flora bama yacht club live music

Local Ingredients

LOCAL INGREDIENTS 

Family friendly, house cocktails .

"Great food, great service, live music, very casual. Eat, drink, let the kids play in the water."

                         Buddy Foster

“The quality of food and the nature of the staff is “our kind of people!” Don’t stop anywhere else... come eat here! Delicious! Madison is amazing! Ask for her is you need anything!”

                          Jennifer Johnston

“Met a friend for lunch and loved it! The Mahi Reuben was excellent and we loved the open air dining and water views. Perfect spot for a laid back meal with excellent food.”

                           Juleigh Rickles

We are proud to offer local Island Time Oysters at all Flora-Bama locations. Sample one of the best southern delicacies.

17350 Perdido Key Drive Perdido Key, FL. 32507

(850)  483-6272 [email protected].

15 things to know about the Flora-Bama: Music, food, church and more

Flora-Bama is many things: a beach bar, honky-tonk, restaurant, songwriter venue, concert destination, marina, package store, bingo parlor and even a church. 

It started 55 years ago as a lowly state-line dive and liquor store that was hoping to take advantage of thirsty customers from Florida and Alabama. 

Here are 15 interesting tidbits about this iconic coastal landmark :    

How Flora-Bama started

In 1962, the state of Florida gave the state of Alabama two miles of beachfront land in exchange for the construction of the Perdido Pass Bridge. In 1964, the enterprising Tampary family opened the Flora-Bama as a small bar and package store on the new state line, hoping to capitalize on the fact that Escambia County, Florida, was "wet" and Baldwin County, Alabama, was "dry" for alcohol sales. 

Joseph Gilchrist purchased it in 1978 and added daily live music and songwriters. Pat McClellan became a partner in 1986, and they began to create events like the Interstate Mullet Toss and the Frank Brown Songwriter's Festival. There are now four partners with John McInnis and Cameron Price joining in 2009. 

Flora-Bama offers live music between 11 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., but hours vary at the five stages. Performers include locals, songwriters and up-and-comers. Big names who have played Flora-Bama include Jimmy Buffett, Billy Currington and John Rich. There was a free Kenny Chesney concert on the Flora-Bama beach in 2014 that drew 40,000 people and 400 boats.  Coming up is a beach concert featuring Justin Moore and Easton Corbin on Sept. 1.

FLORA-BAMA: Why the iconic Gulf Coast beach bar is worth putting on your bucket list

Multiple venues

Flora-Bama consists of multiple venues on a sprawling piece of property on both sides of Perdido Key Drive just inside Florida at the Florida-Alabama state line.

During the day, all ages are welcome at the main Flora-Bama bar and restaurant complex on the Gulf side, but after 6 p.m., it is restricted to guests 18 and older; and there is a $5 cover charge. The Yacht Club and Ole River Grill across the street are family-friendly all the time and never have a cover charge. Kids meals in all of the restaurants are about $6.

Church services

Sunday church services are at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Tent bar and are live streamed in overflow areas, including the Bra bar. The services, led by Pastor Dan Stone, draw 500-700 people each. The church, whose theme is "it's okay to not be okay" is part of Central Christian out of Las Vegas. 

And yes, you may enjoy an adult beverage during the service.

Domestic draft beers are $3.75. At the Oyster Bar and Grill, the Bama burger with fries is $12; a dozen oysters is $13; a fried shrimp basket is $11; and a half pound of peel and eat shrimp is $12. The food is served "grab and go," so you can eat anywhere you want. Menu prices vary at the Yacht Club and Old River Grill. The most expensive item I saw on any of the menus was a hand cut certified Angus ribeye for $28.

Best-selling booze

Flora-Bama uses a system that pumps the liquors from a central location to each bar through lines like the casinos in Las Vegas. Its best-selling drink is the Bushwacker, a $7.50 "adult frozen milkshake" which contains five types of liquor. The best-selling vodka is Nashville's own Pickers Vodka, which goes into 250,000 Flora-Bama drinks a year.   

There is lively bingo from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are usually 100 players of all ages, and prizes include gift cards, toys, and other items from local merchants. 

Songwriter festival

The Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival, named for an early Flora-Bama night watchman, features more than 250 award-winning performers, singing songs and telling the stories behind them. The 35th annual festival is Nov. 7-17. 

Oddball events include the annual Interstate Mullet Toss in April, where competitors throw dead mullet across the Alabama-Florida state line; the Polar Bear Plunge typically attracts about 5,000 people who get the new year started by running into the frigid Gulf; Santa landing on the beach via helicopter at Christmastime; the Easter Bunny making a similar grand entrance and hiding eggs on the beach; a Fishing Rodeo; and an annual Chili Cook-off. Coming up is the Miss Flora-Bama Bikini Contest Finale on Aug. 31. 

Getting there

Flora-Bama offers shuttle service from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola for as little as $5 per person each way. 

Hurricane destruction

When Hurricane Ivan hit in 2004, the main Flora-Bama building was severely damaged. It was one of the first coastal businesses to reopen, operating for years out of tents and trailers on the original site. It was rebuilt on two levels in 2010.

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club opened in 2013 and the Ole River Grill in 2015 on the Intracoastal Waterway across the street from the main Flora-Bama. Patrons can pull their boats up on the sand or into slips to enjoy food, drink and music. 

Dog-friendly

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Ole River Grill are pet friendly, so you can take your dog on a leash.

Longtime staff

The Flora-Bama employs as many as 500 workers during the Memorial Day and Labor Day high season. At other times of year, it might be 250 people. More than half of the management team has been there for 20 years or more. Management refers to its security workers as "customer service" employees.  

Environmentally responsible 

Flora-Bama strives to be environmentally responsible. It has a 9,000 gallon cistern that collects rain water that is used to flush the complex's more than 50 toilets. It also recycles thousands of beer cans (using the proceeds to pay for employee outings), uses biodegradable straws and plates and participates in an oyster shell recycling program.

Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, and at Tennessean.com/mscheap, and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”

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Flora-Bama Yacht Club

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club has become almost as legendary as the bar across the street. Guest and food critics are always amazed at the unique and scrumptious offerings on the menu. When you combine the food with the warm service, fantastic waterfront settings and live music... well it doesn't get any better.

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Flora-Bama Yacht Club

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club features open-air waterfront dining on Ole River across the street from the world famous Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar. With a chef-to-table experience and hand-crafted cocktails, this Gulf Coast establishment is a place where everyone is a member. Join us by boat or by land, fancy or sandy, and come try our delicious Bushwackers and Greek Shrimp Nachos. Come relax, enjoy the scenery, take in the atmosphere, and make a few new friends at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club.

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• Mississippi

Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Published: Sep 28, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club on Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.

While the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is technically in Florida, it is pretty darn close to the Alabama line. Considering there is a sign in the parking lot that is split between the two states, you can choose if you feel like being in Alabama or Florida.

Either way the time you spend at the Yacht Club will be fun with great food!

Relax on the open air deck or head down to a chair in the gorgeous white sand beach. This legendary restaurant is part of the Flora-Bama family of restaurants and experiences.

Indoor Seating

There is comfortable indoor seating available with multiple sizes of tables. The chairs are super comfortable!

There is a great indoor bar right when you enter the restaurant. They have all of the tropical cocktails you can dream of including the world-famous Bushwacker.

Outdoor Seating

The outdoor seating includes picnic tables on the wood deck and in the sand near the water.

Flora-Bama Yacht Club Menu

The menu is filled with fresh seasonal ingredients, seafood, burgers, and so much more.

Menu Highlights

Flora Bama Yacht Club serves Island Time Oysters which are locally grown in the Gulf Waters surrounding Dauphin Island, Alabama.

Each oyster is hand-shucked to guarantee quality and consistency!

Appetizer Highlights - Seared Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi, Cilantro Lime Hummus, Asian Ahi Tuna Nachos, Gulf Coast Blue Crab Claws, Smoked Tuna Dip, Oysters, Firecracker Calamari, Greek Shrimp Nachos, Firecracker Coconut Shrimp, and more!

World Famous Gumbo -  Traditional roux-based gumbo with house-made shrimp stock. Loaded with Conecuh sausage and Gulf shrimp.

Salads - Greek Salad, Raspberry Pecan Salad, Traditional Chicken Caesar Salad

The Raspberry Pecan Salad pictures above is one of the best salads I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast. I would drive to the Flora Bama Yacht Club just to get this salad it is that good.

Normally it has praline pecans on it but I had them removed.

Entree Highlights

Creole Rigatoni - Rigatoni pasta tossed in a creole gouda cream with crawfish tails, Conecuh sausage, and Gulf shrimp topped with a Parmesan panko crust.

Filet Mignon - 8 oz hand cut, certified Angus beef.  Served with buttered baby Yukon gold potatoes and steamed local vegetables.

Chicken Pontchartrain - Pan sautéed chicken served with creamy Cajun rice and seasonal vegetables topped with a crawfish Julie cream sauce.

Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers - Jerk style Gulf shrimp skewers with mango slaw and vanilla rum butter. Served with Cajun rice and seasonal vegetables.

Gulf Seafood Trio - A true taste of Gulf seafood including fried oysters, shrimp and fish.  The best way to sample what Gulf seafood is all about.

Mahi Mahi Reuben - Grilled marble rye with Mahi Mahi, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Thousand Island.

Build your own Bama Burger - Your choice of Swiss, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, pepper jack cheese, grilled onion, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles.

This burger is so good it made our best burgers in Orange Beach list!

Grilled Mahi Taco - With house slaw, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and spicy mayo drizzle.

Kids Menu - We did not see a designated kids menu

Gluten-Free - They have oysters, salads, ribeye steak, filet mignon, fresh seafood, and more!

Vegan/ Vegetarian - When I asked what the best options were for a vegetarian I was told the salads are the best idea. I have to tell you I would drive 15-20 minutes from our house to get to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club weekly to enjoy the raspberry pecan salad.

This is one of the best salads I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast.

Signature Cocktails - beer, Bushwacker, signature bloody Mary, frozen strawberry lemonade (So good), Watermelon Crawl, Frozen Mojito

Why you will love Flora-Bama Yacht Club

• Large Outdoor Deck and beach area
• Boat In Restaurant
• Epic Views of the water
• Friendly staff
• Fantastic music and musicians
• Award winning chefs
• Best beach bar in Orange Beach

Things to know when planning a visit to Flora Bama Yacht Club

Address - 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Florida, 32507

Phone - 850-483-6272

Hours - Sun - Thu 11:00 am  -  9:00 pm

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that hours have not changed.

Accessibility- There are accessible parking spaces near the main entrance to the restaurant. There is a ramp leading to the restrooms.

The parking lot is gravel and a bit uneven. If you are with someone with mobility restrictions you may want to drop them off at the front entrance and then park the car.

Plus Size Seating - There are chairs inside that do not have arms on them. The bar seats do not have arms but are at bar height.

The outdoor seating is picnic tables with attached benches.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant.

Parking   - There is a great parking area right outside of the restaurant.

Reservations - The restaurant does not take reservations.

If you are local and have friends in town the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is a great place to spend time! Our good friend Rob from 2 Travel Dads was in town and we had such a great lunch.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Flora-Bama Marina - jet ski rentals or a boat rental right next to the restaurant.

Flora Bama Ole River Grill - Located right next door is another great restaurant with a different menu!

Flora Bama World Famous Beach Bar - Right across the street is the famous Flora Bama Beach Bar! You can walk across the street from the Yacht Club after enjoying a great meal.

Lillian's Pizza - Epic thin crust or pan crust pizza!

Cobalt - the perfect place for lunch or dinner on the water! Their menu is filled with gulf seafood, sandwiches, and delicious options you will have a hard time choosing from.

The Gulf - The Gulf Orange Beach offers amazing food, epic views, and a casual atmosphere perfect for a beach trip!

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Orange Beach Restaurants on the Beach - The best Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach and or with a Waterview!

Best Pizza in Orange Beach, AL - The best pizza delivery and dine in pizza restaurants in Orange Beach.

Gulf State Park Pier - Enjoy epic sunrise and sunset views, great fishing, and more.

Epic Orange Beach Coffee Shops   - The best coffee shops for relaxing, iced or blended coffees, and more.

Unique Things to do in Orange Beach – There are so many fun things to do while visiting the Gulf Coast.

Pensacola Lighthouse - Climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for epic views.

Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - This Pensacola Beach restaurant has great food and fantastic water views.

The Wharf in Orange Beach - Check out all of the Wharf restaurants, things to do, and fun shopping.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including  Gulf Shores ,  Orange Beach ,  Dauphin Island ,  Fairhope ,  Fort Morgan ,  Foley , Mobile,  Bayou La Batre , Alabama and so many more!

We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, and more.

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of  Alabama ,  Mississippi ,  Louisiana , Texas, and  Florida !

Check out our  Facebook  and  Instagram and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

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  About Us

The legend of the flora-bama.

There are many stories about how the most famous beach bar in the country, the Flora-Bama Lounge, became the iconic location it is today. Some of the stories are even true and a few others were thought up on a local bar stool. The truth is that in 1962 the State of Florida gave the State of Alabama two miles of beach front land in return for the construction of the Perdido Pass Bridge. The Tampary family (Father Ted with sons Connie and Tony) decided to build a small bar and package store on the new State Line. The Flora-Bama was originally constructed in 1964, two years after the road was completed. In the early days of the Flora-Bama, the lounge 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. At the time it was established Escambia County, Florida, in which it is located was "wet" while across the line Baldwin County, Alabama, was "dry".

The Tamparys created a camaraderie rarely found among people of all ages and walks of life. Joseph Gilchrist purchased the tiny lounge and package store on April 17, 1978, and made live music a daily staple. Joined in 1986, by partner Pat McClellan, together they created calendar events like the “Interstate Mullet Toss” and the “Frank Brown Songwriter’s Festival,” named after the early, imposing night watchman.

In 2009, John McInnis and Cameron Price became co-owners of the Flora-Bama, along with Joe and Pat, to carry it into the next 50 years. Together these four owners have carried on the tradition of making the Country's Best Beach Bar a place where everyone feels comfortable and leaves smiling. Today the live music at the Flora-Bama consist of local favorites to Platinum selling recording artist. The events range from chili cookoffs and fishing rodeos to the Annual Mullet Toss and big beach front concerts. The best part is there is always someone and something different going on at the Flora-Bama every day and you never know who is going to be sitting next to you.

The Owners 

Building a legendary location takes dedicated ownership who cares for the team, community, quality and our beloved guests.

Say Hello To Joe, Pat, John and Cam

Around the Flora-Bama the owners like to be called by their first names. They are dedicated to making every day better for our community. They provide support to local charities and provide assistance to returning troops. Next time you are at The Flora-Bama come say hello.

Songs About The Flora-Bama

Yes, many people have written and recorded songs about the Flora-Bama over the years. As we always say " you never know who you are going to see at the Flora-Bama" or who is going to mention it in a book, song or video. Here are some famous examples.

Slide title

The Flora-Bama has been described in many ways. Some call us a beach bar. Others have mentioned live music, oyster bar, dance floors, beach views and so many other adjectives. As long as you like fun for all ages in a fantastic location on the beach then feel free to describe the Flora-Bama how you like. BUT we like to say that we are the ONLY Honky Tonk On The Beach! See how news from around the nation describes the Flora-Bama by clicking HERE .

FLORA-BAMA MOTTO

"To always be responsive and sensitive to the human dignity of others. To grant equal respect to all who enter the Flora-Bama, expecting the same in return. To ensure our guests enjoy the magic of the Flora-Bama, leave safe and happy and come to visit us again with new friends."

The Flora-Bama encourages everyone to invest in their community and the well-being of others. Here are a few of the organizations we assist annually. In total the Flora-Bama provides donations to over 30 charities each year.

This faith-based long-term, residential ministry offers a healthy and stable environment to receive emotional healing and valuable life skills.

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Join Our Team

Flora-bama is always seeking great new members.

17401 Perdido Key Dr.

Perdido Key, FL. 32507

[email protected]

(251) 980-5118.

Good Times and Good Music since 1964.

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