The Bay St. Louis location of Barracuda Taco Stand has closed for the season as the summer tourism boom begins to decline on the Mississippi Coast, and it’s unclear if or when the restaurant will reopen.
Barracuda’s owner Brett Jones confirmed Tuesday that the Bay St. Louis location closed after Labor Day. The popular taco spot started serving customers in Bay St. Louis in late 2024. Jones said the restaurant has posted a sign on its door informing customers of the closure. A listing on Google also says the restaurant is temporarily closed.
“We’re grateful to the Bay St. Louis community for their support,” Jones said in a text message.
Barracuda Bay St. Louis sits in the heart of the Mississippi Coast city, on a popular stretch of Second Street near antique shops, Creole Creamery and Mockingbird Cafe. The closure came just before one of the busiest weeks of the year in southern Mississippi: An annual October car show called Cruisin’ The Coast that draws thousands of visitors from around the country.
The closure comes as many restaurants face seasonal challenges in Bay St. Louis, which fills with visitors each summer and grows quieter during the winter months. Several other restaurants — including the barbecue spot Murky Waters and the seafood spot Tripletails Restaurant — have closed this year. Some restauranteurs in the area have also said they are challenged by food costs.
Jones did not explain what led to the decision to close for the season, but said the location does not have a reopening date.
“We’re evaluating our options for Bay St. Louis, so we can’t give a definitive answer right now,” he said.
Barracuda’s original location opened in 2019 on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans, and the restaurant has also expanded to Algiers Point, Baton Rouge and Huntsville, Ala. The other locations are open as usual, Jones said.
