The small Mississippi town of Como in Panola County is a most unlikely dining destination. Traditionally a cotton and market town, Como came by its party atmosphere somewhat arbitrarily, as the nearest town in wet Panola County to the nearby dry college town of Senatobia in Tate County. (Senatobia has since legalized liquor and beer). The main draw has been the venerable Como Steakhouse, which is one of the best steakhouses in the country. Guests can watch their steaks cooked right in the dining room, and enjoy the dark, luxurious atmosphere. The upstairs Oyster Bar on weekends provides a bar atmosphere with burgers and other bar staples. Down the street, Windy City Grill offers occasional live music, burgers, shrimp, catfish, other sandwiches, and Chicago-style pizza, both deep dish and thin-crust, Across the street are Como Catfish, which is only open on weekends, and a Thai restaurant. Out in the country east of Como is another dining option, Home Place Pastures, which is a working farm owned by the Bartlett family. Its restaurant and store is open for lunch, but on Friday evenings, they are open for dinner too, consisting of steak, fingerling potatoes, grilled bread and asparagus. Prices are not cheap, but this is literally farm to table dining.
Como is also home to a rich blues legacy, one which includes such greats as Napoleon Strickland, Mississippi Fred McDowell, R. L. Boyce, Otha Turner and others. There are still occasional blues performances in town, often at Como Park. Also of interest are the historic homes along the railroad east of the tracks, one of which belonged to the family of actress Tallulah Bankhead. The town is very walkable, and everyone seems to know each other. The chimes from the Methodist Church at the end of Main Street make an appropriate close at dusk to a fun evening in the Mississippi Hill Country.