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The 10 best Black-owned restaurants near the MS Coast, Yelp says

Gotta Lovett Wings and Things in Gulfport is one of the best Black-owned restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, according to Yelp.
Gotta Lovett Wings and Things in Gulfport is one of the best Black-owned restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, according to Yelp. Screengrab from Gotta Lovett Wings and Things LLC on Facebook

If you’re looking for a delicious meal to share with friends, the Mississippi Coast’s Black-owned restaurant scene is a can’t-miss.

From soul food and American classics to seafood and Cajun fare, the top 10 best restaurants according to Yelp reviewers have something for everyone. Some of these restaurants are on the Mississippi Coast, while others are nearby in Alabama and Louisiana.

Here are the 10 best Black-owned restaurants near the Mississippi Coast, according to Yelp.

1. Gotta Lovett Wings and Things

Type of food: American, Soul

Menu items: Chicken wings, pork chops, catfish, fried okra

What Yelp reviewers said: “These are some fantastic wings! They are the “whole” wing also, meaning you get more than just the little drumstick or the flat. I thought the sauce was excellent, and they give you lots, and the fries are plentiful and well-seasoned, too.”

Address: 2226 Switzer Rd, Gulfport, MS 39607

2. Tipsey’s Hole in The Wall

Type of food: American, Seafood

Menu items: Chicken wings, gator bites, swamp fries, oysters, crab, shrimp

What Yelp reviewers said: “This place is a must-visit. The food, the staff, and the vibe are amazing. The rockafella oysters are hands down the best I’ve had.”

Address: 39311 Hwy 190 E, Slidell, LA 70461

3. Sweet Leaf Restaurant

Type of food: Fast food, chicken wings, seafood

Menu items: Po’boys, oysters, fish, shrimp, gumbo

What Yelp reviewers said: “If you want an eclectic mix of southern, Cajun, and good old wings, this is your place. The red beans and rice were seasoned just right. The Gumbo was also delicious. Both were not overly spicy or tasteless. The portions were good for both the normal portion and side portion.”

Address: 1203 30th Ave Ste. A, Gulfport, MS 39501

4. Blu Jazz Cafe

Type of food: Cajun, brunch, burgers

Menu items: Shrimp and grits, hand-cut ribeyes, fried chicken, sweet potato pancakes

What Yelp reviewers said: “Overall, the food came out fast, service was good, highly recommend this place, and I would come back.”

Address: 103 E Front St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

5. Fry Daddy’s

Type of food: American, seafood

Menu items: Chicken wings, burgers, hot dogs

What Yelp reviewers said: “There is no reason to get wings from anywhere else. This is officially our chicken wing, okra and fries spot for 2024 and 2025.”

Address: 405 S Wilson Ave, Prichard, AL 36610

6. Soul Heaven Cafe & Catering

Type of food: Breakfast and brunch

Menu items: Fried chicken breasts, grilled catfish, fried pork chop, candy yams, cornbread

What Yelp reviewers said: “We had them cater an event for us. The food was delicious! Mac ‘n cheese was a hit!”

Address: 7850 Tanner Williams Rd, Mobile, AL 36608

7. Morrow’s

Type of food: Cajun/Creole, Seafood

Menu items: Fried chicken, catfish, BBQ shrimp, gumbo, redfish, seafood platter

What Yelp reviewers said: “Overall, I enjoyed my meal so much and will definitely be back the next time I’m in NOLA. Amazing food, great energy, and top-tier vibes. Highly recommend!”

Address: 2438 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

8. Cozy Brown’s Kitchen

Type of food: Soul food, chicken wings

Menu items: Fried chicken, baked chicken, beef tips

What Yelp reviewers said: “To say this food was cooked with love and every bit of the best seasonings would be an understatement. It all tasted great and was an ultra 10 out of 5!!”

Address: 4395 St. Stephens Rd., Eight Mile, AL 36613

9. Robert’s Place Cafe

Type of food: Breakfast and brunch, Southern

Menu items: French toast, sandwiches, burgers

What Yelp reviewers said: “You will feel like you are walking into your Nana’s home for breakfast or lunch when you walk into this gem of a restaurant. But then the food and hospitality that you will receive will be a cut above anything that you ever had at your Nana’s.”

Address: 233 Davis Ave, Pass Christian, MS 39571

10. Candyman’s Candy

Type of food: Burgers, desserts, candy

Menu items: Pralines, burgers

What Yelp reviewers said: “Absolute best burgers in town, if you have not tried the Smashburger you are missing out! You cannot leave without trying a praline!”

Address: 910 East Canal St., Picayune, MS 39466

Natalie Demaree
mcclatchy-newsroom
Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas. 
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