Biloxi, Mississippi
End of the Line
October 2026
Column and photos by Polly Dean
Located in Biloxi and centered around one of our country’s oldest homes under the canopy of a centuries-old live oak, Mary Mahoney’s is one of the South’s most unique restaurants. For more than 50 years, presidents, celebrities and millions of others have experienced this iconic restaurant’s rich past and fine cuisine.
The home was built in 1737 by French colonist Louis Frasier. Designed to be an outpost of European culture in a new world, it was designed to proudly display a French influence with the high ceilings characteristic of the Vieux Carre apartments in New Orleans. The house predates American Independence by more than three decades. French governor Jean Baptiste Bienville commanded the Louisiana Territory from his quarters at the home.
Frazier built his house of hand-made brick with columns of cypress. The roof’s slate was ballast in the holds of French sailing ships. The home’s brick-walled cellar was unusual for the region in that it remained bone dry and even served as a place to store books by its former owners. Today, it serves as the wine cellar.
Though records of ownership are scarce, the home stayed with Frazier’s heirs until 1820 and remained a residence of various owners until Mary Mahoney, husband Bob and her brother Andrew Cvitanovich purchased the house. Great care was taken to preserve the charm and character of the home’s exposed brick walls, pine floors and open fireplaces.
Mary Mahoney’s is a popular choice for celebrating special occasions. They offer a selection of spaces, indoor or out on the porch. The restaurant also provides the option for reserving your own private space. The interior rooms have a warm elegance, with comfortable and tasteful furnishings displaying the restaurant’s many, many years of serving the area with a rich and full past. The bar area bustles with a local crowd. Its ambiance offers a warm and welcoming place for enjoying a favorite cocktail.
Mary Mahoney’s is located on U.S. Highway 90 across from the Hard Rock Casino and Beau Rivage. It is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until whenever. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.. The dinner menu is served all day. Famous signature dishes include Shrimp or Flounder Imperial, Veal Antonio, Shrimp and Lump Crabmeat Melba and many more delicious options, including a variety of appetizers, soups and sharable sides.
Visitors will enjoy Mary Mahoney’s superb food and drink in an atmosphere rich with history. Gift cards can be purchased on their website, as well as a gallon of their famous Seafood Gumbo! For more information click here.
