The Ole Barnwell Cafe is now serving Southern staples at a familiar location on US 98 in Fairhope.
Located at 8594 U.S. 98, the building dates back to the 1930s and was previously occupied by dining establishments including Blue Marlin Restaurant and Delta Grocery Restaurant. The building’s owners, Robert and Irene Comalander, still live just steps away.
The property reopened in March as the Ole Barnwell Cafe, operated by Cooper Restaurants, a division of the Cooper Group of Companies founded by brothers David Cooper Sr. and Angus Cooper II, who also own Felix’s Fish Camp on the causeway along Mobile Bay.
“They’re fantastic,” manager Jared Lisenby said of the Comalanders. “They’re community staples here in Barnwell, and they’ve honestly been integral to getting us set up.”
The restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood, serving ribeyes and filets along with shrimp, soft shell crab, fish and gumbo. It also serves weekly specials and chef features ranging from Southern fried chicken to pork chops with jambalaya.
“This is a really historic location,” Lisenby said. “Barnwell is very community-driven, and it’s been really nice to get to know the people here.”
Ole Barnwell Cafe is currently open Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours will change starting in September, with the restaurant open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.