New restaurant with speakeasy twist coming to downtown Ocean Springs

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — A new dining experience is coming to downtown Ocean Springs as the team behind Staigle’s Steakhouse in Wiggins brings its first Coast concept to The Roost Hotel.

Maringouin at The Roost Hotel will offer French Cajun cuisine and craft cocktails (wlox)

The restaurant is called Maringouin, a full-service eatery with a speakeasy surprise, blending craft cocktails with a fresh, locally inspired menu.

“I think this will be a very unique place, food that nobody has ever experienced, and also our crafted cocktails will be top notch as well,” said Steve Daigle Jr., owner.

The restaurant is called Maringouin, a full-service restaurant with a speakeasy surprise, blending craft cocktails with a fresh, locally-inspired menu. (wlox)

French Cajun cuisine with global spices

Daigle said the restaurant will bring French Cajun cuisine with a touch of global spices to Ocean Springs.

“So, me being French, it’s our heritage to bring in here in Ocean Springs. Good French Cajun cuisine with a touch of global spices. You know, this wouldn’t be possible without my executive chef, Lauren Jean-Fray, and she’s a magical chef. She is really going to bring something super special to Ocean Springs,” Daigle said.

The global flavors are part of the experience, with spices hand-selected by the chef right in front of diners. The restaurant will also cater to hotel guests, offering service throughout the property.

Hidden speakeasy and swamp-inspired atmosphere

Tucked inside the restaurant, a hidden door leads to a more intimate speakeasy space.

“Really cool stuff that’s fitting to come and relax, let your hair down from a busy week, and just come enjoy yourself. Bring your family, your kids. This is not just a grown-up restaurant,” Daigle said.

The atmosphere is designed to feel like a Louisiana swamp. Local artist Crystal Bramlett helped bring that vision to life.

“She gave me two images to go off of, and I was like really nervous because both of these images were completely different. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but had it not been for Misty, I wouldn’t have pushed out of my comfort zone. So, I’m just so honored and thankful to be a part of something so special,” Bramlett said.