Restaurant Review: Colt Grill

Colt Grill serves tasty barbecue from a renovated historic landmark in Foley.

Dining area inside Colt Grill
Colt Grill // Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau

The phrase is emblazoned in several places across Colt Grill: “Where there’s smoke, there’s flavor.” It makes a good point, and the smell of smoked meat throughout the restaurant drives it home. Colt Grill has four locations in Arizona and its new Foley spot marks the family-owned business’s first foray out of state — and the revitalization of a historic Foley building.

Colt Grill owner Brenda Marie

Owner Brenda Marie first encountered Foley when she traveled through the area to attend a Kenny Chesney concert at The Wharf. “Our friends had tickets, and they ended up not being able to make it,” she says. “They told us to come down and go instead. We drove through Foley and I thought, ‘This is great. I wonder if we could bring a location here.’” She met with city officials to discuss development and a building that might be a good fit. Officials pointed her to the old Foley Bakery building. Originally opened in 1925, the property had been vacant since 2007 and was in desperate need of a remodel and a thriving business to occupy it. Challenge accepted.

New life has come to the building on the corner of West Laurel Avenue and North Alston Street after a long renovation by building owner Mark Wright. The 100-year-old building now sports a fresh coat of white paint on the facade and windows bearing the restaurant’s name. Wood beam ceilings, hardwood floors, round wooden light fixtures and abundant natural light give the inside a welcoming atmosphere. Colt Grill’s signature Western flair, complete with cow-covered chairs at each table, is combined with some nods to local culture, including a framed Alabama state flag and vintage photos of Foley and the historic bakery on the walls.

The casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere complements a menu of classic barbecue dishes. The approachable joint follows an order from the counter model, with patrons picking up their plates as they’re called out. The wraparound bar offers full service for those looking to elevate their experience. Food ranges from light bites such as tacos and salads to large servings of brisket, chicken, burgers and ribs. The barbecue sauce bar is a fan favorite, with Colt Grill’s signature Kansas City sauce featured alongside many other flavors. Breakfast is served daily for those looking for a good meal and an early start to the day. Everything on the menus is made from scratch. Flavorful food and a casual yet charming atmosphere in a much-loved local landmark make Colt Grill an instant Foley standout.

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On the Menu

“Filly” Cheesesteak 
Layers of smoked brisket, a medley of grilled bell peppers, onions and poblanos and a hefty portion of melted jack cheese sit on a soft hoagie roll.

Colt Specialty Tacos
Colt Grill’s menu features a trio of tacos to choose from: beef brisket, smoked chicken and Atlantic cod. All are filled to capacity and packed with flavor.

Smoked Half Chicken Platter 
Slow smoked and crispy skinned, this chicken platter is served with homemade jalapeno cheese cornbread and the restaurant’s signature slaw on the side.

Jalapeno Popper Burger
This massive burger brings the heat. A hand-ground patty is stuffed with jalapeno cream cheese and topped with roasted jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo and served atop a brioche bun.

Colt Grill • 118 W Laurel Ave., Foley. 270-4222 coltgrill.com
Sun – Thu 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri – Sat 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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