These Mississippi Seafood Shacks Are Known Statewide For One Classic Southern Dish
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast and winding waterways have shaped a seafood tradition that locals take seriously. All along the coast and through the backroads, small shacks and family spots serve the kind of dishes people grow up on.
I’ve stopped at a few of them over the years, and there’s always a mix of friendly chatter and the smell of something frying just right.
Each place has its own story, but they all focus on one classic Southern dish that Mississippi does better than just about anyone.
1. Bozo’s Seafood Market & Deli, Pascagoula
Walking into this place feels like stepping into a local secret that everyone somehow knows about. The counter stays busy with people ordering their famous po’boys, piled high with fried shrimp that crunch with every bite. Fresh seafood sits on ice nearby, reminding you this spot knows its stuff.
What sets their po’boys apart is the bread. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, it holds everything together without falling apart halfway through. The shrimp comes straight from local boats, fried golden brown and seasoned just right.
Regulars don’t bother looking at the menu anymore. They know exactly what they want.
2. Taranto’s Crawfish, Po’boys & Seafood, Biloxi
Family recipes passed down through generations make this spot stand out. Taranto’s has been feeding Biloxi residents for years, and their po’boys show why people keep returning. The sandwich comes loaded with your choice of seafood, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, and a special sauce that ties it all together.
The crawfish here deserves its own mention. Boiled with the right spices, it brings people from all over the coast. But the po’boys remain the star, with bread that soaks up flavor without getting soggy.
Portions here don’t disappoint anyone.
3. Pirate’s Cove, Pass Christian
Sitting near the water, this place captures the coastal vibe perfectly. The smell of fried seafood hits you before you even walk inside. Their oyster po’boys have built a reputation that stretches across the state, with plump oysters fried until the coating turns golden and crispy.
The view adds something special to the meal. You can watch boats drift by while enjoying a sandwich that locals consider among the best on the coast. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender oyster inside.
Simple ingredients done right make all the difference here.
4. White Cap Seafood Restaurant, Gulfport
This Gulfport institution has weathered storms and changing times while keeping their standards high. The shrimp po’boy here follows a traditional recipe that hasn’t changed much over the years. Fresh Gulf shrimp gets breaded and fried to order, ensuring every sandwich comes out hot.
The staff knows most customers by name. That kind of familiarity creates an atmosphere you can’t fake. They pile the shrimp high on French bread that’s delivered fresh daily, then add just enough toppings to complement without overwhelming.
Consistency keeps people loyal to this place.
5. Quave Brothers Po’Boys & Meat Market, D’Iberville
A meat market and po’boy shop under one roof sounds unusual until you taste what they make. The Quave family knows quality, and it shows in every sandwich they build. Their roast beef po’boy draws crowds, but the seafood options hold their own with shrimp and oysters that taste like they just came off the boat.
The bread comes from a local bakery that delivers twice daily. Fresh ingredients matter here, from the seafood to the vegetables piled on top. You can grab groceries while you wait for your order.
Efficiency and quality go hand in hand at this spot.
6. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish, Ocean Springs
Catfish done right is an art form in Mississippi, and Aunt Jenny’s has it figured out. The catfish po’boy here uses fillets that get hand-breaded and fried until the coating turns perfectly golden. Each piece stays flaky and moist inside, never greasy or overdone.
The atmosphere feels like eating at a relative’s house. Simple tables, friendly service, and food that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it. They serve the po’boy with coleslaw and pickles that add crunch and tang to balance the fried fish.
This kind of cooking comes from years of practice and care.
7. Jerry’s Catfish House, Florence
Florence sits inland, but that doesn’t stop Jerry’s from serving some of Mississippi’s best catfish. The catfish po’boy here has earned mentions across the state, bringing people off the highway for a taste. Farm-raised catfish gets prepared the old-fashioned way, with cornmeal breading and hot oil.
The restaurant itself feels comfortable and unpretentious. You order at the counter, find a seat, and wait for your name to be called. When that sandwich arrives, the steam rising off it tells you everything was cooked fresh.
Sometimes the best seafood isn’t found near the water.
8. Taylor Grocery, Taylor
An old country store converted into a restaurant, Taylor Grocery serves catfish that people drive hours to try. The catfish po’boy here comes on bread that barely contains the generous portion of fried fish. Cornmeal crust seasoned with just the right spices creates that signature crunch everyone loves.
The building itself adds character to the experience. Wooden floors creak under your feet, and the walls hold decades of memories. You might wait for a table on busy nights, but locals know it’s worth it.
This place proves that great food doesn’t need fancy surroundings.
9. Long’s Fish Camp, Enterprise
Out in Enterprise, Long’s Fish Camp serves catfish the way it’s been done for generations. The catfish po’boy here uses whole fillets that hang over the edges of the bread, fried in cast iron until the outside gets crispy and the inside stays tender. Nothing fancy, just honest cooking done well.
The setting feels more like a camp than a restaurant. Picnic tables, paper plates, and sweet tea served in plastic cups. People come here for the food, not the decor. That focus shows in every bite of their famous sandwich.
Real flavor doesn’t need anything extra to shine.