2008 Woodie Awards
Debunking the myths of dive bars near USA campus
Derek Bagley
Senior Reporter
Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: News
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Quite a few bars are within minutes of the University of South Alabama, but there are a couple that don't exactly cater to the USA crowd.
The Cimarron Club and Solomon's, two of the long-time drinking staples in the area surrounding the University, are the two that are most mysterious to USA students.
The Cimarron Club, located at the corner of Old Shell and Cody roads, is what some in the drinking community would refer to as a "dive bar." It has no windows and "Members Only" stenciled in large white letters on the only entrance.
The place is dimly lit with tables covered in red cloth and a stage that hosts a variety of entertainment -- from the club's "Sexy Back" competitions to local country-music acts.
An illustration of Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., two country-music legends, hangs on the wall behind the bar, which is stocked with myriad liquors, so long as you're into whiskey and bourbon. Patrons can decide whether they would like their beer in a can or a bottle.
A jukebox sits in one corner, offering more country music selections played over the club's sound system.
The club has a few pool tables, and it hosts tournaments on Friday nights.
On the other side of the wall behind the bar is a list of people who have been "barred" from the club, and next to that list is a security monitor hooked to a video feed that keeps a vigilant watch on the parking lot.
Most USA students say they would never go to the Cimarron Club for a drink, citing the club's windowless exterior and less-than-reputable location as reasons.
The Cimarron Club has operated for close to 30 years, but the next few years may see the end of the establishment. The Mobile County Commission has approved money to purchase the right of way along Old Shell Road with the goal of making the road four lanes. That means the club, which sits right on the edge of Old Shell Road, might have to be demolished.
"It's been a problem area for a long time," Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine said. "It's in the police and fire jurisdiction and you're not going to be able to shut it down unless you have good documentation of what's gone on there. I'm sure it's there, as many times as I've heard about the cops going in there.
The Cimarron Club and Solomon's, two of the long-time drinking staples in the area surrounding the University, are the two that are most mysterious to USA students.
The Cimarron Club, located at the corner of Old Shell and Cody roads, is what some in the drinking community would refer to as a "dive bar." It has no windows and "Members Only" stenciled in large white letters on the only entrance.
The place is dimly lit with tables covered in red cloth and a stage that hosts a variety of entertainment -- from the club's "Sexy Back" competitions to local country-music acts.
An illustration of Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., two country-music legends, hangs on the wall behind the bar, which is stocked with myriad liquors, so long as you're into whiskey and bourbon. Patrons can decide whether they would like their beer in a can or a bottle.
A jukebox sits in one corner, offering more country music selections played over the club's sound system.
The club has a few pool tables, and it hosts tournaments on Friday nights.
On the other side of the wall behind the bar is a list of people who have been "barred" from the club, and next to that list is a security monitor hooked to a video feed that keeps a vigilant watch on the parking lot.
Most USA students say they would never go to the Cimarron Club for a drink, citing the club's windowless exterior and less-than-reputable location as reasons.
The Cimarron Club has operated for close to 30 years, but the next few years may see the end of the establishment. The Mobile County Commission has approved money to purchase the right of way along Old Shell Road with the goal of making the road four lanes. That means the club, which sits right on the edge of Old Shell Road, might have to be demolished.
"It's been a problem area for a long time," Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine said. "It's in the police and fire jurisdiction and you're not going to be able to shut it down unless you have good documentation of what's gone on there. I'm sure it's there, as many times as I've heard about the cops going in there.
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