Local Restaurant Review: The Plaid Rhino in Hattiesburg, MS

Hattiesburg, MS is home to many excellent and locally owned restaurants. Recently, there has been a new addition that continues that tradition- The Plaid Rhino. A newly developed franchise, The Plaid Rhino opened in May and has done well since, offering residents a more upscale spin on the traditional "burger joint."

From the second you walk into the place, the mood conveyed is one of relaxation. The entire restaurant just feels...laid back. It's clean, simple and not one of those eateries with a plethora of random items on the walls assaulting the senses. Right away it's clear that the focus is on the food, and the guest, not on creating an elaborate theme. Throw in a menu that is far more unique and interesting than a regular burger place, and it is nearly impossible not to enjoy yourself here. Menu items cover everything from burgers to pastas to salads and steaks, so finding something to enjoy should be easy.

Our meal began with an appetizer of fried dill pickles, which were excellent, and hard to find at most Hattiesburg restaurants. The pickles were served with a dipping sauce that was delicious as well. When our entrees came, we had a T-Moody burger ( a burger served with onion, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and BBQ sauce), a smoked bacon burger, lobster ravioli, and penne tuscano pasta. There was nothing else we could have desired from any one of them. The Plaid Rhino claims that their burgers are "famous" and if so, it's for a good reason.

They were huge, served a variety of unique ways (fried egg on a burger? Trust me, it works.), and our server took great care to make sure they were cooked exactly how we wanted them. As for the pasta dishes, they were amazing too. The lobster ravioli had huge, meaty chucks of lobster inside, plus pieces of shrimp in the sauce, and the penne tuscano was a very plain, but very delicious meal of pasta, sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. The Plaid Rhino also serves a number of signature drinks, offers a full bar, and creates a variety of desserts.

Of course, all this food is before you even make it to the game room. With great favorites like Star Wars pinball, a hockey-themed foos-ball table, the enduring classic Galaga, and several more, the game room can offer as much fun and enjoyment as the menu, especially if dining with children. Games, of course, are a quarter or more per play.

Overall, the Plaid Rhino was truly fantastic restaurant. The food was excellent, the prices were more than reasonable (two entrees, an appetizer, soft drink, beer, and mixed drink cost $40), and the service was some of the best I've ever received. For location, hours, a full menu and other information, please visit their website at plaidrhino.net