This downtown restaurant has ‘Pig Candy’ and ladies night with a rooftop view of Coast

My money says you might have visited this space before. I have always liked it, with high ceilings, an open second floor, very cool patio and a kitchen that is open as well.

I enjoy watching how a kitchen works, especially when it is busy. Chef Jason Sperbeck has 25 years of experience, and his moves are as smooth as they come. It is easy to spot a real pro and it shows in the food that comes out of his kitchen.

The District has added a new vibe to this old space, the menu is succinct, with just the right balance of small plates, classics and a few innovations as well.

What people say more often than not about this place is it is fun. Good food, good service and fun, that’s a great combination.

Music is a big thing here, and you can always find out who is playing with a quick visit to their Facebook page. Thursday night it is rooftop ladies’ night, a space that is open only for that weekly event. There is also a family-friendly drag queen brunch that looks like a lot of fun. The ticket price includes a multi-course meal and entertainment, again, check Facebook for times and dates. Very cool, very cool indeed.

You know if there is a good-looking burger on the menu, that’s where I am going to go. Chef Sperbeck suggested the Alley burger and it was great. It is a hand-formed patty, cooked exactly the way I asked for it to be cooked, topped with pig candy (an innovation I just love, of bacon, brown sugar and red pepper flakes), lots of cheddar cheese, house-made pickles and spicy ketchup. It came with an order of fries that were some of the best I have had in a while and were seasoned with garlic and Parmesan.

I also liked the egg rolls or boudin served with Mississippi Delta-style Comeback sauce, deviled eggs with the aforementioned Pig Candy and homemade crab cakes.

I really like the innovative approach to sandwich making, like the meatloaf sandwich with pepper jack cheese on a ciabatta bun and the turkey wrap with Pig Candy making another appearance.

There are also a handful of salads, I got a look at the Cobb salad, topped with a fried soft-shell crab, and it looked delicious.

There are a few platters for those that are really hungry and several pasta choices. The District Bowtie Pasta looked particularly good, made with heavy cream and a choice of shrimp or chicken. If you are in the mood for beef, there is also a good-looking ribeye and a filet to choose from.

The District is a fun place, Chef Sperbeck runs a tight kitchen, and the crowd that hangs out at this place seems a lot of fun. Good food, friendly people, and good service. Check out this place the next time you are in downtown Gulfport.

The District on the Alley

Where: 1310 27th Ave, Gulfport

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday

Phone: 228-284-0963 or www.facebook.com/The-District-on-the-Alley-104191284271814