Where to Eat!

[wngrog]

Hmmmm......tasty burger huh? I am game for a Belmont Burger. That sounds nice and close.

Where is Local?

I used to not be so into burgers. I was into brisket, chicken fried steaks and burritos. I can put you on all 3 in all areas of the country (mainly TX and west) that will make you beat your mama.

I have since moved to MS whereas they cannot make either of the 3 above items if it were a matter of life or death.

I can occasionally find a good chicken fried steak, but nothing at all like you can get in Texas.

Mexican? Forget about it. When we lost On the Border and El Chico we lost the only decent Tex/Mex in Jackson. Sad that they were tops, but true.

Don't even get me started on BBQ. I LOVE pulled pork but it generally tastes good anywhere you go. Sauces in MS are not my thing. Too sweet or too vinegary. That goes for all SE BBQ. I am just a TX BBQ fan to the bone.

So it is burgers for me. They make a FINE burger here in MS. Fine. I have found it to be an art really and am enjoying the safari greatly.

 

[Sea Knight]

Mexican? Forget about it. When we lost On the Border and El Chico we lost the only decent Tex/Mex in Jackson. Sad that they were tops, but true.

There's a pretty good Mexican restaurant in Hattiesburg but unfortunately I don't remember the name. It's on Hardy street near USM. Maybe Oscars? The story I heard was that it was opened by a Mexican doctor and his family. Something about him having difficulty getting a US medical license and opening this place to generate income while getting licensed. Not great Tex-Mex, but still worthy.

 

[wngrog]

There is a Qdoba in Hattiesburg so I no longer have to guess when I go through there. It is 85% as good as Chipotle.

 

[Sowbug2000]

Belmont is probably my favorite burger in Memphis....plus its near work and home. I usually get the "rotel" burger. Most things I've ordered at the Belmont are good - kabobs, tamales, fried mushrooms are awesome, grilled shrimp. I haven't had their ribs, but have heard they're pretty good.

Belmont is a great, "dive" restaurant. Actually, it used to be called "the Half Shell,' until the Half Shell moved across the street. IMHO, the Half Shell is okay, but defintely not as good as the original Belmont (Poplar and Mendenhall). The Belmont in Germantown isn't the same.

 

[wngrog]

Rotel burger has me leaning heavily toward the Belmont.......

 

[Sowbug2000]

Its not "real" rotel, but its pretty damn good, and it comes on the side.

 

[Sea Knight]

There is a Qdoba in Hattiesburg so I no longer have to guess when I go through there. It is 85% as good as Chipotle.

Around here, Chipotle is considered a very marginal fast food joint. I guess we have more burrito alternatives. Have you tried a Freebirds World Burrito? Thought maybe you'd had a few in your Dallas days. World class, IMO.

Freebirds World Burrito

 

[wngrog]

Around here, Chipotle is considered a very marginal fast food joint. I guess we have more burrito alternatives. Have you tried a Freebirds World Burrito? Thought maybe you'd had a few in your Dallas days. World class, IMO.

Fxxxing Freebirds snobs. Anywhere there is a Freebirds there are always the "Chipotle is Garbage" guys.

It is great. I love it. Chipotle is only considered marginal if you have a WORLD of opportunities at your fingertips. I would rather have a Chipotle here than anything.

 

[WoodyCreature]

Flying Fish on Second St just north of Beale. Get the fish tacos with beans and rice... . tell 'em to make it snappy. Also best frozen margs around if your into that type of thing and if you are then get two and your set.

 

[Sea Knight]

Around here, Chipotle is considered a very marginal fast food joint. I guess we have more burrito alternatives.

Chipotle is only considered marginal if you have a WORLD of opportunities at your fingertips. I would rather have a Chipotle here than anything.

That was my point. When you have other alternatives, and they're abundant here in burrito heaven, Chipotle ranks in the middle of the pack. I will say that their food quality has improved greatly since the divorce from McDonalds. Adding McRibs to the menu would have been over the top.

I like them well enough, and my wife loves them. It's just easy to find better chow in this town.

 

[wngrog]

I still loved it living in Ft Worth. I like the simplicity v all the choices at Freebirds personally. I wish either them were here.

 

[BillRiley]

Where is Local?

Local is on Main street just south of Union. They have good wings too. Used to have great beer until Dogfishead stopped importing into TN.

Flying Fish is great but more a lunch spot to me than a dinner destination. Look for Andrew Mosley's billy bass on the wall.

But, if you've never been to Gus's, you can't leave Memphis without going there. Expect to wait for a table. Expect for your food to take longer than you'd expect for a chicken joint. And let it cool off before you bite down. But hoddam it's good. You can get the BBQ fedex'd to you but not Gus's. The one on S. Main isn't the original but it's where the cool people go. But if you're up for a little driving, head out to Mason, TN to the original location (but not the actual original - it's burned down and been rebuilt a few times). Don't go to the Gus's in Bartlett - it just isn't the same.

 

[wct49]

I'm loving this food thread!

 

[Sea Knight]

I'm loving this food thread!

Me too, but it's makin' me fat(er).

Someone should start a beer thread. I nominate Spivey.

I'll give it a try...Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA. It's real good with burgers. And Chipotle burritos.

Maharaja Imperial IPA

 

[wngrog]

That is why Bodean is the Prez.....

 

[Sea Knight]

That is why Bodean is the Prez.....

And that is why I tremble in his presence.

 

[wct49]

Me too, but it's makin' me fat(er).

Someone should start a beer thread. I nominate Spivey.

I'll give it a try...Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA. It's real good with burgers. And Chipotle burritos.

Maharaja Imperial IPA

We can't even get Fat Tire or Yuengling in MS so Maharaja is about like Chipotle.

Wishful thinking....

 

[Sea Knight]

We can't even get Fat Tire or Yuengling in MS so Maharaja is about like Chipotle.

Wishful thinking....

I misunderstood Nolen's post. I thought you did have Chipotle in Jackson.

Last year we stopped for gas at a little service station just across the LA line on the way back from Tunica. They had an amazing stock of micro-brews. The lady at the register said they sold most of it to Mississippians. I hope Spivey gets the MS beer laws changed before I move back for good.

 

[Bodean]

Backwards ass state!

 

[wngrog]

Hell no we don't have Chipotle. Hattiesburg and Olive Branch have Qdoba but we are WAY down the list on "trendy" chain restaurants.

From what I was told, you have to hit the magic 1,000,000 population mark in order for some places to even consider coming into a market. Jackson metroplex is just over 500,000 so we are shy by a few Democrats.

They are making progress though. Not sure why you would move back here but we will be glad to have you.....

I have really derailed the "Gonna try this one more time..." thread with food talk. Going to Memphis? There is lots of great eating info there. I'm going to a Mexican place in Germantown called Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana tomorrow night. Sounds really good. I am jonesing for some good Mexican food.