A New Orleans bounty hunter opens a unique restaurant in booming downtown Biloxi

Temptations Food and Spirits is the latest addition to downtown Biloxi’s renaissance.

Located right across from Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary church on Howard Avenue, Temptations is next door to BoHo Biloxi Social House — a charcuterie and wine bar — and Makin’ Groceries, one of the best vegetarian restaurants around.

It’s pretty amazing to watch a part of town that has been dormant come alive, and let’s keep our fingers crossed it will once again become the hottest area in the city.

Temptations describes itself simply as “a local eatery with great vibes,” but it is also one of the most interesting restaurants I’ve seen in quite a while.

Owner and chef Tina Johnson is from New Orleans, where she was a bail bondswoman and bounty hunter. COVID-19 closed down the jails, so she decided to open a shop in the city selling chicken and snowballs. She had a chance to move her business to Biloxi and jumped on it.

The inside of the restaurant is as unique as the business model. There is a wall length mural on the west wall that is themed by hookahs and Orca whales. The opposite wall is a bright blue and the floor are made up of white tiles. It may sound odd, but somehow it works.

The menu is as simple as they come, but with a few interesting twists. T

he first page of the menu lists dozens of flavors of sno-balls. The list really is impressive, with everything from banana to green apple. Come summertime this is going to be a hot spot.

The main menu is petite, and I’d describe it as jacked up bar food. There is a pretty impressive homemade burger, chicken and waffles, stuffed fries with cheese, wings with a handful of sauce option and nachos. Temptations also offer a few specials during the week, like red beans and rice with cornbread.

There’s a soul food special every Thursday, including smothered pork chops or oxtails with rice and gravy.

Besides good food, Temptations is a very cool place to have fun. Make sure to check out their Facebook page to keep up with all the events. There is Monday night comedy, Wednesday karaoke and a weekly DJ.

Temptations is an interesting place to go for a night out, or just a good homemade burger. Johnson and her staff are super friendly, and the place has a relaxed feel and vibe.

If you go

Address: 871 Howard Avenue, Biloxi

Hours: Monday 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Phone: (228) 207-0143

This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM.