Oaklawn Southern Dining — Restaurant in Paris

Anniversary Ambiance: 10/10 — Entrée Experience: ...well, let's talk about it.

We chose this spot to celebrate our anniversary, and from the moment we pulled up, things were looking promising. The valet was smooth, the staff dressed sharper than my husband’s wedding tux, and the ambiance? Perfection. Romantic lighting, thoughtful touches like a personalized anniversary menu and sweet little signs — it all screamed special occasion. Points for making us feel like VIPs without the VIP price tag (yet).

Our server was warm, attentive, and on point — the kind of person who makes you feel like they actually enjoy their job and aren’t just reciting the specials for the 47th time.

Now, onto the food… which sadly felt like it came from the back of aisle nine.

Let’s start with the presentation — stunning. I briefly considered framing my plate and hanging it on the wall. Unfortunately, it all went downhill the moment I tried to chew through my filet, which was cooked to temp but still managed to taste like upscale rubber. My husband had the ribeye, which we suspect was an unfortunate victim of “looks better than it tastes” syndrome.

Flavor-wise, everything leaned a little too close to "gourmet TV dinner." We were served a complimentary crème brûlée (very kind), which had all the drama of a torch to the sugar topping, but the custard itself? More "instant pudding" than Paris patisserie. I admired the showmanship, though — give that torch handler a raise.

The real kicker? After a $200 tab, we left romantically full of love… and still hungry.

To be fair, the food was prepared correctly — this was not a cooking issue. It’s a quality issue, and sadly, no amount of seasoning can cover up subpar ingredients or miniature portions.

Bottom line: The experience was 5-star, the service delightful, but the food didn’t live up to the hype or the price tag. If the kitchen can match the quality of the atmosphere, this place could be phenomenal. Until then, it’s a beautiful setting for an...

Small town, local steakhouse, we came with our party who have been several times before. The staff were wonderful. Attentive, polite, and very pleasant to be around. We were seated in the back of the restaurant. The lighting is a bit dim, but it helps to set the mood. They also have outdoor seating as well. Their menu is simple. Three out of the four of us ordered the Famous Benton bacon Wrapped Bourbon-Glazed Filet and the other, Blues City Filet with blue cheese crumbles. Thankfully, you are given the option to choose your own sides. Two of us got the bourbon bacon maple brussel sprouts and the other two, creamed spinach. We did not wait long for the food to be served. All the filets were cooked perfectly to order – medium rare. The filets were tender, cut like butter and melted in your mouth. They are topped with tallow. I am not a fan of that but none the less it did not interfere with the taste of the meat. The The Benton filet had a sweet taste from the bourbon, not my favorite but I assumed the taste when I ordered it and still very much enjoyed the meat. The two of us who ordered the Brussel sprouts found them to be served luke-warm, we both took notice to this and they should’ve been warmer. The creamed spinach was served hot and was delightful. The owner became aware of the situation and took the steps to make it right. The reason this restaurant is deserving of 5 stars is because the attention and care the owner took to right the wrong. Steakhouses are expensive and instead of being brushed off because the side dish was cold, he cared. You don’t get that anymore in restaurants and with that, we will for sure...

Restaurant had a good “feel “ to it and the staff was incredible and polite. The lacquered salmon was great no complaints about flavor or presentation etc.

Only part of review that is bad is I think it’s way overpriced for what you get. Yeah it’s priced high for the ambiance etc and for the experience and I do spend these prices every time I go to Pattis, Ruth Chris, J Alexander’s etc etc . But. There was no bread served with the meal or before it? Every nice restaurant I have ever been to anywhere offers you bread with your meal. Also for the price I think a small salad would be included just for the experience of not having to sit there a hour waiting for your food to arrive. Most people will skip paying $10 for a small side salad and then make that long time it takes kitchen to prepare your food seem like a eternity, Just my suggestions on things that most people will complain about and not come back.

I also feel just the small quaintness of the venue will keep most people from writing a google review that plan on coming back. I think it’s such a nice little place with such friendly staff you almost don’t want to write the review in fear of hurting their feelings and them remembering you if you come back. I for one will be back and I hope they take this review as constructive as I hope they add these little extras, as I have spoke to others after my visit and they would never take the time to write this review but they said same...