Restaurants in Gautier

More than 50 years go, Mike Ilitch was poised for major-league glory. An up-and-coming shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, his baseball finesse was blossoming when an injury derailed his sports career. But although the wound stunted his athletic aspirations, it steered him toward a new path, and on May 8, 1959, he and his wife opened the first Little Caesars location, a then-unheard-of carry-out-only joint. The career shift and novel technique eventually proved triumphant. Today, the pizzeria's iconic, toga-clad mascot adorns storefronts on five continents. In each shop, staffers forge the signature Hot-N-Ready pizza, a freshly baked pizza designed for instant pickup, and warm, garlicky Crazy bread. With a storied half century under their belt, Mike Ilitch and his family strive to give back, supporting local organizations and creating their own charitable programs.

Pioneered by gastro guru Shayne Varone, an alumnus of the prestigious Culinary Institute¬ of America, G.T.'s pleases hungry palates with contemporary American cuisine infused with Cajun and Creole twang. G.T.'s menu complements the surrounding sea breezes and panoramic gulf views with entrees such as the seared red snapper ($22), the chicken and shrimp jambalaya dancing amidst a trinity of veggies ($15), and the 12 oz. rib-eye steak hugging a plate of herb-roasted potatoes and haricot vert ($27). While at least one food item must be purchased with this Groupon, left-over value can be used toward any of G.T.'s wines (most glasses are $5 to $15), specialty cocktails (most are $8 to $10), or local craft beers from the Lazy Magnolia Brewery Company ($4 draft, $4.50 bottle). As you lounge in the restaurant's tranquil spaces, keep a watchful eye out for merman mischief, which often includes using jumbo shrimp to heckle customers that are allergic to oxymorons.

Tempting taste buds for more than 30 years, Godfather's Pizza crafts mouthwatering pies composed of 100% fresh mozzarella, an array of robust meats and veggies, and three varieties of baked crust. Like frisbees, Godfather's pizzas ($8.99–$15.99 for one topping; additional charges for two or more toppings) are ideally suited for enjoying indoors or at the park and are even more satisfying for teeth than they are for hands. Each delicious disk can be made with original, thin, or golden—extra warm and buttery—crust and comes smothered in the eater's choice of eclectic toppings, including beef, mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and anchovies.

Inside the olive-hued dining room, Bangkok Pad Thai Restaurant’s chefs serve up dishes derived from many influences. Within traditional Thai cuisine, one can see the imprint of Szechuan-style cooking, the creamy coconut bases of South Indian curries, and the exotic flavours of Malaysia. The house special, pad thai, exhibits this merger of taste profiles with stir-fried rice noodles tempered by scrambled egg, bean sprouts, and crunchy peanuts. A slew of curry dishes add to the menu, along with vegetarian mains and traditional Thai soups such as tom yum goong, a spicy lemongrass broth filled with shrimp, mushrooms, and kaffir-lime leaves. After their forays into spicy territory, guests can cool off by sharing a slice of ice-cream peanut pie or pouring their complimentary ice water over their head.

RedBar Espresso & Market, named for its luminous red bar, serves up organic coffee and European-style baked goods in an elegant, modern setting. Baristas pull shots of espresso and craft specialty drinks with coconut sugar, flavored syrups, and organic cream from grass-fed cows, serving the beverages in fine Italian ceramic or BPA-free, compostable to-go cups. Stop by the onsite market to shop for organic coffee beans, grass-fed beef, local honey, and other wholesome products.