Natchez Restaurant Tips by VeronicaG Top 5 Page for this destination

The King's Tavern: An Olde Establishment

The King's Tavern is a historic establishment with roots in the 18th century. Dating 1769, it's the oldest building in Natchez and because of its history, we thought it would be great to dine here on our first evening.

The building was originally a block house for Fort Panmure when the British occupied Natchez. Boatmen returning home, would find the tavern as good a resting spot as any they came upon. Mail brought in by Indian Runner and the Pony Express would be delivered here. When river traffic subsided, it was used as a private home, returning to a Tavern in later years.

The restaurant is in the lower level, with a rustic 'banquet style' room on the second level and one bedroom at the top. The dining area reminded us of some restaurants we've visited in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Thick wood beams ran across the ceiling and aged wood floors and crude stone walls created a certain atmosphere throughout the restaurant.

I ordered a Queens-cut Filet, which came with a tossed salad, green beans and choice of potato ($23.95). My perfectly cooked filet was nearly fork tender and absolutely wonderful. Jim selected Shrimp Fettucine ($14.95) and seemed to appreciate his meal, as well. We shared a warm piece of pecan pie--our total came to $49.25.

Although the service was acceptable, there was no friendly banter from the waitstaff or hostess--we had even made reservations ahead. I can't say we felt especially welcome, but the food was worth the visit.

A few other entrees:

Hickory smoked prime rib with au jus ($18.95)

Roasted Smoked Half of a Chicken ($13.95)

Fried Shrimp ($14.95)

Fried Catfish ($13.95)

Rib Eye made with USDA prime beef--12 oz. ($22.95)

All meals are served with a house salad and choice of potato plus bread

Address: 619 Jefferson St., Natchez, MI

Comparison: about average

Phone: 1-601-446-8845

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Biscuit's and Blues: Casual Dining in Town

We had spent the entire day sightseeing around Natchez, so we were exhausted as we searched for a place to have a late dinner on a Sunday evening. Suddenly, we came upon Biscuits and Blues, a recommended restaurant for its casual fare.

Empty upon our arrival, it quickly began to fill as diners seemed to appear from nowhere. The waitstaff was very friendly and eager to converse. Our favorite type of restaurant!

Warm,flakey biscuits were produced at our table, which we devoured in record time. A Bluesburger Po'boy (prime ground beef) on toasted French bread with fries ($6.25) filled our stomachs, as we listened to jazz recordings and reminisced about our day. It was a comfy spot in which to take a deep breath and relax.

Other menu items:

Smokin' Chicken--half a seasoned chicken ($8.95)

Smokin' Ribs-St. Louis cut port ribs, lightly smoked and rubbed in a special seasoning ($10.95)

Shrimp Po'Boy-Gulf shrimp on toasted bread with jalapeno tarter sauce ($7.95)

Grilled Catfish Po'Boy-grilled, fresh catfish on toasted bread with jalapeno tarter sauce ($6.95)

Address: 315 Main St., Natchez, MI

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 1-601-446-9922

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: American

Website: http://www.biscuitsblues.com

The Magnolia Grill: A Bite to Eat at Natchez-Under-the-Hill

The Magnolia Grill is a cozy little restaurant in Natchez-Under-The-Hill, fronting the Mississippi River. Its weathered exterior lends some down-home appeal!

Inside you'll find two dining areas--we chose the room next to the parking lot because of the splendid view of the river (pic #2). We were served by a friendly waitress, who made time to small talk and strove to make us feel welcome that day.

Although fresh catfish is served here, I opted for a large bowl of chicken/shrimp gumbo. Jim ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries ($3.95, which were delish!). He overlooked my snitching as I tried a few. Ummm-surprisingly good.

We decided to order a spinach and artichoke dip for an appetizer ($6.00). It came with toasted points of Pita--so good and recommended by our waitress!

As we awaited our meal, we watched a boat push a string of barges up the river (pic #3). It was better than viewing tv and amazing to witness the boat positioning the barges for a turn in the river.

Some other menu items:

Magnolia Salad--bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, mandarin oranges, egg, parmesan cheese and choice of dressing ($4.00)

Athens Salad-grilled portobello, bed of mixed greens, red bell peppers, olives, tomatoes and goat cheese ($9.50)

Bacon Cheese Hamburger-8 oz. of freshground beef with secret seasoning, chargrilled and topped with bacon and cheese ($9.50)

Redfish Etouffee-housemade crawfish ettoufee over rice ($17.00)

Ribeye-14 oz. certified Angus beef ribeye chargrilled ($26.00)

Address: 49 Silver Street, Natchez, MI

Comparison: about average

Directions: at Natchez-Under-The-Hill/waterfront

Phone: 1-601-446-7670

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: American

Website: http://www.magnoliagrill.com

The Castle Restaurant at Dunleith: Dining at Dunleith Plantation

For a romantic candlelit meal, we made reservations at The Castle, Dunleith Plantation's restaurant, where we dined in a historic setting. The building, once home to the plantation's horses, has a crenelated top resembling a castle, hence the name.

A young group teens dining before their Prom made for a noisy main dining room, so my husband asked to be seated in a quiet area. We were led to a side room and for most of the evening, we felt like we had been quarantined. Oops, perhaps a bad move on our part!

However, the room had ambience with its bricked walls and cozy dining space, so we enjoyed each other's company...and the silence. The service was ok, but since we had chosen to remove ourselves...it was a bit slow.

We both ordered a juicy, pork tenderloin--I substituted the mashed sweet potatoes and cabbage for au gratin potatoes and vegetable medley. My meal began with a Dunleith salad--mixed greens and oranges ($7.00), while Jim enjoyed an artichoke and crab soup ($7.50). A shared cannoli ended our lovely meal ($6.00).

A wedding was being held at Dunleith this evening, so before our meal we walked about and took pictures of a horse-drawn carriage and the gorgeous mansion. What a divine place to pledge one's vows!

Address: 84 Homochitto St.,Natchez,Mi.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: At Dunleith Plantation

Phone: 800-433-2445

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: American

The Carriage House: Lunching at Stanton Hall

After touring elegant Stanton Hall, we turned to The Carriage House for lunch. This restaurant is on the plantation grounds and famous for it's fried chicken and mint juleps. When we arrived the dining room was filled to capacity.

Knowing we had reservations at Dunleith Plantation that evening for dinner, we nixed the fried chicken and both selected The Queens Salad which was tomato aspic, potato salad, chicken salad and boiled egg ($8.95). The combo was tasty and served with biscuits that were light-as-air!

Looking about, I noticed several of the tables had ordered mint juleps, so I thought I'd order one, too. The last and only mint julep I had tried was at The Kentucky Derby over 30 years ago, so I thought I'd sample it again. I was hoping it would taste better---nope!

My julep sat pretty well neglected because it still tasted...well, awful! I guess I'm just not a proper sampler for this very popular Southern drink. The waitress told me the julep had two shots of bourbon, mint flavoring and ice. Next time, I'll order ice tea as my husband did.

Address: 401 High St., Natchez, MI

Comparison: about average

Directions: located at Stanton Hall

Phone: 1-601-445-5151

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Other