Best Al Fresco Dining in Coastal Mississippi

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By Natalea Thomson on Jan. 11, 2021 (For the original article: Click Here)

What pairs best with authentic coastal cuisine? Outdoor ambience! In addition to the best fresh-caught seafood and the most innovative menus you’ll find in the Southeastern United States, Coastal Mississippi boasts a variety of restaurants with incredible al fresco dining experiences. Al fresco dining, or dining outside, is the preferred method of eating on the coast, whether it be a quick solo lunch or a shared family meal. Enjoy a shrimp po-boy as you watch the waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico, or savor chargrilled oysters over candlelight in a cozy, downtown atmosphere. And even better, we have several restaurants providing heated patios this winter. You can have your views and enjoy them too (without the mittens). Whatever the mood and whatever the budget, there are several outdoor dining options to explore on the Secret Coast.


Located in downtown Ocean Springs, Maison de Lu is a fine dining meets coastal casual restaurant offering a French-inspired menu. With both a front patio and back courtyard, enjoy culinary delicacies like smoked salmon, escargot stuffed roasted mushrooms, and veal du jour amidst the city’s charming arts district. Seated in the courtyard, you’ll often hear the faint melodies of neighboring music venues on any given evening. Sit back by the outdoor fireplace, order a blackberry margarita, and sample the multitude of flavors this venue has to offer.


This coastal seafood and steakhouse originated in Hattiesburg and expanded to two locations in Coastal Mississippi: Biloxi and Gulfport. Patio 44 serves classic and new creole-style cuisine like seafood gumbo, shrimp & girts, and catfish tacos in a modern, casual atmosphere. Enjoy dining out on their spacious namesake heated patio in the heart of downtown Biloxi, sipping premium spirits, local and craft beer, or choose from over 100 labels of international fine wine. Located down the street from Biloxi’s beaches and casinos, Patio 44 provides access to pre- and post-meal activities.


With one of the most beautiful beachfront views in Coastal Mississippi, The Chimneys Restaurantprovides an al fresco dining experience like no other. Since 2000, The Chimneys has offered relaxed sophistication and Southern hospitality both on and off the menu. Pair a drink (or two) from their extensive beer, wine, and spirits menus with any delectable dish from their brunch, lunch, or dinner menus - Trout Meuniere Almondine, Oysters Chimney, and Blackened Stuffed Filet to name a few. The Chimneys is the perfect place to relax, indulge, and taste the coast. Now providing a heated patio for your winter dining experience.


Also located on the beachfront in Gulfport, Salute offers a fine dining experience in a casual dining atmosphere. Enjoy classic Italian dishes like cheese ravioli with bolognese or seafood manicotti with shrimp and crawfish or dine on Coastal inspired seafood fare like blackened stuffed group aioli or shrimp scampi basilico, all under the majestic oak tress on their patio. Salute is also a member of the Oschner Eat Fit Movement, including health-conscious meals on their menu like eggplant with vegetable primavera and gluten free seared tuna tapas. With such wide appeal, Salute is sure to suit your tastes. Both the patio's fire pits and the indulgent fare will keep you warm and satisfied this winter.


Situated on the Jourdan River in Kiln, the "Steam Team" beckons their guests to taste their food with all their senses. Start your meal with hot crab dip or charbroiled oysters. Choose among the freshest seafood for your entree: royal reds, snow crab, dungeness, king crab, and lobster! You can order a la carte or if you're with a group, grab The Titanic (said to feed eight to ten survivors), a massive seafood tower sure to fill your appetite. There's also fish and steak options on the menu for those allergic to shellfish. Now with a heated patio, look no further than the Jourdan River Steamer for a night of pure decadence by the river!


With so many outdoor dining options, you're sure to spend the majority of your meals breathing in the fresh coastal air of the Secret Coast!

For the original article: Click Here

Sam McAlister