Flora-Bama Lounge - Pensacola, Florida
N 30° 16.854 W 087° 31.088
16R E 450168 N 3350025
Located on the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast border, this oyster bar, nightclub, and cultural landmark is touted as America's "Last Great Roadhouse".
Waymark Code: WM5970
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/30/2008
Views: 26
Constructed in 1964, the Flora-Bama was practically the only thing in the area. As traffic began to increase along the new highway, business grew and the lounge grew to match it with new construction added piecemeal to accommodate the larger crowds.
Widely known as a place where "you can have a millionaire sitting next to a biker," this unique make-up of bar patrons is one of the contributing factors to its large appeal and attraction. Locals mingle with tourists rather easily and on large holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, cars line the highway for miles in both directions as the bar draws such a large crowd. The Flora-Bama first gained national attention when former Oakland Raiders quarterback and NFL MVP Kenny Stabler referred to the Flora-Bama as "the best watering hole in the country."
The establishment is referred to by locals as simply "the Bama" or "Pumptown" and before its partial destruction by Hurricane Ivan, it boasted in the range of 20 bars on the grounds. In addition, up to 4 live bands could be playing simultaneously providing a wide array of music for visitors to enjoy. The bar is primarily outdoors and formerly offered a huge deck where one can eat and drink while having a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico before its destruction by Hurricane Ivan.
Today, the piecemeal reconstruction of the Flora-Bama continues amidst the thriving daily business which never let up despite the hurricane damage.
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