Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Hatfield's And M'Coys Review

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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Restaurant Spotlight Archive

Hatfield's And M'Coys Offers An Old-Time Taste

By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley

The Hatfield-McCoy feud that has been fed down through folklore has become a metaphor for bitterly fighting rival parties, but you'll find none of that at Hatfield's and M'Coy's Southern-style Restaurant near Mexico Road and Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters.

Owner Mark Gipson opens his doors with warmth, providing plenty of tables and more than enough food and fine words to soothe any sort of hankerin'.

"Customers have said that aside from the good food, it's the family-owned and operated environment that they like best," Gipson said. "You just get that kind of service here."

Gipson believes in doing business as a family. His wife, Jo Anne, grandma Sue Hatfield and parents Derrell and Judy Gardner, are all involved in the business. When they welcome you in, you know you're in for something special.

A lunch or dinner at Hatfield's and M'Coy's is like joining friends or family for a good old-fashioned down-home cooked meal. Fish, plenty of Southern-style delicacies like popcorn shrimp, catfish, and beer-battered cod make up the extensive menu. There's lots of frying going on, but if you prefer, go to the baked entrees, like lemon pepper, Cajun or plain catfish or grilled chicken.

"We're truly a family run business," said Gipson. "We got lucky. We found a niche and offer it in a country setting like no one else does."

Grandma Hatfield bakes fresh pies daily, whipping up a special cheesecake, cobblers and old-fashioned buttermilk pie. Add a scoop of ice cream for 75 cents and you've got a dessert reminiscent of heaven.

"Most places don't make pies at all, but I've been making them for a long, long time," said Hatfield, who married a descendent of the notorious Hatfield clan who began their fight with the McCoys over ownership of a hog. "I make everything from scratch - even the pie crust. You just don't see that too much anymore."

Dedicated to bringing fresh, farm-raised Southern-style catfish lightly breaded in corn meal, Hatfield's and M'Coys draws families, friends and neighbors together in an environment comparable to a Southern hunting lodge.

Checkerboard tablecloths and a massive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace set the tone for a dining experience comparable to none.

Gipson throws his Southern charm into his business - the way he answers with "yes ma'am," and lights up when it comes to talkin' good eatin'.

"I'm kinda sorta a country boy at heart," Gipson said. "We've got a farm, horses; we also have a lot of fun."

Family style servings and all-you-can eat options are sure to fill your stomach, and if even more does the trick, there are by-the-meal specials and by-the-volume side dishes.

You can bet your bottom dollar that Hatfield's and M'Coys specialties won't be found elsewhere around these parts.

Try the fried pickles at $3, turnip greens at $2.59 a pint, or homemade mashed potatoes at $2.59 a pint. Quarts are also available if you have a yearnin' for more.

You don't have to be a fish lover to eat at Hatfield's and M'Coys, because once you get a whiff of the smoked-on-the-premises barbecue you're bound to be sold.

Barbecue is also served family style or by the order. There's a pork rib plate ($9.99) that makes the mouth water before tasting, a sausage barbecue, or barbecue chicken breasts. If you can't decide, opt for the combo plate with a choice of two ($11.79).

Come on in, sit a spell, warm up by the fire and feast the way folks were supposed to feast.

Hatfield's and M'Coys also does on-site catering and can accommodate large parties in its private area of the restaurant.

After being in business for 18 years, the proof is in the pudding at Hatfield's and M'Coys, or maybe it's in the hushpuppies, baked beans or old-fashioned ice cream floats ($2.75).

"It works. The restaurant took off from the start," said Gipson, who first opened his restaurant on St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton, but relocated to St. Peters eight years ago. "Within eight months of opening, we were in the black. Then, it grew and grew and grew."

Every Monday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the band Silver Wings performs Country Western, Bluegrass, Gospel and Swing music. Diners are welcome dance the night away.

Hatfield's and M'Coys is located at 7337 Mexico Road, St. Peters, Call 636-397-5805 for more information. You can fax carry out orders to 636-278-1841.