I need help with info for a book about the Gulf Coast.

[Wildh2oskier]

OK here is the background story on this idea.
I want to write a travel book about the beach bars of the Gulf Coast. In order to help keep me from being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of them I had to set some parameters as to what makes a bar worthy of inclusion in this list.
1. It needs to be on the water or at least reasonably close. (Duhhh its a beach bar)
2. It needs to have been in continuous operation for at least 10 years. (Gotta have some history behind it)
3. It can't be part of a chain, it needs to be locally owned. (So's Hooters and the like are out)

So since we tend to gravitate towards establishments of this type I cannot think of a better brain trust to guide me towards worthy establishments. I plan to start research later this spring and doing the traveling by motorcycle and boat as much as possible. I will begin with the area from Biloxi to Port St. Joe Fla. first since reaching that area will just involve loading up and rolling out about lunch. If it seems to be working out OK I will expand the reach of the research.

When you are posting a bar to me it will defiantly go to the top of the list for consideration soooooo if you could post where it is located, like the Flora Bama in Gulf shores etc. Also anything you care to tell about them as personal stories are always a good read.
Remember the old school beach bar is slowly going the way of the Mom & Pop hotels up and down the beach and their history is one that is slowly being forgotten as they are plowed under to make room for either a chain bar/restaurant or another luxury condo.

Thanks in advance for info and help you give me.
Also I need some help in working out some sort of rating system, I figure you cats can help with that also.

[Elrod]

Beach bars on the Gulf Coast? I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't know anything about that.

... but you might want to take a good luck at Kitty's Purple Cow, Flora-Bama and Caddy's on the Beach.

http://www.kittyspurplecow.com/
http://www.florabama.com/
http://www.caddysotb.com/

[Crazy Navy Flyer]

Of course the FloraBama.

Pensacola Beach, Sandshaker, been around for at least 30 years.

Navarre, Juana's, don't know how long it's been around but over 10 to qualify.

[Wildh2oskier]

.

[JollyMon66]

What about spots in the Keys or in Key West - they do jut into the Gulf.

Here's a few links to places I've been to in Key West that I would definately direct friends to....

Captain Tony's - what else needs said about this place?
http://www.capttonyssaloon.com/

The Turtle Kraals - check out the turtle races
http://www.turtlekraals.com/

Caroline's - great open air cafe - watch out for the roosters
http://www.carolineskeywest.com/Home.html

[Elrod]

Caddy's is on Treasure Island, St. Pete area.

Kitty's is in Surfside Beach, Texas. It's been there forever (and rebuilt after Hurricane Ike).

[C-Dawg]

Woody's - St Pete Beach http://www.woodyswaterfront.com/about.html

O'Maddy's - Gulfport http://omaddys.com/


Both are "must stop"s whenever we're in the area. Last trip, I spent time at O'Maddy's on 8 out of 10 days we were in the area, and watched the Superbowl there. It was an awesome evening, watching the Superbowl, sitting outside, with the beach beach behind us.
As a bonus, BN's very own Kimmyphin works there

[ph4ever]

The Poop Deck in Galveston. Been around forever and was the infamous bar that stayed open during Ike. Gotta love any place that has a Statue of Liberty.

[aeroparrot]

Don't forget Live Bait in Gulf Shores.

[Marnin Grita Guy]

.

I think this is what you were trying to show.



Nice form there, and boobies.

[sonofabeach]

There's got to be some good ones in Cedar Key. I've only been twice but will be going again soon. I had a good time at
"Frog's Landing" and there's a funky little bar by the pier called "The Captain's Table" that I have not made it to............yet.

[pamesoo]

How about Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe' in GUlf Shores?

[Gulfbreeze]

Billy's on Tierra Verde...I believe a few BNer's have been here before.


http://www.billysstonecrab.com/

[citcat]

Pink Pony Pub in Gulf Shores.