Listen y'all. This place has fantastic food. We are native Texans, so you can imagine my skepticism seeing tamales on the menu. We ordered the tamale nachos and I was in church. Sing praise! Christen was an absolute gem and took such good care of us. Service was on point and the whole vibe of the place was cool and relaxing. Please come support Hal & Mals!!! read more

Was visiting from out of town and saw it had good reviews. They weren't wrong. It was delicious. The shakuska was outstanding. The tomato sauce was spicy, the pita bread underneath slightly crunchy. Two perfectly over easy eggs on top was a party in my mouth. My friend ordered a side of millionaire bacon. It was not very crispy. She said the regular bacon was more crispy and flavorful. I ordered the basic scrambled eggs, cheesy grits and andouille sausage platter. It was yummy and filling. The prices are reasonable. They also serve coffee, teas, sodas and boozy cocktails. Since it was brunch we ordered mimosas. There was a mix up and the server forgot to put in the appetizer, but Ana and the manager were extremely apologetic and made up for it. They have live music but sadly not on the day we were there. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, since the surface lot is shared between 3 restaurants. The company also owns and runs the restaurant next door called the Walk-in. It's super cute and open late night. Zee, the bartender made us a couple of Hugo spritz's- which were perfect. When in Jackson, this is a definite stop. They also serve po boys and other yummy sounding entrees. Reservations are recommended. read more

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Walked in and it was crowded, so I highly recommend reservations. Inside is the same. Maybe some new posters on the wall but they have kept that throwback feel they've always had. I Ordered a cup of seafood gumbo (no rice-hate rice in gumbo) and it was good. Just a tad too salty but it had plenty of shrimp and sausage and good flavor. Would definitely get that again. Ordered the Tres Leches French toast and decided I better get the half order due to the gumbo. It was two pieces of Texas toast so that was a good call, as I barely finished my plate. It didn't require syrup due to the chantilly cream and cherries. I really enjoyed the taste of it. The bacon was the thick kind, similar to Wrightes Bacon, and was cooked well too. I won't complain about service since it's a holiday. My server was actually pretty good but it did take a while for my food to come out. I'm glad I finally got to try the brunch at Hal and Mal's and look forward to trying other dishes. read more

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I love this venue. Always good food and solid drinks. Brunch service always prompt and service good. No complaints. Please come and support this great restaurant, long tradition in Jackson. read more

I've been coming here for years when I'm in Jackson. Colorful place, great staff and wonderful live music. The food is delicious and I enjoyed the flavor. My only suggestion for this long standing business is to upgrade their chairs/booth because they are falling apart, and look worn/dirty. Ill be back next time I'm in the sip! read more

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Great place to have a late lunch! The fish app was delicious and me and my husband shared the redfish special and really enjoy it, especially the balsamic vinaigrette pearls they put on top. The sides are very good as well. We got a baked potato which was fluffy inside , fried okra and a side salad (homemade ranch..yummy). Our kids got fried chicken tenders and cheeseburger and they all cleaned their plates so I think they really enjoyed it. We love the laid back atmosphere and the service was excellent. It's the definition of a dive. read more

Hal & Mal's - Redfish with shrimp, heirloom tomatoes and topped with balsamic vinaigrette pearls. - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

Hmmm, not a lot of vegetarian options and almost nothing for vegans. But, if you ask, they'll prepare a vegan side salad (not on the menu). For vegetarians, the brussel sprouts are incredibly rich and cheesy, as are the grits. They were out of black bean burgers and a few other menu items. They were also out of tea bags when we were there, but they did have ok drip coffee. Really people come here for the live music and the company. read more

Great red beans and rice - 1/2 portion is plenty ! Had a fried chicken cat head biscuit also good Excellent French fries - hot and well seasoned. Also tried the gumbo - also good. Great atmosphere and service Enjoyed it read more

Hal & Mal's - Chicken Cathead Biscuit - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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We didn't have much hope for finding live music on the Monday night we spent in Jackson during a road trip. But we found this place and what a joy it was. Restaurant and bar are separate, but you can order food delivered to the bar. We had catfish nuggets and fries with a couple of beers, sat on a big comfy couch and soaked up the vibe. It was like watching a live show in our living room. The house Blue Monday band is amazing and they have special guests sit in. Big crowd even on Monday. Saw some really good dancers, too. They also were having trivia night in the restaurant, but we were there for the music. Rock on, Jackson! read more

Lovely experience dining at Hal and Mal's but service was a bit slow. Everyone in our group ordered po boys but I think I got the best one! I ordered the catfish po boy and it was delicious when paired with the sauce. My only complaint was that we were in a bit of a rush so the food took a minute to come out. However staff was extremely helpful and did their best to accommodate our tight schedule, which I appreciated. The inside looks like it was frozen in time. There's a lot of fun retro decorations that make it great for photos. The bathrooms were also painted but the doors were very short and close to the toilet. It was a bit awkward and would probably be challenging to use if you're over 5'5. read more

Hal & Mal's - Sign - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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Hal & Mal's is my new spot! 5 stars for ambiance alone, particularly on Tuesday nights.. Live jazz in the restaurant and Open Mic Night in the WorkOut Room w Rita Brent. It's two different crowds, but I enjoyed both! Rita is hilarious. The acts were cool, just an overall good vibe. Cover for open mic night is $15. The place is divey and comfortable. The food is good and so are the drinks (at both bars). Love that they have a lot of Louisiana/Cajun food on the menu! They've also started a Summer Series, Hibachi in the courtyard on Thursdays. read more

Hal & Mal's - The Workout Room - Open Mic Night - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

We stopped in here for lunch one day and we were pleasantly surprised. We ordered a few apps and enjoyed them all.

Music was excellent. Service was very good. Food was OK. BEWARE- we were charged 50% more than a posted price on an item, we brought the discrepancy to the waiters attention he spoke with the "manager" and came back and basically said too bad that is what the manager said is the price. Again, we showed him a printed price list. A manager bye the way who was too cowardly to visit our table. A nice evening overshadowed by terrible business practice. read more

My first time inHals &Mal's, we were seated quickly and the waitress brought water for everyone. The place was kind of busy, it being a Saturday afternoon. All 6 of us were pleased with our food, I had an oyster and spinach salad that was very good. read more

Hal & Mal's - Hungry birders - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

When visiting Jackson, I've gone to Hal & Mal's. I just went recently since the pandemic and the set up was different than before and had a nice blues club feel. I have always enjoyed the music but if you are looking for presentation on food or a real glass for your drink, look elsewhere. I think if you are going to charge premium price for your drinks, the least you can do is put it in real glass! And the catfish nuggets ordered was believe it or not was just 1 piece of fish cut up and put in a styrofoam container at a premium price...barely sharable! Music was great, entertainers and people at the were friendly. Bar staff just ok. They charge a fee to use debit/credit card. So when going there, it is a juke joint in the city fo sho. You might want to eat before and be ready to drink your cocktail out of a plastic cup at a premium price. read more

I've been to Hal and Mal's so many times over the years, but never for a meal...until yesterday. It won't be the last time! We arrived at 11am (opening time, which was just perfect, since it wasn't crowded) and were definitely hungry. I ordered the BBQ Shrimp & Grits: divine! Huge, juicy shrimp over delicious grits, all covered in a rich, buttery bbq sauce. Portions were very large, and service was phenomenal. Hal and Mal's is super laid-back, nostalgic, and fun! Make sure you check out all the quirky art, even in the bathrooms. A definite must-visit in Jackson! read more

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Jazz night is serious, and it is seriously good! We came as a work group of 13 -- and for most of us it was our first time to the area. This is some amazing southern food with a Cajun flair. The visit was amazing!!!! An incredible menu with hints of Indian, as well (butter chicken nachos? Yes!). So many interesting dishes, and the experience was only highlighted by the great music. I only wish I were here longer to come back without a large group. The server was kind and patient, but super overworked by a huge crowd. She was still great, and we were all happy with our dishes. The food is some serious culinary dreaminess. I want to try so many other dishes based on what I saw others eating- the shrimp and grits would be my next choice after my choice of the red beans and rice (a massive portion with a half order - I still only ate a 1/3 of it). And, get the comeback sauce -- it's legit!!!! read more

Hal & Mal's - The award winning red beans and rice -- 1/2 order! - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

The food was really good, the vibe was laid back. I had my dog so I did takeout. Their door dash site was a mess, it kept adding the total wrong, I finally called. read more

We went of a Jazz Night. Very enjoyable. The food and drinks were good. The service was a little slow but that's expected for a busier night. read more

After hearing for years about how great Hal and Mal's has been, I finally was in Jackson and gave them a try. Atmosphere was good. Server was good. Food - altogether not good. 3 In our lunch party, we ordered wide onion rings which would have been great had they not have been so salty. Grilled cheese sandwich was dry and side salad just OK. Comeback sauce - blah. Fries were ordered with another plate and chips were served. After asking, fries showed up well into our meal. They were over salted. Catch of the day was likely less than a 3 ounce portion with a strange combination of seasoning. Collard greens were so salty I took only 2 small bites. Surely, something has changed. To be totally honest, this was the most disappointing meal I've had in the Jackson, MS area. read more

great way to spend an evening! food and drinks were great on the patio. shout out to the bar tender and chef! all ready looking forward to hal & mals next summer series event! read more

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Truly enjoyed my visit to this local spot. They had a bar, table seating, and a live band on this day. It was so nice. The decor is nostalgic. I learned this place used to be a train station. The bartender was so nice and helpful. She made menu suggestions and also made really good drinks. We tried the Ouster and bones, raspberry, plantain, and Brie empanada, and the bbq shrimp and grits. Everything tasted amazing. It was all flavorful. Nothing we ate was overly seasoned. We were stuffed by the time we ended our night there. The oysters and bones were probably my favorite although the shrimp and grits were a close second. Those grits were cooked to perfection under that heap of shrimp. The prices were in line with current market rates. Appetizers were a little under $20. If you are in Jackson, MS please go by here do a meal. You will be glad you did. There is a lot of free parking in front of the restaurant. read more

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Had a great time! The cool ambiance in the Oyster room was great for our group. Our waitress was sweet and helpful in our choices, and she was patient with our "visiting" time. The wine and food was perfect, with plenty of choices. Definitely planning another trip!!! read more

Tuesday Jazz nights is it! good music, good food, nice vibes, great people! you have to come see it for yourself!

We finally made our way to the landmark of food and music and had a great lunch today. The excellent waiter Brad shared some favorites and insider choices. Elizabeth had a Spinach and Fried Oyster Salad and a espresso martini. I tried and loved the Red Beans and Rice. It had a great atmosphere and priceless decor! We will be back! read more

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The perfect place for breakfast! Food was awesome. It was on my places to go list and it did not disappoint me. read more

Hal & Mal's - Breakfast at Hals and Mals - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

The menu sucks. We ordered the seafood platter which consist of one piece of catfish, cold fries, two cold oysters, 2 cold shrimp. What the hell. It was awful! read more

I'm writing a review mainly to say that the new menu under the new owner is great. No knock on the prior ownership/menu but they have saved the best of the old while bringing in a bunch of really innovative and tasty items. The shrimp po-boy is stellar. For brunch the sweet potato pancakes are excellent. I also really love the new redfish. They have some vegetarian dishes like a butternut squash curry for dinner and a great bean veggie burger. FYI, there is music most nights in the main dining room after around 6:30 or 7, can be a little loud. read more

Food was great. We had muffuletta sandwich. 1/4. Well made. Service was quick and friendly. It has jazz in the evenings so had a nightclub feel to it. read more

You've probably heard about a lot of Southern chefs; most were from New Orleans, and some were from Savannah, but the biggest innovator among Southern chefs and the one with the longest shadow was Bill Neal. Neal elevated the status of Southern food that wasn't from Galatoire's or Commander's Palace to the rare air Southern food appreciates today and makes places like Dooky Chase's and Elvie's eligible for consideration for Beard Awards. (One day, I'll tell you the story of who James Beard was and why he was important.) Of all the dishes Neal cooked and all the dishes Neal wrote about, none were as famous or as far influencing as Shrimp and Grits. Like most of Neal's recipes, shrimp and grits find its origins in the Afro-Caribbean influence of the Tidewater region and feature two of the Southland's most famous ingredients, shrimp and grits. For Southern chefs of a certain generation, Shrimp and Grits is a dish they simply must get right or not offer at all. Damien Cavicchi, formerly from the Country Club of Jackson and now the much-talked-about new owner of Hal and Mals and Campbell's bakery, is a chef, I'm convinced, will at some point be a Beard nominated chef, if not a Beard award winning chef. The menu at Hal and Mals is iconic and delicious, but it's also almost forty years old. Chef Cavicchi is tasked with the considerable challenge of updating the menu, making it his own, but also keeping the flavors and experiences Hal and Mals is known for. One of the dishes he added to the menu, to accomplish these goals, was Shrimp and Grits. Hal and Mals is famous for Southern staple food, and Shrimp and Grits is a perfect match for that. It's not an elevated, gold-rimmed plate version of the dish you get at some places, like City Grocery (which is fantastic) but maintains the Hal and Mals blue plate, meat, and three level of cooking, while seriously raising the stakes with the flavor. Shrimp and grits are three elements that must balance and must be right. Plump gulf shrimp, which are more difficult to cook correctly than most people realize, creamy and flavorful grits, cheese, and garlic are preferred, and perhaps the most important element, the sauce. Cheft Cavicchi nails all three, especially the sauce, and he does it with hearty portions that you could easily share with a sweetheart if you wanted to pair with their famous gumbo or seafood bisque. If you think you've eaten at Hal and Mal's a million times, and it offers you no new experiences, you're wrong. There's a new chef in town, and he's bringing it on home while keeping the favorites you've come for, for the last forty years. The downtown renaissance is happening, and a vibrant young chef at an established classic location can't help but anchor the effort. There are several other exciting elements of the new Hal and Mal's menu, but the Shrimp and Grits is my favorite. read more

Hal & Mal's - Shrimp and Grits - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

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Food is always fresh, abundant portions. The service is hit and miss, depending on how busy they are. The ambiance at lunch is always such that adults can conduct a conversation without the noise and music interfering, which is most beneficial for business lunches. read more

Hal and Mal's is an iconic spot in Jackson. There is always something happening at this place. The drinks and food are perfect. The atmosphere is electric. I really can't say enough good things about this place. If you are visiting, definitely check this place out. read more

I was first introduced to this place by a long-time Jacksonian, and I've continued to come here alone, and I've brought more friends... Their food is unique and comforting, the atmosphere is chill, and I always enjoy the live music. Most recent visit was for brunch on Sunday.... Loved the Tamale Burrito! Such a delightful brunch menu overall. My 3 friends had the chicken and biscuits, cinnamon roll, and (I can't recall the final thing)... but we all enjoyed our food and drinks. We also had two starters... the Pitcher of Tots --- yes!!! A Whole a$$ Pitcher ... with some spicy hollandaise dipping sauce... and candied bacon, just like the matriarch of my Mississippi Delta friends, Mama Beth, used to make.... They have some yummy vegetarian options as well!! My friends and I had an absolute blast! Icing on the cake was one of the managers visiting our table, and entertaining us. Brad, don't quit your day job, but definitely develop your open mic night routine!! As a transplant, this has become one of my favorite places to eat, drink, be merry, and hear some great music!!! To top it off, this place is inclusive and that makes me even happier to support this long-standing Jackson business. read more

Local treasure! Our fave was Tuna stuffed Avocados. Tried okra, brussels, cheese grits, comeback n crackers, grilled chicken sandwich - all good! ended with chocolate pie, super rich - good for sharing. Thank you Hal and Mals! Cool ambience - pictures of lots of musicians from over the years. read more

The food was good - Oyster Spinach salad with Comeback The service was awful- deadbeat , lazy bartender that didn't want to get a beer and the bar was empty Waiter served dinner with no silverware, no napkins, surly wait staff Service has gone down hill - I hate it for this Jackson icon read more

Had lunch here today, I paid $24.51 for the lunch special. Red fish with green goddess salad (it's just a topping), Lima beans and squash. There is no reason I should have walked out still hungry. The green goddess topping made the fish good, there just wasn't much of it. The Lima beans and squash were bland, no seasoning at all. read more

Hal and Mal's is located in Jackson, MS. The food was uneven but the atmosphere was cool. Unfortunately, I brought a group and the service and check out was just too slow for our timetable, if you are dining solo orca deuce, I think it would be fine. read more

Wonderful brunch menu with lots of options. Third time coming for brunch and every time had something different and enjoyed all of it! Also open on Sunday, which is hard to come by in jackson for dining options read more

Hal & Mal's - Tamale nachos, chicken biscuit, pitcher of tots with hollandaise! - Bars Near Me - Jackson, Mississippi

We rolled in for lunch on a Monday. It's maybe 92 degrees out and the AC is on FULL BLAST and it feels like a loving kiss from some ice angels in heaven. We sucked down our waters and our super hero of a waitress brings us more before we even had a chance to ask. The vibe in here is chill, soulful, and fun. The music playing is fun zydeco, old standards, and jazz, which adds to this establishments sweetness. We ordered the steak salad and the stuffed avocado with tuna app. Absolutely delicious. I wish we weren't just passing through. This seems like a place I would come back to again and again. read more

Asked server for wine. Only had one brand. Surprisingly when I asked for second glass they said I would have to get a different brand