The Rustler in Meridian was such an unexpected find. We were just looking for a cozy, comfortable place to relax with a few drinks and appetizers on our drive between Tennessee and Texas, and this place absolutely delivered. The crab dip was shockingly good--easily one of the best appetizers I've had in a long time. Everything came out incredibly fast, the food was piping hot, and the drinks were made perfectly. The service was some of the best I've experienced anywhere. Our waitress was attentive, genuinely friendly, and always seemed to appear exactly when we needed something without ever being intrusive. The hostess, Sims, deserves special recognition as well. She was warm, professional, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. She set the tone for a fantastic experience. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and upscale. It's the kind of place where you can unwind for an hour or spend the entire evening. The bar staff clearly knows what they're doing--they made every drink we requested, no matter how obscure, and the wine selection was surprisingly extensive. If you're passing through Meridian, don't overlook The Rustler. It's a true hidden gem, and I'll absolutely make it a point to stop here again every time I'm traveling between Tennessee and Texas. read more

I've traveled much of the country and have eaten at many steakhouses. I'd be hard pressed to think of a better steak than the ones I've eaten here over the years. I don't visit Meridian often (probably 2 or 3 times a year) and I don't always have the opportunity to eat at The Rustler on my visits. But I so look forward to the times I do! Four of us dinned there last night for a business meeting. The place kind of looks like a dive bar & grill on the outside and you drive through a older industrial & residential area to get there. The inside is a little dark but the atmosphere is pleasant for our purposes. The staff has always been friendly and efficient. The food has consistently been fantastic. The steaks are flavorful, cooked properly, seasoned just the right amount, and I think a little larger than indicated on the menu. Last night we opened with the loaf of warm sourdough bread that was brought to the table, followed by the barbecued shrimp and baked stuffed mushrooms, both were terrific. The shrimp wasn't exactly what I expected. The sauce was more creamy than bbq, but outstanding. My 3 dining companions all had filets while I went for my customary New York strip, cooked to a perfect medium rare. I couldn't finish it all. Great experience all around. read more

This was our first time here, and it was the best meal I have ever had in my life. Not just me, but me and my family, too! Everyone at the table was saying it before I could even say it! I was proud to have been in such good company! We had and *highly* recommend the bacon wrapped scallops, and the fried green tomatoes for appetizers. We had the petite filet Hailey, with green beans and a stuffed potato, a 16 Oz USDA prime ribeye, sauteed slices mushrooms, house salads with warm, sweet bacon dressing, chicken tenders and fries (secret kids menu, thank goodness), and for dessert, bread pudding and an oreo cheesecake slice, all huge portions. Literally everything just melted in your mouth. I cannot recommend enough. The staff was BEYOND. Just absolutely BEYOND efficient and kind. Wonderful, homegrown people in a very perfectly rustic location with a lit-up atmosphere. Just amazing. Oh! The bread and butter were even showing out, AND I had the pineapple martini with layers that look like fall candy corn, and my husband had a fantastic whiskey sour. Our little one got to blow out the ambiance tea candle on the table as we left and that was just the icing on the cake for her, lol! read more

I have always been a fan of The Rustler and the wonderful cuisine. The food has always been delicious and perfectly served. Recently, a friend and I chose to try the grilled shrimp; which was featured on Facebook. The picture presented was definitely tantalizing and warranted me wanting to visit The Rustler !!!! I wanted to see if the grilled shrimp were as delicious as they appeared....the picture did not give justice to the scrumptious taste of those grilled shrimp!!!! The entire experience at The Rustler was worth noting. The wait staff was very attentive and SUPER nice. I will definitely be returning and looking forward to the outstanding service and delicious food!!!!! Again, this is definitely a hidden GEM in the community and needs to be explored more by any individual looking for a wonderful meal and very soothe environment. read more

By far the best steakhouse in the south! I literally make my boyfriend drive up three hours from the beach so that we can eat at this quaint, yet outstanding restaurant. Coming from Pensacola, we have some great seafood and steak houses, but The Rustler still puts the best of the best to shame! If you have the pleasure of stopping in here, you will definitely be wowed by the amazing food and even better wine selection. The service was exceptional and the owner and his daughter are in house every time I am there, ensuring an amazing experience. Definitely unique and DEFINITELY worth the drive!!! You get what you pay for- and that's the best quality steak, seafood, cocktails, and service! Already planning my next trip! #mouthwatering read more

If you haven't been, you definitely should!!! I think this might just be my favorite meal I've ever eaten. The salad was a basic salad, but the star is the warm bacon dressing!!! You know I have to do the ribeye; it came with two sides and a salad. The bartender recommended the sautéed mushrooms to complement the steak....they were so good!!!...and btw, the steak was fabulous!! Cooked right, hot, flavorful, and super tender!! Semmes, the owner recommended the bread pudding....and WOW!!! It was delicious!!! Made with French bread and served with ice cream. It is a super cool restaurant with a young owner. She does a phenomenal job here!!! You have to try it and support her!! read more

We made the mistake of going out on Valentine's Day. Nothing had less than a 2 hour wait. I found this place on top Steakhouse's in the area. I called to find out wait time and they said no wait. We got there and chuckled because it reminded my husband and I of a local place from home and said it could be really good or really bad. Let me tell you, it was amazing. The staff was awesome and the steak was perfect. The price is a little high, $101 before tip for two meals and an appetizer and a glass of wine, but I will say it's totally worth the price. We will be going back when we come back to town next year. read more

What a superb restaurant. Easily the best food in Meridian. The staff are well dressed, polite, and very friendly. The interior intimate, rustic, and beautiful. As for the food, it was perfect. It's hard to find a proper medium-rare steak, and they delivered just that. Well done on the outside, and slightly mooing on the inside. Fresh bread was brought to us almost immediately and our water glasses were never empty. The perfect location for a date or an excuse to dress in your best clothes. I will definitely be going back again very soon. read more

My husband and I had a great time here. It's in an out of the way location in Meridian, but the food and the service were both excellent. I had a filet and he had a strip steak-both cooked perfectly, and had great flavor. The portions were large, which is a good thing because it was kind of pricey. But both meals included salad, a vegetable and a potato, and they give you bread as soon as you sit down. So it's definitely worth it! They also have a full bar, and a good selection of wine and beer. We had a really good bottle of red wine read more

Dinner at The Rustler is always a delightful and satisfying experience. From the the time you arrive and receive a warm welcoming greeting from Semmes Martin, this little restaurant keeps you feeling special. The steaks are perfection! The crab claws are wonderful! Their homemade salad dressings make the salads so delicious! The banana pudding cheesecake is over the top!! We feel like family when we dine here! Great place and a true Meridian treasure. I am already planning my next night out at this jewel of a restaurant! read more

Wow! Complete hidden gem. Their aren't too many of these restaurants out there. Outstanding food and great, friendly, attentive service. I work for a pharmaceutical company and hosted some customers in a private room. The staff was wonderful and really paid close attention to providing excellent service. I've hosted private dinners all over the country and The Rustler is right up there with the best of them. Keep up the great work and I look forward to doing this again in the future! read more

After reading the first review we wanted to go here! The place is great. Service was on point, very friendly staff, a great steaks and seafood. Please don't consider the 3 extra miles to get here...worth the easy drive. I had the steak special of the evening..."The Hayden". 9 oz filet with a perfect crawfish cream sauce. She got the Blacken Red Snapper...unfortunately I blinked and was unable to have a bite. Guys, this place is the real deal...nice steakhouse!! read more

This is a local-family owned restaurant that appears to be a whole-in-the-wall dive. The quality of food at the Rustler is amazing! I had the steak and it was perfectly seasoned and cooked to temperature. If you are steak snob, this is your place. Other Big Hits were the fried mushrooms and fried crab claws for apps and the chicken as an entree. This may be one of Meridians's best kept secrets, though everybody I talk to about the Rustler also raves about it read more

This is one of our very favorite steakhouses to eat at. The steak is always cooked to perfection. If you get a salad, be sure to ask for their warm bacon dressing. It is delicious. We always sit at a table in the bar. Not because we are drinkers, but because the staff has more of an opportunity to enter act and cut up a bit. Always a good time. Mr. Mike is very nice and goes above and beyond to make sure you had a pleasant experience. Highly recommend!! read more

We have enjoyed this restaurant for years. One thing you can always count on is they are consistent with Awesome Food and Service. We have traveled across this country and I always ask locals where is your best steak house. Well I have just had the best steak of all times at "THE RUSTLER". Alex, aka "ox" was our waiter and was great. Met Semmes tonight, and was so impressed with her. We can't wait to see her next trip! read more

Hidden Gem! Everything from the hostess-recommended pineapple lemonade martini to the crab dip appetizer and dinner salad, through the entrees (salmon and grilled shrimp) with baked sweet potato and fresh veg, then ending with coffee - we couldn't have asked for anything more. The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel comfortable and welcome. The atmosphere was perfect. Definitely fine dining at its best. read more

When we entered through the cozy lounge, an immediate feeling of laid-back class reminiscent of the Sinatra era continued as we were seated at our table. The service could not have been more pleasant or accommodating to our party of 6. The fresh baked sourdough bread melted in our mouths as did the 8 oz. filet that followed and was out of this world good!! This family owned business has got it right. read more

My family went for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Everything from the appetizer to the main dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. The staff went out of their way to ensure that my birthday ended on a wonderful note. This is a place to not only dine with family and friends, but it is also a place that takes the time for their customers and makes them feel welcome. read more

Found The Rustler on a work trip. Usually eat at a different restaurant while in town. Now that I have found The Rustler those days are over. The owners daughter waiting on us tonight and I can honestly say it was one of the best meals I have ever had. Completely worth the money. Great atmosphere and wonderful staff. So glad they were able to make it through the pandemic! read more