Downtown Ocean Springs is known for its live music. Most weeknights and certainly every weekend, you can find bands playing at downtown restaurants and bars such as The Government St. Grocery, The Greenhouse on Porter, Glory Bound Gyro Co., Murky Waters BBQ, Mosaic Restaurant & Bar, The Hideaway, The Office Bar, The Julep Room, Boots & Spurs, and Mississippi Juke Joint.
Local musicians play an assortment of covers and original songs...the vibe is different at each venue and according to each musician’s taste…
For hip, low-fi vibes, you can usually find original folk bands such as The Squid and the Whale, Paul Cat & Friends, or Bambi playing at The Greenhouse on Porter on their grass lawn complete with wooden stage, wicker chairs, and picnic tables. Grab a can of craft beer and a gourmet biscuit and settle in…
If you’re into a more distinctly Southern feel stop by Murky Waters BBQ, The Julep Room, or Mississippi Juke Joint.
Murky Waters has Southern style BBQ while also offering a distinctly rockabilly vibe with acts such as Blue Mother Tupelo—”Southern Roots. Appalachian Soul. Delta Grit.”
The Julep Room was one of Elvis’ old stomping grounds during his time on the Coast, and it boasts an intimate setting with a small stage and a cozy bar in the cellar underneath Aunt Jenny’s Catfish House on the bayou. With acts such as “Mississippi’s #1 Original Band” The Tall Boys, the vibe is classic Gulf Coast.
Mississippi Juke Joint offers two stages…one inside with a small dance floor that has been put to good use through the years, a large, elevated stage in the backyard, and even fire pits in the winter. The Juke Joint has a seriously eclectic atmosphere, and its musical lineup reflects this diverse energy with bands such as Captain Midnight Band who showcase vocal harmonies, rock guitar, and R&B grooves.
Country bars are a staple in the South and Boots & Spurs has created a modernized country bar atmosphere. Listen to regional artists like Carson Carlisle Band croon out country tunes while playing pool at one of many pool tables or dancing on the biggest dance floor downtown. As one of the largest nightlife venues in downtown Ocean Springs, Boots & Spurs is as close to Nashville as it comes on the Coast.
The Government St. Grocery is a dive bar/burger joint that is known for its burgers, bloody marys, and wide assortment of musical acts…plus a weekly open mic night. Get down in this laid back venue with locals and funk out to Blackwater Brass, a 10 piece funk and jazz band or Della Memoria, a dreamy synth rock group.
Glory Bound Gyro Co. and The Hideaway both offer an outdoor eating area complete with stage…these restaurants are your go-to spot for live music during lunch time with bands such as Amber Dawn with gorgeous covers of classic songs or Brennan Roybal, a local favorite on the keyboard…
Mosaic offers another large outside seating area for dining and entertainment with hookah, an international menu, and a regular Latin Night. Local act Eugene Eash is a frequent entertainer at the popular downtown restaurant/venue.
The Office Bar is strictly libations and has a wonderfully intimate feel as well as hosting solo acts such as Brandon Green, a top pick on American Idol, and Gram Rea, a utility musician and professional violinist.
So check the weekend line-up, take a walk downtown, and get the night started with live music at any of these great venues.
