The Gallows Bar — Restaurant in Brandon

The old jailhouse is a great setting for this Prohibition-style Speak Easy. Exposed wood beams and original old jailhouse iron bars add to the feeling that the sheriff just hauled you in for running shine. But only so he could serve you from his private selection.

The bar only has a tapas menu. But they're great. The lamb chops and crawfish empenadas are terrific. (If you're famished try Genna Benna's, the restaurant upstairs, before moseying down to the jailhouse.)

The beer selection is limited. But there are plenty of other spirits to mix Prohibition-era drinks. These forego much of the sugary sweetness associated with modern mixers in favor of a classic, refined taste. And if you don't see what you want on the menu, talk to the bartenders. They'll make something to suit your tastes.

The staff was friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home. But then again, it was a jailhouse. (How did they know?!) And very helpful explaining the different Prohibition-style drinks. (I highly recommend the Boulevardier.)

It is a little pricey for Brandon. But not outside the norm for other bars like this. And...

First up, I’m really glad that Brandon has a new bar, even better that it’s classy and looks great inside. So imagine my surprise when I’m in there for 10 seconds and this smug bartender named Chris puts a speed bump in the way. Recently, Cathead (the distillery in Jackson) released a new bourbon that I’ve been wanting to try and heard that they served it there. So when I walked in, I went to the bar and asked if they had it. And sweet Jesus, the disgusted look the first bartender gave me made me think that I had accidentally uttered a racial slur, then, with his slicked back hair and a look on his face that only the most elite Brandon bartenders can give, stated: “Ummmmm technically, if a bar produces its OWN bourbon we won’t serve anybody else’s.🙄” We thought that he was joking, but the look on his face said otherwise. So please forgive me, Chris, for not having gathered that crucial information in the 10 seconds it took me to get from the front door to your sacred...

I agree that this is a quaint and attractive bar, but there was no music and no Happy Hour. The staff seems new to their jobs. Not a lot of experience. It is not equipped for a large crowd with only one toilet for men and one for women. Also, the staff needs to prep before opening. Bartenders are there to talk to customers and be attentive, not setting up and talking to each other. This is a new business so mistakes are understandable. Just a heads up...