Hal & Mal's

Hal and Mal’s has been a Jackson culinary institution since brother Hal and Mal White first opened the restaurant back in 1985 in a former 1920s GM&O freight train depot building in the heart of Jackson downtown. With a quirky and retro interior that exudes classic Southern charm Hal and Mal’s is divided into several different areas including the classy Dining Room, the Red Room where live music is often played and the Courtyard with its unique New Orleans French Quarter style.

This restaurant may look like you average diner, with art splattered across the walls and the quintessential Heinz ketchup bottle on every table, but there’s more to it than meets the eye – it’s also one of the best places to experience live music in the city. The restaurant is primarily known for its famous Blue Mondays, when it hosts jazz music for its patrons for a small fee, but you also have the opportunity to listen to music free of charge with bands such as Sound Barn, who are known for their “old time barn dance” music as well as bands that play Americana and Bluegrass music regularly at Hal and Mal’s. While tuning in, be sure to check out the menu, which includes classic diner food as well as Southern favorites like gumbo and muffalettas.

Housed in a historic freight depot building along the old New Orleans Great Northern Railroad, Hal & Mal’s was opened by brothers Hal and Malcolm White in 1984 with a concert performance by Albert King, Otis Clay, Jack Owles, and Willie Dixon. Compared to the elegant spaces in which I’d spent much of the day, the restaurant was blessedly casual, with a kind of cultivated, funky griminess of a hometown joint. The walls were covered in neon and memorabilia, and as I sat down, the bass player from the Raphael Semmes Quartet came to let me know that it was jazz night.

Hal & Mal’s is an iconic Jackson institution, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown area. This multi-faceted venue has been a staple of the local music scene for decades, hosting a wide range of live performances and events. With its cozy atmosphere and eclectic vibe, Hal & Mal’s attracts a diverse crowd, making it a must-visit spot for music lovers and those seeking a unique nightlife experience.

Another of the city’s many blues clubs is another giant joint that was also once a meat-packing plant called Hal and Mal’s. When we sidled in on a Saturday night, a rousing duo of guitarist Cary Hudson and his daughter was belting out a song. Later they’d do a pretty good rendition of a Fleetwood Mac classic and we munched on fried dill pickles and crispy onion rings at the bar.

Owned by two brothers, Hal and Mal, this Jackson staple has been in business since 1985. Browse the menu and you’ll find a unique variety, which includes traditional southern cuisine along with some Mexican and New Orleans-inspired dishes. As if it couldn’t get any better, the restaurant’s unique retro interior makes for one memorable dining experience.

Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name Second: Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888) / Third: Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601-960-2700) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601-362-6388); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601-362-1411); Martin’s Lounge (214 S. State St., 601-354-9712)

200 Commerce StJackson, Mississippi 39201 (601) 948-0888 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps. Hal and Mal’s is a beloved institution in Jackson, famed for its fun live music and mouth-watering food. Visit it on Monday, and experience a fun blues jamming session with a bunch of talented musicians for a small admission fee of $5.

Hal & Mal’s masters the art of blending familiar Southern staples with fresh, modern interpretations like their Indian Butter Chicken Nachos. The Walk-In serves inventive bites like hot chicken sliders and deviled eggs with a kick. At Brent’s Drugs, dig into diner favorites like patty melts and hand-spun milkshakes in a retro setting.

The newest entry into Jackson's brunch bunch, Hal & Mal's - known for their evening hours and entertainment offerings - is fast becoming a Saturday and Sunday morning favorite. The stars here are the tamale burrito, fried oyster Benedict, sweet potato pancakes and the pitcher (yes, pitcher) of tater tots. See the full menu here.

Whether it's through onion rings, live music, or a fundraising event, Malcolm's mission is to bring the community together. If you visit in March, you may be lucky enough to experience one of his biggest contributions to Jackson, the Hal's St. Paddy's Day Parade & Festival, which rivals celebrations in much larger cities.

Hal and Mal’s is a vibrant and vintage restaurant that’s part of a new initiative to have more live music in Jackson every night. Dine to the sound of wonderful local musicians, including Jackson Gypsies, Raphael Semmes, or Bill, Temperance and Jeff. Check out their menus to see the delicious food they serve!

Back in the mid-1970s, Harold and Malcolm White were brothers with a dream. They wanted to create a community-centered music venue that was half bar and half family-friendly restaurant. Their dream became a reality in 1985 when Hal & Mal’s opened in a historic brick warehouse on the outskirts of town.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (114 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 200 Commerce St, Jackson, MS 39201-4420- Read more on Tripadvisor

Versatile Venue: This multi-faceted spot offers a restaurant, a bar, and a music venue all in one. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or an unforgettable live performance, Hal & Mal’s has you covered.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Jackson, MS for nightlife. Hal and Mal’s is a Jackson institution for its food and live music. If your looking for entertainment in Jackson, this should be top of your list.

Opened by brothers Hal and Malcolm White in 1986, Hal and Mal’s has been a Jackson staple for years. The restaurant and bar has a Gulf Coast-inspired menu serving seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, and po-boys.

There is no better place in Jackson for dinner, drinks, and live blues than Hal and Mal's. Popular local musicians as well as national touring acts take to the stage at Hal and Mal's.