The Noble South, Mobile

Downtown Mobile has lots of great options for good food, drink, and atmosphere. One of my favorite places is The Noble South. As the tagline says, it’s A Taste of the South in a beautiful old building at 203 Dauphin Street in the heart of Mobile’s Entertainment District.

The atmosphere is casual yet refined, with exposed brick, lofty ceilings, and a long bar for whatever is your pleasure that day. There is patio seating outside and tables inside. I saw several friends having lunch with spouses, business partners, and out-of-towners, all of whom seemed to enjoy a nice dining experience. 

The Noble South menu is simple, with a farm-to-table offering that includes fresh seasonal favorites. I ordered the blackened catfish, black-eyed peas, and squash casserole, finished with a light crispy crust of delicious cheddar cheese. 

I must say, the tartar sauce may be the best I've ever tasted. At least it was that day, and I was hungry when I sat down. When the server arrived to take my empty plate, I commented, “It was so good, I was sad when it was gone.”

Emi Bencsath, General Manager, sat down with me for a minute to offer a little background on The Noble South. Emi has been with the restaurant since it opened in 2014. She began as a bartender and told me their signature cocktails change with the seasons. “We create classic cocktails but add our own riff. We also create a lot of our own new concoctions.” 

She told me that people don’t know that they have a private dining room next door that seats  18 to 20 people called “The Side Car.” They sometimes rent the restaurant for private events and receptions and do catering off-site for smaller “at-home” events as well as big parties for up to 150 guests. “We excel in catering,” said Emi. The Noble South also sells pre-batch cocktail mixers for parties. “These are very popular; you just have to add the liquor and ice.”

The Noble South is owned and operated by Chef/Owner Chris Rainosek, a Mobilian who has left his imprint throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal food scene for many years. He pursued his passion for food at the premier Culinary School of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado,          after graduating from the University of Alabama .

Chris is passionate about creating beautiful, tasty food that his patrons know is fresh and local. With an ever-changing simple menu, you can count on a truly delicious dining experience whatever time of year. I’ve never been disappointed at The Noble South and look forward to my next visit.