Mugshots Grill & Bar is definitely the place to be when in need of a delicious meal. They have a variety of amazing appetizers, superb sandwiches, brilliant burgers, extraordinary entrees, stupendous sides, awesome add ons, sensational soups and salads, phenomenal pastas and delightful desserts! Not only is the food great, but the atmosphere is so inviting and the service is good too.

With the help of close family, friends and an “Irish blessing,” owners Chris McDonald and Ron Savell opened the very first Mugshots in Hattiesburg on Jan. 10, 2004. A dream soon became reality. All together, there are a total of 14 Mugshots Grill & Bars, all located in Alabama and Mississippi. The Mugshots here in Tupelo opened in the spring of 2015.

My first time eating at a Mugshots was with my parents in Starkville. Although my food was better at the Starkville location, my food at the one in Tupelo was satisfying as well. I usually order the patty melt with a side of beer-battered fries and a Coke. The patty melt is a specialty burger. On the menu, it is described as “… An oldie but goody … This twist of a patty melt is smothered with sauteed onions, pepper jack and American cheese, with our signature come-back sauce on our pressed sourdough bun …” and is priced at $9.59. I get mine with no come-back sauce, no sauteed onions and add bacon. My total usually comes out to be a little more than $12.

I’ve also tried a number of their appetizers, a few of their sides and other entrees. My favorite appetizer is by far the southwest eggrolls. These are a must have for me! They are the definition of yummy! I’m not a huge fan of the beer-battered fries, so if you’re anything like me, luckily they have other options such as grilled vegetables or chili. Mugshots has also recently added a spicy gumbo to its sides menu as well.

Got a sweet tooth? Try their New York cheesecake. Want something more simple? Just go for a scoop of ice cream. You can never go wrong with ice cream! In addition to the good food, the service was just as good if not better! The servers are always kind and pleasant to customers and make them feel welcome. Plus, I love the fact that they get to wear jeans!

When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was the friendly hosts and hostesses, all the flat screen TVs, and then the crowd! The hosts greet you with the cutest smiles and inviting words. This gives the restaurant itself a great “first impression.” Mugshots is usually packed, but they have comfy, retro furniture and the coziest ambiance, so that makes waiting a little better. The wait may be a little long and may seem dreadful, but time can go by quicker when the games on the TVs have your attention! When you look around, you’ll notice a lot of paintings, photos and other cool and urban wall decor. Some of the photos you may see are of the owners’ friends, families and patrons in honor of all their hard work and help. This was one way McDonald and Savell thanked them.

Overall, my experiences at all Mugshots have been wonderful. Not only is it a good place to eat, but it also a nice place to spend time with family and friends to share memorable convos and laughs. It is most definitely now on my list of favorite restaurants. Give it a try. It may become one of yours too!