MULLET: Noun: A chiefly marine bony fish with an elongated snout and a rather stout body which are ecologically important for cleaning ecosystems; Mullet are a lean, firm textured food fish; From the Greek Origin “Mullos,” and the Latin Origin “Mullus,” and from the Old French Origin “Mulet.”
MULLET: Noun; Plural Noun: Mullets: A man’s hairstyle in which the hair is cut short at the front and sides and left long in the back.
The original meaning of the word “mullet” referred to the mullet fish, or grey mullets, a family of spiny boned, ray-finned fish known as “Mugilidae,” found worldwide in coastal temperate and tropical waters, estuaries, and some species in freshwater habitats. They are euryhaline: meaning that they can tolerate a wide range of salinities and are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Mullets have served as an important source of food in Mediterranean Europe since Roman times. In ancient Egypt, residents ate pickled and dried mullet called “fesikh.” The Mugilidae fish family includes approximately 78 species in 26 genera. Mullet fish are distinguished by the presence of 2 separate dorsal fins, small triangular mouths, and the absence of a lateral line organ. Mullets feed on detritus, algae, and sediment-filtered organic matter. Most species have unusually muscular stomachs and a complex pharynx to help in digestion of foodstuffs. Mullet fish have historic significance globally, with demonstrated records of consumption by the populous of ancient Rome and Egypt. Indigenous communities in Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina also fished and consumed mullet from as far back as the 15th century. Early American commercial fisheries in the 19th century dismissed mullet as a “TRASH FISH,” due to its low market value and the mullet therefore fell out of fashion. In the 1960s, Florida State Officials attempted to revive the popularity of the mullet, through various marketing campaigns. Alas, the “Trash Fish” = ie., fish that are generally small in size, fish that have low consumer preference, and fish that have little or no direct commercial value; moniker remained.
The term Mullet Haircut is attributed to the Beastie Boys, who popularized that term in a 1994 song entitled, “Mullet Head,” on their album “III Communication.” The Beastie Boys were an American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1981. The group was composed of Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz on vocals and guitar, Adam “MCA” Yauch on vocals and bass, and Michael “Mike D” Diamond on vocals and drums. It is believed that the song may have linked the hairstyle to the existing phrase “Mullet Head,” which is a colloquialism meaning “a blockhead, or a fool.” Furthermore, it is believed that the play on words for “Mullet Head” is an association of the shape of the fish, the mullet, with the shape of the men’s hairstyle. The hairstyle itself is a combination of short hair in the front and long hair in the back. This style has existed for centuries for practical reasons, such as keeping the hair out of the eyes, and also keeping the neck warm to retain heat. The 1994 Beastie Boys song lyrics include a description of the haircut: “Number one on the side, and don’t touch the back, number six on the top, and don’t cut it wack, Jack!” The Beastie Boys “expounded on the subject at length, in a six-page article entitled: ‘Mulling Over The Mullet,’ in Issue 2 of their magazine, ‘Grand Royal.’” Grand Royal was a vanity record label founded in 1992 by the Beastie Boys in conjunction with Capitol Records, based in Los Angeles, California. Described as a publication “that came to define part of Generation X,” the six issues of Grand Royal Magazine were distributed at an estimated 300,000 copies prior to the magazine closing down in 2001.
In slang, “Mullet” can refer to a person who mindlessly follows trends; or it can be a reference to the “BUSINESS IN THE FRONT, PARTY IN THE BACK” moniker for the hairstyle. The Beastie Boys song, “Mullet Head,” dubbed it “a way of life.” What does a mullet symbolize? A mullet represents a variety of things depending on the context, but most consistently a mullet symbolizes rebellion, individuality, and freedom of expression. A mullet “way of life” often embodies a confident, non-conformist spirit with a “business in the front, party in the back dual nature. The phrase captures the mullet’s ability to represent contrasting ideas, merging convention with unorthodoxy.” Today, mullets continue to embody defiance, whether worn ironically or with genuine confidence of a ‘Modern Rebel!’ The mullet style also bridges divides; the style represents a ‘bridge’ between different social classes, genders, and attitudes; incorporating a spirit that refuses to be defined by traditional norms.” Historical Mullet Icons include: CHER and Tina Turner; Mick Jagger; Liza Minelli, and Prince. Additional Mullet Mega-Stars include: David Bowie; his mullet was a defining feature of his iconic Ziggy Stardust look in the early 1970s. Billy Ray Cyrus; The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer became synonymous with the mullet in the 1980s, bringing the style into mainstream country music. Rod Stewart: Known for a mullet that has lasted decades, he is considered The KING of the Mullet Hairstyle. Patrick Swayze: The actor had a prominent mullet in the 1980s that was celebrated for its quintessential quality. Other famous personalities who ROCKED THE MULLET HAIRDO include: Paul McCartney, George Clooney, Rob Lowe, Andre Agassi, Larry Bird, Mario Lopez, Brad Pitt, Richard Dean Anderson, Jerry Seinfeld, Kurt Russel, Ellen DeGeneres, Toby Keith, Florence Henderson, John Stamos, and Meryl Streep!
Thus, we now unite together the BBQ Element of THE MULLET…
Introducing you to: Mullet’s Fish Camp and Market, located at:
3901 6th Street SSt. Pete, Florida 33705
(727) 205-6313
Open Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday from 12 PM- 9 PM
Friday and Saturday from 12 PM- 10 PM
info@mulletsfishcamp.com
Mullet’s Fish Camp and Market is a “brand new concept full of attitude in a chill, laid back atmosphere. Just like the mullet, we’re bringing seafood back in style with fresh twists to Florida classics. We’re pairing over 15 types of fish with house made sauces and slaws for flavorful dishes you won’t find anywhere else! This isn’t your overpriced beach bar serving up average seafood. We’re bringing the PARTY TO YOUR PLATE!” www.mulletsfishcamp.com “Whether you want to treat yourself after a long day or unwind in our backyard tiki bar, Mullet’s is about to be your new favorite spot for flavorful seafood fare and sharing a beer amongst friends (or strangers.) Bring your family, your friends, and your mullet!”
Mullets most definitely and undoubtedly has delicious seafood dishes such as:
- Hogfish: “The ultimate seafood indulgence, with its mild, sweet flavor that’s a perfect blend of grouper and snapper, this delicate flaky fish melts in your mouth. Grilled, Blackened, or Sauteed in our zesty ‘Florida Man Style Butter,’ it’s always a winner! The freshest catch, straight from the sea to your plate!”
- Peel-N-Eat Shrimp–Mullet’s Style or OG Style
- Smoked Fish Spread made with fresh Mahi
- Fish Tacos served with House Slaw and Fries
- Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops
- Cod, Catfish, Mahi, Faroe Island Salmon, Gulf Grouper, Snapper AND The Fresh Catch of the Day!
You choose the cooking style for your fish or seafood…
- –Classic; Fried: Golden fried in 100% peanut oil
- –Cajun Fried: Golden fried with spicy Cajun seasoning
- –Grilled: Seared with house seasoning
- –Blackened: Grilled with spicy Cajun seasoning
OR
- –Mullet’s Style: Choice of:
- –The Florida Man: Sauteed in a house made citrus-herb butter. Served with their own Florida inspired slaw.
- –The Bobby Lee: Sauteed in a house made hoisin-ginger garlic butter. Served with their own Asian inspired slaw.
- –The Joe Dirte: Cajun fried then topped with the house slaw and dressed with their signature Mullet’s house made Dirte sauce.
HOWEVER…The MOST SENSATIONAL ITEM ON MULLET’S MENU IS THEIR SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS! Mullet’s smokers are named “Thelma and Louise.” And Thelma and Louise MEAN BUSINESS. These 2 smokers crank out The. Best. Wings. Ever. In fact, Mullet’s smoked chicken wings have brought vegetarians to TEARS, and TEMPTED their palates with unrelenting, unbeatable PHENOMENAL FLAVORS. “The wings at Mullet’s come up in most every wing discussion. They are smoked daily right behind the restaurant. The smell is amazing when the smokers are fired up! (They need to publish a schedule just for that part!) The wings are a FAVORITE staple among so many locals and visitors alike! The wings are served with choices of Dry Rub, House Merman Sauce, Signature Dirte Sauce, or Classic Buffalo Sauce.” Mullet’s House Made Dry Rub and Sauces are incomparable. Mullet’s wings are legendary. They are smoked then flash-fried fresh all night long!
Other BBQ Fare and Specialties include:
- –Tropical Inspired Pulled Pork- “a taste that transports you to paradise! Served with Mullet’s Style Loaded Baked Potato Salad packed with flavor!”
- –Prime Ribeye Steak- “reverse seared to medium rare, finished to order hot and fast on cast iron and topped with your choice of Florida Man Butter or Bobby Lee Butter!”
- –NY Strip Steak topped with whiskey infused Bobby Lee Butter served with white cheddar potatoes au gratin
- –In October, Mullet’s also adds Beer Smoked Bratwurt and German Potato Salad to their menu.
- –St. Petersburger- An 8 oz angus patty cooked on a flame grill, served on a fresh, toasted Brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle; Choice of 1 side, Topped with cheese or bacon.
- –MERMAN’S Creamy Cajun Pasta- Penne pasta tossed in an Alfredo sauce with a Cajun kick! Topped with diced tomatoes and peas. Top with shrimp, chicken, salmon, or tofu.
- –Chicken Bacon Sandwich -Grilled chicken breast topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, and Dirte sauce. Served on a garlic toasted Brioche bun with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and choice of 1 side.
- –Merman’s Provincial Pasta- Penne pasta in a spicy sweet chili sauce, topped with diced green onion and fresh chopped tomatoes. Choice of mild, medium, or hot. Top with Chicken, shrimp, salmon or tofu.
Mullets was recently named the Reader’s Choice of “Best Fast Casual Dining of 2025,” by St. Pete Life Magazine. “Blending nostalgic Florida charm with elevated coastal flavors, Mullet’s offers a relaxed, backyard-style dining experience rooted in community, tradition and a fresh take on the classic fish camp.” Encompassing that individualistic spirit of “Business in the front, Party in the back!” Mullet’s is a funky, artsy, eclectic, and unique restaurant. Mullet’s isn’t your run-of-the-mill seafood joint, instead Mullet’s is serving up your favorite Florida classics with “a deliciously creative twist, all while using the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients. Everything on the menu is made-in-house from scratch. And if that isn’t enough to get your attention, Mullet’s is located in a 102-year-old house! Soak up some historic south St. Pete Vibes by dining in the airy front porch, or inside by the cozy fireplace, or party in the back beneath the swaying palm trees, while listening to live music and sipping on your favorite hand-crafted cocktails. Stop by this south St. Pete gem and make yourself at home!” www.thatssotampa.com With the restaurant featuring ample indoor seating, a large outdoor bar, a patio filled with picnic tables, a front porch adorned with dinner tables, an indoor tiki-hut-décor bar, and a small stage in the backyard area for live music, it’s a perfect location to EAT THE BEST WINGS EVER! And it is the perfect atmosphere to imbibe in local spirits, craft beers from hazy sours to barrel ages stouts (and everything in between!) and artisanal cocktails…the ingredients of which are stored in “The Christopher WALKEN Fridge”…The Walk-In Fridge, Get It?? LOL. LOL. (I snort laughed on sight at that pun!)
Throughout the years, fish camps have operated and provided a place where “people could feed their whole families without blowing their paychecks. In a historic old house, reminiscent of simpler times in Big Bayou,”- harkening back to days of yore, when settlers first landed in Big Bayou and developed a Fisherman’s Village, “Operating a ‘Fish Rancho,’ where they sold fish and hosted clam bakes for the community,” Mullet’s Fish Camp is a FOODIE Lovers Dream. “Just like the mullet, partners Brian Rose and Nick Brown are bringing fish camps back in style –a place to revive a sense of community, just like St. Pete’s early pioneers had intended. Brian Rose and Nick Brown have created something new and fresh at Mullet’s, with a modern twist!” And, according to reporting by The Tampa Bay Times, “One of South St. Pete’s most beloved seafood spots is getting a SWEET new neighbor, thanks to the same team behind it. The owners of Mullet’s Fish Camp are expanding across the street and bringing something totally new to the table: An intimate dessert and wine bar!” Brian and Nick are turning the spot into a “cozy, welcoming lounge where guests can enjoy wine, beer, and a selection of house-made sweets!” www.ilovetheburg.com STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES, www.ribbqnews.com readers!
