Ed’s is classic burger fare with a modern diner vibe and offers really delicious milkshakes, too. It’s very family friendly as well.
What you should try: Flat Top Pig, Ed’s Deluxe, buffalo chicken nachos
This story was originally published June 11, 2023 at 7:15 PM.
