Area 55

We tried this place out today. It was the best breakfast we’ve had in Southaven. I got the chicken and waffles the chicken was awesome! It was very crispy and the flavor was so good. My husband had the biscuits and gravy and an omelette. He was very impressed with the biscuits and gravy. You get two open faced with the gravy poured over them. We also had Bloody Marys, which they make a homemade mix for. All in all, we will definitely be back.

We were invited by some fellow Desoto countians to this new restaurant a couple of weeks ago. We arrived at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday… the place was 85% empty. The beer selection is better than average and the service was very good. One of the reasons we were enticed to try Area 55 was the fact we had heard that they serve their sandwiches, particularly their po-​boys, on original Leidenheimer’s bread, shipped in strait from New Orleans. Now, for those of you who know New Orleans food, you now this brand. It is simply the best po-​boy bread in the world… with a unique flaky crust and a soft middle… the secret ingredient of which is the very water that comes out of the Orleans Parish water system. Being that my wife grew up in the Big Easy, she was exited to know that a local dining establishment was going through the trouble, and was aware of the importance, of shipping Leidenheimer’s Bread all the way up to Desoto County for their po-​boys. She felt like she was going to get a shrimp po-​boy 350 miles from N’awlins that was as close as you could get to being there. Well, negative. The po-​boy was served on Leidenheimer’s Bread, but it went painfully wrong from there. The shrimp was the kind you get in the freezer section at Kroger, like Mrs. Paul’s…small and probably harvested in China. That wasn’t the worst part, there were two slices of Kraft singles melted over the shrimp… and it gets better, they garnished it with Thousand Island Dressing… a sure abomination. In conclusion, we just for the life of us can’t figure out how you know to serve the po-​boy on the best po-​boy bread in the world but present that atrocity to your diner. For reference, I’ve attached an image to a link of what you should strive for… and all you need is the Ledeinheimer’s Bread, fresh, fried, beer-​battered gulf shrimp, some shredded lettuce, some Blue Plate (and yes, it has to be Blue Plate) mayo, some pickles and tomatos if you want it «dressed,» and just a shake of Tabasco… It ain’t rocket science.

Passing by on the way to hockey and decided to check this little bar and grill out. They are located in the center of a small strip small. I have to say it was an outstanding decision on my part.
Our waitress Jennifer was outrageously on top of her game. Other waitstaff in this area should go take lessons. She is the best I have had in years! And she was working on her birthday! The giveaway was her beauty queen sash that said, «Happy Birthday, Princess».
This place is SPOTLESSLY clean! The ambiance is warehouse chic. Nice high tops and low tables abound. Real silverware with cloth napkins is standard. Interesting artwork pops from eclectic locations in between the typical bar neons. Big screens are there to satisfy your up-​to-​the-​minute sports scores. They have a large selection of microbrews for you cerveza imbibers and of course, the local brew, Wiseacre. There is outdoor seating out front as well.
Now to the food! Started with the spicy chicken cheese dip app with homemade tortilla chips. The chicken was Buffalo style and chunked into the dip. The dip was freshly grated cheeses with a cream cheese surprise. Loved it on the piping hot peppery tortilla chips. Then the patty melt, oh, the I dream about this kind of patty melt, patty melt. Cooked to perfection at the requested temperature and still juicy beyond compare and seasoned beautifully. Sautéed onions that weren’t overcooked to perdition with the slight crispy bite left in that buttery goodness. Served on toasted white bread. I know white bread for a patty melt, are they confused? Not in the least. The piece de la resistance is the smoky chipotle sauce smeared and soaked into that toasty white bread. Love that smoky spicy tingle left on my lips bite after bite.
As a bonus, they also have live music on the weekends and Sunday brunch. Had to miss the music cause I can’t miss the puck drop.

I really can’t add much to what Carla said. Those of you that read my posts know that I find cleanliness and service as important as the food. This place absolutely has it all.
Everyone here was extremely nice and genuinely friendly, the kind of people you want to hang out with. Our waitress, Jennifer, could not have been a better waitress for us. She was absolutely on point with everything. She got our drink order right away and they were at our table before we even knew it. I was pretty darn thirsty as I had been out hiking all afternoon and my tea was gone in a flash. By the time I set it down, she was immediately refilling it and back with our appetizer. I cannot express how wonderful she was except to say, we will be back and ask her to be our server again.
Cleanliness, that oh so important cleanliness, this place absolutely has it. You can tell that the owners of this establishment truly care about it and it shows.
Now to the food. The chicken cheese dip was extraordinary. I will admit that I was skeptical about a buffalo chicken style dip, but it was so delicious. The chips were freshly made and had a nice coat of pepper on them. So good.
Now the burger, the oh so good burger. Yes, thus burger is at the top of my list of best burgers ever. Read Carla’s post for the description, but let me say, yum, yum, yum, and one more time, YUM!!!
We will, and I mean WILL, be back again and I highly recommend you visit as well.

Stopped in for lunch on a Monday as we were leaving Memphis. Good southern comfort food — country fried steak, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, blackened peas, cornbread. The French fries were especially good, deep fried and slightly battered. Great to dip in the brown gravy.

Tried 2 times to eat here. Twice we have stood at door and were ignored and nobody came to great or seat. If they are going to seat people they need to at least acknowledge or have someone attending.

Stopped in based on proximity and was pleasantly surprised.
I had the shrimp Po’boy and salad. The sandwich rocked, but the cheddar cheese on my house salad was off.
Lunch partner had the kebobs which she raved about.
Service was attentive and the staff is currently revamping. This place will be rocking after a few more weeks of dialing their vibe in.
Looks outstanding for some beers and sports, good selection on tap and air conditioning pumping perfectly.