It feels like ‘Cheers’ at this Ocean Springs bar & grill. The menu has surprising twists.

Castaways Bar & Grill in Ocean Springs is one of the most comfortable and friendly places that I have visited in a very long time. Strangers and regulars alike talk and even make suggestions for those that are about to order.

“The shrimp and grits sure are good today,’ someone at the bar said as soon as I picked up the menu. Castaways reminds me of the TV sitcom “Cheers” and I suspect that after only a few visits everyone will know your name.

The menu isn’t what I expected. Normally, the menu at this sort of neighborhood hangout is pretty basic, and Castaways menu does cover all the basics — burgers, fried pickles, and a few sandwiches. But there were some surprises, too.

There are ten starters, with lots of fried stuff — jalapenos, mushrooms, and spicy green beans — but there are also fried shrimp or oyster baskets. Normally these are reserved for entrees, so a smaller version is much welcomed.

There are all the usual po-boys and sandwiches to choose from, like the patty melt, Reuben, club, and a Monterrey chicken served with sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. My favorite is Mama’s grilled cheese, made with American cheese and white bread. Just like mama used to make!

The Castaway burger is a burger to be reckoned with, its big, well-seasoned and actually comes cooked as you ordered it. I got the burger, with Swiss cheese and asked for it medium rare. I do not know why so many restaurants have a hard time serving anything but well done, but Castaways got it right.

Three selections caught my eye that I don’t ever recall seeing on a Coast menu before. English shepherd’s pie ranks at the top of the comfort food all time great list, at least in my opinion. It’s made with ground beef, a “special sauce,” mashed potatoes, cheese, and brown gravy. I was also surprised, and delighted, to see English style fish and chips. It’s another classic and I much prefer it over the traditional Southern way of frying fish.

There is also a nice selection of seafood bread, half a loaf or a full loaf, which is topped with seafood sauce, cheese and then broiled.

It was a tough decision to make, and the only real solution was to resolve to be sure to come back to Castaways again, and soon, but I went for the shrimp and grits, which was the daily special, and the Castaway’s burger. Both were spot on, filling, well-seasoned and delicious.

I really do plan on visiting Castaways again, but even if the food wasn’t as good as it is, I’d visit just for the friendly faces and first-rate service. Put this one on your list.

If you go to Castaways

Address: 2114 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

Phone: 228-872-6886

This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 5:50 AM.