Nestled in the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi, Mary Mahoney's Old French House stands as one of the oldest homes in America. Dating back to 1737, this former French outpost is now one of the South’s most unique restaurants, where visitors can indulge in upscale cuisine while soaking in centuries of history. But what truly sets Mary Mahoney's apart, beyond its legendary seafood and historic ambiance, is the welcoming atmosphere and charm that fill every corner—thanks in large part to Bob Mahoney.
When my husband Christopher and I visited Mary Mahoney’s, we were quickly swept up in the warmth and humor of Bob himself, a figure known to many who frequent the restaurant. With a lively spirit, Bob greeted us and shared stories that had us laughing before we even started our meal. His playful nature is a signature part of the Mary Mahoney experience, as he told us right from the start, “What I do around here is I walk and I talk, keep from working. I’ve got a deal with the chef: he doesn’t come in the dining room, and I don’t go in the kitchen. And I’m sticking to my end of it!”
Beyond his jokes, Bob infused our visit with a deep sense of history, reminding us that Biloxi, established in 1699, is the third-oldest settlement in the United States. The building that houses Mary Mahoney’s has been a part of this rich history since 1835, making it the oldest documented structure in the city. Presidents, celebrities, and millions of other visitors have dined at Mary Mahoney's, which offers an elegant experience beneath the canopy of a centuries-old live oak in a New Orleans-style courtyard. The restaurant has become an icon of southern hospitality, honoring its history through both its cuisine and the warmth of its staff.
As we settled in for our meal, Bob continued to keep us entertained with a series of lighthearted riddles and quips. His humor was infectious, and it was easy to see why people return again and again, not just for the food but for the experience of meeting Bob. "Five crows, sitting on a fence, you shoot and kill one, how many you got left?" he asked us. When we replied, "Four," he chuckled, "You think them crows gonna hang around and get shot? That's the only time common sense prevails over adding and subtraction."
The food, of course, was just as memorable as the humor. We started with their famous seafood gumbo, a dish that has been celebrated in John Grisham’s novels A Runaway Jury and The Partner. Rich, hearty, and packed with Gulf Coast seafood, it lived up to its legendary status. We also tried the fried green tomatoes, a southern staple topped with crab meat and crawfish. The combination of flavors was nothing short of perfection, embodying the richness of Southern cuisine in every bite.
“You know how you eat these?” Bob asked, referring to the fried green tomatoes. “You bite and slide.” And we did just that, savoring every moment of the meal, which perfectly complemented the restaurant's historic surroundings.
Mary Mahoney’s isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a full experience, where history, humor, and food come together in a way that’s rare to find. Whether you're sitting under the shade of the grand live oak tree or enjoying the classic Southern flavors, the sense of timelessness pervades everything. Bob summed it up well when he said, “If you haven’t been to Mary Mahoney's, you probably haven’t been to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
For anyone visiting the Gulf Coast, a meal at Mary Mahoney’s is a must. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the laughter, the charm, and the connection to a storied past that has made this restaurant a favorite for over 50 years. To learn more about Mary Mahoney’s rich history, visit https://www.marymahoneys.com/.
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