Get Nezaty’s classics, paninis and more at owner’s new Gulfport coffee shop

Layla’s is so much more than just another coffee shop.

Sure, if you want a latte, cappuccino or an espresso, they’ve got you covered. In fact, they have almost two dozen coffee options, and it is a cool place to have a coffee with friends or as a quiet start to your day.

Check out the glass windows that make up the front of the building, giving you a good view of busy Pass Road, and the roll-up garage-style door that opens onto the covered patio.

This place has a nice, friendly vibe to it, and I especially love the bricked bar that looks on to the kitchen and prep area.

But Layla’s is also a great place to go for a hearty breakfast or upscale lunch.

If you were a fan of Nezaty’s Café on Courthouse Road, the menu may seem familiar. It’s the same owner, Linsey O’Keefe, but she took advantage of an opportunity to expand the dining room size and the menu at this Pass Road location.

It’s only been open a few weeks, but it is already a hit, and I have to say the food and menu were impressive.

The breakfast menu starts with a few “quick grabs,” like a frittata (meat or veggie), fruit bowl, scones and breakfast croissants.

It’s a great idea if you are in a hurry, but there are also some more traditional breakfast offerings, like eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, French toast, biscuits and gravy, omelets and breakfast sandwiches.

If you are looking for a new breakfast place, this is it.

But lunch at Layla’s is also a pretty big deal. If you are thinking about a great sandwich, check out the classic Cuban, which is pretty hard to find on the Coast. It’s made with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, served on French bread.

The Cuban, when made right, as this one is, is one of the most underrated sandwiches in the country. The French Dip is also a bestseller, lovely tender roast beef and hot au jus, on French bread and your choice of cheese. The housemade smoked brisket is also a top seller, on a brioche bun.

In the salad and soup selection, take a look at the Bluesy Chicken Salad. It’s made with spicy chicken, tomatoes, eggs, carrots, pepperoncino peppers, blue cheese and bacon. I do not think there is a better salad around!

There are eight salads to choose from, and don’t forget to check out the housemade black bean soup too.

As if that isn’t enough, there is also a great selection of paninis. There are almost a dozen to choose from, and I went for the Santi Fe, with spicy chicken red peppers, mushrooms, Mozzarella and red onions. You also might want to look at the caprese and the roast beef panini too.

Layla’s really is a classy place. It comfortable, the menu is diverse, and some serious creativity went into putting it together. This spot is going to be a Coast favorite!

Layla’s Coffeehouse and Eatery

Location: 1079 East Pass Road, Gulfport

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Tel: 228-897-1139 or http://laylascoffee.com

This story was originally published September 10, 2021 at 5:50 AM.