Stories and photos by Lisa Evans (unless otherwise indicated)
Coastal Mississippi is known for some of the best seafood in the country. Anyone who has been to this part of the country knows that barbeque is another specialty. There are a great number of other options also available. Some are well known; others are local favorites. So, what are you hungering for today?
Half Shell Oyster House
With locations in both downtown Biloxi and downtown Gulfport, as well as inside the Hard Rock Cafe, Half Shell Oyster House is a coast staple. As their name infers, their specialty is oysters of all kinds – on the half shell, charbroiled, Rockefeller, and New Orleans style. Here you can see the oysters being shucked by hand, as you sit at the bar awaiting your table. Conversing with the shuckers is quite interesting. They tell their stories while all the time continuing to shuck the numerous sacks of oysters needed each day. If you are not feeling oysters, have no fear. Try the Royal Red shrimp or crab cakes, or any number of other items on their menu. You surely will not be disappointed.
Captain Al’s Steaks and Seafood
Located in Gulfport, Captain Al’s is family-owned and operated and does steak right. When Captain Al’s originally opened, they served two items – steak and shrimp. The menu has been updated to include more offerings these days. But it continues to cook steaks in the time-honored tradition of Dad – over a fire pit! It is known as “the best steak and seafood on the Coast”. They do not take reservations – it is strictly a first-come, first-served setting, so get there early!
Ole Biloxi Fillin’ Station
Found in Biloxi, the Fillin’ Station – as referred to by the locals – has a very casual atmosphere. Set in an actual 50’s style service station, it has been renovated as a restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It has an utterly unique charm. Not fancy at all, but a place with great food and beverages. They are known for their crawfish platters when in season, which generally draws a huge crowd. Personal favorites include the chicken nachos (minus the jalapenos) and debris fries. These are steak fries covered with roast beef and gravy and are perfect for a shared appetizer. The roast beef Po’boy is exceptional as well. Just make sure you have plenty of napkins!
The Blind Tiger (TBT)
The Blind Tiger has locations in both Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, and these restaurants are the epitome of casual, coastal ambiance. Here you have fresh air and glorious views of the water. Reminiscent of an island crab shack, you can sit inside if you prefer, but the outdoor seating is striking. There are no printed menus – the daily fare is written on a chalkboard for all to see. Everything is fresh! Their staples are beer, burgers, tacos, and shrimp. All are mouthwatering and with the MS Sound as a backdrop to your meal, you cannot go wrong.
Mockingbird Cafe
Also located in Bay St. Louis, here you will find an exceptional restaurant lovingly known to the locals as “The Bird”. At the Mockingbird Cafe you can get a fabulous cup of local coffee as well as breakfast, or perhaps brunch. The setting is akin to having family in your home, relaxing and chatting about life.
If you are so inclined, you can even take yoga classes above The Bird. Mockingbird Cafe is also a totally plastic-free restaurant. Stop by and be enveloped in true Southern hospitality.
Pop’s Pizzeria
Locally owned and operated in Biloxi, Pop’s Pizzeria offers good Italian food in an easy, casual surrounding of friendship and camaraderie. The pizza and wings are superb, a personal favorite. In all honesty, everything on their menu is fabulous.
From fried pickles to chicken parmigiana to cannoli for dessert. Pop’s is a place where everyone goes. On any given night, you might find Mom, Dad, and the kids enjoying a meal. You are also likely to see a group of friends gathered for a visit or to watch the game. Everyone is welcome and appreciated, and if you are a regular, you are greeted by name.
The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint
Located in Ocean Springs, The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint is locally and even nationally known for its distinct sauces, as well as great food. Here you will find authentic Southern BBQ. They serve slow-smoked meats such as baby back ribs, pork, brisket, chicken, and sausage in a variety of ways.
The Shed has participated in, and won several awards, in competitions all over the nation. They take BBQ seriously. Casual dining at its finest, complete with lots of napkins and finger wipes.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
No review of Coastal Mississippi’s restaurants would be complete without mentioning Mary Mahoney’s, located in Biloxi. Here you will find an upscale and matchless dining experience. At Mary Mahoney’s, you will dine in one of the oldest homes in America. Here you can enjoy dinner in intimate rooms with exposed brick walls and open fireplaces. Weather permitting, outside dining in the courtyard is offered. Soak in the history surrounding you, seated in a home that was built in the early 1700s by a French colonist. While changing ownership through the years, it remained a home until 1962. It was then purchased by Mary Mahoney and family, preserved, and renovated, to be the superb restaurant it is today. Serving not only scores of locals and visitors, but Presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities as well. Fans of The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore know that whenever he is in our area, he will generally be patronizing this fine establishment at some point during his stay.
Come Enjoy the Fantastic Cuisine of Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi is immensely proud of its eclectic dining offerings throughout the area, from the above listed to varied Asian, Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisine. Whether it is fine dining or hanging out with friends, there are hundreds of places from which to choose.
