Um……when you’re using this word to describe one of the best beach bars in America, you know you’ve visited something special.
Words like iconic, surreal, and unforgettable come to mind when trying to describe this “Last Great American Roadhouse.”
There is simply nothing like it. It is truly one of a kind. In fact the stories are all told on the walls. Kenny Chesney even wrote a song about it called “Flora-Bama”. (He also hosted a free concert there for 30k + attendees.)
No matter what we write or the pictures we present, there is no way to fully grasp just how memorable Flora-Bama is.
If you’re in search of sun, sand, and a one of a kind experience, Flora-Bama Bar should be at the top of your list.
So, without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into the history of the bar, the surrounding area and the the top 12 reasons why Flora-Bama is one of the best beach bars in America.
But first…a little bit about Perdido Key
Perdido Key is a 16 mile strip of pristine white sandy beaches along the Northwestern corner of the Florida Panhandle. It borders Orange Beach, Alabama to the west and Pensacola to the east.
When Spanish explorers discovered it in 1693, little did they know this little “lost key” would play host to a 40,000+ person concert a few centuries later.
Pirates used to hide here, using it as a launch point to raid passing ships. There is a legend that some may have buried their treasure in Baldwin County.
In the mid-1920’s, a road and bridge (now known as the Theo Baars Bridge – you’ll see the sign as you’re driving over the bridge) made travel to the Key more accessible. Then in 1954, the Perdido Key Association went to Washington and got approval to subdivide 700 acres of Navy surplus land into individual waterfront parcels. The cost per beachfront parcel then: $2700. The cost today: Here is a half duplex on the beach for sale at $1.7 million.
In 1962, when Alabama completed a bridge on the western side of the key, they were given the right to claim roughly 3 miles of the Key. And with that, a new state border was formed between Alabama and Florida.
That same year, lucky for us, the Tampary family had the idea of putting a lounge and package store on that new state line.
The History of Flora-Bama: From Humble Beginning to Hotspot
Over the year’s Flora-Bama has won numerous accolades including Food and Wine’s Best Beach Bars in the Country, Southern Living’s Best Bars of the South, Huffington Post’s Most Iconic Bars in Every State, Playboy Magazine’s World Best Beach Bar, mentions in Forbes Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, and more. Do a google search for “best beach bars in America” and Flora-Bama is sure to pop up on many of those lists. In fact, John Grisham even mentions it in one of his novels. Here is just a sampling of the attention they get.
But, it didn’t start that way. Back in 1964, with the Flora-Bama lounge and Package store ready to open, about to open, it was hit by a fire on July 4th 1964. The day before it was set to open. Luckily, as a sign of things to come, the Tamapary’s were a resilient folk.
A month later, on August 1st that same year, they were open for business. After operating as a small roadside package store and lounge for years, Flora-Bama was sold to Joe Gilchrist in 1978.
At that point, musicians began to hear about this exciting roadhouse style beach bar on the Florida/Alabama line. Ken Lambert christened the stage in 1978. Then came Jimmie Louis, and country singer Jay Hawkins.
In 1979, another act took the stage. This time, it was not a musical performance, but rather a category 4 hurricane by the name of Fredrick. While much of the surrounding town sustained some serious damage, Flora-Bama managed to walk away with a few minor bumps and bruises.
In 1984, Pat Mclellan joined up with Joe to form a longtime partnership. On January 1st of 1985, they launched the inaugural Polar Bear Dip. Then, soon after, the first rebuild took place.This included the Top Deck, Lotto Bar, and original bathrooms.
On the fourth weekend of July 1985, they introduced one of their longest running and most popular charity events: The 1st Interstate Mullet Toss Contest and Gulf Coast Greatest Beach Party. To say that this event was, and still is a huge hit would be an understatement. Inviting former Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler to throw the first fish was a sign of things to come.
With the bar gaining serious national (and international) publicity, tragedy struck again. Another hurricane. This time Ivan; and with it came some serious damage to the main Flora-Bama building. Although one brick wall did survive.
Paying tribute to the “Bama’‘ and another roadhouse bar destroyed in the hurricane, Jimmy Buffet released the song “Bama Breeze”.
A few years later, after rebuilding, two new partners, John McInnis and Cameron Price, joined the team. Flora-Bama then underwent another reconstruction, this time enclosing the deck area and expanding the top deck and elevator.
In 2012 the Flora-Bama church started with the first Worship on the Water. Later that year the Silver Moon became the Flora-Bama Liquor and Lotto, with the Flora-Bama Yacht Club opening up soon thereafter.
In August of 2014, Flora-Bama celebrated its 50th year, with Kenny Chesney releasing his hit song “Flora-Bama” and putting on a free concert. An estimated 40,000+ people showed up to be a part of that legendary experience.
With this legendary history spanning more than 50 years, here are 12 reasons why it should be on your travel bucket list in 2023 (and beyond).
Reason #1: History and character
The history is evident from the moment you step outside your car. The outer appearance truly gives it that “roadhouse” appeal. You cannot gauge how big the place is until you step foot inside.
Once inside, one of the first things you’ll notice is all of the memorabilia that adorns the walls, including license plates, flags, signs, photos, and more. At over 20k square feet, with 18 bars throughout the premises, it may take you a week just to look at all the memorabilia. This place has so much history that there is even a book or two written about it.
While we were visiting, one of the bartenders was kind enough to come out from behind the bar and offer us a tour. She gave us a history lesson on the different rooms, while explaining the stories behind many of the pictures on the walls.
On the walls, you’ll also notice signatures and messages galore. Patrons can donate a couple of bucks toward one of Flora-Bama’s charities to buy a Sharpie. They can write their name (or a message) on one of the walls throughout the building. Good luck finding an open spot. Legend has it that Mick Jagger’s signature is on a bathroom stall in the ladies room.
Reason #2: The People
From the VP of operations to the door man, bouncers, bartenders, and patrons, this place really takes pride in attracting good people. A few of the bartenders had been there for over 15 years. The head doorman was one of the most hospitable security team members we have ever met. We were even given a tour by the VP of operations. The F;ora-Bama team looked and operated like a family.
It’s easy to see why so many people want to work there, and those that do, keep coming back year after year. They truly do take care of their people.
The patrons are just as fun and hospitable. The term “southern hospitality” is evident throughout. Whether at night or during the day, on the dance floor or on the beach, this place is a unique blend of young and old, rich and ruffled, all there to have fun. At over 20,000 square feet, there is easily enough room for everyone.
Reason #3: The Beach
Flora-Bama is situated on the beach, providing an effortless vacation vibe. Have a drink or two at the main bar, then walk down to the beach to take a dip. They have a smaller “tiki style’ bar on the beach itself, where you can grab a beverage or two without ever toweling off.
Occasionally you may see a dance floor set up here. For bigger shows you’ll see a concert stage and more. The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore combined with live music make for an incredible concert experience.
Reason #4: Multiple bars in one
Flora-Bama has several bars within its premises. 18 at the moment. They have bars indoors, outdoors, upstairs, and downstairs. They have a small bar on the sand, a higher end bar upstairs, the “original bar”, a pool room, and more. Each area has its own distinctive vibe and personality.
Whether it be a low-key, relaxing hangout spot or a live music and dancing, Flora-Bama has you covered.
Reason #5: Music galore
Speaking of music, Flora-Bama is known for hosting famous national and international musicians, so you never know which big-name performer you might see. They have 5 different stages, with different bands cycling through them continuously.
When you enter the main stage room, you’ll notice strings of bras lined over the stage and dance floor. No, it’s not what you think,,,well, yes it is in a sense. Women donate their bras to Flora-Bama who then donate them all to a breast cancer survivors charity.
Aside from Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet has played there. So has John Rich. Billy Currington. Many famous celebrities and musicians have visited as well (legend only has it a few of them may have picked up the mic:) including Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and more. It’s even said that Mick Jagger stopped by, bought a round of drinks for the whole place, and put his name on a stall in the ladies room in the early 80’s (check out his signature on the wall in Jimmy Buffet’s “Bama Breeze” video).
Reason #6: Open early and closes late
Opening at 9:00am and closing at 2:30am allows for a seriously fun beach bar experience. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, a day (or night) of partying or just stopping by to have a drink, Flora=Bama is open. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, this bar caters to your needs.
Reason #7: Signature cocktails
With an amazing selection of drink options at each bar throughout the facility, one famous drink stands out among its peers: The Bushwacker.
The Bushwacker is a frozen, island concoction whose original recipe consisted of Vodka, Kahlua, Dark Crème de Cacao, Coco Lopez, a splash of Triple Sec, and a creamy mix made of fresh milk and nutmeg blended in with ice.
It draws its origins to the Ship’s Store/Sapphire Pub in St. Thomas, where former Red Sox great, Tony Conigliaro’s cousin, Angie, invented this one of a kind drink. As the story has it, the drink was named after a guest’s dog, Bushwack.
Lucky for us, it found its way to the United States by way of Linda Murphy, owner of the Sandshaker Beach Bar, in Pensacola Beach. And from there, over to Perdido Key, where Flora-Bama has mastered it.
Reason #8: Atmosphere for making new friends and people watching
Flora-Bama is a great place to make new friends and socialize with visitors. The atmosphere is open, with a great “roadhouse” beach bar vibe, making it easy to connect and have fun. People come from all over looking to have a good time.
Whether its visitors from other countries, states, or local beach communities, Flora-Bama has something for everyone. While we were there we met people from Canada, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Biloxi Mississippi, Boston, Michigan and more.
Reason #9: Indoor and Outdoor venues
Indoor bars and dance floors. Check.
Outdoor bar areas (within the main facility) and areas to dance. Check.
Beach. Check.
“Tiki meets roadhouse style” bar on the beach. Check.
Whether you want to enjoy some food and drink, indoor or outdoor, or just soak up the sun on the beach while enjoying a beverage (or two), Flora-Bama has it.
Reason #10: Mouth-watering seafood
If you want to enjoy some food there or step outside the main facility and check one of Flora-Bama’s restaurants you have options. The Oyster Bar offers sandwiches, burgers, and Oysters galore. We recommend the Oyster Sampler.
Directly across the street from Flora-Bama is the Flora-Bama Ole River Grille. The hickory smoked tuna dip, shrimp boil, and blackened fish tacos were our favorites. Check out the menu here.
Then there is the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. All we have to say is Bacon and BBQ Fire Roasted Oysters. The rest of the menu here is awesome as well. From a Ribeye to a Filet, to gumbo, platters, and shrimp skewers, we are sure you will find something you like.
Reason #11: The Annual Mullet Toss
No. Not that mullet (though that would be quite entertaining to see).
This mullet.
Since 1985, on the last weekend of every April, Flora-Bama hosts their annual Mullet Toss Competition and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. This event attracts thousands and thousands of visitors annually.
The contest involves throwing a fish across the Florida/Alabama state line for charity There is also live music everywhere. Smaller contests and events. There are boaters coming in from all over to join the fun. If you plan to visit Flora-Bama only once, we highly recommend you check out this annual event. Just make sure to book rooms and airfare ahead of time as it gets busy. Check out this link for some pics of the event and more.
Reason #12: Community and charity support
More than just one of the best beach bars in America, Flora-Bama also gives back to the local community. It has been a staple of the region for over half a century and contributed significantly to the local economy.
Flora-Bama donates to roughly 30 charities per year, including the Youth Reach Gulf Coast, St Judes Children’s Hospital, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Cancer Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts, The National Chief Petty Officers Association, and more.
In summary, there are 12 excellent reasons to visit Flora-Bama, one of the best beach bars in America, next time you’re in the Gulf of Mexico region. You never know what adventures or new friendships await you on the white sandy beach with a cool beverage. It’s the perfect spot to relax, have fun and soak up the laid-back atmosphere that the bar has cultivated over the years.
It’s Time See Why Flora-Bama is One of the Best Beach Bars in America
We get it. You may be thinking, “Is Flora-Bama worth the hype?”
We hear you, and we’re here to say: YES. Flora-Bama is worth every bit of the hype and more.
Picture that feeling you get when you’re sitting by the ocean, sipping on a cold drink, feeling the warmth of the sun while listening to live music and more. Think about it as an escape from reality and a moment to fully relax and have fun.
But it’s not just about the atmosphere. Flora-Bama offers top-notch entertainment, some of the best seafood in town, and a lively crowd that will make new friends feel like old ones.
You owe it to yourself to book that trip and experience everything “Bama” has to offer. Trust us, it will be worth it. And who knows, maybe you’ll even give us a standing ovation when you come back.
And, if you go during the Mullet Toss Contest, maybe we’ll see you there!
Let the countdown begin.
Be sure to check out our other beach bars reviews and stay tuned for new ones!
Cheers!
JP
