>> If you’re wondering where to eat in Clinton, MS, look no further than 303 Jefferson. This charming restaurant is just a few steps from Mississippi College.
303 Jefferson is both the address and name of a charming restaurant tucked just a few steps from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.
Walking into 303 Jefferson, I immediately noticed the Southern charm adorning the walls that reflects the building’s history as The Livery Stable, a gathering place for the community established in the 1870s. The cozy restaurant continues to serve as a gathering place for the community and anyone who seeks out excellent food. With a warm, wood paneled interior as well as a relaxing outdoor patio, 303 Jefferson is the perfect place to enjoy one of their beers on tap with some fresh fried pork Cracklins and pimento cheese – a starter for a great meal to follow.
This local haunt is a very inviting place – with even better food. Their menu features a wide variety of modern twists on Southern foods that will warm your soul with your best memories of your grandmother’s home-cooked meals.
Daily hot plate lunches provide plenty of options ranging from chicken spaghetti and shrimp creole to fried catfish and beef & bean chili. They also offer daily entree specials at dinner… which was when we visited.
We started our meal with an order of the Smoked Tuna Dip served with bright fresh vegetables and crostini. Honestly, this appetizer could be an entire meal, and makes for generous sharing. The house-smoked Sushi grade tuna has just the right amount of smoke to make a perfect Gulf Coast style dip!
The Surf & Turf is a universally beloved menu choice, and the version 303 Jefferson offers is memorable. My knife sliced through the steak like butter, and the shrimp were seasoned perfectly. I chose cheese grits as my side, and they were the fluffiest, most decadent grits I have ever tried. Don’t pass up this side!
The Smoked Ribeye Cheese Steak sandwich is another popular hit among 303 Jefferson customers. House smoked (if you know us, you know we LOVE that about them!), thinly shaved steak is smothered in grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms and doused in their house made cheese sauce. Yes, it’s a tad sinful, but there are some vegetables there, so that makes it okay, right? If that wasn’t enough, be sure to dip your fries in their “special sauce.”
The redfish special was an off-menu special, but I wish it was available everyday because I would order it again and again. The piece of fish was quite generous, dusted with delicious seasoning and a heaping portion of crab meat.
303 Jefferson serves a delightful experience as well as hearty Southern food with the perfect amount of refinement that avoids being stuffy, and they delight their guests with an exceptionally welcoming approach.
303 Jefferson is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. They feature a full bar and a daily rotation of dessert selections. Watch their Facebook for special trivia nights, a local favorite!
By Emily Williamson, Summer 2017 Intern Class