You know how most hotel restaurants feel a bit... sterile? Like they’re just there to satisfy a Marriott requirement? Walking into The Westin Jackson, you might expect that same corporate vibe. But then you hit Estelle Southern Table, and honestly, it’s a whole different animal. It doesn't feel like a lobby afterthought. It feels like a neighborhood bistro that happens to have some really nice rooms upstairs.
People often get hung up on the "Southern table" part of the name, expecting nothing but heavy, grease-laden plates. But the Estelle Southern Table menu is actually a weirdly perfect marriage of Mississippi grit and French technique. That’s probably thanks to the original DNA of the place, influenced by chefs who know their way around a roux and a demi-glace just as well as a deep fryer.
The Shareables That Actually Matter
Most of us have been burned by a "charcuterie board" that was basically three slices of sweaty cheddar and some Ritz crackers. Estelle doesn't do that. Their Southern Table board is usually a legit spread of artisanal meats, drunken goat cheese, and house-pickled Delta vegetables. It’s the kind of thing you order when you’re pretending you aren’t that hungry but end up fighting over the last bit of roasted garlic.
But if you want the real "I'm in Jackson" experience, you go for the Fried Green Tomato Stack. They don't just fry them; they layer them with pimento cheese, peppered bacon, and smoked brisket. It’s chaotic. It’s heavy. It’s basically a meal disguised as an appetizer.
- Delta-Style Deviled Eggs: They use a lemon cayenne aioli and crispy parsley. It's a nice kick compared to the sugary versions you find at church potlucks.
- Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip: Served with brick-oven garlic toast. You'll want to ask for more bread. Just do it.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: It comes with spicy honey butter and smoked sea salt. Simple, but don't skip it.
The Dinner Menu: Where Things Get Serious
Dinner here is where the French-Southern fusion really starts to show off. Take the Blackened Red Fish. In many places, "blackened" is just a polite way of saying "we burnt the seasoning." At Estelle, they pair it with a smoked chickpea and harissa base and cumin carrots. It’s got this Mediterranean undertone that makes the whole dish feel lighter than your standard fish-and-grits combo.
Then there’s the Cajun Fettuccine. They use black ink pasta—which looks dramatic as hell on the plate—and toss it with chicken, shrimp, and andouille in a parmesan cream. It’s rich. Like, "I need a nap immediately" rich.
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If you're a steak person, the Pimento Cheese Au Gratin that comes with the filet is a total game changer. It’s one of those things where you wonder why everyone isn't putting pimento cheese on their potatoes. It's sharp, creamy, and sort of ruins regular mashed potatoes for you forever.
The Pizza Situation
Wait, pizza at a Southern bistro? Yeah, it’s a thing. They have a wood-fired oven, and the Delta Supreme is the standout. It’s topped with pimento cheese (sensing a theme here?), mozzarella, fried green tomatoes, and andouille. It sounds like it shouldn't work. It sounds like a dare. But the smoky char from the oven ties it all together.
The Brunch Everyone Talks About
If you try to show up for brunch on a Sunday without a reservation, good luck. You'll be waiting in the lobby with a lot of very well-dressed people. The Estelle Southern Table menu for brunch is basically a Jackson social ritual.
The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the "safe" choice, but they’re popular for a reason. They use a blueberry gastrique and lemon mascarpone that makes them feel more like a dessert than breakfast.
For something heartier, the Fried Chicken & Waffle is the move. The chicken is usually spicy—not "burn your face off" spicy, but enough to wake you up—and they serve it with a strawberry coulis. The acidity of the berries actually helps cut through the fat of the chicken.
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- The Benedict Bar: You can basically build your own. Want a biscuit base with fried chicken and sausage gravy? Done. Want smoked salmon on an English muffin with hollandaise? Also done.
- The Butcher Burger: It’s an 8oz Angus patty with bacon-onion jam. It’s messy, so maybe don't order it on a first date unless you’re really comfortable with each other.
- Steak and Eggs: They use an 8oz flat iron and a chimichurri sauce that’s surprisingly bright.
What People Get Wrong About the Bar
A lot of people think hotel bars are just for overpriced gin and tonics. But the lounge at Estelle has a legit cocktail program. They do a Mississippi Mule using Cathead Vodka (local to Jackson), and their Magnolia Negroni swaps out the usual gin for bourbon and adds a praline liqueur.
It’s sweet, nutty, and very "Mississippi."
If you're into whiskey, look at the "Whiskey Corner" section of the menu. They don't just pour it; they treat it with a bit of reverence. The Sazerac is done the traditional way with an absinthe rinse, which is a nice nod to the New Orleans influence that creeps up the I-55.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? Kinda, but there are things to know. The portions can be a bit all over the place. Sometimes the small plates feel huge, and sometimes a main course feels a bit light if you’re coming in with a massive appetite. Also, because it's in a Westin, the prices are definitely on the higher end for Jackson. You're paying for the ambiance and the service, which, to be fair, is usually top-tier.
The noise level can also get a bit rowdy during happy hour or Sunday brunch. If you’re looking for a quiet, whispered conversation, maybe aim for a Tuesday night dinner instead of a weekend.
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How to Handle Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, don't just wing it.
First, check the "Frosted Nights" or Chef’s Table events if you’re there during the holidays or special seasons. They often do these "winter igloo" setups or communal feasts that aren't on the regular menu.
Second, start with the deviled eggs. Even if you think you don't like deviled eggs, just try them. They’re a benchmark for the rest of the meal.
Finally, save room for the Warm Pecan Pie. It’s served with vanilla ice cream and a caramel sauce that tastes like it was made five minutes ago. It’s the most "Southern" thing on the menu and a perfect way to end the night before you roll yourself back out to the parking garage.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Current Seasonal Menu: Estelle rotates items based on what’s fresh in Mississippi, so the snapper might be swapped for another Gulf fish depending on the month.
- Book via Tock or OpenTable: Especially for brunch. The window seats are the best for people-watching on South Congress Street.
- Verify the Hours: They usually close the kitchen between lunch and dinner (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM), so don't show up at 3:00 PM expecting a full meal.