A new family restaurant has opened on the MS Coast. And the best-seller is a winner
Gautier has a new hot spot for food and vibes just in time for summer and with football season just around the corner.
Howie T’s Wings and Tacos soft launched this week at 3208 Ladnier Road with a special memory in mind. The Pickens family has opened the restaurant in remembrance of their father, Howard Pickens — who was Mississippi’s first COVID death in 2020.
The restaurant is still filling out, at the moment. Decorations were still going up during my visit, but a fun atmosphere has been established. Inside the two-front-door, nondescript building is an energetic staff that set the tone right away.
They’re eager to help and looking for feedback on every part of your experience. Even with little marketing up front, the customers were bustling in and out the doors during lunch time and each was greeted warmly.
The dining room itself is designed with takeout in mind, but inside seating is available at the bar, at a wooden bench to one side and tables to the other.
Moss Point’s own Jamarious Brown has his Ole Miss Peach Bowl jersey hung on one wall and a large flat screen TV sits on the opposite wall.
They’re hosting watch parties for the NBA Finals and will be doing the same during football season with multiple screens behind the counter, as well.
There are plans to expand the event schedule, too, as well as the offerings. Paint and Sip events will be held and the restaurant will soon have beer, liquor and dessert from Trina’s Sweet Treats & More.
The menu at the moment is short and simple and could be adjusted as the kitchen gets more feedback. Wings and tacos are the stars, but the restaurant already has a best seller: the loaded rice.
The plate comes with a bed of rice loaded with shrimp, chicken and sausage. It’s topped with bell peppers, onions and your choice of queso or teriyaki.
Similar dishes are available in nachos and fries form. The wings top the menu and can be ordered from six-count up to 30 in 14 different flavors, including hot honey, Jamaican jerk and garlic parmesan.
In my trip, I grabbed the six-count sweet chili wings. They were cooked perfectly, tore off the bone easily and came with the kick I expect from that flavor.
Of course, I also got the loaded rice to see what the hubbub was about. I highly recommend. It’s filling, flavorful (I got it topped in queso) and well worth another buy.
The menu also features tacos and burgers. The Howie T’s Facebook page will be posting specials throughout the week, as well.
Howie T’s hours will be evolving, but doors should be open at 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday. The restaurant plans to close at 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
This story was originally published June 14, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
