If you didn’t know where you were, the uber-cool repurposed shipping containers might make you feel like you were in some big-city hangout. If you didn’t know any better, the colorful picnic tables would say you were on a beach vacation. Glance up, and the twinkling cafe lights hint at California alfresco dining. Add in cornhole and ring toss, refreshing water features, a grassy lawn for enjoying live music, fire pits (in winter) and, of course, killer food, and you would definitely start to think this was 30A. Surprisingly, you don’t need to go half that far to get the whole experience. If you know where to look, tucked behind Bass Pro Shops just off Highway 98 sits The Fort.
Opened in early 2019 by the developers of Spanish Fort Town Center, the shopping development that is not only home to Bass Pro but also Fairways Indoor Golf, Urban Air Adventure Park and a number of boutiques and other big box stores, The Fort is situated away from the hustle and bustle of it all. Built alongside a playground and splash pad, this group of outdoor eateries is the perfect one-stop-shop for local families as well as those driving through town. What could be better while on a road trip than getting the kids out of the car to run and play while you order a good meal, all just a stone’s throw from I-10? It’s too easy and almost too good to be true.
The Fort offers tacos by Fairhope favorite, Dragonfly; chicken and waffles at Deuce Coop; pizza and fries from Happy Pizza; burgers from the well-known food truck, Bleus Burger; cocktails at the Tap Room; refreshing snacks at Soul Bowlz and more. Don’t forget craft coffee, Cammie’s Old Dutch ice cream, shaved ice and more at Beakers Coffee, and you truly have something for every palate at any time of the day — breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.
Despite the July heat on the day MB dropped by, the place was full of families on summer vacation, enjoying the nearby splash pad after a delicious lunch or stopping in for some Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream and shaved ice. Oversized fans and shade sails in summer and cozy fire pits in winter help this outdoor venue stay comfortable year-round.
As if the food wasn’t enough to get you fired up, The Fort has a busy calendar of events and activities for every age: yoga, live music, movie nights, marketplaces — even a Bubblepalooza that will have the kids going nuts. The goal is to keep you entertained and well-fed, and the cool ambiance is thrown in free of charge.
On the Menu
Highway 61 Burger | Bleus Burger
This best-selling burger is topped with cheddar, bacon, candied jalapeños, house-fried crispy onions, homemade BBQ sauce and arugula and is finished with a branded bun. It’s perfectly spicy and sweet, served with seasoned shoestring fries.
Cocktail Special | Tap station
Find daily cocktail concoctions for only $3, like this sweet and sour layered sipper, or $2 bloody marys all weekend long.
Meat Lover’s Cone Pizza | Happy Pizza
A pizza dough cone is filled with all the good stuff in an easy-to-carry presentation that the kids will love!
Street Taco Special | Dragonfly
This week’s taco featured top sirloin, green chile aioli, baby arugula, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions and queso fresco in a corn tortilla, but the street taco changes every two weeks. The long list of regular tacos can’t be beat either.
Chicken and Pecan Waffle | Deuce Coop
A warm pecan waffle is topped with crispy fried chicken, honey mustard and black pepper aioli, sweet and sour slaw, house-made pickles and green onions. The menu is as good at breakfast as any other time of day.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cone | Beakers Coffee
Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream is just one of the many frozen treats served alongside killer single-origin, craft coffee. We’re going back for the “Dirty Shakes” with espresso and ice cream!
The Fort
29001 Bass Pro Drive, Spanish Fort
Open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Su, Tu – Th, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. F – Sa, closed M
