Hal and Mal’s

I can safely say I had the most over priced, depressing nachos in my life at Hal and Mal’s. I know it’s «bar food», but the restaurant boasts on their food, and because of that I’d like to think they’d put a little more love into their food.
The nachos were greasy, but not in the good way that nachos should be. They were clearly run through a microwave then left out for a good ten minutes. There were no beans, and the salsa was scarce. I was devastated. How could someone desecrate such a sacred bar food such as nachos. The only reason I’m leaving at two star review and not a 1 is because the cheese fritters made up for the horrendous chips on a plate with lukewarm cheese.
Also, the drinks were particularly pitiful. I’m not sure if it was the bartender or what, but they were nasty. There was even something green (like rotten lettuce or something) frozen in my ice.
I’ve been to Hal and Mals many times before, and their drinks and food have been great many times before, but I’m not sure what happened. I hope they pick it up.
I’m sorry to the waiter who saw me writing this review. It was awkward for the both of us.

Hal & Mals feels like home. Best venue for live music, wonderful food menu and some of the best bartenders in town!

Hal and Mals is a Jackson institution so it feels a bit mean to give just three stars. At the end of the day, they are a perfectly acceptable bar, restaurant and venue. They also typically have their hands in some of the best events around town, notably, the St Paddy’s Day Parade which they have turned into one of the largest events in the South.
The bar is fine, nothing fancy. That description should nail it for you. They’ve got a bunch of reasonably priced beers on tap and some in the coolers behind the bar. They can fix up mixed drinks with a wide range of house or premium liquors.
The atmosphere is also fine, nothing fancy. It is an old warehouse so it is fairly spacious and plain.
The food is good. Again, it is fine, nothing fancy.
They are a fine place that has perfectly acceptable prices. They do get some good acts coming through and they have good events outside sometimes too. It is perfectly acceptable and everyone in Jackson needs to drift through every once in a while just to keep in touch.

Hal & Mal’s is definitely a downtown Jackson staple. If you’re looking to catch some live music or a concert, this is one of the best places in town to look. They’ve got multiple rooms within their giant space so sometimes they’ve got several different events going on at once! They maintain an impressive lineup of guests. Everyone from Big KRIT to Neutral Milk Hotel has performed at Hal & Mal’s. They also host a lot of smaller, acoustic sets from local artists as well as a really fun weekly jazz night.
The food is great. It’s definitely southern, and slightly cajun, so you can expect some great catfish, a po-​boy, some shrimp and grits and more. Their beer selection is just okay but the prices are super reasonable. The staff is really friendly and I’ve never had a bad time with them. The layout of the restaurant is spacious and there’s lots of comfy booth seating available, which I love. Overall, I’d say this is a place I come back to again and again whether it’s for the food or the music, I always have a great time!

At first was disappointed because the menu was limited, I believe it was because of the show that was scheduled but, after having the highly recommended catfish po-​boy, I’m glad I didn’t have a chance to order something else. Best fried catfish I’ve ever had. Every part was fantastic, from the crusty but tender bread, the crisp lettuce and fresh tomato to the best tarter sauce ever (capers in tarter sauce, really great idea). The house cut onion rings and fries were delicious as well and made even better after dipping in their tasty comeback sauce. Would definitely recommend and will most certainly come back when and if I make it back to Jackson.

I’d heard of Hal & Mal’s during visits to Jackson, but hadn’t had the opportunity to try it, until this week. After a late night visit for live music & $ 1 PBR on the patio, I went back for lunch the following day.
This place isn’t what you’d expect from a large historic brick warehouse on the outskirts of downtown. Not only do they know how to have late-​night fun, but they also know how to cook some great New Orleans classics, including poor boys, red beans & rice, jambalaya & gumbo, as well as traditional southern favorites like meatloaf with tomato gravy. The family recipes have been handed down for generations, and they won’t disappoint. You’ll love the friendly southern hospitality, as well!