New ‘low and slow’ barbecue restaurant opens in South MS. Here’s what’s for lunch
It opened in early November as a butcher shop and now 4-Bulls has added a barbecue restaurant sharing the same building in Ocean Springs.
The new restaurant features farm-to-table fare. The steaks and other products come directly from the 250-acre Mason Hills Farm, owned and operated by Joseph Mason just over the border in Alabama, to the new restaurant at 1108 Bienville Blvd. in downtown Ocean Springs, site of the former Shrimp Basket restaurant.
Beef brisket, sausage, ribs and chicken are among the entrees on the menu at the restaurant that’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The butcher shop is open until 6 p.m.
“Everything has been slow-roasted to perfection,” Mason said in a video announcing the restaurant’s soft opening over the weekend.
He has a way of making an impression, cooking with his own blend of seasonings and sauces that also are available for sale.
In addition to lunch, “People sign up as new customers when they get here,” he said, and they are invited to try steak night he hopes to host twice a month.
Farm fresh menu
Mason was still perfecting the menu Monday, adding salads topped with brisket, sliced chicken or turkey, and a kids’ menu.
“It’s a very simple menu,” he said, divided into beef, pork and chicken plus brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
Customers can create their own meat-and-sides plates, choosing one, two or three meats — like pork belly and sliced turkey — with a variety of sides that come in small, medium or large to share. Green beans, baked beans, coleslaw, baked potato casserole, sour cream potato salad, sweet potato casserole and macaroni and cheese are all available.
For those who want a cold beer with their barbecue, domestic and imported beer are available. And for a sweet ending, sample the banana pudding, bread pudding, key lime pie and cheesecake.
To take home, DellaGussy Cakes and Laser Crafts in Saucier is supplying the butcher shop and restaurant with sweet treats, made in house, such as birthday cakes, king cakes and cookies.
The butcher shop has cases full of steaks, 4-Bulls’ own brand of hamburgers, beef ox tail, pork chops, chicken and smoked sausage for dinner.
Events add another layer
South Mississippi loves to try a new restaurant and attend new events, and 4-Bulls aims to provide both.
“I think the community is really getting behind us,” he said, and he made a big impression when he invited everyone in the community to a meal on Christmas Eve at 4-Bulls. He prepared turkey and all the fixings for those who wanted a good dinner with company, and for those who couldn’t afford to pay, it was free. They fed about 900 people, he said.
Next up is Nourish & Flourish vendor event hosted by Earth’s Creations this Saturday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mason said about 15 vendors will attend and teach people to eat clean and healthy.
On Feb. 1, 4-Bulls will host a chili cook-off to raise money for the American Heart Association. 4-Bulls will provide the meat and prizes. Admission is $5 to vote on the people’s choice barbecue.
More events will be added. “We’re just trying to take it slow and easy,” Mason said, like his barbecue..
This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
