Southern Living readers recently voted the Flora-Bama as Alabama’s best dive bar, and there’s a slight geographic issue there: However much pride of ownership Alabamians might feel, it’s technically a Florida venue.

Florida address, Florida liquor license, Florida business license, Florida elevator license. Those are the facts.

We know, we know, facts only go so far. As Homer Simpson, a noted patron of archetypal dive bar Moe’s once protested, “Facts are meaningless. You can use facts to prove anything that’s even remotely true.” But the Flora-Bama notes on its own website that it was established on the Florida side of the line specifically to capitalize on the fact that Escambia County was wet and Baldwin County, at the time, was dry.

If it ever crossed the line, so to speak, that seems to have ended when the venue was rebuilt following Hurricane Ivan. A representative confirmed that the state line runs right down the west side of the building – though if you park in the lot across the street, you’re in Alabama.

The fault here might not lie with Southern Living, though the publication has shown a persistent tendency to treat Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as one entity, and which also has included the Flora-Bama among its listings of “The Best Dive Bars in Florida.” Ask Alabamians about a dive bar, and for many, the first thing that springs to mind will be the one that they’ve walked to from an Orange Beach condo, the one Kenny Chesney and others have sung about, the one where they throw the fish.

But what about genuine Alabama dive bars? That was the question facing Brandon Owens, executive director of the Alabama Beverage Licensees Association. The nonprofit trade association represents more than 100 package stores, restaurants and bars throughout Alabama, and after Southern Living picked the Flora-Bama, there was a certain amount of concern, shall we say, among members.

So, for your consideration, Owens has offered a list of top dive bars in Alabama, based on consultation with “a few folks” and some fun discussion of how you even define what a dive bar is. (Key factors: Dives tend to be dark, they tend to have some history, and they tend to be a little off the beaten path. They’re not chains and they don’t change much with the times. And not everybody wants their venue to be labeled a dive, even if it is.) This list probably is not definitive, but it’s certainly grist for some debate, preferably over some cold ones in a dark place with a checkered history.

If you want to follow the discussion, visit the ABLA page at https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaAlcoholRetailers.

Owens’ picks and comments, in no particular order:

Catch 22: Alabama’s first bar to offer infused liquor cocktails, Tuscaloosa’s Catch 22 considers itself an “upper casual dive bar.” Located in downtown, the bar has operated for over 25 years in a space that was home to the Elbow Room before current owners Johnny Hudson and Jen Elliot took over.

Hayley’s: If you head to the heart of Dauphin Street, you’ll most likely see Mobile’s Hayley’s Bar. It’s a small location that definitely fits our definition. In existence for 33 years, Hayley’s has “seen some things” in its time on the Bay. Owners are Hayley Maulsby and Delane Bond.

Big Star Tavern: If you want something off the beaten path, Big Star is the place for you. Off of U.S. 82 near Prattville, this place is known to locals from doctors to late-night shift workers in hospitals and plants around the area. Michael Moore has owned Big Star and the adjoining Party Tyme package next door.

Pelican Pub: Scotland native Vickie Connoly owns and operates Dauphin Island’s Pelican Pub. Known for dart tournaments and for being a popular spot during the Deep Sea Rodeo, Pelican Pub is a spot those on the island know about well!

Brown Derby: An inconspicuous bar in downtown Birmingham.

Lou’s Pub and Package: Mike Carpri took over Lou’s Pub and Package after the original owner passed away and it’s still going strong.

Voodoo Lounge: Finding this bar in downtown Huntsville can be a bit of a challenge, but you’ll be rewarded when you get there.

Ric and Mo’s: John “Mo” Mosely and Ric McCaa opened this Montgomery bar in 2011 and it has quickly became one of the best dive bars in the state capital. Known for live music and tons of TVs, it’s a great place to hear some good tunes or catch a game.

Leroy: You’ll find this bar behind the Capri Theater in the Old Cloverdale part of Montgomery.

Harry’s: Tuscaloosa natives and university students are well versed in Harry’s. Opened by former Bama basketball player Harry Hamlin, Harry’s has been a staple in town for almost 50 years.

The Sloop: You can find some dive bars on the coast and if you’ve visited Gulf Shores, you’ve probably driven over this bar without knowing it. Located underneath the Ala. 59 bridge, The Sloop is hidden from the public, and that’s the way they like it.

The Undertow: Drive down Canal Road in Orange Beach and you’ll find The Undertow, a bar with a lot of character and a lot of history.

The Nick: Birmingham’s popular night spot located in Five Points. [Note: The Nick also has a rich history as a music venue.]

Pirate’s Cove: As the crow flies, it’s not that far from the Flora-Bama, but it draws far less attention to itself. But it’s beachy, dog-friendly and boat-accessible, with excellent burgers and pizza.

Fat Daddy’s: Located in a strip mall off of Wire Road in Auburn, at Fat Daddy’s, you’ll get a quintessential dive bar experience!

17-16 Bar: Downtown Auburn’s best-known dive.

Houligan’s Irish Pub: Owens said he didn’t know a lot about this Dothan venue, “but it certainly appears to qualify.”

The Upsidedown Plaza: Considered to be Birmingham’s oldest dive bar, with history going back to 1962.

Hoppers Corner Bar: Tuscaloosa bar took the lanes from a gutted bowling alley and made them a bartop and tables. Great atmosphere.

Top Shelf Tavern: Again in Tuscaloosa, a bar where you can hear a great musical act or watch a game. Located in Temerson Square.

Airport Inn Tavern: A Birmingham staple. In the 1960s it was frequented by pilots recruited to participate in the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Red Lion Lounge: Homewood staple with a seating capacity of 35, something that makes it a great dive. Visited by celebrities over the years.

Copper Top Dive N Dine: Huntsville location with darts, pool and dogs. We aren’t looking for food in our dives, but if it’s there, dog form is preferred. [Copper Top also is known for hosting live music, with an emphasis on local punk rock.]

Sports Page Lounge and Deli: The first thing you see on Yelp for this Huntsville venue is “no, it’s definitely not smoke free.” Lots of people hate cigarette smoke, but it’s a hallmark of a dive, especially in 2024.

Stagger Lee’s: Tuscumbia dive off of Highway 20. Was suggested by a musician friend and a bar-goer. The name alone makes you want to just hang out.

In memoriam: R.I.P. Great Dive Bars:

Faunsdale Bar and Grill: Great little stop traveling from Mobile to Tuscaloosa.

War Eagle Supper Club: Auburn’s best dive was a private club you could go to after the others closed.

Egan’s: A place on the Tuscaloosa Strip where you could see great music, even if you had to squeeze in.

The Chukker: Legendary Tuscaloosa dive that saw a ton of famous acts in its day.