The newly renovated and reimagined Blow Fly Bar & Grill provides a great place to enjoy Coast’s scenery and bounty. With its location on the water, the restaurant gives patrons a view of the beautiful Back Bay as they climb the stairs or walk a ramp that winds around a towering oak tree. Diners can continue to soak in the scenery through the windows that line the walls or while enjoying their meal on the outdoor deck.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by upbeat music and the lively chatter of a full dining room. The host seated us at a sleek high-top table adorned with chic lighting. The high industrial ceilings added to the cool vibe, and I felt the tension of a long workday start to disappear.
Our server, Eric, was incredibly attentive as he helped us navigate the drink menu and choose an appetizer. I had the coastal fritz, and my friend ordered the bayou mojito, which she described as one of the best she has had. For our appetizer, we ordered the bayou ‘cootery’ board, a clever play on a charcuterie board, which included boudin balls, fried pickles, brisket sausage, onion rings and chicken salad with fire-seasoned crackers. This assortment of Southern offerings was presented on a wooden board and had enough food to serve as a full meal for us both. While we enjoyed each element of the board, the boudin balls and chicken salad tied as our favorites.
For our entrees, we ordered the Handsboro shrimp and grits and the riverside chicken sandwich. The blackened shrimp served on top of a plate of cheesy grits did not disappoint, and the seasoning on the shrimp made them particularly amazing. The chicken sandwich was huge and featured a grilled chicken breast, perfectly cooked bacon and melted gouda cheese. A side of sauteed squash and zucchini provided a healthy alternative to the traditional French fries. For dessert, the Blow Fly offers ice cream, banana pudding and an assortment of cakes; we sampled the banana pudding and a slice of chocolate cake, which provided the perfect sweet ending to an already delicious meal.
Formerly the Blow Fly Inn, the Gulfport restaurant has a long history on the Coast, and Kellie Peleaz, director of operations, said the team has worked hard to incorporate details that will honor the past. For example, many of the menu items are named after surrounding iconic landmarks, including the Bayou Bernard burger, the Kremer and the Handsboro shrimp and grits. In another nod to its past, dishes come topped with toothpicks featuring a flag emblazoned with the iconic blowfly image.
Peleaz explains that earlier iterations of the restaurant served dishes with a plastic fly, and current management decided that the toothpicks were a safe and fun way to pay homage to that tradition. Moving forward, she says she hopes the Blow Fly will be a place where people can gather with their family and friends to relax and enjoy great food.
“So many people have memories of this location dating all the way back to the ‘60s,” she says, “and we want to show that we hold the same high standard that they are used to.”
Overall, the Blow Fly Bar & Grill’s relaxing atmosphere, delicious food and local history make it an excellent place to eat, hang out and enjoy everything the Coast has to offer.
