Murky Waters Blues & BBQ
Gulfport, MS
Slow-smoked ribs, brisket and burnt ends with live blues most nights, in a historic downtown Gulfport building off Fishbone Alley.
Atmosphere
The original Murky Waters opened in 2013 in a spacious historic building in downtown Gulfport, and you reach it from Fishbone Alley. Three Coast natives started it, and the place still feels like a neighborhood joint that happens to have a stage. The room is casual and loud in the good way, with a big bar, 17 draft taps of local and craft beer, and a courtyard for evenings when the weather cooperates. Live blues plays six nights a week, so the sound is part of the meal rather than background. On a busy night the line forms early and the smell of smoke reaches you before the door does.
What to Order
Start with the burnt ends, the smoked brisket cubes that food writers covering the Gulfport spot have singled out, along with the wings. Ribs and pulled pork come off a big Southern Pride smoker, and a combination plate is the easy way to sample more than one. Sides worth ordering include baked beans cooked with smoked meat, baked potato salad and fried okra. The sauce runs sweet and mellow, so it works as a finish and does not bury the smoke. Wednesday has been wing night at 50 cents a wing, a tradition worth confirming before you plan around it.
Good to Know
This page covers the Gulfport location only. Murky Waters also operates in Ocean Springs and Hattiesburg, and the menus and music calendars are separate. Doors open at 11 a.m., but closing times differ between sources, and weekend nights run later than weeknights, so check current hours before you go, especially if you are coming for a late set. Parking is on the street and in nearby downtown lots. The Fishbone Alley side is a handy way in, and downtown Gulfport's other restaurants and bars are a short walk away. Kids are welcome at lunch and early dinner, though the room gets loud once the band starts.
Our Take
Murky Waters earns its place because the barbecue is good on its own and the music makes it a full night out. If you like a table close to the band, arrive before the first set, since the seats near the stage fill first. Save the burnt ends for the first round, then stay for the second. Call or check the Facebook page for that week's lineup before you drive over.
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Details last verified September 2026. Always confirm current hours and menu directly with the restaurant.