You’re driving through Monroe County, maybe heading toward the Alabama line, and your stomach starts doing that thing where only a massive plate of protein will fix it. If you find yourself in Hamilton, Mississippi, there’s really only one place locals are going to point you toward: Tag’s Surf & Turf.
It’s not some polished corporate chain with a million-dollar marketing budget. Honestly, it’s better. It’s a local staple sitting right on Holloway Road where the vibe is basically "come as you are, but bring an appetite." People don't come here for the minimalist décor; they come for the Tag's Surf & Turf menu and the fact that you can get a ribeye and a pile of catfish without clearing out your savings account.
What’s Actually on the Tag's Surf & Turf Menu?
If you’re a first-timer, the menu can feel like a lot. You’ve got the heavy hitters—the steaks—but then there's this whole other world of Southern-style seafood. It’s the kind of place where "surf and turf" isn't just a fancy phrase; it’s a lifestyle choice involving deep fryers and high-heat grills.
The Steak Situation
The ribeye is the undisputed king here. We aren't talking about those thin, grey cafeteria steaks. These are thick-cut, seasoned properly, and actually cooked to the temperature you asked for.
Most people go for the Ribeye and Shrimp combo. It's the classic move. You get that char from the grill on the beef, and then you've got these jumbo shrimp—you can get 'em grilled, but let’s be real, the fried ones are the local favorite. The batter is light but crunchy, which is a hard balance to hit.
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The Seafood Side
Mississippi knows catfish. If a restaurant in Hamilton messed up catfish, they’d be out of business in a week. Tag’s does it right. It’s flaky, white, and doesn't taste like the bottom of a pond.
- Catfish Platters: Usually served with hushpuppies that are actually moist inside.
- Fried Oysters: Plump, salty, and golden.
- Seafood Platters: For the people who literally cannot choose and want a bit of everything.
The "surf" part of the Tag's Surf & Turf menu isn't just an afterthought. While the steak gets the glory, the kitchen treats the fish with just as much respect.
The Famous Salad Bar (No, Seriously)
You might think it’s weird to get excited about a salad bar. I get it. But at Tag’s, the salad bar is sort of a legend in its own right. It’s well-stocked, everything is crisp, and it doesn't look like it’s been sitting out since the mid-nineties.
There’s something about a "well-stocked salad bar" that just completes the Southern steakhouse experience. It’s the buffer zone. You go up, grab your greens and maybe a few of those pickled beets or some creamy potato salad, and it holds you over until the main event arrives. It’s also one of the few spots where vegetarians can actually find a solid meal, even if the rest of the menu is very much "team meat."
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Pricing and Atmosphere
Let’s talk money. One of the biggest reasons Tag's has such a loyal following is the value. In an era where a burger and fries at a fast-food joint can run you twenty bucks, getting a full sit-down meal with a steak and a side for a reasonable price feels like a win.
The service is exactly what you’d expect from a small-town Mississippi spot. It’s friendly. The servers actually check on you. They know the regulars by name, but they’ll treat you like one even if it’s your first time stepping through the door.
Live Music and Events
Check the calendar if you’re planning a trip. They often have live entertainment, especially on Tuesday nights. It turns the dining room from a quiet eatery into a bit of a community hub. There’s something about eating a ribeye while someone plays a guitar in the corner that just makes the food taste better.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that you need to dress up. You don't. While it's a great spot for a "special occasion" like a birthday or an anniversary, you’ll see plenty of people in work boots and jeans. It’s a community spot.
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Another thing: the hours. They have a specific schedule, often closing on Mondays and having specific lunch windows during the week. If you’re driving from out of town, always double-check they’re open before you commit to the trek.
The Actionable Verdict
If you’re heading to Tag's, go early. Especially on Friday and Saturday nights, the place fills up fast because everyone in Monroe County has the same idea.
- Start with the fried mushrooms. They’re a sleeper hit on the appetizer list.
- Order the Ribeye. Medium-rare is the way to go here; the kitchen handles the heat well.
- Don't skip the salad bar. Even if you just want a few croutons and some ranch, it’s part of the ritual.
- Save room for dessert. The options change, but if they have anything involving pecans or chocolate, just say yes.
The Tag's Surf & Turf menu is a love letter to Mississippi dining. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s unpretentious. Whether you're there for the catfish or the beef, you're going to leave full, which is exactly how a steakhouse should be.