Alabama Dive Bar Guide

Our coverage of Alabama dive bars is admittedly thin so far, a shameful fact in no way tied to the divey potential of the state’s diverse drinking ecosystems. The robust bar scene in Birmingham provides stark contrast to the more laid back vibe of the Gulf Shores strip, though both feature their own inventory of worthwhile destinations.

Though it technically sits in Florida, Flora-Bama Lounge straddles the state line and thus qualifies for discussion here. The longtime roadside stop perhaps exemplifies the Gulf Shore experience best, a sprawling, wooden complex that operates multiple bars (and multiple devastatingly potent frozen drink machines) across several floors. Activities here can certainly turn a bit debaucherous, but the Gulf Shores dive bar also hosts weekday Bingo, so there’s something here for everyone.

In Birmingham, the local dive bar institution is of course The Nick, a grungy live music venue that is of course an excellent place to catch a show but an equally compelling destination to grab a drink. Statewide, unique dive bar finds exist around every bend in the road, a fact we hope to get more acquainted with in the near future.