New bar opens Thursday, sells out Saturday

Since the March 2011 fire that destroyed Mugshots Grill and Bar off 4th Street, plans have been in the works for a new bar and music venue, and after months of construction, Brewsky’s opened its doors Thursday night. 

The bar’s first big performance, 17th Floor, a rap cover band known for their energetic shows, was welcomed to a sold-out crowd at Brewsky’s on Saturday night. The 500-person capacity was met in the building just across the street from the spot where the old Mugshots sat before the fire. 

While many students compare Brewsky’s to the old Mugshots, especially with regards to the location and the overall crowd, there are some notable differences. With high ceilings, concrete floors, and an elevated stage with state of the art lighting, Brewsky’s feels cleaner, bigger and more open than the old Mugshots.

Kyle Barber, a junior international business major, described Brewsky’s as being “definitely catered towards live music.” 

“They know what they’re doing and they know they’re going to get big acts,” Barber said. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

Barber felt that another difference between Brewsky’s and the old Mugshots is the general age of the crowd.

“I feel like I have more in common with the crowd here than other places,” Barber said. “It feels targeted towards older people, 21 and up.”

“There’s definitely an older crowd here,” senior marketing major Cally Biagini said.

While these variations between the two bars all seem to favor Brewsky’s, there are still a few drawbacks when comparing the new bar to the old Mugshots. Biagini said the larger concert atmosphere was one difference. 

“I don’t know if it’s a place I would chill and drink, but if I were in the mood to see a concert I would definitely come here,” Biagini said.

Overall, with its sold-out crowds, Brewsky’s seems to be a welcomed addition to the local bar scene. With its close proximity to campus, impressive venue set-up and overall good vibes and good crowd, Brewsky’s will prove itself as a leading bar in Hattiesburg.

Upcoming events at Brewsky’s include the Organic Comedy Tour on Friday, Willie Nelson & Family on Jan. 23 and North Mississippi Allstars on Jan. 30. Tickets can be pre-ordered online for all events, and a full schedule can be found by “liking” Brewsky’s on Facebook.