When I think of sushi, I almost instinctively think of a sports bar. Don’t you? Okay, so maybe they aren’t the two most common things one could pair together. Luckily, Brandon Brinkley, founder and owner of Spoonwater Sushi Bar and Grill, decided to buck the traditional approach of sushi and a sports bar, combining these two elements to make something truly magical.
Aptly named after the water utilized to keep sushi rice moist and easy to use, Spoonwater is a fusion of two of Brinkley’s favorite things: sushi and sports. His near 30 years of experience in the restaurant and sports bar industry have helped him build an impressive resume that has laid a rock-solid foundation for Spoonwater’s current success.
Spoonwater’s bar is fully stocked with an impressive selection of bourbon and handcrafted cocktails. If you dare, order an Ocean Springs Swamp Water, one of Brinkley’s personal creations, featuring a layer of Chambord, Midori and Jägermeister. It is not for the faint of heart. A recent and welcomed addition to Spoonwater is the draft bar, which features a rotating selection of seasonal and local craft beers.
Enjoy your cocktail or freshly poured draft with a Spoonwater appetizer. The housemade wontons are amazing! Diced jalapenos and green onions are folded into a cream cheese mixture that is nestled into a wanton wrapper and deep fried. These crunchy wontons are served with a sweet chili sauce and while they are meant to be shared, you totally don’t have to. If you are ready to go straight to the sushi, order the house sashimi that showcases four pieces each of fresh raw salmon, tuna, and yellowtail. You can taste the freshness and it is a great way to kickstart your meal.
Specialty rolls are on point at Spoonwater. There is a great selection of freshly made handcrafted rolls featuring only the best ingredients. Sushi Chef Dennis has been rolling out impeccable rolls for over 10 years and prides himself on the little details that become the focal point of his sushi. Years of experience have taught him that people can be incredibly picky when it comes to their sushi, with preferences ranging all the way from the contents of each roll to the way the rice is seasoned. Chef Dennis and his team have curated a simple, yet stellar selection of specialty rolls and none of them will disappoint.
The eponymously named “Brinkley” is a house favorite roll. Shrimp tempura, crabstick, cream cheese and cucumber are rolled in a seaweed wrapper, then topped with a beautifully colored pattern of salmon, avocado, and eel sauce. Close runners up in popularity are the Gulf and Mermaid Rolls. The Gulf Roll features spicy tuna and cucumber topped with tuna, avocado, eel sauce and spicy mayo. This was my personal favorite. The Mermaid Roll houses shrimp tempura, cream cheese and cucumber with a generous topping of crabstick, eel sauce, spicy mayo, and everyone’s favorite – “crunchies.”
Spoonwater Sushi and Sports Bar is definitely filling a truly unique niche in downtown Ocean Springs. Brinkley understands that dining out is often an escape and getaway for his customers making it important to him that each experience is the best it can be. He and his team strive to be customer-oriented and engaging and they pride themselves on their commitment to their local community.
Check out Spoonwater for Bingo on Tuesdays, any big game on the weekend, or basically anytime you’ve got a desire for some truly delicious sushi.
Spoonwater Sushi Bar and Grill
1019 Government St., Ste. D, Ocean Springs
228.215.3216
Facebook@ Spoonwaterbar
