Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a place where the cocktails are as memorable as the crab cakes, or perhaps you just really need a stiff drink and some fried pickles. Either way, let this list be your guide to the best bars in Foley where the food is just as good as the atmosphere. From waterfront gems to cozy downtown spots, each one is worth raising a glass to.
Groovy Goat
$ | (251) 999-4628 | WEBSITE
This Foley favorite has a steady crowd and a standout redfish sandwich. It also has a solid lineup of craft drafts that start at $6 a pint, and it’s ideal for a family outing when you want to enjoy some games (like the arcade and patio seating) and depart without blowing the whole entertainment budget. Start with the pretzel and cheese appetizer, and maybe arrive early. This place gets busy during game nights.
Mellow Mushroom Foley
$ | (251) 970-1414 | WEBSITE
Of all the places on this list, Mellow Mushroom Foley is the only one where you get to hand-pick exactly what you want to eat. This place is part pizzeria and part gathering spot, and there’s a big menu up front where you get to choose your own specialty pizzas and gluten-free options before you hand it over to the kitchen.
There’s always a pretty big selection of things like classic pies, creative toppings, and delicious pretzels, and when your server delivers everything fresh from the oven, you’ll be grateful for every last thing you chose. As an added bonus, this place has ample parking. The only real downside is that it gets extremely busy, but it’s worth a wait. So pick up a few friends, and bring your appetite.
Good Time Charley’s
$ | (251) 943-0152 | WEBSITE
Foley has plenty of spots for a night out, but you’ll always find a lively crowd at Good Time Charley’s, and for good reason. Their karaoke and live music create a fun, welcoming atmosphere, and the open mic night on Wednesdays features laid-back performers and a great bartender. The best experiences here are spontaneous, when the sound of friendly singing drifts through the space and you can’t resist joining in for a warm, vibrant evening with friends.
Mugshots Grill and Bar – Foley, AL
$ | (251) 975-0379 | WEBSITE
Mugshots Grill and Bar offers a menu with customizable burgers, garlic parm burgers, McDowells burgers, and Mono combos, plus gluten-free options. There’s a solid garlic parm burger with a nicely toasted bun, and some fried mushrooms that we’d happily order again and again. This Foley spot is the sort of comfortable, laid-back place where you could bring your entire crew or someone you hope to one day convince to join your entire crew.
The wings have a good spice level and come out well-cooked, though the onion rings are just average. Inside, there’s a casual bar area with TVs playing sports, and the lighting is warm and inviting, though the fries sometimes arrive only slightly warm. Portion sizes on the fries can feel a bit small for the price, which runs about $12–$18 for burgers and combos.
Overall, experiences vary—some find the food flavorful and the atmosphere pleasant, while others note delays in order delivery or find certain items mediocre.
Magnolia Bar & Grill
$$ | (251) 965-6801 | WEBSITE
Magnolia Bar & Grill is the name of a beautiful Southern flower. It’s also the name of this classic country bar that serves an excellent plate of fried pork chops (don’t overthink this while you’re there). This Foley spot is a bit more low-key than a lot of the other bars in the area, but the friendly staff and cold beer make it worth a trip over.
They serve traditional dishes like cheeseburgers and mashed potatoes with gravy, but we like some of the simpler options best and would come back again just for the potato salad.
Waffles R Wild the Speakeasy
$ | (251) 943-2271 | WEBSITE
Waffles R Wild the Speakeasy is one of those OWA spots that feels like it’s been around forever, but stays under the radar. The focus at this unfussy restaurant is very much on the food, which includes a simple, but skillfully prepared Royal Flush Steak & Eggs and a flavorful Waffledilla that ends up being a surprise favorite.
The dining room could use a little pizzazz, but this is still a good spot to become a lunchtime regular, and you’ll see people having family dinners and date nights here too.
The Office Lounge
$ | (251) 970-0043 | WEBSITE
According to regulars around Foley, The Office Lounge has managed to do what few dive bars can—maintain its authentic charm while drawing in a consistently lively, diverse crowd night after night. Compared to other casual spots in the area, this one leans unapologetically divey, meaning the vibe is smoky and the décor is minimal, but you’re also getting something more genuine than polished, cookie-cutter chain bars.
The Lounge’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere with its bad ass pool tables and friendly, attentive bartenders who remember your drink, might just be laid-back enough to make you feel like part of the family.
American Legion Post 99
$ | (251) 943-3114 | WEBSITE
American Legion Post 99 has about as many options for steak night as there are patriotic songs in a country music playlist. But unlike a tune you’ve heard too many times, you’ll actually want to spend your Saturday evening on these steaks. Get your favorite cut (if you need a visual, they’re all sizzling on the grill in the back) and then add some classic sides and dessert.
The amount of dancing space at Post 99 is generous, and they even have some lively acoustic music that reminds you of Nashville and friendly seating for veterans and newcomers alike. This is some of the best comfort food in Foley – which, as you’ll notice from the community buzz, is saying something.
Doc Holliday’s
$ | (251) 943-3151 | WEBSITE
If you dropped Doc Holliday’s in Nashville’s Broadway district, there would be a line out the door every single weekend. That’s how good the atmosphere here is. Fortunately for you, this place is in Foley, where there’s a shortage of quality live music venues – and you could probably walk right in and grab a barstool tonight.
This bar pours some of the best Bloody Marys in the county, and they also mix some very good lemon drops and a bunch of other classic cocktails that you’ll crave while you’re stuck at work on Monday. Bring your pool team or a few friends, and catch a live band on the small stage (right by the tiny dance floor) afterward.