This MS Coast bar and grill has a laid-back beach vibe and ‘seriously good’ food
The Parrot Head Bar and Grill is in a building called the Bodega, and I am not quite sure how to describe it.
It is by far the coolest beach-side, surfer dive bar and grill and rental on the Coast, and there is a liquor store attached as well. I assure you that if I lived just a bit closer, this would be my hangout.
The forerunner of this amazing place was Rickey’s on Coleman Avenue, and some of the menu items are still the same, as are many of the regulars.
The other guests I saw were all laid-back, even the older couple from Chalmette, and the two guys enjoying a cold one on at the bar on a very hot and humid summer day. No loud talk, just cool people chillin’ out and enjoying life. Way cool.
Just walk in the door and you know you are someplace seriously special. High ceilings, surf memorabilia and lacquered tables all come together to make this place laid-back and comfortable.
Add to that my favorite chef/bartender, Hillary Henley, making the drinks, and it all adds up. Want to rent a kayak or a bike? This is the place. Want to attend a very cool yoga class? Ditto. Sit outside under an umbrella or on the porch? You got it.
There is also live music, but this just adds to the funkiness. The band is upstairs, so guest sit in the yard to listen, properly social distancing. If you want to tip the band, a bucket is lowered down by rope. Cool, right?
But the Parrot Head is not just all cool vibe, it is a seriously good restaurant too. The French dip sandwich I had was as good as I have ever had, and the gumbo? You know I am a real gumbo snob, but this was good, really good. Dark brown, not too thick and perfectly seasoned.
The shrimp remoulade was perfect, and I do so wish I had the room to try so many other things on the menu that just called my name. Things like cochon de lait, one of my favorite things in the world, served as a sandwich, French bread pizza, meatloaf burger, meatball parm, and so much more.
On top of that, there are daily specials that looked to be just as well-planned and delicious as everything else I saw. On the day of my visit, there was falling-apart beef brisket, pastrami and Swiss or pastrami Rueben, housemade chicken salad and, perfect for a hot day, a watermelon margarita by Hillary.
The Coast just doesn’t have another place like the Parrot Head, and in a time when lots of folks are looking for a place to chill out safely, relax and try to find some of modicum normalcy, this, my friend, is it.
Parrot Head Bar and Grill
Where: 111 Court Street, Bay St. Louis
When: Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Phone: 228-363-1290
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 5:50 AM.