When it comes to restaurants here in Alabama, most are sitting out in plain sight. However, there are plenty that are situated in the middle of nowhere, or that are even hiding underground. An underground restaurant in Alabama is The Boiler Room, and you can read all about it below.
The Boiler Room is a restaurant and bar that's located in the basement of the Stricklin Building in downtown Florence, Alabama.
Of course, one of the main draws of The Boiler Room is its four vintage-style bowling lanes. People of all ages enjoy testing their bowling skills here. In addition to bowling, people also enjoy playing Skee-Ball, Foosball, darts, and more during their visit.
Have you ever had one of the common dreams in which you are back in school and can't find your locker, forgot to wear clothes, or have a final exam for a class you forgot to attend? What if I told you that you could set it all straight in real life at a hidden speakeasy in Huntsville, Alabama? This may be the only speakeasy that is tucked away in a former school. While I recommend you not forget your clothes, no one is checking your skirt length against the dress code. And there are no pop quizzes. Coincidentally, you do have to find the right locker to get inside.
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The Speakeasy at Straight to Ale is located at Campus No. 805, a former public school building that now houses breweries, restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues. There is a video arcade, an axe-throwing venue, and even a ballroom with dance lessons.
If this conjures the lost-locker dream, well, sorry. I promise you'll have a much more fun outcome when you locate the correct bank of lockers that conceal The Speakeasy at Straight to Ale, a space operated by one of the two breweries at Campus 805 (the other is Yellowhammer).
I don't want to ruin the fun of finding it with too big of a hint. I will just knock on wood that you'll find it.
When you slide away the faux locker front, it reveals a small room leading to a much larger space. The speakeasy's hours can vary, so if the door is closed, you'll have to come back another time.
It's typically much less crowded than that, though, unless someone is hosting a larger private event. The space is easily configurable and has become a popular spot for engagement and anniversary parties, small reunions, and other events.
If you're curious about the brewery and its other rental spaces, visit the Straight to Ale Brewing website and follow the Straight to Ale Brewing Facebook page for the latest events there. To learn more about all of the businesses at this former school property, visit the Campus 805 website.
Have you found the lucky lockers and visited this hidden speakeasy in Huntsville, Alabama? Let us know about your experience and definitely share if you venture there for the first time. If you love sleuthing out this spot, we bet you'll also enjoy this Hunstville Hunters Scavenger Hunt.
Growing up in Alabama from birth through college, I didn't hear much about the beach bar Flora-Bama, despite it being around far longer than I've been alive. I took several Gulf Coast trips in my teens and early 20s, and yet, somehow, I've never been to this iconic beach bar on the Alabama-Florida line. It seems like I heard a lot more about it when I lived in Nashville and how it's a must-do for music, oysters, beach bumming, and raising a toast – or several.
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So, what's all the fuss about? Let's dive into the history and highlights.
This restaurant, bar, oyster bar, and lounge opened in 1964 on the Florida-Alabama border, technically in Pensacola, Florida, and within six feet of Orange Beach, Alabama. I am curious if Floridians also feel like they've missed out if they've not paid a visit.
And since we are talking about the state line, I'll touch on one of the bar's most famous events – the annual Interstate Mullet Toss, which marked its 40th year in April 2024. The competition is exactly what it sounds like. People of all ages compete over three days throwing thousands of dead, frozen fish to see who can toss one the longest distance across the state line. If you're just not into that sort of thing, there's also live music by over 40 bands and plenty of revelry and socializing.
If you wonder what happens to the dead fish, they're donated to a local alligator sanctuary, according to local reports. Entry fees for the competition raise money for local charities, with the 2024 total topping $30,000.
I can't believe I've not been to a place where people have been throwing dead fish at us for all these years! I kid. I do think I'd be more inclined to visit for a music event, and Flora-Bama has plenty of them, from local artists to big-name performers that have included Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Kid Rock over the years.
Every single day, you will hear live music on multiple stages at Flora-Bama. Part of its perennial appeal is this spot keeps rocking past the spring/summer season.
It's during the cooler months when Flora-Bama hosts one of its most popular draws for music lovers. The Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is held over 11 days in mid-November and marks its 40th year in 2024. More than 200 songwriters from all walks of life and levels of fame play at Flora-Bama and other venues along the coast.
And of course, there's the beach food. It's not called "Flora-Bama World Famous Oyster Bar" for nothing. Supposedly the oysters are legendary. While I've never been a fan of them anywhere, I'd definitely be interested in the veggie burger or big Blue Chair Bay Shrimp Taco.
As you might imagine, the drink options are plentiful and yet the when-at-Flora-Bama beverage is the famous Bushwacker. The cold, creamy concoction is a boozy milkshake said to be a blend of vanilla ice cream, milk, rum, amaretto, Kahlúa, and crème de cacao.
While I sadly have yet to take the first step, loyal customers can get perks like a free first drink on Thursday nights, free admission year-round (excluding special events besides the Mullet Toss), and a gift shop discount with the purchase of a membership card. I bet I'd become a card-carrying member about midway through the second Bushwacker!
Are you a veteran of this iconic beach bar on the Alabama-Florida line? Give me some first-timer tips before I make a plan to go! I've already got my eye on this blanket-sized beach towel.
If you're considering a first visit yourself, you can see the full menu on the Flora-Bama website and stay up-to-the-minute on events via the Flora-Bama Facebook page.
