In this issue’s Faces of South Mississippi, meet Kenny Williams—the creative force behind some of Ocean Springs’ most iconic destinations. Known for his soulful style, community-first mindset, and passion for hospitality, Kenny is more than a restaurateur—he’s a visionary shaping the city’s cultural and culinary landscape. Discover his journey from New Orleans to the Coast, his family roots, and the rising tide philosophy driving his success.

When Eleven Cocktail Lounge set out to become Ocean Springs’ sleekest sip spot, it wasn’t just about the bourbon, the velvet seating, or the moody lighting (although, let’s be honest—those helped). It was about branding—creating an identity that felt modern, magnetic, and unmistakably Southern with a twist. That’s where Midnight Boheme stepped in.

At Eleven Cocktail Lounge in downtown Ocean Springs, the drinks are unforgettable—but so is the menu they come from. Enter: Midnight Boheme, New Orleans’ premier boutique graphic design studio and the creative powerhouse behind Eleven’s cocktail menu. Together, they’ve turned your typical bar list into an immersive design experience that’s as smooth as the bourbon it celebrates.

Let’s be honest: at Eleven Cocktail Lounge, we don’t just make drinks—we perform liquid alchemy. Every swirl, shake, and spritz is part cocktail, part showmanship, and 100% designed to make your taste buds text you a thank-you note. Welcome to the glamorous behind-the-bar world where fresh herbs meet fire, bitters are treated like royalty, and no garnish is too dramatic (edible flowers? Citrus flames? We’ve been doing that).

If you’re looking to throw a party that isn’t just another beige buffet in a conference room, allow us to introduce your new favorite flex: Eleven Cocktail Lounge in downtown Ocean Springs. We’re not saying Eleven was built for private events—but with its velvet seating, mood lighting, and dangerously smooth cocktail menu, it would be rude not to rent it out.

So, you’re planning date night. You could go with the usual—dinner somewhere with awkward lighting and a server who definitely judges your third glass of wine. Or… you could level up. Enter: Eleven Cocktail Lounge, Ocean Springs’ ultimate vibe for couples who want more than just “dinner and drinks.” This is drinks with drama, ambiance with attitude, and cocktails that do half the flirting for you.

At Eleven Cocktail Lounge in downtown Ocean Springs, we don’t just serve drinks—we serve stories. And while our lounge may be dressed in coastal cool with velvet seating and moody lighting, our soul is Southern through and through. That means bold flavors, seasonal flair, and cocktails that carry a whisper of Lowcountry charm with every sip.

So you’ve got something to celebrate—and no, we’re not talking about surviving Monday (though that is impressive). We mean a real occasion: a birthday blowout, an anniversary toast, a bachelorette bash, or maybe just a well-earned night out with your crew that calls for actual outfits and elevated cocktails. Enter: Eleven Cocktail Lounge.

At Eleven, the cocktails don’t just have flavor—they have attitude. And when you’re sipping in a space that feels part art gallery, part secret society, the drinks have to rise to the occasion. Luckily, the mixology team here didn’t come to play. They came to stir, shake, and serve up some seriously sophisticated Southern swagger.

Let’s get this straight: Eleven isn’t your uncle’s dive bar—unless your uncle happens to be a retired jazz drummer with a taste for smoked bourbon and moody lighting. Nestled in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs, Eleven is a cocktail lounge that channels Southern charm through a sleek, sultry lens. No kitchen. No entrées. Just expertly shaken libations, swanky vibes, and the kind of glassware that makes you sit up a little straighter.

Tucked along Mississippi’s scenic Gulf Coast, Downtown Ocean Springs isn’t just a place—it’s a mood. A strollable, soulful, sun-drenched district where live oaks arch over art galleries, historic cottages house cutting-edge cuisine, and the soundtrack of your day might include street musicians, clinking cocktail glasses, and laughter spilling from patios.

In the heart of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a quietly ambitious vision is reshaping the way locals and visitors experience food, drink, and hospitality. Behind some of the city’s most beloved destinations—Mosaic, The Beer House, Neon Moon, Red Apple Lounge, Eleven Cocktail Lounge, Evergreen, and Lost Spring Brewing Company—is a single entrepreneur: a passionate restauranteur with a talent for turning atmosphere, flavor, and storytelling into unforgettable venues.

At Eleven, we’re not just mixing drinks—we’re raising our glasses to the place we call home. Nestled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs is more than a backdrop to our cocktail lounge; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. From its vibrant art scene to its culinary creativity and soulful community spirit, this town is a hidden gem with a whole lot of sparkle. Here’s why we—and so many others—love Ocean Springs.