Jocelyn's
1608 Bienville Rd. (Access via Highway 90 East)
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
228-875-1925
Dinner: Thursday – 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday – 5 p.m. – Until
By Jane Feehan
Jocelyn’s is a Mississippi Coast gem, and as her tag line says, “Like this, no place.” It’s a charming eatery run by a family working together in the kitchen, dining room and bar. Twelve or so tables fill up quickly Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the only nights it's open.
The food isn’t fancy but it’s good. Jocelyn serves mostly entrees from the sea: soft shell crabs, oysters, trout, shrimp, fresh catch of the day, seafood gumbo. If not seafood, there’s chicken livers shish kebob, calves liver, rib eye steaks and chicken. When I was there last, rack of lamb was a featured special. I tried lemon fish topped with crab meat au gratin and a salad with their homemade Roquefort dressing, which needed more Roquefort. Most of their deserts are homemade – pecan pie, rum pie, bread pudding. I settled on a homemade brownie with ice cream.
Two couples sitting next to me raved about their orders of fried soft shell crabs - a solid endorsement coming from native New Orleanians.
Jocelyn Mayfield works the dining room with help from her sister and granddaughter. Her son tends bar and delivers cocktails and wine to tables while his dad puts the meals together under Jocelyn’s direction and planning. She’s owned the restaurant for 28 years after working at another in Ocean Springs for decades. If she’s not busy, Jocelyn loves to tell her story. Bring cash; CREDIT CARDS NOT ACCEPTED. Reservations recommended. Casual or for special occasions.© 2009
