San Antonio may be not be a coastal city, but one taste of the seafood at Southerleigh Haute South, you’ll swear the beach can’t be far away.

Back story, in case you don’t know Southerleigh Hospitality Group: Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery is a beloved staple at the Pearl, offering coastal classics and locally brewed beer. With an oyster bar, fantastic menu and a brunch that is not to be missed, it’s a destination for foodies who love seafood and more.

Style

Southerleigh Haute South takes the coastal classics from its big sister, pairs them with the oysters and an amazing new brunch, washes it down with Southerleigh’s brews and serves it all up with a heaping dose of Southern hospitality and laid-back atmosphere. Sure, you can call it fine casual, but when I’m greeted by a pile of crispy, fried-to-perfection seafood, this New Orleans native calls it tasty, period.

Nestled on a corner in The RIM with a patio that faces open park space, Haute South welcomes you with a display of today’s available oysters on the half shell. It’s a welcome sight when you walk through the door and sets the stage for the goodness that lies ahead. Haute South knows its seafood, and when your name is a play on “southernly,” enough said about hospitality. The staff is friendly, the food is fantastic and everything makes you want to sit and stay a spell.

All Day Dining

The menu is based on Southern-style food, including Southerleigh’s signature fried chicken and seafood. The fried chicken is available in quarter bird, half bird and whole bird options. In the go big or go home category, there’s even a two bird option. It’s all served with honey fried biscuits and some Southerleigh mouth-watering sides.

Those sides deserve their own spotlight. Mac and cheese, collard greens with a touch of smokey bacon and seasoned fries that are crispy perfection. Southern comfort food at its finest. Grab a bird and some sides, but don’t miss out on starters like fried okra, wrapped in cornmeal batter and served with black garlic ranch (which really needs to come in a bucket size because it’s that good). Texas caviar or real caviar—another nod to the level of Southerleigh’s seafood game—no matter what you choose, you’ll be happy.

On the seafood front, there’s everything from fresh oysters on the half shell to poboys overflowing with fried oysters and shrimp, as well as seafood basket options with the same, as well as fried flounder. If you’re looking for a great boil, Southerleigh has you covered. Burgers and one of the best chicken sandwiches you’ll sink your teeth into round out the all-day menu.

Brunch & Beverages

All of that would be reason enough to make Southerleigh Haute South a regular must. But in case you weren’t convinced, let’s talk weekend brunch. Chicken and donuts? Yes please, especially when those donuts are bacon-glazed. Soft-Shell Blue Crab Benedict? Just do it. You won’t regret it. Same with the grits and shrimp. Donuts of the week go fast, so claim them quick, but don’t miss the smoked sausage stuffed corn pups.

And yes, Southerleigh’s bar game is as strong as it’s food. Handcrafted cocktails, frozen drinks and Southerleigh’s very own brews. The brunch has classic mimosa, as well as a frozen option, a Breakfast Old Fashioned and bloody marys that are a meal. What else do you call a concoction that includes a shrimp, crab leg and a chicken wing as garnish?

To keep everyone safe, Southerleigh Haute South has limited occupancy indoors, with tables spaced for social distancing, and of course, the patio offers a terrific outdoor dining option. Pick-up is also available, making it easy to enjoy all of the goodness at home, too.

Keep in mind: Like all restaurants who are jumping through hoops to manage the situation we’re all navigating, these menu options present best served by the amazing team at the restaurant. The flavor doesn’t change when it’s slipped into a to-go container, but you miss out on the Insta-worthy sight of chicken stacked on those fantastic donuts.

We’re all in this together and our restaurants need our support, so don’t grumble. Enjoy the flavor, don’t share your soft-shell crab, and get into Haute South and share those pics when you can.

Southerleigh Haute South: 5822 Worth Parkway, Suite 112, San Antonio, TX 78257

Cover photo courtesy Southerleigh Haute South

An award-winning writer and communications expert who runs Tale to Tell Communications, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories about her adopted hometown of San Antonio. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms, San Antonio Woman and Rio Magazine.