Opinion Piece: These are some of my most loved bars around town. Comment your favorite dive below or on social for a chance to be featured in part two!
It is getting to be that time of the year. I do not know about you, but the cold, dark, dreary days give me the winter blues (yay Seasonal Affective Disorder). Tis the season when I am heading out with friends for a drink and some comforting food I will most likely be picking a dive bar. “Come as you are” is the most fitting saying for a dive bar visit. Reppin’ your high school warm up sweats? Cool. 3 days’ worth of dry shampoo? Perfect. Crocs? C’mon. If you want to enjoy cheap drinks without the judgement of pretentious patrons, these places are worth a visit.
VooDoo Lounge Bar & Grill
An underground shotgun style bar on the southside courthouse square featuring live music every night of the week. Many folks miss the beloved Sunday Blues Night at Kaffeklatsch, and you can now find it here! It gets tight in here on weekend nights since it is one of the only dive bars in downtown. The fun social scene makes it worth a visit alone – a good combination of college students, middle-aged folks, and a few over-50 all jamming out together. Make sure to order a Huntsvegas shot, coined by yours truly and friends.
Tim’s Cajun Kitchen*
This festive bar and restaurant is nestled beside the 565 overpass on Jordan Lane. Local artist Don Howard has covered every wall with quirky bayou inspired murals. Paired along with Mardi Gras decorations, there is plenty to take in while you enjoy the Cajun fare. Fresh gulf oysters, gator burger, boudin, seasonal crawfish platters (January/February through April/May) – not your typical dive bar grub. If you had a long day at work, pay Mike a visit at the bar and order a Boston Tea. Its magic powers will erase all of your sorrows. Their daily lunch specials bring in Redstone Arsenal workers by the bus loads (the stuffed porkchop on Wednesdays is phenomenal). There is also a dining room separate from the bar that is non-smoking.
The End Zone*
People come here to watch their favorite sports team, especially NFL football. There is not a seat in the house without a direct line of sight to a TV. Such a fun atmosphere to watch sports, too. Everyone will be cheering (or booing) with you! What is a game day without chicken wings? Their chicken wings are large and juicy, and the homemade french fries are thin and extra crispy. I highly recommend the Uncle Jessie sauce – sweet and spicy just like the infamous uncle Jesse Katsopolis from Full House.
Maggie Meyer’s Irish Pub*
Huntsville’s one and only Irish pub. Between local bands, drag shows, karaoke, old-school Sundays with $2 beer and free pool – there is always something happening at Maggie’s (follow their Facebook for all events). They have a good selection of draft beers, including Guinness and Smithwick’s, of course. Need a snack? Try the “Freubens”, the ingredients of a reuben sandwich rolled into a deep-fried panko encrusted ball and served with thousand island dressing. The food menu is created in their entirely from scratch kitchen. It is a large establishment with several different hangout areas for you and friends. There are three pool tables and a huge smoke-free, back room with eight professional dart boards. It is close to UAH campus so is frequented by many college students taking a break from their studies.
Ruggby’s Food and Spirits*
A local favorite – this is where service industry professionals unwind after a long shift. You will leave this bar with a ton of new friends. The horseshoe shaped bar makes it easy to get to know all the friendly regulars here. It is also open 365 days a year. So, after you finish your Thanksgiving plate and need to escape the family gossip, Ruggby’s will welcome you with open arms. Rumor has it that the reuben sandwich is the best in town (personally tested and approved).
While these are a few of my favorites, there are many honorable mentions near and around our ever-growing city. South Huntsville folks, there is a good reason that Sports Page Lounge & Deli* has been open for many years on South Parkway. Perfect Timing Bar and Grill* in Owens Cross Roads gets two thumbs up. Lisa’s Lounge* is worth a stop on North Parkway. They offer free food every single day! Lastly, Bishops Pub & Grill* has everyone in Madison, New Market, and Harvest covered with their three locations – lots of TV’s, great food, and bar games. Hope to see you in a local dive bar soon.
*Smoking establishment
Brooke landed in the Rocket City in 1993 due to her father’s job, which is also a wildly common story around here. She grew up in Hazel Green (go Trojans) playing soccer and spending her free time exploring the trails and backroads throughout northern Alabama and southern Tennessee. Just could not leave the beautiful Huntsville area, she attended The University of Alabama Huntsville and continues to work there with the Alabama Space Grant Consortium, helping students pursue their dreams in STEM fields. You can find her at a new restaurant, trying one of everything, or romping around the Land Trust with her husband and two goofy boxers – follow Brooke’s adventures on her Instagram, @bbentzyo.
