Harbor Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Hattiesburg

We visited Harbor Bar & Grill about a week after it opened, and considering how new it was, they handled our large party of 17 surprisingly well. Our single server did a fantastic job managing everything on his own—even with a cast on his wrist. Truly impressive service under pressure.

That said, there were a few hiccups. The bar wasn’t fully stocked yet, so they couldn’t make many of the drinks on their menu—including any of the daiquiris. Most of our group ended up with beer, while I went with a hard cider.

As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Some items were excellent—especially the appetizers. The crawfish beignets, meat pies, and New Orleans popcorn were a hit and I’d absolutely order them again. I had the beef sliders with cheese, and they were full of flavor. On the other hand, a few dishes missed the mark. Some of the grilled veggies (both as sides and on the veggie plate) were undercooked and lacked seasoning. The pasta didn’t get great feedback, and the nachos—while topped with tasty shrimp and beef—fell flat overall. We did discuss our food Yays & Nays with our waiter at the end of the night for feedback. Some of our party also know one of the owners so this is not a bashing; It’s an honest review.

The restaurant has outdoor seating, which would be nice on a cooler day—or if you don’t mind the full blast of South Mississippi heat.

Harbor also transforms into more of a nightlife venue after dinner hours. Live bands play from 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and by 11 p.m., it shifts into a DJ-led nightclub. There’s a cover charge depending on your age, so be prepared. Once the band starts, the main dining area gets very loud—conversation becomes nearly impossible.

All in all, we enjoyed ourselves, even if the atmosphere wasn’t quite what we’re used to. Our group tends to be a little loud and playful, and this vibe was a bit more structured. Still, I’d be open to giving them another try once they’ve had more time to settle in and...

Lovely location and great interior. Really want you to succeed. But we waited almost 40 minutes for the appetizer and 90 minutes for the food. nachos were stale. Burgers dry and cooked well done (didn’t ask). Fries were fine. Seafood poboys were gooey and fishy. Bread on burgers was weird and dry.

Thoughts, cause we want you to make it: 1)Kitchen was clearly in chaos; could not endure a lightly busy Friday night crowd. You still had open tables. Meanwhile two hostesses, 3 bartenders, and a guy sweeping the floor were very much in their lane, unbothered. Not an ideal use of staff. 2)doubtful that food quality was supposed to be what we experienced, but a light crowd compromised the quality perhaps. How can kitchen be sped up? 3)Menu is too big. What is your “thing”? What do people come there to eat ? Makes a slow kitchen even worse. Pizza, pasta, fried seafood, wings, burgers, bbq, salads, steak, and a long list of appetizers. Why? Pick your best menu items and make a more simple menu you can consistently and quickly prepare. 4) your location can support a lunch crowd. You could get a lunch crowd as thick as the dinner crowd your kitchen needs an hour to cook for. And the first time they come in and can’t get food in 20 or so minutes will be the last time. 5)taste test every menu item with your staff. Encourage them to be brutally honest. 6)consider charging more if you need to, or axing items that are gonna be poorly portioned due to food costs. Catfish and shrimp poboys at the table were soggy and not very good. But - had they been good - we would have said they were very...

Harbor Grill is a great local spot in Hattiesburg that really captures the feel of a relaxed, Southern-style seafood restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect whether you’re coming in with family, friends, or just grabbing a meal after work. The menu has a nice variety, but the seafood is definitely the star—everything I’ve tried has been fresh and cooked just right. The fried catfish is golden and crispy without being greasy, and the shrimp and oysters taste like they came straight from the Gulf. Portions are generous, and the prices are fair for the quality and size of the meals.

The service has always been friendly, with staff making sure drinks stay filled and that you’re taken care of without being rushed. I also like that the place has a comfortable, laid-back vibe—you don’t feel crowded or hurried, even when it’s busy. The hush puppies and sides are worth mentioning too; they taste homemade and really complement the seafood.

Overall, Harbor Grill is a solid choice if you’re in Hattiesburg and craving fresh seafood in a down-to-earth setting. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to regularly. Highly recommend checking it out, located directly across from University of Southern Mississippi football stadium makes this a excellent spot to have food and drinks before and...