These Coast restaurants near the beach have outdoor seating during COVID-19 pandemic
People are anxious to return to normal during the coronavirus pandemic, to go out with friends, and enjoy a meal at their favorite restaurant.
But many people are not comfortable with the risk of eating inside restaurants, even with reduced seating and social distancing. The experts tell us that being outside is perhaps the safest way to dine out. You are less likely to touch a contaminated surface and viral particles are quickly diluted by fresh air.
The Coast can count hundreds of dining spots, and you just might be surprised at how many have outdoor seating.
In fact, Coastal Mississippi, the “Secret Coast” folks, tell me that there are 108 restaurants on the Coast with al fresco dining.
Here are some popular spots along or near the beach highway of U.S. 90.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs has a double handful of places that you might enjoy with outside seating. If you are starting out early, stop at the Green House on Porter for some pretty amazing biscuits, sandwiches, coffee, tea and beer. Keep an eye out for the weekend musical events that have started to host again.
Just down the street is Eat Drink Love Catering. A favorite local place, where just a few days ago they had some great brisket, offered with salad, that many people were talking about. Look for sandwiches, daily specials and prepared meals to take home too.
Maison De Lu is only a few blocks away, and calls itself a contemporary French bistro, with a great view of Washington Avenue from the tables out front.
Just around the corner, on Government Street, in the very heart of the Ocean Springs entertainment district, you will find in quick succession of good spots, starting with Mosaic, a famous tapas place.
Glory Bound is across the street, if you are in the mood for a gyro and live music.
Charred, an upscale steak and oyster spot, featuring Chef Milton Joachim is next door, another good place to people watch.
Government Street Grocery, one of my favorite places for a good burger, is a short walk away.
Murky Waters, if you are in the mood for BBQ and a blues band on Sunday afternoon. There’s also a location in downtown Gulfport with outdoor seating.
A block or so further down the street, is Ocean Springs food truck park. The food trucks change at times, but recently it was Captain Coconut, Scratch Kitchen and the Burger Box. There are plenty of picnic tables and umbrellas for sunny days.
The Italian Garden is the last spot on Government with outdoor seating, and a good spot for classic Italian food.
Biloxi
Just over the bridge in Biloxi, at the end of Oak Street is Gollott’s Fresh Catch Seafood Restaurant, a great place for local favorites, and fresh seafood, with the best view of Back Bay.
Head back to U.S. 90, then a right on Main Street, you will find Patio 44, and Mugshots, side by side.
The Fillin’ Station is less than a block north and is a local hangout of some merit and with great $8.95 weekday specials, like hamburger steak and pork chop Monday.
A few more blocks west is the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art and the just opened Makin’ Groceries, a very healthy plant-based café with delicious food based on recipes you know.
White Pillars is a short ride west, and is a beautifully restored old Biloxi restaurant. It is unique in its offering of Southern, Creole and Cajun dishes, prepared by James Beard nominated chef Austin Sumrall.
Further down U.S. 90, in what used to be called the Biloxi Strip, you will find The Reef, perhaps the Coast’s favorite beach-side joint. Check out the hot crab queso dip and the firecracker shrimp tacos.
Shaggy’s Harbor Bar and Grill is next, they also have locations in Gulfport and Pass Christian. It is known as one of the best seafood dives on the Coast.
Slap Yo Momma’s Smokehouse & BBQ, another good barbecue place. Also has a good beach view.
On the north side of highway 90, Woody’s Roadside, many local’s favorite cheeseburger place.
Mateo’s Bar & Grill is just south of Edgewater Mall, and is making a name for itself with Tex-Mex flavors and margaritas.
Brick and Spoon, also close to the mall, is famous for a quality southern experience.
Gulfport
Head west again on 90, once you cross Debuys Road, you are in Gulfport. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar in the first place you will find, a raised building with a good beach view and great NOLA-style food.
Next is White Cap, a restaurant that has been serving coastal favorites for many, many years, and it is still just as good as when it was in the Gulfport Harbor.
Orchid Indian Cuisine is another of the Coast’s favorite places when in the mood for Indian spiciness and comfort food. They have a great patio too, perfect for nice weather.
The Chimneys is not far away, a place for fresh seafood, relaxed sophistication, and Southern hospitality. It’s another restaurant that has been a Coast favorite for years.
District on the Alley is the last Gulfport location I visited, it’s newly opened, has a dog-friendly patio, rooftop bar and good food.
Long Beach
In Long Beach, there is the Long Beach Market & Deli, well known for an eclectic menu featuring Korean, Chinese, Cajun, Vietnamese, vegetarian and American dishes.
The Harbor View Café, you will just love the view, is popular with locals and visitors. Great place for fresh seafood.
Steve’s Marina is close by and another great seafood option.
Pass Christian
Pass Christian, as small as it is, has a good assortment of restaurants with outside seating. Sea Level, literally on the beach, offers burgers, hot dogs, tacos and snowballs.
Hooks Gulf Coast Cuisine, across the street on Davis Avenue, has great seafood, and coastal specialties.
Cat Island Coffee is a great a place to catch up on your reading and get a snack too and has a good view of the harbor.
Whiskey Prime is serious about prime steaks and a good wine menu as well, located in the Whiskey Hotel downtown.
Bacchus on the Beach may have the best view of the harbor and highway 90 and has been a local favorite for years.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is our last stop, and my first stop there is always the Parrot Head Bar and Grill. It is as funky a beach bar dive as you can get, with great food and an atmosphere like no other. Live music too.
200 North Beach has balcony dining, is known for seafood, steaks, and pasta. I love the upstairs balcony.
The last place to visit is perhaps one of the best beach side places on the Coast, The Blind Tiger. It is always packed with people enjoying great food and having a great time. Also has a great view of the harbor, and a location in Biloxi at Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino.
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 12:00 AM.