There’s something quietly heroic about a person who devotes themselves to a craft. Ryan, who runs the coffee company with his wife, isn’t just a guy who slings lattes and dabbles in roasting—he’s the kind of person who treats coffee like it’s sacred. Watching him work makes you want to go home, toss your stale supermarket beans, and start over. He reminds me that coffee, when done right, is less about caffeine and more about ritual.
If you’re a purist—someone who values the nuance, the patience, the slow process of heat meeting bean—then you’ll find a kindred spirit in Ryan. There’s precision in his process, and most of all, a deep respect for the process. Ryan isn’t some fly-by-night barista with a shiny grinder and a dream. No, he’s the real deal—the kind of guy who makes you want to rise earlier just to get the espresso right.
If you’re from Ocean Springs, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “You gotta try Bright Eyed.” For locals and visitors alike, Bright Eyed Brew Co. isn’t just a place to grab coffee — it’s a part of the town’s rhythm. Tucked into a cozy storefront on 623 Washington Avenue, just a few blocks from the beach, this little shop is where morning routines begin, friendships are brewed, and creativity flows as freely as their famous nitro cold brew.
This isn’t a corporate café with sterile vibes. It’s family-owned, community-rooted, and Coast proud. And trust me — as someone who lives here, sips here, and waves to the same friendly faces in line every morning — Bright Eyed Brew Co. doesn’t just serve the best coffee in Ocean Springs… it might just be the best on the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Walk up to Bright Eyed on any given morning, and you’ll likely find a line out the door — locals catching up, pups on leashes, toddlers in tow. The space inside is tight, but inviting and full of life, much like downtown Ocean Springs itself. Regulars grab their usuals without missing a beat, while first-timers soak in the warm, coastal welcome.
The shop has that perfect balance of Southern hospitality and neighborhood charm, where the owner is not just present, but personable — remembering names, sharing laughs, and making you feel like you belong.
It’s this authentic, people-first atmosphere that makes Bright Eyed feel less like a business and more like a local institution. This is where artists refuel, beachgoers grab a caffeine boost, and sleepy-eyed students start their day.
Unlike many coffee spots that ship in beans from afar, Bright Eyed roasts their own coffee right here on the Coast — and they do it fresh every week. That means every cup starts with beans that were carefully selected, roasted with precision, and brewed with purpose.
Their menu includes a rotation of single-origin beans and specialty blends:
This commitment to quality and freshness is what elevates every sip. You’re not drinking generic coffee — you’re drinking something handcrafted, born and brewed in South Mississippi.
Bright Eyed built their reputation on one signature drink: their Nitro Cold Brew. Steeped for 24 hours, infused with nitrogen, and served smooth and creamy, this drink is 65% less acidic than hot coffee but loaded with flavor — and a serious caffeine kick.
Locals love to order the Fleen — nitro cold brew topped with half & half — but that’s just the beginning. Their menu is a celebration of creativity and craft:
Americano
Macchiato
Cortado
Cappuccino
Latte
Drip Coffee
Non-Coffee:
Chai (a cozy favorite among non-coffee drinkers)
Lavender Cream – housemade lavender syrup + half & half
Horchata – cinnamon and vanilla rice milk
Kentucky – flambé bourbon syrup, mint & bitters
Bananas Foster – flambé rum brown sugar syrup + half & half
Café Miel – espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, and honey
One & One – a deconstructed espresso experience
Breeze – a lavender mocha latte that’s smooth as a sunset drive down the beach
They might be known for coffee, but Bright Eyed’s waffles deserve their own spotlight. These Belgium-style waffles are light, crispy, and perfect whether you pair them with coffee or just want a little bite of something sweet. It’s a simple menu item, but done right — and that’s what Bright Eyed does best.
They’re also pet- and toddler-friendly, making it a morning must-visit for families. The vibe here is easygoing and welcoming — a place where everyone has a seat at the table, even if that seat is out on the sidewalk chatting with friends.
Oh, and for the regulars? There’s a loyalty program. And trust me, it doesn’t take long to become one.
Bright Eyed Brew Co. isn’t just another coffee shop — it’s part of the soul of Ocean Springs. It represents everything that makes this town special: creativity, community, craft, and coastal charm. Whether you’re a longtime local, a weekend wanderer, or someone just passing through, you owe it to yourself to stop by, sip slow, and soak it all in.
This is just the first feature in my series, “The Best Coffee Shops in South Mississippi,” and starting with Bright Eyed feels like starting with the heart. Great coffee. Great people. A true gem on the Gulf.
We care a lot about the experience you have with coffee. A lot of work has gone into getting great beans to your door.
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