Last week, Beechwood Restaurant and Lounge was named one of the 13 Best Steakhouses in the South, holding its own against steakhouses in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta

“There’s really nothing like a good steak dinner,” author of the list Adam Bailey wrote. “When a steak is cooked just right and paired with the right ingredients, sides and beverages, you might as well just send me right off to heaven.”

The list was published by Country Outfitter Style, which aims to bring people together to celebrate the country lifestyle through food, fashion and music.

“In the South, there are some places that really know how to cook a steak the right way,” Bailey continued. “And when it comes to a steak, these aren’t just restaurants, they’re houses of worship.”

Beechwood was the only restaurant in Mississippi to earn a spot on the list.

“If you are passing through Vicksburg on I-20 and want a great take on the local flavor, this is the place for you,” he wrote. “Their filets are cooked on a char-broiler — so you’re in for a tender and juicy experience.”

“We didn’t know anything,” said Will Hood, who owns Beechwood with his uncle Rocky Nosser. “We were excited about it. It was a cool deal.”

Hood said he was surprised to learn about the accomplishment and he had no previous interaction with Bailey or anyone else from Country Outfitter Style.

“We just use the best meat we can get, and we don’t cut any corners with any of our food,” he said. “If you start off with a good piece of meat, you don’t have to do a lot to it. We keep it simple.”

Hood said they serve about 500 steaks a week or 2,000 a month, which have been prepared by chef Derek Wells, who has been preparing the steaks for the past six years.

Wells said he uses a secret rub and homemade au jus to get the steaks just right.

“All of our steaks are chargrilled,” he said. “It makes them way better than a flat grill. Once you have one of these, you wouldn’t want to eat off of a flat grill.”

Wells said the steaks are never frozen and cooked to order.

“I love cooking period, but I really love cooking steaks,” he said. “I get compliments a lot. Some people tell me and some people show me generosity, either is fine.”

This year, Beechwood is celebrating its 60th year in business.

“We’ve been here a long time,” Hood said. “I just can’t say enough good things about my staff. They really care about our customers and each other.”

Hood said Beechwood was also recently recognized by the Mississippi Beef Council and Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association for having one of the top 10 steaks in Mississippi.

See the full list of steakhouses from Country Outfitter Style at http://countryoutfitter.life/13-best-steakhouses-in-the-south/.