Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a small town that’s home to some of the best restaurants in the state. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax with friends or a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and craft beer, you’ll find it all in here. Pick your poison from this list of the 22 best restaurants in Hattiesburg.
(updated September 2023)
Table of Contents
1. Depot Kitchen & Market
I love a specialty coffee house that serves up the amazing breakfast dishes, and I found it in downtown Hattiesburg. Chef Josh Casper’s breakfast and lunch creations at Depot Kitchen & Market are sure to make your mouth water.
When I visited, I tried the Bru’s Breakfast Bowl and let me tell you – it was anything but ordinary! This dish took a classic combo – cheddar biscuit, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar – and elevated it to new heights. The biscuit was the perfect texture, the gravy was packed with flavor, and the crispy bacon and fresh green onions took it over the top.
It’s not just a breakfast meal – it’s a Southern foodie’s dream come true. I’ve shared this love story with people across the country. So, if you’re a traveler who loves delicious food, do yourself a favor and check out the Depot Kitchen & Market!
2. SoPro Brewing
My latest Hattiesburg restaurant to try is SoPro Brewing, which is first and foremost a popular brewery and Uber-cool hangout spot, but also a purveyor of creative cuisine. I went for lunch and had a nice sampling of several really tasty dishes.
Some of Chef Noffke’s standout dishes include boudin egg rolls, Totino’s pizza roll nachos, and a luscious open-faced pot roast melt. This is comfort food on a whole new level! The boudin egg rolls will surprise you with a bit of collard greens and green onion inside, while queso and Suzy B mustard are the perfect dipping sauces.
My daughter was gaga over the Cold Sesame Noodles with cucumbers, peanuts, and herbs tossed in a sesame peanut sauce. It was refreshing and super tasty. Fries are a must, served with both ketchup and roasted garlic mayo.
Pro Tip: Order from the QR code on your table and also check out the added chef specials.
Pair your meal with a craft brew, cocktail, or mocktail and explore the fascinating property, inside and out.
3. Birdhouse Cafe
Looking for a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? Check out Birdhouse Cafe, where Chef Katie Dixon creates clean eating dishes that taste absolutely amazing in a furniture store setting. As a finalist on Food Network Star season 14, she knows how to create culinary magic, and her nutrition background means she plans meals that are good for you, too.
Whether you’re in the mood for a creative salad, a gourmet sandwich, or something sweet and refreshing like an Acai Bowl, you’ll find it on the giant chalkboard of daily specials. But don’t skip the restaurant staples, like Katie’s famous Curry Chicken Salad – it’s seriously the best!
Need something to wash it all down? Try a delicious smoothie or a flavored iced tea, the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Need ideas for what to see and do in HBURG? We’ve got them in this post!
4. Glory Bound Gyro Co.
Attention foodies and live music lovers! If you’re looking for a tasty meal, look no further than Glory Bound Gyro Co. With both indoor and outdoor seating and live music, it’s an awesome spot to enjoy a night out. But the real star of the show is the food – and it’s no surprise with their tagline “craft hummus X unique gyros X craft beer.”
Whether you’re in Hattiesburg, Ocean Springs, or Tuscaloosa, they’re other two locations, you won’t be disappointed. Try the classic gyro plate or the chicken gyro plate for a hearty meal. But let’s talk hummus – with varieties like Mediterranean olive, garlic-basil, and roasted red pepper, it’s hard to pick just one. I highly recommend the garlic-basil!
If Mediterranean food isn’t your thing, Glory Bound has you covered with their delicious pizzas. Plus, trivia night on Mondays? Count me in!
Thanks to Visit Hattiesburg for hosting my travels and a portion of my food. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
5. Ed’s Burger Joint
Ready for a dining experience that’s fun and relaxed, just like being at a Margaritaville Resort? Look no further than Ed’s Burger Joint, one of Chef Robert St. John’s restaurants in Hattiesburg. With inviting indoor/outdoor seating and outdoor games, you’ll feel right at home.
And those colorful lights? My granddaughter and I loved them! They only add to the festive vibe.
Order at the counter and then sit back and relax until the waitstaff delivers your meal. Speaking of meals, the fresh-beef and bun burgers and shakes are all the rage. We are repeat Ed’s Burger Joint patrons, so we have tried a variety of things.
My favorites are the Jam Burger (bacon jam, cheddar, grilled onions), Buffalo Tots (enough to share – and the best I’ve ever had), and the Banana Pudding Shake. Calories don’t count here.
But if burgers and tots aren’t your thing, don’t worry. The menu also features hot dogs and salads. In short, Ed’s Burger Joint is the perfect spot for a memorable meal with friends or family.
6. Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
If sports bars are more your style, then Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux in Hattiesburg is the perfect spot for you! This restaurant offers all of your favorite game day snacks, like nachos supreme (nom!) and loaded fries alongside creative takes on classic pub fare like seared tuna steak sandwiches or bacon mac n’ cheese flatbread.
All this, while surrounded by TVs playing all the latest games. Sounds like a great place to visit to me!
7. Crescent City Grill
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure with Chef Robert St. John’s Crescent City Grill. Trust me, I can’t be the only one who can’t resist the Crabmeat Wontons! This New Orleans-inspired seafood and creole restaurant will treat you to a menu of delectable dishes like Chargrilled Oysters, Boudin & Shrimp Fritters, and Blackened Shrimp Pie, to name a few.
Don’t forget about the flavorful gumbo or the classic Po’boys that Crescent City Grill has to offer. And then there is the impressive wine and beer list that will guarantee a perfect pairing with your meal. The seafood is always fresh, shipped in from the Gulf Coast and New Orleans every day of the week. This restaurant is a real treat.
8. Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
For those who love Italian cuisine, Mario’s provides the perfect destination. Renowned chef Mario Aiello has created an unbeatable menu featuring traditional pizzas and pastas, as well as inventive entrees like veal marsala and chicken parmesan.
You can also enjoy fresh seafood dishes (like clams oreganata or mussels marinara)—all served with house-made sauces made from scratch daily!
9. Indian Delight
Traveling is always more enjoyable when you find hidden local gems along the way. One such gem is Indian Delight in Hattiesburg, Mississippi – a must-go-to when you’re craving some delicious Indian food.
The lunch buffet might only be available during the weekdays, but don’t let that stop you! The menu options are plenty and satisfying enough to even take home leftovers for another day.
The Butter Chicken is a delight to the taste buds – flavorful and filling, with just the right amount of heat. The Tandoori Chicken, roasted in a clay oven, is a new dish that will leave you wanting more. To mix it up, share the Mix Bread Basket appetizer with 5 different bread options (Naan, Garlic Naan, Roti, Kalaunji Naan) and 4 condiments to season to your taste.
Expect to be treated with attentive service, indulge in good food, and not break the bank with reasonable prices at Indian Delight.
10. GrateFULL Soul
If you’re looking for a comfort and soul-food joint in Hattiesburg, GrateFull Soul is where you’ll find it. You can enjoy decadent Blue Plate meals on weekdays, and even grab a casserole or two to take home and bake.
Choose from menu items like black eyed peas (a MS staple), collards, broccoli salad, candied carrots, Mississippi catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf, and more. If you want a perfect dose of Southern deliciousness, the tomato pie is the way to go
Of course, peach cobbler and banana pudding make for the ultimate dessert choices.
11. Keg & Barrel
Keg and Barrel is Mississippi’s premier beer emporium and brewpub, featuring more than 120 different beers. There are two locations in Hattiesburg and one in Ocean Springs.
Upscale pub food includes the KB chicken nachos and Greek dip duo, while Southern favorites feature house-made fried pork rinds and boiled peanuts. I could eat that dip duo every day—it was spectacular!
Keg and Barrel has indoor and outdoor seating, a lively atmosphere, and a historic tap that you have to see to appreciate. Burgers are all the rage here, and with creations like Korean BBQ (kimchi, carrots, green onions, Korean bbq, and garlic mayo), you can see how irresistible they can be.
If you are a brunch fan, visit on Sundays from 11 AM to 2 PM. Be sure to order the Beignet Bites!
12. Brass Hat
Located on Main Street in downtown Hattiesburg, Brass Hat serves up classic American comfort food with an upscale twist. From their famous burgers and fries to their delicious homemade desserts, this restaurant is sure to satisfy your craving for nostalgia.
And don’t skip out on their extensive craft beer selection; they have something for every taste!
13. The Midtowner
Craving a delicious and amazing breakfast or lunch in a retro-looking cafe? Look no further than The Midtowner! As a pro traveler, I highly recommend grabbing a seat at the bar to avoid the long wait times and to enjoy usually superb service. Now, onto the good stuff – the food!
While the cathead biscuits are amazing, it’s hard to choose between those and the mouth-watering pancakes, waffles, and French toast we saw coming out of the kitchen. I personally went with the locals’ favorite – the Dirty Bird – which features an open-faced biscuit topped with fried chicken tenders, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese.
For some extra heat, I added the buffalo chicken option. OMG, this is genius!
Meanwhile, my husband opted for the Hardy Breakfast with eggs and his choice of breakfast meat, but the standout for him were the exceptional stone-ground grits. They were incredible! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the deliciousness that is at The Midtowner!
14. Mugshots Grill & Bar
Have you heard of Mugshots? This sports-bar-like eatery is the go-to spot for the best burgers, sandwiches, and salads in Mississippi. With a menu full of unique and flavorful options, it’s hard to choose just one meal to try.
Their signature burger, The Gamble, is a fan favorite – loaded up with chili, Rotel, sour cream, jalapeños, and lettuce. Don’t mind the mess, it’s worth every bite!
And here’s a bonus: join the Mugshots eClub and score a free burger on your birthday. Plus, it’s a place kids will love too! Just ask my granddaughter, who happily approves of the menu options and coloring sheets.
15. Blue Jazz Café
If you’re looking for an elegant place to grab dinner and drinks with friends, head over to Blu Jazz Café. This restaurant offers an eclectic menu featuring everything from filet mignon and lobster tail to jambalaya and shrimp tacos—all served up with a side of jazz music.
The atmosphere is relaxed, yet refined, and great for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
16. Patio 44
Patio 44 is a beloved regional chain restaurant for elevated American bar food, with locations I’d been to before. Their quality ingredients and experienced servers will make your dining experience a memorable one.
While the menu may vary, there are some standout dishes you should definitely try. The Blue Crab Fondue served with toasted baguette or the Duck Strips with remoulade are unique and delicious starters.
And if you’re looking for a main course, the Sweet-Hot Pecan Chicken with roasted garlic mash is a must-try. The finger-licking sauce is just too good to miss!
Oh and don’t forget about the exceptional wine menu and craft cocktail creations that Patio 44 is famous for. And after your meal, indulge in the praline cheesecake—trust us, it’s worth saving room for!
FYI: Patio 44 has a lunch menu, so you can save a few bucks by going for your mid-day meal.
17. Porter Public House Beer
Simply known as The Porter, this is Hattiesburg’s public house, offering American pub grub and fine regional craft beer. Sounds like a combination for success to me.
The Porter’s atmosphere is down-to-earth and friendly. Beer, the star feature here, is served on tap, in bottles, or cans, and you can choose beer brewed by The Porter (Berliner Weisse is so good!) or other domestic and international favorites. Wine and cocktails are also on the menu.
Pair your drink with Chicken & Waffles, a Philly Cheesesteak, or Pub Meatloaf.
The Porter also has nightly events such as Tuesday Trivia and Open Mic Comedy Night Thursdays.
18. Shady Acres Village
If you’re looking for a delicious lunch spot just a few minutes from downtown Hattiesburg, look no further than Shady Acres Village in Seminary. My family and I stopped there and were blown away by the fantastic food options.
Although we considered the hot food bar, we ultimately chose classic meals like hot ham & cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers (with fresh beef patties), and a savory pulled pork bbq plate with sides of baked beans & potato salad.
And the best part? The sides were just as delicious as the main courses!
For something lighter, my husband opted for the Asian grilled chicken salad with mandarin oranges, crispy noodles, and a flavorful sweet sesame dressing. And of course, we couldn’t forget about dessert – the banana pudding was the perfect ending to our meal.
We would definitely eat here again..and the shopping is on point.
19. T-Bones Records & Cafe
Looking for a hidden gem that combines food, music, and vinyl? Look no further than T-Bones Records & Cafe! This locally-owned eatery is tucked away inside a record shop, offering a full menu with options like homemade pastries, wraps, quiche, and sandwiches.
But that’s not all – T-Bones also boasts an impressive coffee bar and a collection of music-related memorabilia.
But it’s not just the unique setting that sets T-Bones apart. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are affordable. While you wait for your food, wander around the store and browse their selection of vinyl. Or, if you’d rather relax, grab a seat in the cozy dining room and they’ll bring your order right to you.
The music choice is also impressive – we found ourselves humming along to the lunchtime playlist. And speaking of lunch, we recommend Harry’s Triple Cheese Sandwich or the Greek Chicken Wrap (a daily special). You can’t go wrong with a side of homemade potato salad, either.
And whether you’re a coffee fanatic or just need a pick-me-up, T-Bones has you covered with choices like cold brew, lattes, and mochas.
20. Half Shell Oyster House
You don’t have to go to New Orleans for great cajun/creole dishes when you have a Half Shell Oyster House in your town. We love going there for just a quick weekday meal or a special occasion.
Half Shell’s menu offers oysters (charbroiled, too), po’boys, shrimp specialties, a Sunday Brunch, and daily lunch specials.
Half Shell’s Crawfish, Corn, or Crab Bisque might catch your eye if you love soup or chowder. Order a bowl rather than a cup; they are all that good. My go-to meal is the rich and creamy Gulf Shrimp and Grits, while the Almond Encrusted Chicken drizzled with red pepper aioli is a close runner-up.
Check out Half Shell’s impressive list of local beer, wine, and creative cocktails.
21. Topher’s
Topher’s is a must-visit spot in Hattiesburg that will leave you longing for more. Not only does Topher’s offer the option of indoor dining or drive-through service, but their menu is packed with breakfast, burgers, and chicken that make your mouth water just looking at them.
Artisan brioche or sweet sourdough buns are available to make your burger or sandwich even more special. And if you’re looking for something crispy and savory on the side, the pepper jack cheese wedges are downright addictive.
But here’s the real star of the show – the chicken tenders. These bad boys are hand-battered and tossed in your choice of wing and dipping sauces, and trust us when we say the classic hot buffalo sauce is a must-try. We picked up some dinner to-go, and it was so good we’re already planning our next visit.
Don’t miss out on Topher’s unique and delicious offerings!
22. Newk’s Eatery
Newk’s Eatery is a staple in Mississippi. They are passionate about delivering flavorful food experiences to their customers and it shows, as it’s easily one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Newk’s quick service menu includes fresh-tossed salads, artisan pizzas, specialty toasted sandwiches, kettle-batch soups, and desserts. I like to do the pick a pair with a half sandwich and side item. Newk’s pimento Mac & cheese is always the best side choice.
We buy the gallons of tea weekly — it is that good!
After ordering, head to the Round Table, where you get complimentary condiments for your dishes and their famous breadsticks. The most popular item on the menu is the Newk’s Q, served as a sandwich or pizza.
Best Restaurants in Hattiesburg: Mmm, Mmm, Good
I’m here to tell you that Hattiesburg, Mississippi is a great place for getting your delicious food fix. I loved every bite I took, and can’t wait to start the planning another trip.
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