The Southern Steak and Oyster in downtown Nashville was an excellent find that I stumbled across last December while looking for fresh oysters in Nashville. It was my first choice when visiting again this weekend on business, and here’s why:

1. If you like oysters, there are several types to chose from, all fresh and you can order individually or by half dozen or dozen. Some of my favorites amongst their selection include the Blue Point, Fanny Bay, Apalachicola Bay (I’m a southern girl, k?), and rich and delicious “Hootenanny”

2. The Bloody Marys are made from scratch and delicious.

3. The craft beer selection is good, and even include Louisiana’s own Abita “Andygator” – a Helles Dopplobock high gravity beer that is slightly sweet with a dry, crisp finish. It paired excellently with my oysters.

4. The filets are cooked to order and came out perfect both times.

5. The Bayou crab cake had the perfect portion of lump crab that paired well with the red pepper relish and buerre blanc (while butter sauce). 6. No one’s gumbo is better than Dad’s, but theirs sure comes close! The Breaux Bros Gumbo (pronounced “Bro bro”) is rich and creamy (thanks to the okra, not actual cream) and is served with the perfectly paired pecan rice.

7. The fried oyster mash was delicately balanced with and creole aioli and root vegetable mash that kept the dish from being too heavy (as many fried dishes can be) but still full of flavor.

8. The Fish Tacos, though served with flour tortillas in a non-traditional way (corn tortillas are the norm in Mexico) were so delectably crafted and balanced that my Mexican husband forgot all about the tortillas. i forget the type of fish inside but it was moist and succulent. The black beans on the side had the flavorings of the traditional Cuban frijoles negros but topped with the soft Mexican cheese that proved a nice flavor fusion.

Service was just what I wanted: attentive but never in your face. Ambiance is a bit noisy, but in a positive and lively sort of way.

The Southern is most definitely a Nashville staple in my book. I look forward to the opportunity to dine there again.