Crawdad Hole — Restaurant in Water Valley

5 stars — finally, something filled the emptiness he left behind

You know a place is going to be important when it’s called Crawled Hole. You don’t just end up there. You descend into it. Willingly. Like you’re chasing the echo of something you never had—say, a father figure who promised he’d take you fishing and instead disappeared into a Chrysler LeBaron and a new family in Tulsa.

Anyway. The food is really good.

I walked in expecting mediocre bar snacks and the kind of lighting that makes you question your life choices. Instead, I got a basket of wings that tasted like emotional stability and a server who looked me in the eye like he meant it. I’m not saying he’s my dad, but I am saying he refilled my Coke before I asked, and that’s more attention than I got between the ages of 6 and 17.

There’s something about the way the booths are shaped—tight, private, like a place to say all the things you didn’t get to say when he left. Like: “You missed my high school graduation.” “I learned how to change a tire on YouTube, Dave.” “Mom cried into a meatloaf for six years.”

But then your nachos show up and you’re fine again.

At the table next to me, someone was having an intense conversation about boundaries and emotional regulation. At the bar, a guy was quietly writing in a leather journal and sipping whiskey like he was reconciling with a ghost. I didn’t ask questions. We all come to Crawled Hole for something.

The fries were crispy. The air felt heavy in a comforting way. Like someone finally threw a weighted blanket over your inner child and said, “It’s not your fault.”

Would I come back? Already have. Twice.

Still no dad. But at least I’ve got the chili...

• UPDATE: I had to add a star. I couldn't stay away. Went last Thursday. Mr. Kevin hooked me up on both the grilled and cajun-boiled shrimp. Amazing freshness and flavor! * I'll probably dream about the grilled crab all week! Whatever mojo they put in the seasoning cast its spell on me!! I stumbled across this place from a small ad in Oxford's Local Voice. Online and FB reviews were good. I had to taste it for myself. I had the half-pound grilled crab legs with a sausage, small corn cob, and couple of red potatoes that cost me about $15. The grilled crab legs are slathered in this magical seasoning that will have you licking your fingers AND the shell no matter who else is around! I'll definitely be back. I have to try the smoked kabobs, cajun boiled shrimp, and fresh-squeezed lemonade next time. The vintage shaved ice machine was not cooperating so I missed out on a snow cone, but I did have a frosty bottle of Abita root beer. The service is very friendly, and your fellow customers make you feel right at home, too. The restaurant serves national and local brands of beer. Seating is outside, but they have fans to help keep it comfortable. Live music Thursday nights and first Friday. A new...

Very good !!! Boiled Shrimp from the Gulf and Tamales. Spicy, not really hot. And in a restaurant located in the middle of the state of Mississippi. What a menu. And prices. The lady working here was super. And pretty! She took our orders and accommodated any modifications. We also had a pound of their "boiled peanuts". If you've never had these salty, nutty, Southern Specialties - you must try theirs! If you've had them before, theirs are really good. A rustic location adds to the charm. It's...