“Borland on Bars” turns its attention to the best spots in the Mobile area for libations and unique ambiance, and few places define downtown nightlife like Hayley’s Bar. No matter where a reveler starts the evening on Dauphin Street, by the early hours everyone seems to end up at the noticeably pink corner building beside Cathedral Square.
A dive with character
Inside the 278 Dauphin St. structure, brightly colored neon concert posters and local artwork cover the walls. The old, narrow building has a few cracks in its brick but serious character, with large street-facing windows, a checkerboard floor, a pool table, and flatscreen TVs. Regulars call it “Mobile’s favorite dive bar.”
Co-owner Delane Bond came aboard a decade ago, and the bar was preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary that December. Bond credited the staff and the community’s support.
More than a bar
Hayley’s has long served as headquarters for SouthSounds Festival and hosted the 2016 after-party with Shaheed and DJ Supreme. It was among the first downtown businesses to book the Prancing Elites, and its distinctive look even earned a cameo in the film “Heist” with Robert De Niro. Bartender Rachael Norris called it “Mobile’s version of ‘Cheers.'” For Mobilians, Hayley’s may be rough around the edges – and that is exactly the way they like it.