Mary Mahoney's Old French House
Revered elegant mainstay boasts locally sourced seafood, premium filets & romantic courtyard dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mary Mahoney's Old French House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Revered elegant mainstay boasts locally sourced seafood, premium filets & romantic courtyard dining.
"Step back in time in this charming, historic building with a romantic courtyard."
🎯 Book Ahead!
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. Plan days in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🦀 Seafood is King
Focus on their specialty: fresh Gulf seafood. Crab claws and soft shell crab are highly recommended. :shell:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Courtyard Ambiance
Exterior and courtyard
Step back in time in this charming, historic building with a romantic courtyard. Perfect for photos and a unique dining atmosphere.
Broiled Crab Claws
Appetizers
A must-try! Succulent crab claws swimming in delicious Cajun butter. A true taste of the Gulf Coast.
Fried Soft Shell Crab
Appetizers/Entrees
Lightly fried to perfection, this delicate crab dish is a seasonal delight that many rave about.
Generous Gumbo
Appetizers/Entrees
Don't let its light appearance fool you; this gumbo packs a flavorful punch with a generous amount of meat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Are Key
Seafood Authenticity Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead!
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. Plan days in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🦀 Seafood is King
Focus on their specialty: fresh Gulf seafood. Crab claws and soft shell crab are highly recommended.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic building and courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Allow time for photos before or after your meal.
🍸 Perfect Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted drinks, like a classic Manhattan, to complement your meal. :cocktail_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead!
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. Plan days in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🦀 Seafood is King
Focus on their specialty: fresh Gulf seafood. Crab claws and soft shell crab are highly recommended.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic building and courtyard are incredibly photogenic. Allow time for photos before or after your meal.
🍸 Perfect Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted drinks, like a classic Manhattan, to complement your meal. :cocktail_glass:
💰 Splurge Worthy
Consider sharing larger platters like the Presidential Platter for a taste of multiple specialties. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mary Mahoney's Old French House offers a historic dining experience with a charming courtyard and classic seafood dishes like broiled crab claws. While many praise the ambiance and specific seafood preparations, some diners have reported service inconsistencies and past issues with seafood authenticity. It remains a popular spot for those seeking a taste of Biloxi's history and traditional Gulf Coast cuisine.
"We were in town for our honeymoon and everyone told us we needed to try Mary Mahoney’s. Made reservations, got seated immediately, greeted pretty quick. Then it was down hill from there.
Ordered the gumbo for appetizers and it was actually really good! While we waited for our salads, three more tables were seated next to us. These new tables ordered their food way after us and got their food way before us. We asked about our food and we were told it was because the cook of one of our steaks. But there is no way 15 people were served before one medium well steak could be cooked.
Hate to be this person but we were very very disappointed! Maybe it was a fluke, maybe it never happens but we will not be back. The server only took off half my meal even though my lobster was over cooked and my steak was way under. Unfortunate very disappointing honeymoon dinner. Not the way we wanted to end our vacation."
Amanda Striblen
"Simply amazing service and seafood. Everything is made on site and the fish is just so fresh. Truly a hallmark of my visit to Biloxi. Please try the dishes you see in my photos and you will not be disappointed. We can't wait to go back"
Leon Sanders
"the exterior is so charming! You are transported to New Orleans by walking through the cute courtyard. The restaurant is an old historic building and I’m so glad they keep it true to the original. The drinks were done perfectly. I finally had a great Manhattan after spending a few days in Biloxi! We ordered the Presidential Platter for $54, which comes with broiled crab claws and fried soft shell crab. Omg - just both perfectly done. The fried crab was so light and the broiled claws were swimming in this delicious Cajun butter. For lunch, we got the Queen Ixolib & gumbo. The gumbo looked very light but it actually tasted amazing. It had a slight kick to it. And the amount of meat they give is so generous! The Queen Ixolib Stuffed Fish was big enough to share. (The pic I posted is of a half serving.) the tomato over angel hair pasta was so good despite looking so simple. I crushed the fresh tomato into the pasta. The fish and stuffing were really good and plenty of meat. For dessert, we ordered the Praline Sundae, which is vanilla bean ice cream with layer of praline caramel sauce. I can’t think of anything more decadent. It was such a perfect way to end our perfect Southern seafood meal. I would absolutely visit here again - it’s a Must!"
Kim Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mary Mahoney's Old French House is located in Biloxi, Mississippi. It's easily accessible by car, with parking typically available nearby. Many visitors arrive as part of a road trip along the Gulf Coast.
While the historic nature of the building might present some challenges, many reviews suggest good service. It's advisable to call ahead to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Parking can be limited in the historic district. Arriving early or during off-peak hours can increase your chances of finding convenient parking. Street parking is often available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. Many visitors report needing to book days in advance to secure a table.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
There is no admission fee to enter Mary Mahoney's Old French House; it is a restaurant. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, it's not guaranteed, and wait times can be significant. Making a reservation is the most reliable way to ensure entry.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Diners frequently praise the broiled crab claws, fried soft shell crab, and their flavorful gumbo. The Presidential Platter is also a popular choice for sampling.
As a seafood-focused restaurant, vegetarian options might be limited. It's recommended to inquire about specific vegetarian dishes when making your reservation or upon arrival.
Mary Mahoney's is considered a fine dining establishment, so expect prices to be in the mid to high range, particularly for seafood entrees and platters.
Yes, many visitors highlight the quality of their cocktails, with the Manhattan being a frequently mentioned favorite.
While historically renowned for fresh seafood, there have been past controversies regarding seafood mislabeling. It's wise to check recent reviews or inquire about the 'catch of the day.'
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially to capture the historic ambiance and your delicious meals. The charming courtyard is a popular spot for photos.
The exterior of the historic building, the lush courtyard, and beautifully plated dishes are prime photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Romantic Dinners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Mary Mahoney's Experience
The dining experience is designed to be elegant and memorable. From the moment you step inside, the focus is on providing a classic Southern hospitality feel. While the menu is heavily seafood-centric, the atmosphere and historical significance contribute greatly to the overall appeal, making it a destination for those seeking a unique culinary journey.
Despite past controversies regarding seafood sourcing, many patrons continue to visit for the historic charm and the hope of experiencing the classic dishes that made Mary Mahoney's famous. The restaurant's longevity speaks to its enduring appeal, even as diners remain mindful of its history.
Navigating the Menu: Seafood Specialties and More
Beyond the seafood, the gumbo is another standout, noted for its rich flavor and generous portion of meat, despite its seemingly light appearance. For those looking for non-seafood options, the veal entree has been mentioned, though seafood remains the undisputed specialty. Don't forget to save room for dessert; the Praline Sundae is a decadent finale.
When ordering, consider the restaurant's history and focus. While they aim for a premium dining experience, recent reviews suggest varying levels of satisfaction with specific dishes. It's always a good idea to ask your server for recommendations or inquire about the freshest catches of the day to ensure the best possible meal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit