The Mississippi Gulf Coast, long known for its fresh seafood and Southern specialties, is experiencing a “renaissance of new restaurant openings, many of them with private dining spaces where you can do a VIP dinner for your group,” said Janice Jefferson, director of sales for Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A hot new spot for dine-arounds is Fishbone Alley in downtown Gulfport, which opened last October after a major renovation of the once ramshackle alley that included the installation of artwork, strings of lights and a colorful archway. Nearly a dozen restaurants and clubs open onto the pedestrian alley, including the 13th St. Jazz Bistro, which offers live music and is available for group buyouts.
A popular local staple is The Blind Tiger, which has its original location in Bay St. Louis as well as a new one at Biloxi’s Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino Hotel & Spa. Known for fish tacos and Gulf shrimp specialties, both restaurants were built to resemble vintage seafood factories, boast water views and welcome private parties.
With a private dining room for up to 125 guests and an outdoor patio seating up to 60, Patio 44 opened in Biloxi last fall. The restaurant features Southern and Creole specialties, including fried green tomatoes, soft-shelled crab, Gulf shrimp platters and crawfish etoufee.
Another new restaurant receiving accolades for its Creole fare is Louie and the Redhead Lady in Gulfport, which is open for breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch.
One of Biloxi’s most celebrated restaurants is Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, which has been serving Southern cuisine since 1962. Located in an elegant New Orleans-style home built in 1737, the restaurant welcomes private events and has several atmospheric dining rooms and an oak-shaded courtyard.
