The Mississippi Gulf Coast has long been a battleground of ambition and reinvention, where fortunes rise and fall along the glittering shoreline. Over the decades, casinos have promised prosperity and entertainment, only to be met with the unforgiving forces of nature and economic tides.
Through rare imagery and detailed accounts, this timeline delves into the history of the Coast’s gambling meccas, from dazzling beginnings to untimely ends. The evolution of the gaming industry is woven into the fabric of our Coast's identity, a chronicle of loss and renewal.
The story of these casinos is not just one of grand openings and unfortunate closures but a testament to the enduring spirit of a region that has weathered both triumphs and devastation.
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The President Casino was initially operated as a riverboat near the Broadwater Resort at the Broadwater Resort Marina. It wasn't until 1995 that operators replaced the riverboat with a barge abandoned by Gold Shore Casino a few months earlier.
The property, previously known as the Broadwater Beach Hotel and Resort, was a Mississippi landmark, having opened in the 1930s as an illegal gambling hall. As a casino, it was popular with the locals for featuring low-limit tables.
Owned by Mississippi Riverboat Amusement Corporation, the Biloxi Belle casino opened a dockside gaming vessel on August 28th, 1992, shortly after Hurricane Andrew passed through.
It operated as a riverboat-style casino at 857 Beach Blvd. Residents remember this casino for being small but elegant.
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Opened in 1992, Casino Magic was a popular destination in Bay St. Louis, MS, and left an enduring impact on the local gaming scene. Renowned for hosting top-tier entertainment and major sporting events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it became an essential stopover for travelers.
After Hurricane Katrina struck, its barge drifted miles away, ultimately leading to its closure and replacement by Hollywood Casino. Despite its untimely end, Casino Magic remains a memorable chapter in Mississippi’s casino history.
The Grand Casino in Gulfport was built in a mere 156 days, with crews working around the clock, seven days a week. This casino was known for its impressive amenities:
Patrons fondly remember this casino's entertainment options, which included a dueling piano bar, comedy club, and state-of-the-art child care complex.
Following the success of their Bay St. Louis property, Casino Magic Corp. opened their second casino barge at Point Cadet in Biloxi. It was a five-story complex with a companion five-story floating garage and housed roughly 70 table games, over 1000 slot machines, and even a keno parlor.
Initially, Casino Magic Biloxi had no lodging accommodations, but this changed in 1996 when operators added a 378-room hotel. The addition was an attempt to cater to the growing high-roller clientele who were taking advantage of new jet services provided by the city's airport.
The ship that initially housed the Copa Casino was known as the Pride of Mississippi. This vessel took daily gambling trips into international waters but permanently dropped anchor in Gulfport when the state legalized gambling.
Like other casinos before it, the owners replaced the aging ship with a barge in 2001. The Copa was a local favorite for its low-limit table games and favorable payouts on video poker and slot machines.
Bayou Caddy's Jubilee Casino in Clermont Harbor enjoyed being the closest casino to the Louisiana border, making it a favorite among our friends from the Pelican state. This casino was known to be off the beaten path, requiring a 20-minute drive down rural backroads.
The casino's unique location added to its charm, providing a more intimate and exclusive experience compared to other casinos along the Coast. The spirit of this casino lives on at the Silver Slipper, where the Jubilee Buffett is a notable all-you-can-eat seafood feast.
During its short stint on the MS Gulf Coast, the Lady Luck casino was known for its unusual attractions and Asian themes. The casino was situated at Fisherman's Wharf in Biloxi.
Visitors couldn't miss the humongous Asian Dragon of Good Fortune, a four-million-dollar robotic dragon that delighted customers with its fire-breathing. The dragon performed each hour and reportedly consumed nearly 200 gallons of fuel per eruption.
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The Grand Casino in Biloxi was established a mere fifteen miles up Highway 90 from its sister casino, Grand Casino Gulfport. Upon launch, it sported a three-story complex with six restaurants, a poker room, and a Kids's quest.
Over time, it added a vast theatre complex (the Grand Biloxi Theatre) and a 500-room hotel. The casino regularly hosted conventions, festivals, and popular musical acts.
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The Palace Casino is another casino that was constructed in Biloxi's back bay. Its sleek appearance made it stand out from the rest. It featured a contemporary, elegant design with clean lines and large glass windows that reflected the surrounding waterfront scenery.
But this casino's first incarnation was marred by controversy and litigation.
Timothy McDonald, the initial owner, was indicted on federal charges for allegedly defrauding investors by hiding profits through shell companies and inflated invoices. Accused of misappropriating $15 million intended for casino construction, McDonald and co-conspirators allegedly manipulated stock values and concealed ownership.
The controversy would lead to the company filing for bankruptcy just eight months after opening, clearing the way for new ownership.
Visitors celebrated the Treasure Bay Casino for its unique, distinctive pirate ship structure (designed to resemble a Spanish galleon). This theme was echoed throughout the facility, all the way down to the treasure map carpet.
Treasure Bay became a legendary landmark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, regularly appearing on national TV and sometimes as the backdrop for local weather updates. Beyond the impressive facade, the venue was known for its loose slots, spacious rooms, and balconies with remarkable views.
The Gold Shore spent its short-lived tenure as a barge-based casino in Biloxi. The casino was known for its lively atmosphere, regularly hosted events, and live entertainment.
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Boomtown sits on the back bay of Biloxi and was originally owned by Boomtown Inc., a company known for its Western-themed casinos. Locals called it the region's best "family-friendly" casino, thanks to its fun center and high-tech arcade for children.
While the arcade is now gone, Boomtown still prioritizes appealing to local customers. It has some of the loosest slots in town, hosts low-minimum table games, and features restaurants that won't break the bank.
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Losing money hand over fist, the Biloxi Belle tried desperately to stave off bankruptcy. But it wasn't meant to be.
On January 3rd of 1995, the casino officially closed its doors. The Biloxi Belle's closing would vacate the site for what would eventually host the Beau Rivage.
After operating for less than a year, the Gold Shore Casino officially closed on May 14th, 1995. But it's barge lived on, eventually becoming the foundation for the President Casino.
In late 1995, the Jubilee Casino picked up its anchor and moved to Greenville, Mississippi. It would be 10+ years before gaming would return to the site as the Silver Slipper.
In 1997, the Mississippi Gaming Commission approved a license for Robert and Lawana Low to assume ownership of the Palace Casino. They acquired it for $14.25 million through their rebranded company: New Palace.
Partnering with Casino Resource Corp. (CRC), the Lows revitalized the financially troubled casino by adding features like a marina and hotel. Over the years, the property has undergone several renovations, ultimately becoming one of the most prestigious resorts in the area.
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Founded by Minnesota businessman Ralph Engelstad, the Imperial Palace opened for business on Biloxi's back bay. Upon launch, they paired the three-story floating casino with a hotel, lounges, restaurants, a showroom, and a 70,000-square-foot gaming space.
The casino was also a great spot to catch fantastic entertainment acts like The Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, and Foreigner.
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After fewer than five years in business, the Lady Luck Casino closed its doors. From the beginning, the casino was mired with financial issues. Lacking the space to expand and consistently losing money, it ultimately sold to Grand Casino.
Although the casino folded, the dragon lives on at the residence of Frank Gann, a local entertainment provider. Parts of the dragon have appeared around the Coast throughout the years, sometimes in Mardi Gras parades.
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French for "beautiful shore," the 32-floor Beau Rivage opened in 1999 as the tallest building in Mississippi. Developer Steve Wynn initially planned to use the Beau Rivage name for what would become the Bellagio on the Vegas Strip but he ultimately decided to devote the name to the new Biloxi property.
Casino executives had originally scouted Biloxi's back bay when seeking the ideal site. But after driving along the beach on Highway 90 and seeing the defunct Biloxi Belle casino, they oped for the gulf-facing site.
At the time of its grand opening, it was the largest casino hotel outside of Nevada, with 1,740 rooms.
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Due to the financial hardships of its parent company, the President Casino became the sixth casino to close up shop on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It would be the first time since 1992 that the Broadwater Marina would be without a casino.
The plan was to transport its barge to Waveland as the foundation for the new Silver Slipper casino. But as we'll see next, nature had other plans.
Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005, inflicting severe damage on the Mississippi Gulf Coast's casinos. The storm's 25-foot wall of water and 28-foot storm surge decimated two of Biloxi's ten casinos and heavily damaged the remaining eight.
The floating barge casinos, which adhered to Mississippi's land-based gambling laws, were swept hundreds of yards inland, torn from their moorings. The Copa Casino, Casino Magic Biloxi, and Grand Casino Gulfport would never return.
Despite the devastation, this disaster set the stage for a remarkable economic resurgence, as the region's resilience and determination would soon lead to a revitalized and thriving casino industry. A gold rush of sorts would start as casinos competed to reopen quickly and claim a slice of the pie.
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The Imperial Palace Casino proudly became the first casino to open following Hurricane Katrina's destruction. Rebranded as the IP Casino Resort Spa (or IP for short), it opened less than four months after the storm.
The casino's location on Biloxi's back bay allowed it to avoid the damage from the storm surge that other casinos endured. The IP took advantage of the downtime to expand its operations and renovate the entire casino, adding slot machines, table games, and a poker room.
The first casino to open on the Gulf Coast became the second casino to re-open after Katrina. During the storm, the casino's barge rose over twenty feet and collided with the parking garage. The storm also flooded the gaming floor with two feet of water.
So, taking advantage of the state's new law allowing land-based gaming, the Isle of Capri initially opened using facilities previously serving as meeting and entertainment spaces. The casino played a pivotal role in getting residents back to work, at one point employing over a quarter of all gaming employees on the Coast.
The Palace Casino reopened just in time ring-in 2006. In five short years, it would go on to complete a massive expansion and renovation. Even today, it continues to make significant improvements, ensuring it remains one of the leading local casinos.
The current resort features hundreds of slot machines, all the favorite table games, CONTACT Sports & Race Book, Palace Buffet, STACKED Grill, Palace Café & Bakery, Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood, Wahoo’s Poolside Bar & Grill, PURE Spa, and more.
In 2024, Sun Herald awarded the Palace Casino 13 Best of Coastal Mississippi Gold Awards. Some of these honors include Best Casino, Best Local Casino, Best Sports Book, Best Spa, and Best Golf Course. It remains Biloxi's only non-smoking casino.
Hurricane Katrina dealt the Treasure Bay ship a mighty blow, as operators couldn't even salvage the barge. But the lead pirate, operator Bernie Burkholder, was not ready to go down with the ship. So a new Treasure Bay rose from the tatters.
Acting as its own contractor, the privately held casino initially launched on land, taking up the bottom two floors of the company's hotel across Highway 90. It hired a Seattle architect, Peter Anderson, to give the casino a new look.
The new Treasure Bay launched with a mere 200 employees but added more as the operation expanded. To recruit workers after Katrina, they even significantly increased worker salaries.
Boomtown became the fifth casino to re-open after Hurricane Katrina, opting to relaunch The Original Locals Casino on a repaired version of its pre-storm floating barge. It would eventually expand to a pier-based expansion, adding 400 slot machines and a full-service restaurant.
Like other operations, Boomtown's parent company offered up to 20% raises to encourage workers to return. The company even awarded employees 1.5 million dollars in grants across Boomtown and Casino Magic Bay St. Louis.
The plan paid off as the casino doubled its pre-hurricane business.
After Hurricane Katrina, Harrah's Entertainment opted not to rebuild its Grand Casino in Gulfport. Instead, they concentrated on revitalizing and rebranding their Biloxi location, previously the Grand Casino Biloxi. The newly constructed casino would be aptly named "Harrah's."
It would become one of the Coast's most popular casinos, with more than half of its guests coming from at least 300 miles away.
Despite being in the direct path of the storm, the Beau Rivage fared among the best casinos on the Gulf. Its durable mooring and huge floating superstructure made it almost as stable as a land-based facility. As such, it sustained only minimal cosmetic damage.
The Beau Rivage re-opened roughly a year after Hurricane Katrina, using the time to upgrade their lodging, gaming, and entertainment offerings. At the time, Resort President George Corchis said:
"We've been given a rare chance to do it all over again, and we have embarked on an even greater vision,"
The relaunch included remodeled hotel rooms, a new gaming floor layout, and a luxurious, high-limit salon.
Casino Magic, which sustained significant damage to its first floor and hotel, was rebranded as Hollywood Casino during its recovery. The newly renovated casino reopened with a temporary land-based facility, offering over 1,200 slot machines, 20 table games, and six poker tables.
Hollywood Casino soon became a local favorite and now features a marina, RV park, all-you-can-eat crab legs buffet, and swimming pool with lazy river.
Their Bridges Golf Club is Mississippi's sole championship course created by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. It also earned the prestigious honor of being the first resort course worldwide to receive Audubon International's Silver Signature Status, recognizing its dedication to environmental conservation.
Island View Casino rose from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, taking over the former Grand Casino Gulfport site. During Katrina, the casino barge was washed ashore, blocking Beach Boulevard (U.S. Highway 90). The obstruction led to its implosion on September 21, 2005, to make the highway passable.
Originally operated by Caesars Entertainment, Grand Casino Gulfport was sold to Harrah's Entertainment in 2005, which opted for a brand-new casino. Now, Island View boasts one of the largest casino floors in the region, with over 126,000 square ft. of gaming space.
The Silver Slipper Casino, built on the Bayou Caddy's Jubilee Casino site, was set to be replaced by the barge from the defunct President Casino. However, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the barge before it could be relocated.
After the storm, the Mississippi Gaming Commission allowed land-based casinos, leading to the Silver Slipper's grand opening on November 9th, 2006. It became the first casino built from the ground up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the storm.
Situated on the beach in Hancock County, Mississippi, it is the closest casino to the Mississippi/Louisiana state line, making it popular among Pelican State visitors looking for a gaming getaway.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi was scheduled to open on September 1, 2005, but Hurricane Katrina hit just days before, causing considerable damage. Originally built on a barge, the entire facility was destroyed, delaying its debut.
But the developers persisted, moving forward with the necessary repairs and even adding upgrades. The casino opened with a bang, featuring memorable performances from artists like 3 Doors Down and Kid Rock in only the first month.
The Hard Rock attic now harbors poignant artifacts from Katrina, including a guitar from Pantera's Dimebag Darrell found in the Mississippi Sound. Rebuilt on sturdy cement pilings, it boasts the world's tallest Hard Rock guitar sign.
In mid-2012, Margaritaville Casino opened with a theme inspired by Jimmy Buffett's famous "Margaritaville" brand. It drew visitors with its predictable tropical and laid-back atmosphere.
Born in Pascagoula, Buffet famously made his first professional dollar in Biloxi back in the '60s. He was thrilled to help the Gulf Coast recover after Katrina, bringing many new jobs.
Partnering with Grand Casino founder Tom Brosig, who came out of retirement for this venture, Margaritaville Biloxi made history in June 2013 as the first Mississippi casino to offer outdoor gaming. However, the success would be short-lived.
The Isle of Capri was one of the few casinos in Biloxi that weathered both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Compared to other casinos, the property sustained limited damage (the hotel remained intact) and could open after several months of repairs.
In November 2012, Fertitta Entertainment acquired the Isle of Capri for $45 million, with plans to transform it into the Golden Nugget. The purchase boosted employment from 600 to about 1,200 by the final phase of renovations.
The casino's tropical theme gave way to the sophisticated gold, red, and brown hues emblematic of the Golden Nugget. Since its rebranding, it has seen multiple expansions and upgrades. These improvements include new dining options, revamped gaming floors, luxury accommodations, and new entertainment venues.
In 2014, Margaritaville Casino in Mississippi shut its doors due to financial struggles resulting from a dispute over hotel expansion plans between the casino's operators and landlords. The conflict (and the reduced foot traffic at the casino's location on Biloxi's Back Bay) led to extreme instability.
This uncertainty led to the casino's closure on September 15, 2014, after two years of operation.
The property would remain vacant for nine years until it was sold in 2023 for $4.9 million to MIC Limited, owned by Harry Mohney. Mohney, known for launching Dick’s Last Resort and Cat’s Meow karaoke bars, plans to revamp the former casino into a themed bar and restaurant called Hammered Harry's.
The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D'Iberville, initially approved as the Can Can Casino Resort in 2010, faced significant delays due to Hurricane Katrina. Revised plans were finally approved in 2013, rebranding it as the Scarlet Pearl.
Located across the back bay from Biloxi, the resort quickly became a magnet for locals and tourists. It featured a vibrant atmosphere and a 68,000-square-foot casino floor with over 1,200 slot machines, 38 table games, and a dedicated poker room.
These days, guests can enjoy a 36-hole Lava Links mini-golf course, a sparkling swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Scarlet Pearl is known for its loose slots and has won numerous Covey awards, making it a stand-out in the industry.
Imagery for this timeline was taken from the following sources:
Those blessed enough to live in a Mississippi Gulf Coast community (or visit one) know that the ocean generously fills our plates. Down here, there's a deep connection between residents and the sea.
Join me on this culinary journey to explore the flavors, stories, and heritage of the MS Gulf Coast that make this area so unique.
From the bustling fishing ports of New England to the vibrant coastal cities of the Gulf Coast, every seaside region has its own distinct style of cooking that reflects its unique heritage. Mississippi's coastal cuisine is a culinary experience that combines the rich flavors of the sea with the influences of local history and culture.
With fresh catches of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans taking center stage in many dishes, flavors of the sea are celebrated in all their glory.
From the early settlers who first arrived on America's shores to the immigrant communities that have added their own flavors to the mix, each chapter in our coastal cuisine's story adds depth and complexity to the dishes we enjoy today. Some notable influences include Native American, African, French, and Spanish.
These varied influences have shaped the culinary traditions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors that spans many dishes.
From Texas to Florida, the Greater Gulf South is home to a unique blend of flavors influenced by seafood, spices, and cultural fusion. Mississippi cooking reflects regional influences from neighboring states, particularly evident in coastal dishes.
Louisiana, perhaps the most influential neighbor, heavily imprints its creole and cajun essence onto Mississippi cooking. Dishes like etouffee, jambalaya, and the shared love for crawfish can be directly traced to Louisiana's vibrant food culture.
The spices, roux-based sauces, and use of the holy trinity (onions, bell peppers, and celery) are quintessentially Louisianan but happily adopted by Mississippi chefs.
Texas contributes to the bold flavors of Mississippi cuisine, with elements like barbecue techniques and spicy seasonings seeping into local cooking. Soul food like barbecue ribs and potato salad are staples in cities like Biloxi and Gulfport, but the dry rubs reflect Texan techniques.
Alabama shares a deep southern culinary heritage with Mississippi, particularly concerning the shared affinity for seafood like shrimp and oysters. Some MS locals even favor Alabama's iconic white barbecue sauce (a mayonnaise and vinegar-based concoction), frequently drizzling it on their seafood and chicken. A Mississippi-based sauce company is even trying to one-up the Alabama-based formula.
Florida lends a Caribbean and Spanish flair to Mississippi's dishes. For instance, gumbo variations in Mississippi sometimes mirror the Cuban and Spanish influences in Floridian cuisine. Additionally, using citrus (particularly oranges and grapefruits in marinades and sauces) is a nod to Florida's tropical palate.
From the crispy allure of shrimp po-boys to the deep-rooted history of gumbo, Mississippi dishes tell a story of broad influences and palates. This melting pot of cuisines promises a compelling experience for seafood lovers and adventurous foodies.
Let's take a deep dive into some of the most popular dishes across Mississippi Gulf Coast communities.
The shrimp po-boy is a beloved coastal delight, the perfect combination of crispy fried shrimp and soft French bread. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this sandwich is a must-try dish when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The star of this sandwich is the succulent shrimp, which are coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection. The shrimp are then nestled inside a fluffy French bread roll, which acts as a vessel for all the delicious toppings.
To add a burst of flavor, chefs frequently slather shrimp po-boys in a zesty remoulade sauce. This creamy sauce is made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and a blend of spices, creating a tangy and slightly spicy taste that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Chiefs then dress the sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise (or, like me, you can eat it plain with American cheese). Pair it with a Barq's root beer (in the glass bottle, of course), and it can't be beaten.
Food experts much brighter than me describe jambalaya as a combination of Spanish, French, and African cuisines. It features a mix of meat, such as chicken, sausage, and shrimp, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, celery, and sometimes tomatoes.
The dish gets bold flavors from aromatic spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. These spices infuse the dish with a rich and complex taste that will make you return for more.
One of the highlights of Jambalaya is its versatility. You can customize the dish to your liking by adding your favorite protein and vegetables. Whereas the Creole version of jambalaya favors shrimp (and tomatoes), the Cajun version opts for chicken and/or sausage.
The cooking process involves sautéing the meat and vegetables, then adding rice and broth. Then, you simmer the mixture until the flavors meld together. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is bursting with flavor.
The soft-shell crab is simply a crab that has recently molted its old shell, leaving behind a soft and pliable shell that you eat whole. This makes it easy to consume every part of the crab, including the legs, body, and claws.
Chefs prepare soft-shell crab in various ways, such as deep-fried, sautéed, or grilled. Each cooking method brings out different flavors and textures in the crab.
The crispy exterior and tender interior of a deep-fried soft-shell crab combine to create a satisfying crunch with every bite while sautéing the crab in butter or olive oil allows the flavors to meld together and gives the crab a rich and savory taste. Grilling the crab imparts a smoky flavor while maintaining the natural sweetness of the crab meat.
You frequently enjoy soft-shell crab as a main dish. However, some prefer to incorporate the tasty crustaceans into sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes for variety. Its versatility and unique flavor make it popular among adventurous Mississippi seafood lovers.
Gumbo is a beloved Mississippi dish that originated in Louisiana. This flavorful stew is a melting pot of traditions, reflecting the ethnicities that have shaped the region over the centuries.
You can trace the origins of gumbo back to West Africa, where a similar dish called okra soup was common. When African slaves were brought to Louisiana, they adapted their traditional recipes to the readily available ingredients.
As time went on, other peoples contributed to the evolution of gumbo. For instance, French settlers in Louisiana introduced roux, a mixture of flour and fat that thickens the stew and adds a rich flavor.
Native Americans added filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, which acts as a natural thickener and imparts a striking flavor. Spanish and Caribbean influences brought ingredients like tomatoes and hot peppers, adding a spicy kick.
With tender crawfish tails, onions, bell peppers, and a roux-based base, crawfish etouffee embodies flavor and depth. Its rich and savory sauce makes it perfect for seafood lovers looking for an aromatic and delicious meal.
The first step in making crawfish etouffee is to sauté the onions, bell peppers, and celery in a skillet until they are soft and translucent. Next, add the crawfish tails to the skillet and cook them until they are pink and cooked through.
To finish the etouffee, season it with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of Cajun seasoning. This seasoning blend will give it a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the crawfish.
Serve the mixture over a bed of steamed rice (or, in my house, grits) and garnish with green onions for a beautiful presentation.
As a native Mississippian, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the best foods in all of our distinctive coastal communities. From Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs, each region has unique culinary traditions and popular dishes.
Bay St. Louis shines as a captivating coastal town celebrated for its abundant local delicacies and vibrant communal spirit. BSL restaurants prepare innumerable fresh seafood dishes directly on the Gulf of Mexico.
The local restaurants take pride in using locally sourced ingredients and creating dishes that highlight the flavors of the Gulf Coast. Whether you're in the mood for a casual seafood boil at Dan B's, or a fancy seafood platter at Trapani's Eatery, Bay St. Louis has something to satisfy every palate.
A large part of the Bay St. Louis charm is the inviting downtown area. That's where you'll find the majority of the notable restaurants. The atmosphere and downtown vibe are reminiscent of New Orleans without the big city problems.
From fresh Gulf shrimp to succulent oysters and flaky fish, Biloxi cuisine has something to satisfy every seafood craving. The city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico ensures the seafood is always fresh and flavorful.
One of the best ways to experience Biloxi's seafood scene is by visiting one of the many local seafood markets. These markets offer a wide range of tasty seafood, including shrimp, crab, and oysters. You can even watch as the fish is cleaned and prepared right before you.
But Biloxi offers more than just seafood. Traditional Southern fare thrives here, with mouthwatering dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread in warm, homey settings. Soul food establishments beckon with aromas of slow-cooked pork, tangy barbecue, and hearty stews.
Biloxi's bakeries and dessert parlors are a treat for those with a sweet tooth. Classic Southern pecan pies, beignets dusted with powdered sugar, and rich bread puddings drizzled with bourbon sauce showcase the region's penchant for indulgent desserts.
Add to this an emerging scene of international eateries and modern fusion restaurants, and it's clear that Biloxi's culinary landscape is as varied as its cultural roots. So, while seafood might be Biloxi's crown jewel, the city's expansive menu of delectable options ensures every palate finds its pleasure.
Long Beach, Mississippi, boasts a rich culinary resume that extends far beyond the standard seafood offerings. This charming coastal town has many gastronomic delights catering to diverse palates.
Barbecue joints in Long Beach slow-cook their meats to perfection, letting diners savor every tender, flavorful pork, chicken, and beef bite. They pair these yummy meats with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
Bakeries and cafes enchant sweet-toothed visitors with decadent cakes, pies, and pastries (many of which incorporate rich, local ingredients). Additionally, various eateries serve up scrumptious plates of Southern classics like fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes, capturing the essence of homestyle cooking.
From food trucks serving gourmet snacks to cozy diners and upscale establishments, Long Beach cooking accommodates a spectrum of tastes and dining experiences.
It’s not just about traditional fare in Gulfport. This Mississippi city has a wide range of international restaurants, so variety is the name of the game.
Piquant Mexican taco spots, homestyle Italian pizzerias, and vibrant Asian eateries reflect the multicultural essence of the city. Be sure to check out El Aguila, which specializes in gourmet Mexican dishes and award-winning margaritas.
Take advantage of the bakeries serving delectable pastries, from creamy Mississippi mud pies to crunchy pralines. And breakfast enthusiasts can revel in fluffy biscuits topped with velvety gravy or buttery grits paired with spicy sausage.
The array of eateries in Gulfport offers a culinary journey that showcases a world of flavors rooted in Southern hospitality.
A casual dining experience and culinary variety make Diamondhead a popular spot for food lovers looking to avoid the crowds. The town has ample restaurants, from casual bayfront cafes to upscale dining establishments.
Visitors indulge in local favorites like shrimp and grits or freshly caught fish cooked to perfection. If seafood isn't your thing, you can still find eateries specializing in Italian, Mexican, or Chinese fare.
The town also hosts annual food festivals, attracting amateur and professional cooks. These popular events showcase the best local cuisine, including barbecue, craft beer, and red beans and rice.
Whether you're a Gulf Coast resident who hasn't experienced Diamondhead eats or are just in town for a visit, this growing city's culinary offerings won't disappoint.
Ocean Springs is known for its vibrant arts scene, picturesque downtown, and charming community. But its budding culinary scene is frequently overlooked, as locals keep this secret close to the vest.
The truth is, from award-winning restaurants to cozy cafes, Ocean Springs is a food lover's paradise.
Local chefs Alex Perr and Kumi Omori from Vestige were named 2023 finalists for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef in the South award (previous winners include Emeril Lagasse and Anthony Bourdain). This farm-to-table restaurant specializes in inventive Southern gourmet dishes.
And be sure to check out Patrick's Seafood Restaurant, which recently won the Best Taste award at the annual Taste of Ocean Springs Food Crawl. This year, they claimed the prize for their irresistible baked stuffed shrimp with seafood sauce.
Whether you're craving fresh seafood, international flavors, or Southern comfort food, you'll find it all in Ocean Springs. And with the town's emphasis on supporting local businesses, you can feel good about every bite.
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