I did expect more from Oby's than a soup and sandwich shop, I was hoping for a Cajun restaurant. The place is a stand alone building with a gigantic lot. There are several dining areas and it has a vintage decor. When you walk in you'll find its a counter order place with the menu posted in boards behind the counter. You order them pay sit down and they'll ferry you. I ordered a shrimp Po' Boy with a side of Gumbo. And a sweet tea. The bill was just under $20 with a tip. When the meal is delivered you will find a small sandwich delivered on a metal dish. It was good but a bit less than I expected. The gumbo is in a disposable plastic bow with a dimpled bottom which decreases the serving size. This was also on a metal plate and it was barely above ambient temperature. The food runner brought it back and re-nuked it for me making the crawfish shrivel even more and making them chewy and unappetizing. I'm not a big fan of order and sit joints. This is how you eat at a fair or sports event not at a "creole restaurant" the place is fair to acceptable and in my opinion not worth a second visit.
(3)
Julie L.
Amazing red beans and rice- enjoyed the crawfish PoBoy; my daughter's shrimp PoBoy was even better!! Obviously this place is a town favorite judging by the lines out the door every time I have tried to check it out- after finally stopping I can see why. We will be back next time in Starkville
(5)
Ben B.
Oby's reminds me of my college days each time I go back for a meal. When looking for a quick and cheap place to eat in Starkville, look no further than Oby's. Most of the food is Cajun so you are sure to find a Po Boy or Gumbo that will satisfy the appetite.
(4)
Melissa M.
Well, dang. Always liked Oby's. Husband and son went there tonight and their muffaletta was tiny and had meager fillings. I had a "to go" potato. I paid 75 cents extra for cheese which was maybe MAYBE a 1/2 ounce at best. Butter and sour cream on the side. For a big potato, they sent a 1 oz packet of each. I have a pic I can post later but bottom line is about 1/5 of the potato was edible as the rest was just plain, dry potato. Skimping may be necessary at times, but on sour cream, cheese and butter? I can get way better at (gasp) Wendy's for half the price. I would bet they wouldn't do this if it was a dine in meal. I would have sent it back in a heartbeat and I don't like to send food back.
(1)
M. M.
My Bride and I make it a point to eat here every time we are in town visiting family. The decor is a rummage sale, cool, kitchy vibe. The food is quality and ample. Love the Crawfish Po Boys and seasoned waffle fries. The chili could be of a thicker consistency and less watery. But the gumbo is on point. The servers are friendly and attentive. The prices seem reasonable from our prospective.
(4)
Peggy W.
Great atmosphere and decor. I had the Seafood Gumbo with cheese bread. And also the Alligator Poboy. Yumm...
(5)
Amanda C.
Oh, how I miss eating at Oby's. If you're in the mood for some awesome, Cajun-inspired food, Oby's is your place! My two favorite sandwiches are the Catfish poboy and the Kickin' Chicken sandwich. Both are amazing. I always get the seafood pasta salad as my side. I can't even explain how good it is. Delicious pasta with big chunks of crab and shrimp in it. So good. I also really enjoy their rotel and chips. The rotel is creamy and delicious and the chips have a special seasoning on them. I have waited in a line out the door to get into Oby's before, because it is that good. Sometimes there is a long wait, and they are a bit over-priced. However the food is worth it!
(4)
Derek D.
Been going to Oby's my entire life, and while it is expensive you would be hard pressed to find better Po-Boys - and certainly Muffalettas - outside of New Orleans. Actually Oby's Muffalettas are the best I've ever had - better than any in New Orleans. I know the owner personally, and he has always been committed to the best quality and service - and it shows.
(5)
Phil M.
Oby's offers some great food, serving up their take on cajun cuisine. Their po'boys are the main attraction, offering a great variety of sandwiches. While living in Starkville, my personal favorite sandwich seemingly changed on a week-to-week basis. You can't go wrong with any of the following: the roast beef, the catfish po'boy, the Philly cheese steak, the Around the World (which combines some of the different sandwiches into one), the Kickin' Chicken, and my all-time fave, the Muffuletta. A sandwich, a side of waffle fries or red beans & rice, and a sweet tea is a great meal. The only con I can find with the place is the price. The aforementioned meal will run near or over $10 just for a half sandwich. But my goodness, it's worth it. They apparently know what they can charge for this greatness, so they easily get away with it.
(5)
Rod H.
Great lunch, good service, awesome atmosphere and not pricey !
(4)
Skip R.
I like Oby's. It's good food. I have never had a bad meal here, although I have never had an exceptional meal here either. But it's not that type of place. It is New Orleans cuisine and bar food. I enjoy the alligator po boy when they have it. The jambalaya is good also. The bread pudding should be award winning though. It is easily one of the top 5 I have had, and I have had it at tons of the 5 star places in New Orleans. It outranks all of those. Come to think of it, my top 3 bread puddings are all in Mississippi, and not in Louisiana, where you think it would be better since they brag about it so often. Anyway, Oby's in Starkville can be a long wait on a college football game day. You have to wait in line to order at a counter. They could easily have a hostess and seat you with a menu to cut your visit time down in half. That should be easy for the manager to figure out, but they never try that.
(4)
Kelsey L.
Cool atmosphere. Great food (expensive for sandwiches..can end up being about $12 for a sandwich, fries and drink). Their cups are my fine china though ;)
(4)
Richard L.
What happened to this place??! It used to be so good. I used to drive 30 miles any day of the week to get Red Beans and Rice. I've recently had 3 cold plates. One was so cold, it was obviously straight out of the refrigerator. I continue to give them the benefit of the doubt but I'm thinking I'm through now. You have to practically tackle somebody to get refills. Finally, I know I'm old but the waitresses with the tattoos and face piercings need to be in the kitchen, not serving customers. Well Mr. Oby, I've enjoyed the many meals in the past but it's time I move on.
(1)
Chuck W.
This is a tough one. Overall, good food. High prices. Food: Oby's has good food. It isn't great, but it is good to really good. Unique, for the town anyway, and a nice change from run of the mill delis, Oby's is the kind of place you can crave now and then. The Roast Beef PoBoy, the Kickin Chicken PoBoy, and the Red Beans and Rice are solid choices. The jambalaya ranges from bad to great, depending on the style of jambalaya one likes. The Chips and Rotel are a good appetizer, but the chip baskets could stand to be a little larger. Overall, you can get a meal you will be pleased with. Service: Meh. It is about what you would expect in a college town restaurant staffed with college student employees. There is a fine line between a laid back t-shirt approach and just plain sloppy. Some employees struggle with that line, but it isn't a table service restaurant in the classic sense anyway (you order at the counter and they bring it to you), so you can look the other way on that for the most part. Atmosphere: Antique store vibe. It's fine. Local: It's a long-time local place that people love to visit when they are back in town. Sometimes I think the memory of it is greater than its reality. Don't even think of trying it on a game day. It will be packed with the out of town crowd. Price: The biggest drawback. It is expensive for what you get. Overall: Good food. Good atmosphere. High prices.
(3)
Brittany G.
Food is way to expensive. bread was hard and manager refused to talk to me when I asked to talk to someone.
(1)
Robert B.
We were In town visiting friends. It was during school break and the town wasn't swarming with students, however families were all together and looking for a good meal as well. At times the line went out the door, but soon enough their orders were taken. You'd order at the counter, pay, pick up your drinks and find a spot to enjoy the decorations and old historical signs on the wall. Soon enough your food would be delivered to your table. I ordered a Jambalaya Platter which came with Jambalaya and some garlic toast. My wife ordered the same as well as some fries and gravy. The Jambalaya was perfect and of perfect portion. The gravy was a perfect combination with the fries. It wasn't too salty or overpowering in flavor. If a waitress was available, they would check on you and ask if you'd like a drink refill and have them to go before you left. If I lived here, this would definitely be my default place to eat if I couldn't decide. *I don't know if it was a seasonal thing, but you could take home your plastic Oby's cup. Don't forget to take a tour around Mississippi State University. It is a beautiful school.
(5)
Ryan R.
Was in town from Saint Louis for business...and loved this place. The shrimp Po Boy was amazing. My associate had the catfish Po Boy and he loved his too. Potato salad wad very mustardy. Just know that going in. Also, there is no size of a drink. You automatically get a large plastic cup which you can take home with you.
(4)
Russ M.
Cajun inspired food in a comfortable laid back setting. Counter service for ordering and payment, then they bring your food to the table. My service for lunch was quick and friendly. I had the jambalaya which was pretty good, but not authentic when compared with what would be served in NOLA. I will totally go back on my next trip thru town, but will try a po-boy.
(3)
Javier R.
Absolutely delicious food! I would definitely eat here every day if I could afford to do so. Delicious Cajun Po boys, sandwiches, and all sorts of other things! I definitely recommend stopping by here at least once if you are driving through. Super bonus because they offer military discounts!!!
(5)
Evelyn H.
One of my favorite places in Starkville. Even though there is only one thing I order when I am there. The alligator po-boy.
(4)
L T.
A little bit over priced, true, but the food is great and the portions are enormous! Plus, one of the few places in Starkville where you can actually find vegetarian friendly things on the menu - try the veggie po boy or the red beans and rice, both excellent!
(4)
Billy T.
I first went to Obys over 30 years ago and try to go each time I am in town. Recently was in town and went twice. The first time I had the shrimp poboy and it was very good. The side I chose was potatoe salad which was so-so. The second time I had the muffeletto and chips. Unfortunitely the chips were the best thing. Wont get that again because it was a big swing and a miss. Still I recommend Obys
(4)
John R.
A Starkville original, Oby's is always a good meal and has an awesome atmosphere. Oby's is a cajun style restaurant with very large servings which makes up for the prices that can be a tad on the expensive side at times. While you're there make sure to check out the collection of antiques.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sebastian B.
I did expect more from Oby's than a soup and sandwich shop, I was hoping for a Cajun restaurant. The place is a stand alone building with a gigantic lot. There are several dining areas and it has a vintage decor. When you walk in you'll find its a counter order place with the menu posted in boards behind the counter. You order them pay sit down and they'll ferry you. I ordered a shrimp Po' Boy with a side of Gumbo. And a sweet tea. The bill was just under $20 with a tip. When the meal is delivered you will find a small sandwich delivered on a metal dish. It was good but a bit less than I expected. The gumbo is in a disposable plastic bow with a dimpled bottom which decreases the serving size. This was also on a metal plate and it was barely above ambient temperature. The food runner brought it back and re-nuked it for me making the crawfish shrivel even more and making them chewy and unappetizing. I'm not a big fan of order and sit joints. This is how you eat at a fair or sports event not at a "creole restaurant" the place is fair to acceptable and in my opinion not worth a second visit.
(3)Julie L.
Amazing red beans and rice- enjoyed the crawfish PoBoy; my daughter's shrimp PoBoy was even better!! Obviously this place is a town favorite judging by the lines out the door every time I have tried to check it out- after finally stopping I can see why. We will be back next time in Starkville
(5)Ben B.
Oby's reminds me of my college days each time I go back for a meal. When looking for a quick and cheap place to eat in Starkville, look no further than Oby's. Most of the food is Cajun so you are sure to find a Po Boy or Gumbo that will satisfy the appetite.
(4)Melissa M.
Well, dang. Always liked Oby's. Husband and son went there tonight and their muffaletta was tiny and had meager fillings. I had a "to go" potato. I paid 75 cents extra for cheese which was maybe MAYBE a 1/2 ounce at best. Butter and sour cream on the side. For a big potato, they sent a 1 oz packet of each. I have a pic I can post later but bottom line is about 1/5 of the potato was edible as the rest was just plain, dry potato. Skimping may be necessary at times, but on sour cream, cheese and butter? I can get way better at (gasp) Wendy's for half the price. I would bet they wouldn't do this if it was a dine in meal. I would have sent it back in a heartbeat and I don't like to send food back.
(1)M. M.
My Bride and I make it a point to eat here every time we are in town visiting family. The decor is a rummage sale, cool, kitchy vibe. The food is quality and ample. Love the Crawfish Po Boys and seasoned waffle fries. The chili could be of a thicker consistency and less watery. But the gumbo is on point. The servers are friendly and attentive. The prices seem reasonable from our prospective.
(4)Peggy W.
Great atmosphere and decor. I had the Seafood Gumbo with cheese bread. And also the Alligator Poboy. Yumm...
(5)Amanda C.
Oh, how I miss eating at Oby's. If you're in the mood for some awesome, Cajun-inspired food, Oby's is your place! My two favorite sandwiches are the Catfish poboy and the Kickin' Chicken sandwich. Both are amazing. I always get the seafood pasta salad as my side. I can't even explain how good it is. Delicious pasta with big chunks of crab and shrimp in it. So good. I also really enjoy their rotel and chips. The rotel is creamy and delicious and the chips have a special seasoning on them. I have waited in a line out the door to get into Oby's before, because it is that good. Sometimes there is a long wait, and they are a bit over-priced. However the food is worth it!
(4)Derek D.
Been going to Oby's my entire life, and while it is expensive you would be hard pressed to find better Po-Boys - and certainly Muffalettas - outside of New Orleans. Actually Oby's Muffalettas are the best I've ever had - better than any in New Orleans. I know the owner personally, and he has always been committed to the best quality and service - and it shows.
(5)Phil M.
Oby's offers some great food, serving up their take on cajun cuisine. Their po'boys are the main attraction, offering a great variety of sandwiches. While living in Starkville, my personal favorite sandwich seemingly changed on a week-to-week basis. You can't go wrong with any of the following: the roast beef, the catfish po'boy, the Philly cheese steak, the Around the World (which combines some of the different sandwiches into one), the Kickin' Chicken, and my all-time fave, the Muffuletta. A sandwich, a side of waffle fries or red beans & rice, and a sweet tea is a great meal. The only con I can find with the place is the price. The aforementioned meal will run near or over $10 just for a half sandwich. But my goodness, it's worth it. They apparently know what they can charge for this greatness, so they easily get away with it.
(5)Rod H.
Great lunch, good service, awesome atmosphere and not pricey !
(4)Skip R.
I like Oby's. It's good food. I have never had a bad meal here, although I have never had an exceptional meal here either. But it's not that type of place. It is New Orleans cuisine and bar food. I enjoy the alligator po boy when they have it. The jambalaya is good also. The bread pudding should be award winning though. It is easily one of the top 5 I have had, and I have had it at tons of the 5 star places in New Orleans. It outranks all of those. Come to think of it, my top 3 bread puddings are all in Mississippi, and not in Louisiana, where you think it would be better since they brag about it so often. Anyway, Oby's in Starkville can be a long wait on a college football game day. You have to wait in line to order at a counter. They could easily have a hostess and seat you with a menu to cut your visit time down in half. That should be easy for the manager to figure out, but they never try that.
(4)Kelsey L.
Cool atmosphere. Great food (expensive for sandwiches..can end up being about $12 for a sandwich, fries and drink). Their cups are my fine china though ;)
(4)Richard L.
What happened to this place??! It used to be so good. I used to drive 30 miles any day of the week to get Red Beans and Rice. I've recently had 3 cold plates. One was so cold, it was obviously straight out of the refrigerator. I continue to give them the benefit of the doubt but I'm thinking I'm through now. You have to practically tackle somebody to get refills. Finally, I know I'm old but the waitresses with the tattoos and face piercings need to be in the kitchen, not serving customers. Well Mr. Oby, I've enjoyed the many meals in the past but it's time I move on.
(1)Chuck W.
This is a tough one. Overall, good food. High prices. Food: Oby's has good food. It isn't great, but it is good to really good. Unique, for the town anyway, and a nice change from run of the mill delis, Oby's is the kind of place you can crave now and then. The Roast Beef PoBoy, the Kickin Chicken PoBoy, and the Red Beans and Rice are solid choices. The jambalaya ranges from bad to great, depending on the style of jambalaya one likes. The Chips and Rotel are a good appetizer, but the chip baskets could stand to be a little larger. Overall, you can get a meal you will be pleased with. Service: Meh. It is about what you would expect in a college town restaurant staffed with college student employees. There is a fine line between a laid back t-shirt approach and just plain sloppy. Some employees struggle with that line, but it isn't a table service restaurant in the classic sense anyway (you order at the counter and they bring it to you), so you can look the other way on that for the most part. Atmosphere: Antique store vibe. It's fine. Local: It's a long-time local place that people love to visit when they are back in town. Sometimes I think the memory of it is greater than its reality. Don't even think of trying it on a game day. It will be packed with the out of town crowd. Price: The biggest drawback. It is expensive for what you get. Overall: Good food. Good atmosphere. High prices.
(3)Brittany G.
Food is way to expensive. bread was hard and manager refused to talk to me when I asked to talk to someone.
(1)Robert B.
We were In town visiting friends. It was during school break and the town wasn't swarming with students, however families were all together and looking for a good meal as well. At times the line went out the door, but soon enough their orders were taken. You'd order at the counter, pay, pick up your drinks and find a spot to enjoy the decorations and old historical signs on the wall. Soon enough your food would be delivered to your table. I ordered a Jambalaya Platter which came with Jambalaya and some garlic toast. My wife ordered the same as well as some fries and gravy. The Jambalaya was perfect and of perfect portion. The gravy was a perfect combination with the fries. It wasn't too salty or overpowering in flavor. If a waitress was available, they would check on you and ask if you'd like a drink refill and have them to go before you left. If I lived here, this would definitely be my default place to eat if I couldn't decide. *I don't know if it was a seasonal thing, but you could take home your plastic Oby's cup. Don't forget to take a tour around Mississippi State University. It is a beautiful school.
(5)Ryan R.
Was in town from Saint Louis for business...and loved this place. The shrimp Po Boy was amazing. My associate had the catfish Po Boy and he loved his too. Potato salad wad very mustardy. Just know that going in. Also, there is no size of a drink. You automatically get a large plastic cup which you can take home with you.
(4)Russ M.
Cajun inspired food in a comfortable laid back setting. Counter service for ordering and payment, then they bring your food to the table. My service for lunch was quick and friendly. I had the jambalaya which was pretty good, but not authentic when compared with what would be served in NOLA. I will totally go back on my next trip thru town, but will try a po-boy.
(3)Javier R.
Absolutely delicious food! I would definitely eat here every day if I could afford to do so. Delicious Cajun Po boys, sandwiches, and all sorts of other things! I definitely recommend stopping by here at least once if you are driving through. Super bonus because they offer military discounts!!!
(5)Evelyn H.
One of my favorite places in Starkville. Even though there is only one thing I order when I am there. The alligator po-boy.
(4)L T.
A little bit over priced, true, but the food is great and the portions are enormous! Plus, one of the few places in Starkville where you can actually find vegetarian friendly things on the menu - try the veggie po boy or the red beans and rice, both excellent!
(4)Billy T.
I first went to Obys over 30 years ago and try to go each time I am in town. Recently was in town and went twice. The first time I had the shrimp poboy and it was very good. The side I chose was potatoe salad which was so-so. The second time I had the muffeletto and chips. Unfortunitely the chips were the best thing. Wont get that again because it was a big swing and a miss. Still I recommend Obys
(4)John R.
A Starkville original, Oby's is always a good meal and has an awesome atmosphere. Oby's is a cajun style restaurant with very large servings which makes up for the prices that can be a tad on the expensive side at times. While you're there make sure to check out the collection of antiques.
(4)