There is something to be said for people of habit — folks who follow a familiar rhythm each day and find comfort in routine. I happen to be one of those people, and several of my friends enjoy giving me a hard time about it.
Still, I don’t wake up every morning anxious about what the day might bring. There are always little surprises along the way, but I’m not tied to a rigid schedule either. I simply like having a general sense of how I hope the day will unfold. In many ways, it feels like a small shelter from the storm of everyday life.
Most mornings begin around the same time. I feed the cats, raccoons, and possums before heading to The Greenhouse Biloxi for coffee and conversation with the owner and a familiar group of regulars. Before settling in, I usually feed the birds outside — who seem to notice immediately if I’m running late.
The Greenhouse has been part of the Coast community for 11 years, spending six years on Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs before moving five years ago to Ohr Street, just off Howard Avenue in Biloxi. The café is known for its creative take on biscuits, offering everything from specialty biscuit sandwiches piled high with toppings to a simple sweet potato biscuit, which remains my personal favorite. Popular menu items include the Bacon Cheddar Sammy, Salmon Avocado Toast, and Biscuits and Lox.
One of the best things about The Greenhouse, though, is the people you meet there. Visitors come from across the country — and often from around the world — creating a steady stream of interesting conversations. Whether you’re seated inside the café or out in the alleyway just south of the building, there is always a welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor space, connected by a walk-up window, features tables, umbrellas, and the famous mural of a giant strip of bacon painted on the wall — a spot affectionately known as “Bacon Alley.”
It’s easily one of the coolest places in Biloxi.