The Steaks At This Rustic Restaurant In Tennessee Are So Generous, They Could Feed An Entire Family
Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original in Tennessee combines rustic charm with hearty, satisfying meals. Warm lighting and classic décor create an inviting atmosphere as steaks arrive perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavour.
Portions are generous enough to make every bite memorable, highlighting quality ingredients and careful preparation. The menu includes sides and accompaniments that pair beautifully with the main dishes, adding balance and variety to each plate.
Attentive service keeps the experience smooth and enjoyable, letting diners focus on the food and conversation. For anyone craving a meal that feels both comforting and impressive, Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original offers a memorable dining experience that makes a drive across town or across the state well worth the trip.
Quick Snapshot
Name: Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original
Type: Full-service steakhouse with a broad American menu
Setting: Rustic mercantile-warehouse interior with warm lighting and a comfortable, lived-in feel
Location: 117 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401, situated on the downtown square near the James K. Polk historic area
Arrival: The restaurant opens at 11 AM daily, with hours extending to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 9 PM on weekdays, and 8 PM on Sundays
Portions: Steaks and sides tend to run generous, with multiple reviewers noting that desserts alone could easily be shared between two people
Why Steaks Here Are So Special
Not every steakhouse earns repeat visits on the strength of its cuts alone, but Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original seems to do exactly that for many of its regulars. Reviewers consistently single out the NY Strip as a standout, with one guest describing the cut as well-marbled, cooked right, and genuinely satisfying without needing any sauce on the side.
The chopped steak covered with grilled onions and jalapeños has also drawn enthusiastic praise, particularly when paired with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Seasoning appears to be a real strength here, with multiple diners noting that the flavors were well-balanced right out of the kitchen.
That said, not every visit has been perfect. A handful of reviewers have mentioned overcooked steaks or inconsistent results, which is worth keeping in mind.
The kitchen tends to perform better during less crowded service windows, so timing a visit thoughtfully could improve the experience. Ordering a cut cooked to medium rare or below may also reduce the risk of a dry result.
When the kitchen is on, the steaks at this Columbia spot tend to deliver real value for the price.
Pro tip: The NY Strip is the most consistently praised cut across multiple reviews – it is a reliable first choice.
Atmosphere And Lighting
Walking into Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original feels a bit like stepping into a well-preserved old mercantile building that has been given a warm, modern update. Reviewers frequently describe the interior as having a rustic warehouse feel with just the right amount of elegance – exposed textures, warm lighting, and a layout that feels roomy without being cold.
The lighting inside tends to sit at a comfortable mid-level, warm enough to feel relaxed but bright enough to read the menu without squinting. The space is clean and well-maintained, which multiple guests have pointed out unprompted in their reviews.
Noise level is one area where the experience could vary. On busy nights, the room can get loud enough that conversation requires some effort, with one reviewer comparing the sound to a buzzing hive during peak hours.
Arriving earlier in the service window, closer to opening at 11 AM or just after, may offer a calmer, more relaxed setting. The venue also hosts private events including weddings, which speaks to the overall polish of the space.
Seating appears comfortable across both the main dining room and bar area, though bar seating has drawn mixed feedback regarding service consistency.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original stretches well beyond what a typical steakhouse offers, which tends to make it easier for groups with different preferences to find something they enjoy. Appetizers like the roasted cream cheese stuffed jalapeños, onion rings, and cheesy spinach artichoke dip have all received positive mentions across multiple reviews.
The chicken and waffles has built a devoted following, with one returning guest ordering extra waffles mid-meal after tasting them for the first time. Chicken tenders, described as juicy and not thickly coated, have also earned solid marks.
On the heartier side, the pork chop plate with a loaded sweet potato and the NY Strip with a loaded baked potato are both dishes that guests have described as well-seasoned and satisfying.
Side dishes deserve attention here too. Bacon asparagus, mashed potato casserole, and cheesy mac and cheese fries have all drawn favorable comments.
Desserts tend to run large enough to share, with the chocolate decadence and milky caramel chocolate galaxy both mentioned as crowd favorites. The bread service has also been called outstanding by more than one guest.
Why it matters: A wide menu means this spot works for steakhouse purists and picky eaters in the same group without anyone feeling like a compromise was made.
Location And Parking
Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original sits at 117 W 7th St in Columbia, Tennessee, placing it right in the heart of the downtown square. The location puts it within easy walking distance of the James K.
Polk historic area, which one reviewer mentioned as a reason to try the Polk-themed dessert on the menu.
Downtown Columbia has a walkable, small-town square feel, and the restaurant fits naturally into that setting. The surrounding area includes other local businesses and historic buildings, making it a comfortable spot to explore before or after a meal.
Street parking tends to be available along the square, though availability could vary on busy weekend evenings when the restaurant draws larger crowds.
For anyone visiting from out of town, the address is straightforward to find using standard navigation apps. The venue is clearly visible on the square and has enough curb presence that it is not easy to miss.
Guests coming for a weekend dinner should plan for the possibility of a wait, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when the restaurant stays open until 10 PM. Arriving closer to the 11 AM opening time on any day of the week tends to result in a shorter wait and a quieter dining room overall.
What To Order On Your First Visit
A first visit to Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original tends to go smoothest when the order stays focused on what the kitchen does most consistently well. The NY Strip is the safest starting point for anyone who came specifically for steak – multiple reviewers across different visit dates have called it excellent, well-cooked, and worth returning for.
For an appetizer, the roasted cream cheese stuffed jalapeños or the onion rings are both strong options based on guest feedback. The onion rings in particular have been described as absolutely delicious by more than one visitor.
A house salad before the main course has been consistently noted as fresh and crisp, which is a reliable sign of kitchen care for basics.
On the side dish front, the mashed potato casserole and loaded baked potato are both well-regarded pairings for the steak. Saving room for dessert is worth the effort – the chocolate decadence and milky caramel chocolate galaxy are both large enough to share, making them a practical way to end the meal without over-ordering.
First-timers who prefer something other than steak could consider the chicken and waffles, which has earned some of the most enthusiastic repeat-visit praise on the menu.
Insider tip: Ask your server about any seasonal specials – a Brussels sprout side has been praised as a standout limited offering.
Who Will Like This Place
Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original tends to work well for a fairly wide range of diners, which is part of why it has accumulated such a large volume of reviews. Families with kids who are comfortable in a lively, occasionally loud environment are likely to enjoy the space, the generous portions, and the broad menu that gives everyone a workable choice.
Couples looking for a relaxed dinner out – particularly on anniversaries or date nights – have rated the experience highly, especially when seated in the main dining room rather than the bar area. The restaurant has also hosted weddings and private events, which suggests the space can accommodate more formal occasions as well.
Food enthusiasts who prioritize steak quality and value over a high-end fine dining environment will likely feel at home here. The price point sits at mid-range, which makes it approachable without feeling like a fast-casual compromise.
Who this is not for: Guests who prefer a very quiet, low-stimulation dining environment may find the noise level on busy nights uncomfortable. Those expecting fine dining presentation and precision at every visit may also find the experience inconsistent.
Anyone with a tight schedule should factor in the possibility of wait times, particularly on weekend evenings when the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.
Availability And Reservations
Southern Tré Steakhouse The Original is open seven days a week, which gives a fair amount of flexibility for planning a visit. Hours run from 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday and Wednesday, 11 AM to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays.
The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch option that has been mentioned positively in reviews for those who enjoy a midday meal.
Wait times can vary considerably depending on the day and time of arrival. One reviewer reported a 55-minute wait for a table of six on a busy evening, while another visited on a Saturday early evening and was seated without any wait at all.
The difference appears to come down largely to timing and group size.
For anyone planning a larger group visit or a special occasion, reaching out to the restaurant directly at +1 931-548-8002 or through the website at southerntresteakhouse.com is a reasonable step. The space has handled private events including weddings, so the team is likely experienced with coordinating larger bookings.
Arriving within the first hour of opening tends to reduce wait times and may result in a calmer, more attentive service experience overall.
Key Takeaways
• Open seven days a week starting at 11 AM
• NY Strip is the most reliably recommended steak cut
• Portions are large and frequently shareable
• Noise level can be high on busy nights – earlier visits tend to be calmer
• Mid-range pricing with a rustic, comfortable atmosphere
• Private events and weddings can be accommodated – contact the restaurant directly for details