This Mississippi Coastal Café Pairs Bay Views With Gumbo Locals Swear By
Perched along Mississippi’s sun-kissed coastline, The Chimneys Restaurant in Gulfport is the kind of place that locals brag about and travelers feel lucky to discover.
I found it by chance on a summer road trip through the South, and within one spoonful of their legendary gumbo, I knew I’d struck culinary gold.
Add in the sweeping bay views, salty breeze drifting through the air, and that unmistakable Southern hospitality, and you’ve got more than just a restaurant, you’ve got an experience worth detouring for (and worth coming back to again and again).
1. Dining With A View
The scenery at The Chimneys knocked my socks off! Perched right on the Gulf Coast, the restaurant offers beautiful bay views that’ll have you forgetting all about your meal, at least momentarily.
Large windows frame the coastal waters, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a playful dolphin or pelicans skimming the surface. During my visit, I snagged a table on the outdoor deck and watched sailboats drift lazily across the horizon.
The restaurant smartly designed their seating to ensure almost every table gets a glimpse of that million-dollar view. Pro tip: Request a west-facing spot around sunset for a light show Mother Nature puts on for free!
2. The Legendary Gumbo That Has Locals Forming Lines
I’ve tasted gumbo from New Orleans to Mobile, but The Chimneys’ version made me slap the table and holler! This isn’t your average seafood stew, it’s a rich, roux-based masterpiece with Gulf shrimp, crab, and other local ingredients that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about gumbo.
The staff say it’s simmered low and slow from a closely held family recipe. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor that dance across your taste buds like they’re doing the Mississippi two-step.
Even on sweltering summer days, locals pack the place just for a bowl of this liquid gold. When something’s that good, you don’t mind sweating for it!
3. Fresh-Off-The-Boat Ingredients Make All The Difference
The Chimneys emphasizes its commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood, brought in straight from Gulf waters. I watched from my table as a fisherman hauled in a cooler of something that later appeared on the specials board.
“Caught not bought” is more than a slogan—it reflects their focus on quality. The chef, deeply connected to Gulfport’s culinary traditions, is known for prioritizing freshness in every delivery. My crab cakes contained sweet lumps of meat so fresh, they practically introduced themselves.
They also highlight herbs and produce sourced locally, letting natural Gulf flavors take center stage. When ingredients are this fresh, fancy cooking techniques take a backseat to letting natural flavors shine.
4. A Menu That Celebrates Gulf Coast Treasures
The Chimneys sticks to what Mississippi does best: letting the Gulf’s bounty shine in classic Southern preparations that’ll make you want to kiss the chef.
Their shrimp and grits had me scraping the plate clean, with creamy stone-ground goodness topped with jumbo shrimp that must have been swimming that morning. The crawfish étouffée brings a slow-building heat that warms rather than burns, balanced beautifully with buttery undertones.
My personal addiction? Their fried green tomatoes topped with lump crabmeat and remoulade. I may have ordered a second plate “to share” but mysteriously ate it all myself! Even non-seafood items like the blackened chicken pasta showcase the kitchen’s knack for balancing bold flavors with Southern comfort.
5. Southern Hospitality In A Historic Setting
Housed in a restored coastal home dating back decades, the building stands as part of Gulfport’s history and has weathered more than its fair share of Gulf Coast storms.
Charming architectural details remain intact, original hardwood floors creak pleasantly underfoot while period moldings frame doorways between dining rooms. Black and white photos of old Gulfport adorn walls, creating a museum-like atmosphere without the stuffiness.
The staff show genuine Southern warmth, often remembering returning guests and treating everyone like family. This combination of historical significance and heartfelt hospitality creates an experience that feels authentically Mississippi, comfortable yet special, familiar yet fascinating.