The Best Local Restaurants In Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Buoy’s Bar Exterior | Courtesy of Buoy’s Bar
This bright wooden hut on the beach emanates fun, and when you get inside and see the boat bar which reads ‘The Good Life’ below, you will be hard pressed not to be charmed by this beachfront restaurant and bar. People flock from far and wide to see Buoy’s Bar and to enjoy the food, drink, music and atmosphere. At weekends they host regular gigs and DJs to turn the seafront into a party spot. The menu is small but each item is cooked to perfection, with fresh shrimp served in tacos or po’ boys being the most popular dishes.

Situated just across from the Bay St Louis Municipal Harbor, you will be hard pressed to find better views in the town than those from the tables of 200 North Beach Restaurant. The original building that the restaurant resides in was first built in 1903 as the offices for the Sea East Coast Echo Newspaper, before becoming a coffee shop and restaurant. Hurricane Katrina largely damaged the restaurant’s structure, but it was lovingly restored by the owners in 2005 and it still retains much of the original building’s charm. For fresh seafood, pasta and steaks in historic surroundings with stunning views, 200 North Beach is most definitely the place to go.

Golf and gambling fans will be reassured to hear that Bay St Louis’ Hollywood Casino and golf course has a restaurant to match its blackjack tables and lush greens. Bogart’s Steakhouse presents an up-scale feel. Its brown leather booths, dark wood furnishings and large floor-to-ceiling windows makes it one of the most comfortable and pleasant dining destinations in the Gulf Coast. With fresh, succulent seafood, mouthwatering steaks and a variety of traditional Italian dishes, Bogart’s will give you delectable fare to match its spectacular views. Whether you’re taking a break from the tees or driving down the coast, this is one of the finest dining experiences on the Bay.

If you head away from the seafront and into the old town you will be treated to many historical buildings and traditional southern charm. First opened in 2006, The Buttercup On Second Street is a picture perfect sidewalk cafe that has been charming diners for the best part of a decade. On any given sunny day you will see diners filling the seats under the colorful parasols. A bakery and ice cream counter separates the dining room from the kitchen, which inquisitive diners can look into and watch as the food is made fresh on the premises. The restaurant is affordable and tasty sandwiches, wraps, burgers and desserts make it one of the town’s most popular breakfast and lunch destinations.

Taking its inspiration from across Europe, Cannella serves some of the finest crepes and specialty dishes from Germany and the south coast of Italy. While the decor is generally quite simple, the outdoor seating area proves to be a hit, especially on Mississippi’s many sunny days. Dishes include popular European staples such as stews, spicy sausages, sauerkraut, pasta and stuffed crepes, although the menu is constantly changing. Visit during Oktoberfest to make the most of the restaurant’s European spirit.

Seafood, steak and po’ boys – what more could you want from Mississippi dining. People travel from across the state and beyond to get a taste of the authentic bayou flavors that are found at Cuz’s. This casual restaurant serves up fresh seafood from the Gulf Coast, all served to perfection. From spicy boiled shrimp to fried oysters, crawfish ettouffee, crab claws and gumbo, the menu is filled to the brim – like its po’ boys – with the flavors of Mississippi. If you’re going on a Thursday, try and get there early as two-for-one steak night draws in the crowds.

Eat in the city hall, which has been beautifully restored to its original 1905 glory. Cypress Cafe is a favorite haunt for tourists, all of whom are taken in by its historic surroundings, cozy atmosphere and fresh food. It is one of the town’s foremost lunch hotspots. All of their burgers , ‘chicks’ and wraps are made fresh to order and come with a side of chips. They also have desserts which change daily. For those looking for something a bit different to go with their lunch, tours of the old cells and building’s grounds are available upon request.

La Chula is Bay St Louis’ resident authentic Mexican restaurant, enticing people in with its hearty spicy food and the promise of a good time. The large bar, complete with the requisite bottles of tequila, keeps guests in merry spirits. The restaurant has quite an unassuming appearance, but the flavors are very much where the restaurant comes to life. Real Mexican food in the heart of Mississippi is hard to find, but La Chula delivers with its perfectly spiced and seasoned quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas and tacos, to name just a few of its menu items, all at a price that is hard to beat.

Sloppy in the sense that you may end up with it down your shirt, maybe, but otherwise there is nothing else sloppy about Sloppy Dogs. It proudly proclaims that it serves the world’s best hot dogs. While this is quite a contentious claim to make, there is no denying that the dogs served up here certainly give the rest a run for their money. They have a range of different hot dog styles on offer, currently including the Carolina, New Yorker, Coney and Chicago, although their repertoire is always undergoing change. If you’re stuck for what to try, you can’t go wrong with the original Sloppy Dog. The wider menu also includes philly cheese steaks, fish tacos, quesadillas, and, of course, ice cold beer on tap.

For a slice of good will to go alongside your meal head on down to the Starfish Cafe. First established in its current site following Hurricane Katrina, this small cafe has been providing healthy dishes to customers, as well as work training and job opportunities for locals long after the hurricane clean up ended. The seating for this establishment is on the bay, providing great views, and you order from a small window that leads to the kitchen. On the menu you will find healthy appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and select dishes for under 500 calories, plus dessert to reward you for your healthy main course.
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