Local Markets and Food in Meridian, MS
Longtime eateries are hungry to please customers
The cuisine scene offers a slice of the good life in Meridian and Lauderdale County, with great food, inviting atmospheres and unique local flavors found in dozens of restaurants and markets.
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Local Favorites
Using as many local food items as possible, Harvest Grill serves lunch and dinner and is known for its salmon and tuna dishes, steak, chicken and Creole entrees. At Cater’s Market, people can stop in for breakfast and lunch during the week, as well as for Saturday brunches that include mimosas. The market sells a selection of “gourmet-to-go” casseroles, such as Chicken Divan and baked lasagna.
Weidmann’s, a Meridian favorite since 1870, specializes in Southern cuisine, with choices including sausage gumbo, blackened catfish po’boys, and shrimp and grits. Chunky Shoals Fish Camp has a down-home menu that includes catfish filets and jalapeno hush puppies, while Northwood Country Club members and their guests enjoy Southern staples such as squash casserole, fried crawfish and slow-cooked country vegetables.
Steaks, BBQ and Burgers
For meat lovers, Rustler Steak House and Lounge serves high-quality steak and seafood dishes in an upscale atmosphere, and Ole Farm Beef House features an assortment of charcoal-grilled steaks, seafood, chicken and other family favorites. Barbecue fans can visit Squealer’s Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que, where menu items include pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket sandwiches and “redneck nachos.” Squealer’s books live music every Thursday night.
At Mugshot’s Grill & Bar, half-pound hamburgers are served on toasted sourdough buns and accompanied by beer-battered fries, plus customers can choose from a dozen sandwiches. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit provides diners with large portions of beef brisket, barbecue honey ham and spicy cheddar sausage.
International Food
Fans of Mexican food can visit La Pinata for margaritas, along with classic food favorites such as chimichangas, Texas style fajitas and nachos al carbon, while El Norte Mexican Restaurant has three locations that serve steak and chicken fajitas, vegetarian specialties and Mexican beers. Nick & Al’s New York Style Pizzeria is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and offers a large selection of hand-tossed pizzas, Italian pastas, calzones and paninis. Sake Sushi has a large selection of sushi bar fish along with hibachi-grilled steak, chicken and shrimp entrees.
Meridian Area Farmers Market
Sponsored by Mississippi State University-Extension Service and the City of Meridian, the Meridian Area Farmers Market is open every Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. from June through September. The market, at the underpass on Front Street next to Union Station, features fresh local produce, meats, eggs, flowers, handicrafts and more.