Port City Cafe

Port City Cafe isn't just a place to eat; it's a genuine Biloxi institution built on quality, value, and heart. From the moment you step through the door, you can feel the warmth and care that the entire team puts into the experience, making it a true local hidden gem. The authenticity starts right at the top with the owner, Ernie (Ernest Ulrich). Ernie takes the time to speak with his guests, and knows most of them by name. He genuinely cares about his customers and the community, and that dedication is reflected in every detail, from the cleanliness of the diner to the robust menu. It’s rare to find an owner so present and invested, and his personality is the soul of the café. The staff deserves just as much praise. They are hard-working, incredibly friendly, and attentive, even when the place is packed (which it often is!). You’ll always be greeted with a smile, your coffee cup will stay full, and they hustle to make sure every customer feels welcome and served promptly. Now for the main event: the food. This is honest, down-home cooking at its finest. Whether you go for a hearty breakfast like the huge, fluffy pancakes and grits, or a Blue Plate special like the generous portion of the Hamburger Steak or Chicken Fried Steak, the quality is exceptional. Everything is clearly prepared with distinct seasoning and is served piping hot and fresh. Finally, the value is outstanding. Given the generous portions and the high quality of the ingredients, the prices are incredibly reasonable, making Port City Cafe one of the best bangs for your buck on the Mississippi Coast. If you’re looking for great food, excellent value, and service with a genuine Southern smile, you must visit Port City Cafe. It's a five-star experience that keeps locals—and visitors—coming back for more.

- Brandon Thomas -

We found this local place and went for the beignets and coffee which was SO yummy, that we decided to stay for gumbo and jambalaya which was just as delicious! You can tell this is where the “locals” go for sure. Ernest, the owner, and all the staff (which have all been there for years) were very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!

- Trish Porter -

Port City Cafe is a special local restaurant with a small kitchen and daily specials. We went on a Sunday when they only served breakfast menu items. We ordered chicken and waffles, fish/shrimp and grits, pancakes and bacon. Their fluffy pancakes are seriously thick. The kids pancake was a little easier to chew but thinner. The chicken with the waffles was good but the waffles were specially made sweet. The grits were delicious but it was a large serving for one person. Next time we will try a different day. Those who came after us were looking at over 30 minute wait for food (the kitchen backed up due to lots of customers and getting close to closing time). The atmosphere was spacious with some TVs playing sports and funny reels.

- Laura K -

I found myself in Biloxi during lunch time, so I decided to stop at Port City! I enjoyed sitting at the counter and visiting with their wait staff. Something that was such a pleasant surprise was the number of regulars who come into dine and how these waitresses know them, I mean every one of them! The menu, wow! Truly something for everyone and in a nice variety of price ranges! I had the pot roast, and it was delicious! I’m not usually a fan of Lima beans, but they were so well-seasoned! And such a generous portion size, I took half home! I’ll definitely be back to try the country friend steak!

- Guy Bowering -

Great food. Great customer service. Nice, relaxed atmosphere. There are specials each day. The hamburger steak was tasty and cooked perfectly. If you like lima beans, they were amazing! The red beans and rice was delicious and came with a grilled sausage. The seafood platter had catfish, shrimp and oysters and hush puppies and it was huge. Two of us shared it and we were stuffed. Meals come with 2 sides.

- Sharon Hartmann -

Hubby and I tried this place yesterday after a Facebook post that I saw about how good it was. The food was great! I had the hamburger steak and he had the chicken fried steak. It was so good and fresh and the plate was full! Amazing and we will be going again very soon! I call this a hidden treasure!

- Dawn Butler -

What a great local place to eat. Nothing fancy… just great food and friendly people. Seems like the locals all come here. You know it has to be good. Catfish was cooked to perfection. Hard to make a good hush puppy … and this was o just right. Waitress said Lima beans are really good and she was not wrong. Also, the collard greens had the exact balance between sweet and salty. The chicken fried steak and mash potatoes you will enjoy. Kitchen is open where you can see everything cooking. Highly recommended. Go out of your way to come here. And not expensive…

- G Vo -