The Almanett Hotel & Bistro near The Aquarium — Restaurant in Gulfport

Sooo...my party of nine had a reservation tonight (Friday, Oct. 19, 2018) at 6 pm. The side in which we dined, the right side when entering the door, had only 2 other tables with a total of about 5 diners. We placed our orders by about 6:30, but those with side salads did not even receive them for nearly an hour. The entrees arrived 15 minutes or so after that!

I did not have anything from the bar, but reports that came in from around the table were good. There drinks they ordered were a Cosmopolitan (Cosmo), Arnold Palmer, Piña Colada, Manhattan, Midori Sour, and a Gin and Vermouth martini. The person who ordered the Piña Colada said that the first one was probably the best she’s ever had, but the second one not so much. Otherwise, all were really good.

The service was decent. I say this because although our server was very friendly and accommodating with one of the bills, she did not come to our table nearly as often as she should to refill our glasses or bring bread in a timely manner.

All in all, the service didn’t stink, but it wasn’t great, either. Finally, as a fairly indecisive person, I appreciated that the menu selection was small and uncomplicated but reflected nice choices. The unfortunate point about the menu is the price point of the selections. This restaurant is not inexpensive. I mean, I don’t mind paying for a really nice meal in a really nice atmosphere, but some of the prices didn’t really match up to the selections. For example, the Fried Shrimp and Catfish Platter Dinne entree (which includes 6 shrimp and 3 catfish filets and a crab cake with a side salad and a side is a nice meal (for one), but for $24?? I’ve been to restaurants where a couple more dollars will get you an ACTUAL seafood platter that contains the aforementioned PLUS fried oysters, hush puppies, and cole slaw, and is enough to satisfy TWO people.

Finally, the atmosphere of the restaurant was not as nice as I’d expected. I don’t know why (maybe it is the way it is advertised?), but I thought that visiting the Almanett would be a great reason to dress up a bit, but not at all. It is more of a casual dining experience. Not that I mind that, but I thought that it was billed as a more upscale place. Anyway, I didn’t get to see the bar side of the restaurant, but the side we sat in was not very big at all. The seating was tight and the tables were so close together that if they’d all be filled with diners, I couldn’t see any way for people to walk between the chairs to get around. But, I guess there’s a way...

Anyway, I’ve taken up enough of your time, so I’ll close with this: If you want good food but don’t care about the price points, and you don’t mind being in very close quarters with your fellow diners, AND you don’t mind talking for an hour before you get your very first bite of the pre-meal side salad, then visit the Almanett. BUT...if you want GREAT food that is reasonably priced and you don’t have to sit arm to arm with other diners, AND your food comes out in a reasonable amount of time with great service, then try somewhere like The Reef on HWY 90 or hit up a casino for a buffet or something. Don’t expect the worst from the Almanett Bistro, but certainly do not...

I visited the The Almanett Bistro last Friday night for dinner with my family. This is a black owned, family run business that is close to Gulfport Beach and about a minute drive from the Courtyard Beachfront Hotel. We were chatting about finding dinner nearby in our hotel's lobby and someone recommended that we try them for their All You Can Eat catfish special.

We were able to be seated immediately. The red and purple-ish lighting gave off lounge vibes with r&b music to go with it. The tables had images of various actors, singers and public figures embedded under the glass. The ambience was chill and relaxing.

Our waitress was friendly and made good recommendations. I ordered the AYCE catfish with macaroni and cheese and a fried pickles (Note they are pickle spears) appetizer. My hubby opted for the grilled wings with fries, and my son chose the Almanett Burger and onion rings. Please note that the AYCE catfish is unlimited, but the sides are not. I ended up getting full after my first serving, so our waitress was nice enough to switch me to the entrée platter instead, since I did not order additional fish. I think it was the fried pickles that filled me up. They had an open bar and cocktail menu, but I passed since the cocktails consisted of rum and vodka (I am mostly a brown/tequila type of girl now).

The catfish was perfectly seasoned, without a fishy after taste and it tasted even better the next day as leftovers. I thought the macaroni and cheese was okay, so I'd probably choose the collards or onion rings next time. It tasted better with a little salt added to it. The grilled wings were a good size! The meal came with six and a side. I did not taste them, but my husband ate them all and said they were good. I tried a few of my son's onion rings and they had good flavor. I noticed a consistency in fried items with batter having a great flavor. The fried pickle spears threw me off a bit, because I am used to seeing fried pickles offered as smaller circular pickles, but that batter was so good and they were juicy! It paired well with their house made ranch. Just don't burn the roof of your mouth trying to eat them like I did. LOL😂

The restroom was clean and offered aromatherapy soap and nice napkins to dry your hands. It was a nice touch. Overall, it was a great experience. I'd definitely come back for...

The Almanett Hotel & Bistro is an outstanding Black-owned establishment located on Gulfport Beach. Although I did not stay at the hotel, nor visit the rooms, from the service I received in the bar restaurant. I can only imagine that it is five star thus my rating. My visit to the area was truly enjoyable. It was a fortunate coincidence that led me to discover this restaurant and hotel combination. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff member, Q. I was able to take advantage of their Happy Hour specials, which I found to offer some of the best cocktails — crafted with quality liquor, not inexpensive substitutes — both in taste and value. I want to emphasize the quality and affordability of their drinks.

The only limitation is that Happy Hour is available only on Fridays. Fortunately, I was in town on a Friday, 😊. The event concluded with a lively DJ. Guests were on the dance floor, enjoying themselves, laughing, and having a great time. I was even reminded of Home, encountering two men in their 60s and 70s chasing every tail that they saw. And found out that it is a regular action for them as they believe that they are high commodities because they’ve left the area and came back. What an enjoyable time. It was inspiring to see a Black-owned business thriving, beautifully decorated with pictures of other blacks on the walls and a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by excellent service.

I highly recommend this establishment. If I return to the area, it will certainly be a favorite stop. I also want to mention the gumbo, which was flavorful and unique. The addition of a battered fried shrimp added a rich texture and creaminess, making it even more enjoyable. I encourage all visitors—regardless of background—to check out this place. But I emphasize you visiting if you are black/ African American.

I recommend visiting this establishment, which is known for its catfish, particularly catfish. The product quality is excellent. While I anticipated a slightly larger portion, overall, the experience was...