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Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town Mississippi

Jourdan River Steamer in Kiln, Mississippi, offers a unique seafood dining experience with fresh, steamed dishes and scenic river views.

Updated Feb 3, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Just north of Bay St. Louis, Kiln is a tiny little town in Hancock County that’s home to fewer than 2,500 folks, but don’t let that deter you. So often are small towns home to some big secrets, especially when it comes to the restaurant scene. Jourdan River Steamer is one of those hidden gems, and this small-town restaurant in Mississippi is worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state.

When you're ready to treat yourself like the royalty you are, make the trip to Jourdan River Steamer.

A brightly lit restaurant with colorful lights, featuring a sign that reads "Steamer," surrounded by parked cars.
Scott Huston/Google

Nestled right on the Jourdan River, this scrumptious seafood joint is one of the nicest restaurants in town.

View from a restaurant with tables overlooking a river and a bridge, surrounded by greenery and string lights.
Lorinda L. Moore/Google

Whether you arrive in flip-flops or a full tuxedo, everyone is welcome.

Whether you dine indoors or out, you'll have beautiful views of the river wherever you look.

Outdoor dining area with ceiling fans, tables, and large windows overlooking a green landscape.
Jourdan River Steamer/Facebook

Seafood is the name of the game at Jourdan River Steamer.

A metal platter filled with seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, accompanied by a small bowl of sauce.
Jourdan River Steamer/Facebook

Specifically, steamed seafood. You won't find any fried seafood platters here!

Lobster is one of the restaurant's best-selling dishes.

A seafood platter with crab, lobster, corn, and potatoes, set on a table with a view of a river and trees.
Gina Dioniak/Google

Kept in tanks and plucked after you order, it's hard to find freshness like this anywhere else!

The laughably large portions here are great for sharing.

A group of four friends joyfully enjoying a seafood feast, holding a large crab leg and laughing together.
Jourdan River Steamer/Facebook

Grab your bib and get cracking!

Of course, you'll also find several steaks and pasta dishes here too.

A plate featuring a grilled steak, crab legs, pickled radish, and sides of coleslaw and greens on a metal tray.
Darrell Moore/Google

A meal this special deserves to end on a sweet note, and Jourdan's dessert menu has an option for everyone.

Two dessert plates: one with chocolate cake and the other with key lime pie, both decorated with "Happy Anniversary" in sauce.
Kim Duvalle/Google

The Creme Brûlée is a fan favorite and often sells out. If you’re feeling fruity, the homemade key lime pie hits all the right notes, and chocolate lovers will thoroughly enjoy the chocolate seduction cake. For a Crescent City finish, give the New Orleans-style bread pudding a try!

Visit the Jourdan River Steamer website for more information, and be sure to follow Jourdan River Steamer on Facebook so you never miss out on any of the latest specials.

Craving more small-town charm? Check out our article on Cleveland, one of the best small towns in Mississippi. A picturesque little town in Mississippi with loads of history and a charming downtown area to explore, it’s the perfect destination for an in-state adventure.

Looking for more hidden gems in Mississippi to add to your bucket list? Visit Trusted Tours, where you’ll find info on everything from popular attractions to more obscure locales.

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