When you have a great communal bar and restaurant like The Blind Mule in Mobile, a pandemic can be devastating.

Ed Walker, owner and operator of The Blind Mule, admits COVID-19 was a hard hit. But, because it already had a reputation for great food, customers were willing to buy to-go family meals and takeout orders to help The Blind Mule keep going.

Alabama Shrimp and Grits at The Blind Mule one of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

One of the dishes that has helped build that reputation is the Alabama Shrimp and Grits. Topped with blackened shrimp and Conecuh sausage, it takes what would already be stellar creamy grits to a whole other stratosphere, lifting this delicious treat onto the Alabama Tourism Department‘s list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama.

Walker said the partial opening of dining areas, and to-go orders, have made business strong again, though not as strong as before. Like everyone, he looks forward to the end of the pandemic, and providing his patrons a return to the full experience at The Blind Mule.

The Blind Mule in Mobile survived a hard hit from the pandemic. (contributed)