Hal & Mal's

Nice lunch great oyster/shrimp poboy. Very good oysters which are often the weak spot because a lot of places overcook them. Great french bread light and airy making the s/oyster fill u up not the bread.

Ww has a family gathering here while we spent the day celebrating our mom's 85 birthday. Great service and food. Thanks again for all the gard work and planning my sister put into this for all of us.

my friend Misty and i visited Jackson, Mississippi this past weekend,we were looking for a late night snack and we were astonished to find out this great place Hal & Mals/The Walk-In was in walking distance from our hotel (Westin Marriott),we made it just in time to order from the kitchen(11:30pm),we had a taste for the Pu Pu Platter and the 3 egg rolls, everything was absolutely amazing, simply delicious 😋

So I think we could have had an absolute amazing meal here for sure, great potential for it, we arrived early and ordered drinks and appetizers which came out quick and delicious, we were waiting for others to join to order, when they arrived we ordered, then proceeded to wait a good 30-45 minutes for our food, we were enjoying good company so it wasn't terrible but a lil irritating, he came by once to tell us it would be out shortly, 20 minutes later after the other tables who ordered after got their meals ours came out, it looked delicious, but mine was barely warm and my husband's was cold, at that point it wasn't worth complaining, but he was super bummed since it tasted good but the cold really threw it off. Not sure if we will visit again, maybe but it wasn't really busy enough to get long waits and cold food.

Super cool place, definitely worth going. Great food and unique atmosphere. Highly recommend the red beans Ann White rice dish and curry nachos 👌

Great place, loved the vibes here. Food was tasty and I plan on going back later on in the week to sample their spirits. Their happy hour specials looked fantastic

Hal & Mal’s is Jackson Landmark! A go-to spot for lunch, dinner and drinks and a great brunch! This is the place to people-see and eat! Shrimp poboy as fine as anything New Orleans has to offer, along with the Gumbo. Excellent fresh cut fries. Just crisp, salty potato goodness. The brunch breakfast is satisfying! Eggs cooked to order, a tasty biscuit, bacon that is good enough for another order, home fries, a smoked sausage link and cheese grits. If you leave hungry it’s your own fault!! Full bar, great beer selection and soft drinks and tea. “Happening” music over the house speakers and frequently have live music and bands. Unique, neat atmosphere, friendly service and vittles that’ll keep you coming back!

Amazing food with sizeable portions. Food was ready quick and server was very helpful and friendly.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!

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.

Tried this place foe the first time three months ago and still running across my mind. This place has its own feel like the old school days

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

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!!!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Old school authentic Mississippi food and vibe. Newer ownership with a high end experienced chef. Fun and wonderful lunch spot and more. Bring your out of town guests.

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.

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.

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.

Bought the Blue Plate special for lunch today. Fried chicken was perfect for me. Collards were well seasoned and mouthwatering good! Carrots were tender and sweet. Service was great and fast. Key Lime pie was amazing. Overall, wonderful experience and will definitely go back my next trip to Jackson.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Went for blues night and got food from the restaurant. I asked if they would do redfish as a po-boy. They did and it was great. Add it to your menu!!

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.

I had a oyster poboy and it was great as well as the service The atmosphere was welcoming

Very busy with only one server but once our order was taken the food tasted excellent! I got the Greek chicken salad with parmesan dressing and it tasted so good! Loved listening to the jazz band even if a little loud to have a conversation.

I ordered a $36 filet medium. It came very rare and it was fatty and greasy. Ate one bite. The waitress never asked me about the food nor noticed I didn't eat it. I couldn't get her to slow down to ask for a return. ETA: owner reached out and was very gracious. She has rectified the issue to the best of her ability. I've edited my stars from 2 to 3 with acknowledgment that everyone has a bad night.

The tamale nachos are excellent and ambiance is wonderful. They have real New Orleans French bread for their po-boys.

First time dining and what a nice surprise! Excellent food & live music. Jason was our server & he was very knowledgeable & professional. We will certainly be back! What a find!

Eclectic style vibes located in an old train station building, the concept is cool but the restaurant could use some tlc. It was early afternoon and they were not very busy. The service was a little slow and it took almost twenty five minutes for my muffuletta sandwich. I was impressed with the menu and the fact you could order a quarter sandwich was I'm am not a big eater. The sandwich was very good, nice amount of meat and dressing on bread made at a local bakery.

Tried Hal and Mals for lunch. My wife's tuna stuffed avacado was very good. My oyster Poboy was also very good. I would have given 5 stars, but the house made chips were lacking flavor due to no seasoning at all. I am looking forward to our next visit.

the best restaurant in downtown jxn!! the service is incredible, food is mouth watering!! a true gem hershey (our server) is

Service was great! Best burger I've ever had at a restaurant. It was packed with locals in a Tuesday lunch which was a great sign!

Family owned and operated for many years. This is a true Jackson staple. Great gastro pub food all with a Southern flair. Great onion rings that defy description. Add their locally famous "come back" sauce and a pint of their many brewed ales and you will be at heaven's gate!

We were passing through Jackson and took a tour of the Capitol. The tour guide recommended this place for lunch. It was busy but we were able to get a table. The servers were hustling so the bartender waited on us. She was personable and answered our questions about the menu. I ordered a po boy and my wife had the catfish special of the day. While we waited, they had a guitar player for live entertainment. He was good and not too loud. The place is in an old building that is well decorated inside, even in the restrooms. We didn't have to wait too long for our food. The po boy was very good and the bun was very fresh. My wife liked the catfish and said the hush puppies were better than we have gotten recently. The service was very attentive, the food was great and the atmosphere casual. They are worth a visit if you are in the area.

On a recent trip to Mississippi this was really a fun place to visit. The band was great. The food and beer also fine. The night we were there with Jazz tonight and several local musicians got up and contributed outstanding performances. There's a larger back room for more commercial/touring acts. It looked like a great space and next time I'm passing through you I'll try to make a point of stopping there.