Brunch Street Eats: Where to Find Some of the Best Brunch in Downtown Hattiesburg
By: Mallorie Pittman
Brunch is a growing trend in the United States that is rumored to have originated in Great Britain. An English feasting tradition that took usually place after a big hunt. It is the combination of breakfast and lunch usually eaten between 10 am to 1 pm.
Brunch became huge in America in the late 1930s when Hollywood stars would do publicity tours and take long trains. During these voyages, they would stop in cities like Chicago and enjoy a late morning meal that allowed them to then catch up on their rest. From there, the trend caught on.
Downtown Hattiesburg has had no trouble crafting and perfecting the craft of brunch. Whether it’s sweet potato pancakes at Blu Jazz Cafe, live music at Hattiesburgers & Blues, or a lighter, posh plate at Bourbon on Front, you are sure to enjoy a leisurely late morning spent on Front Street.
Blu Jazz Café, the oldest love child of restauranter, Nelson Haskin Jr., offers New Orleans-style cuisine. Many of their drinks are handcrafted like their Old Fashioned, featuring Four Roses Bourbon, house-made simple syrup, a fresh orange peel, and aromatic bitters. One featured brunch item stands out among the others at Blu Jazz, the redfish and grits. It’s their creamy and savory twist on traditional New Orleans shrimp and grits, which the cafe also offers. Blu Jazz is open every Thursday through Sunday, and they offer brunch from 10 am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
For an elevated dining experience and a great rooftop patio, Bourbon on Front is your spot. This two-story building has quickly become a Downtown Hattiesburg favorite for couples and friends looking for an intimate meal in an Instagram-worthy setting. They began offering brunch in March of 2024 with dishes like Salmon Croquettes, Ribeye Sandwiches, Eggs Benedict, and Stuffed French Toast. Bourbon on Front is open for bunch every First Saturday of the month from 10 am to 4 pm for the crowd who is looking to linger a little longer into the day. Pro tip: make sure to use the hashtag #itsgoingdowntown when you snap your pics on the balcony.
If you’re searching for a more kicked back, rock n’ roll spot, Hattiesburgers & Blues is the place to be. This newly renovated building is a burger man’s safe haven. It features a stage for live music, an open floor plan, and a full bar. You can expect live music to take place at 11am on most Saturdays featuring local artists like Cole Hill and Cary Hudson. Patty Melts, Chicken and Waffles, Steak n’ Eggs, and all the other carbs will keep you coming back for more. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before your shopping trip at The Lucky Rabbit, Honey Clothing Co., Savvy Pair Shoe Boutique, and more. Hattiesburgers and Blues is open seven days a week with brunch served every Saturday from 10am until 3pm and all day on Sundays beginning at 11am.
Brunch goers are often looking for cocktails too, and you can be confident that each of these Front Street locations has their own unique brunch cocktail menus. They have kept the classics like a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa and have put new spins on favorites like the Old Fashioned to take things to new heights.
Other restaurants serving Breakfast, Lunch, or Brunch in Downtown Hattiesburg include:
Buschman Street Cafe (209 Buschman Street)
Café de Luna (212 W. Pine Street)
Coney Island Café (400 Main Street)
Nellie’s Chicken & Daquiris (213 E. Front Street)
Southbound Bagel and Coffee Shop (117 E Front Street)
Southern Prohibition (301 Mobile Street)
The Porter (201 W. Pine Street)
Trattoria Pizzeria (128 E Front Street)
For a full list of retail businesses in Downtown Hattiesburg, click here.