N'Awlins Grill — Restaurant in Clinton

I had a very unpleasant experience at Nawlin’s Grill, including a lengthy and extensive wait time and an impolite and unpleasant kitchen staff/manager and I would not recommend that anyone spend their hard earned at this establishment, especially this holiday season.

I ordered gumbo over the phone and was told that my food would be ready in 30-45 minutes. I attempted to call the restaurant back because I’d realized that the man had not asked for my contact information. It appeared as if my number had been blocked, because I immediately started getting a pre-recorded message when I called back.

I arrived 33 minutes after I placed the order and was told that it would be a “little bit longer”, when I asked about the wait by the server. She offered me a beverage while I waited, which I accepted. She went to the kitchen and I overheard the kitchen staff member state “it definitely hasn’t been 25 minutes.” When the server returned with the card reader, I paid, left a tip & I told her that I would pick up a salad I ordered from another restaurant and would return to pick up my order through the drive-thru.

I returned to the drive-thru window and was ignored when I saw that the server looked at me through the window. Instead of acknowledging me, the server went to serve other customers.

I sat at the drive-through until it had been 51 minutes since I placed my order. I drove around, parked and went in to pick up my order, since no one acknowledged me at the window.

When I came inside, the server had already left the floor and went to the kitchen. I stood there waiting for someone to come out near the register…but to no avail. I could hear her casually bantering with the kitchen staff member. I stepped near the kitchen entrance to get the server’s attention.

I told her that I placed my order nearly an hour before & when I tried to call back several times and kept hearing a pre-recorded message. I also told her when I called from my parents home phone, it heard a busy signal instead. I then called the establishment so that she could hear it as well. I asked if I could speak to the manager. She told the manager/staff in the kitchen “she wants to talk to you.”

The kitchen staff/manager came out with an annoyed and nonchalant attitude. I told him that I placed my order at 5:11pm and it was now 6:10. He said “gumbo takes a long time.” I told him that he told me it would take 30-45 minutes & that I placed the order at 5:11 and it was now 6:10. He told me that was about 45 minutes. I’m no mathematician, but 59 minutes is 1 minute away from an hour. I told him that I tried to call several times and a pre-recorded continuously came on when I called. I asked if my number had been blocked because I heard a busy signal when I called from my parents’ home phone. I then called the number from my phone so that he could hear the recording. He said “No. I don’t know your number.”

I said just said “okay”, because it was painfully obvious that he was unconcerned about my experience as a customer. I told him I would just leave a review. He very nonchalantly and indifferently said “okay.”

I am visiting my parents’ from out of town and there were several other places that I would have received better service and prompter service from. I can not undo my disappointing experience, but I can save you precious time, wasted money & an unpleasant experience by sharing my experience and redirecting you to other local restaurants.

There are several local places that will value you as a customer during this holiday season. I implore you to patronize those...

I almost didn't write this post, because I don't want to bash or talk down on this place. I am giving this place an overall 3 stars only due to the flavor of the food. I feel that locals probably love this place, but as a non-local from out of town, looking for a mom and pop / small business, this place wasn't doing it for me.

Service - the service was absolutely phenomenal. Everyone was super sweet and the hospitality was there. The people knew the menu and they were very attentive when it came to service.

Food - well the food really didn't have much flavor. My lady got the steak and ended up not liking it. It didn't have any true flavoring, and she ended up having up throw it up because it sat bad in her stomach. I got the Crawfish etoufee and it really was bland. Like it didn't taste bad, but I wouldn't exactly get it again. The best thing that we had to eat was the appetizer - jambalaya egg rolls. Absolutely was phenomenal compared to everything else. Maybe we came in expecting something higher tier due to the local area, but we just weren't really impressed.

Prices - the price was affordable and decent, which is why we showed up. For what we paid, we were okay with our experience even though the food was not that enjoyable.

Bottom line - I think people should experience this place for themselves. We probably won't try this place again, but our experience is not yours. Go try it for yourself, see how you like it, and then give a honest and sincere opinion. Also, it's BYOB (you can bring your own alcohol).

Things I think this place can improve on: The flavoring - the steak just tasted like meat. She got it rare to medium rare, but it just tasted cold and kind of sour. Which is why she stopped eating it and probably had to vomit later. The plating display - I recognize this isn't a 5 star restaurant, but the thing that looked the nicest plated was the appetizer. Now we are from the city, so this comment can possibly be thrown out due to the area. The parking - I think you all should re-stripe the lines. I recognize that's a small thing, but it can really have a big impact on arrival.

Thing I think were done phenomenally: The interior - we arrived at approximately 7pm-8pm. The environment on the inside was cozy and awesome. It felt 4-5 star-ish southerner feel. The customer service - everyone was really sweet and very knowledgeable of the menu.

Second bottom line - I do not like to post negative reviews and I feel this one was not my favorite one to write. So again, my experience was my experience. Try this place for yourself and live your own...

If you're anywhere near Clinton, MS, N’Awlins Grill is the place to be for a hearty Creole feast. There's no need to wait for a hostess to seat you upon arrival; just find your own spot and relax. Before you even glance at the menu, you're treated to a delightful surprise: perfectly seasoned potatoes that taste like they're fresh out of a crawfish boil, setting the tone for the flavorful journey ahead.

I decided to dive into their grilled catfish with a loaded baked potato. The catfish was cooked to perfection, with each bite melting in my mouth while delivering that unmistakable Creole punch. The loaded baked potato was just as indulgent, packed with all the fixings that left me struggling to decide which part I enjoyed more. I wrapped up my meal with a slice of key lime pie. My daughter, always the picky eater, was quite happy with her classic kids' meal of chicken tenders and fries, proof that their mastery isn't limited to just Creole staples.

With soulful music filling the air, the vibe at N’Awlins Grill is both comforting and energizing—much like their food. The service was top-notch, quick and friendly, with our piping-hot dishes arriving in no time. If you haven't visited yet, you're missing out on a little slice of Louisiana right here in Mississippi. Definitely put N’Awlins Grill on your must-visit list for an amazing...