Matthew Bounds, the Gulf Coast home cook fans know as "Your Barefoot Neighbor" on TikTok, is taking his viral recipes offline and into a real-life neighborhood bar and restaurant. His first brick-and-mortar, Neighbors Tap & Table, is slated to open in downtown Gulfport this May, with a focus on approachable small plates, creative drinks and a relaxed, regulars-welcome vibe instead of a one-night-only spectacle.
The restaurant is moving into a roughly century-old building that the team says has been carefully renovated. Inside, guests can expect black-and-white checkered floors, a deep green color scheme and lounge-style seating built for hanging out rather than hurrying in and out. The food program centers on eclectic, accessible small plates and a rotating daily specials board that will spotlight Bounds' viral hits, including his much-discussed chicken cobbler. "If you walk in here and you have no clue who I am, the restaurant still makes sense," Bounds told reporters, as reported by What Now New Orleans.
Local TV coverage reports that Neighbors Tap & Table is aiming for a May 16 opening, after Bounds hosted a book signing and sneak-peek at the space on April 11. The restaurant is taking over the former Downtown Bistro at 1307 25th Avenue in downtown Gulfport, WDAM reported.
Bounds' chicken cobbler recipe first blew up on TikTok, then jumped to the national stage when Good Morning America featured it on May 10, 2023. At Neighbors Tap & Table, the team says the menu will balance those viral draws with price points that encourage frequent visits, along with a solid lineup of nonalcoholic craft drinks alongside more playful cocktails.
A Neighborhood Joint, Not a One-Off Gimmick
Bounds has been clear that he is building a true neighborhood spot, not a selfie backdrop or tourist trap. "This should be a community place. This should not be a destination or an occasion; this should be a two or three times a week kind of place," he said in local interviews, according to WDAM. To back that up, the team is planning plenty of lounge seating and live music, aiming for a low-key, locals-first atmosphere.
How To Get In The Door And What Comes Next
Bounds built his audience with short, practical cooking videos and has since expanded that presence into cookbooks and community-focused projects, as reported by GBH. Ahead of opening, the Neighbors team has been hiring and hosting preview events; local outlets report that job postings and application links have gone out as the buildout continues, according to WLOX. When the doors officially open, guests can expect Sunday Socials that run from midday into early evening and a menu designed for sharing.
For the latest on the official opening date, hours and any reservation details, keep an eye on Neighbors Tap & Table's social media. If all goes according to plan, Gulfport is about to get a new neighborhood hangout with a social media twist, built to feel more like a neighbor's living room than a stage.
