Bay St. Louis welcomes a new sports bar and a new wine bar ... in the same building
The new Rags to Riches has some of the best beach and sunset views in Bay St. Louis, and is actually two bars in one.
Downstairs, the business at the corner of South Beach Boulevard and Court Street is a boisterous sports bar, especially on game day.
For a more subdued place to sip and talk with friends, customers can head to the second-level wine bar. The relaxed space indoors with a fireplace spills out to a large deck where patrons can enjoy the weather and the views.
The dual concept was conceived and built by husband and wife Shane Bernard and Amy Bernard, and their friend and business partner Craig Bordelon, as an alternative to the seafood restaurants and fancier places along the beach.
“We get really busy for football games,” said Shane Bernard, and also when there’s live music.
They’re also inviting a crowd for their first New Year’s Eve party, where people can watch sports on TVs and the fireworks over the bay. The celebration starts at 6 p.m. and family and friends can reserve an table for $150, including a bottle of champagne and a choice of appetizer.
In addition to beer and wine, Rags to Riches has a craft cocktail menu and “jazzed-up” bar food.
“Our tacos are to die for,” Bernard said, and wings come with sauce or dry rub in flavors like Buffalo, Carolina reaper and their signature sauce that has the flavor of Philadelphia cheesesteak.
Among the other choices are gumbo, crab bites and a variety of other appetizers, their coastal chicken sandwich with waffle fries and ahi tuna plates.
For a sweet treat, there is their signature shark punch, piece of butter toffee cake or cinnamon churro.
Rags to Riches is open seven days, starting at 11 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
This story was originally published December 18, 2023 at 7:00 AM.
