In 1946, Woodrow Callaghan opened Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, a local watering hole and grill designed for the working man. Originally a members-only club, patrons had to ring a buzzer to gain entry, and regulars were even given their own door keys. Over the years, those restrictions were lifted, ownership changed hands and now everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Located in the picturesque Oakleigh Garden District, often considered Mobile’s most beautiful neighborhood, Callaghan’s is affectionately known as Oakleigh Town Hall. Tucked away among the historic 19th-century front-porched houses, Callaghan’s is a hidden gem that’s anything but a secret. It has received numerous accolades, including being voted The Best Bar in America by Esquire Magazine, The South’s Best Bar by Southern Living Magazine, The South’s Best Bar by Garden & Gun Magazine, and Best Burger in Alabama by USA Today and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Readers of Mobile’s The Lagniappe weekly publication have consistently voted Callaghan’s as Mobile’s Best Bar, Best Music Venue and Best Burger.
Callaghan’s is proud to host the Gulf Coast’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Alongside Mobile’s outstanding roster of local musicians, the pub has welcomed notable acts such as The Alabama Shakes, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Mobile’s own Red Clay Strays.