Tasting Columbus

 

Columbus, Mississippi is a town with a rich heritage.  The city takes pride in preserving the past and looking forward to the future, and its unique food scene definitely lives up to that motto.  From traditional Southern favorites to fresh, Southern-inspired gourmet meals, Columbus abounds with a delicious mix of restaurants to suit any taste. 

Soul Food Favorites

Helen’s Kitchen, located on 15^th Street North in Columbus, is always packed with locals.  Owner and operator, Helen Karriem opened the restaurant and catering company in 1988 and has been dishing out Southern favorites ever since.  Some of her most well-known dishes are her salmon croquettes with rice, baked chicken with cornbread dressing, fried chicken, and peach cobbler.  A local favorite for breakfast is Helen’s chicken and waffles – fresh, golden fried chicken served over homemade waffles hot off the waffle iron.   

While you’re there, ask about getting a copy of Helen’s cookbook, Helen’s Kitchen:  Cooking from the South.  Helen released the cookbook, which contains her tried and true recipes, in 2009.

Downtown Delights

Columbus has a vibrant downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants.  Downtown is just a few blocks from Mississippi University for Women and is home to the Rosenzweig Arts Center and the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams.  While enjoying the sights, be sure to check out these delightful downtown restaurants:

 A local favorite, Café on Main, offers traditional Southern favorites such as fried chicken, turnip greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.  The staff is friendly and has been trained in Southern hospitality.

A meal is less than $10.  The price and atmosphere make this the perfect place to take the entire family for lunch while enjoying the sights of the town.  Make sure to order the peach cobbler.

 New to the downtown area, Café Aromas is nestled between shops on Main Street and is the perfect place to stop for a little pick-me-up while you’re window shopping.  The café has gourmet coffee, teas, and smoothies, as well as fresh baked cookies and muffins.  They also serve sandwiches and sometimes even have quiches for lunch.  Everything is made fresh at the shop and the staff is very friendly.  The café is very open with comfy tables and chairs where friends can gather.  There is also a kid’s room in the back with a large chalkboard wall so the kids can play while you unwind with a smoothie or latte.

If you’re looking for something a little less casual, plan to visit J. Broussard’s Restaurant and Bar for an upscale evening out.  The restaurant is downtown and offers a modern twist on traditional New Orleans style cuisine.  Opened by Joseph Broussard and his wife, Mary, in 2001, the restaurant is now run by their daughter, Chef Elizabeth Broussard Rogers.  They use fresh, local ingredients every day to create their upscale menu.  

Pictured here is their Shrimp Creole dish, one of many New Orleans inspired seafood dishes.  They also have wonderful steaks that are hand-cut daily.  One of their best entrees is their Pecan Pane Catfish, a crunchy piece of pecan crusted catfish served with lemon butter and potatoes.  Most entrees are between $20 and $30, but the food and atmosphere are worth the splurge.  Be sure to get there early to cut down on your wait time – J. Broussard’s doesn’t take reservations, so it is first come, first serve when the doors open at 5:00 p.m.

 Off the Beaten Path

Established in 1985, Proffitt’s Porch at Officer’s Lake is a local favorite and a great place to go for traditional Southern food served in a casual atmosphere.  Make sure to go on a pretty day, so you can sit on the porch for your meal and enjoy watching the hummingbirds.  Also be on the lookout for a bald eagle.  One has nested in the trees near the restaurant and if you’re lucky, you can see it fly around a little.  The restaurant began as a concession stand at the local swimming hole at Officer’s Lake and grew into a full service restaurant.  It is off the beaten path, but is worth the drive.

As far as food goes, Proffit’s Porch has wonderful Creole favorites like seafood gumbo and red beans and rice.  The Seafood on French sandwich (crab and shrimp on a French roll) is one of their specialties.

Proffitt’s also has incredible homemade desserts, like their Chocolate Chip Pie, which is served warm and topped with whipped cream. 

Another local favorite that’s a little off the beaten path is Hank’s #1 BBQ on Highway 45 North.  Hank’s has won many awards for their barbecue and now serves ribs, pulled pork, and smoked turkey from their little smokehouse right outside of town.  Stick with the traditional pulled pork or smoked turkey sandwich here, and be sure to try some of Hank’s award winning barbecue sauce.  If you eat there, make sure you sign the wall.  It’s a Hank’s tradition! 

The Grill at Jackson Square is another favorite that puts a modern twist on traditional Southern cuisine.  Newly renovated, The Grill has a hip and inviting atmosphere and friendly wait staff.  They also have a newly updated menu including Pulled Pork Nachos, a spicy and sweet twist on Southern barbecue.  

Their entrees are affordable for lunch or dinner, and they also have great homemade desserts like their signature Snicker’s Bar Pie, which is layers of chocolate, caramel and coffee ice cream in a graham cracker crust and topped with chopped Snicker's bars.  It is sinful.