The rich (for Hattiesburg) in laws got back to me and said that Leatha's BBQ, Crescent City, Newks, Half Shell Oyster House, Peter's Po Boys, Front Porch, Shipley Do-nuts (they'd better have one called a sprocket), and Vicki's.
I've been to only the Hburg Newks (which was like all other Newks, mediocre subs, salads and pizza at a too high for the quality price), but I have been to the Half Shell Oyster bar in Gulfport, Mobile and esp Biloxi many times. At least those locations are a solid C for Ceptable. They'll never make you forget the amazing places in Apalachicola, NYC, Seattle, OBX, etc..., but they're on par with the better ones in Nonpanhandle and Big Bend Florida and would be right near the top in places like Jax, Tampa, Orlando, Miami etc... Just like those nonpandle an big bend oyster houses, I think Half Shell is overpriced for only 4 star oysters, but I've paid just as much for the same quality in Asheville and actually rec it to visitors there (Oysterhouse Brewing Company). So would I rec it? Yeah probably. Don't get your hopes too high and get some steamed royal reds (their best offering at least on the coast) to go with the oysters and you'll be happy enough.
They said they much prefer the food at their other places which is basically a no-duh aa they've got houses at least in New Orleans, Perdido Key/"Pensacola", and Biloxi.
