Bill-E’s Is A Bacon-Themed Restaurant In Alabama And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of
By Lisa Battles|Published November 01, 2023
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Put some sizzle in your step at Bill-E’s, a bacon-themed restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. This South Alabama spot opened in 2011, and it’s where founder Bill E. Stitt perfected his Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon. Since then, he’s achieved national acclaim for the bacon and rebranded the restaurant to align with the brand. Let’s look at how he’s redefined what it means to bring home the bacon.
Some people know the restaurant by its old name, Old 27 Grill. Today, Bill-E's has a long-loyal local following, as well as beach-bound bacon lovers who take the detour on the way to the Gulf Coast.
One glance at the menu tells you that bacon is the crispy, juicy crown jewel here. Take the pork belly sandwich, for example. It's a top seller with thick slices of Bill-E's confit belly, caramelized locally-sourced onions, barbecue, cole slaw, and the added Alabama kick of Wickles Pickles.
Burger lovers, be ready to make some serious decisions. There are 10 different burger options from classic bacon cheeseburgers to the aptly named Holy Cow. The latter features a rich blanket of Swiss cheese and peppercorn cream sauce.
And if you're thinking, “But can I add more bacon?” - of course you can. Putting it on a veggie burger might defeat the purpose, but no one is here to judge. There’s even a pup menu that includes beef sliders, chicken tenders, and hotdogs.
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While there are several sweets, the Chocolate Belly commands attention with its artfully arranged chunks of pork belly, salted caramel brownie bites, bourbon-brown sugar glaze, and a smoked cherry garnish.
As for drinks, the bloody mary is a standout in large part due to its Bill-E’s bacon garnish. You can literally saddle up to one of the outdoor bars, which has saddle stools for seats.
If you mentally pair the idea of a backyard cookout with cold beer, this atmosphere may have you craving one. The aesthetic is that of a laid-back hang at the home of one of your more unconventional friends.
At night, outdoor lights twinkle, casting a warm glow on mismatched wood, antique window-frame partitions, vintage signs, and other eclectic decor. Local songwriters provide the soundtrack, serenading you and the bacon (which smokes to perfection right near the stage).
Bill-E’s also offers catering for groups and occasions of all sizes, including spectacular charcuterie creations. These custom orders feature an assortment of magical meats (yes, that can include bacon), cheeses, and other gourmet goodies.
If you can’t make it to the restaurant, you can look for Bill-E’s bacon at select retailers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Arizona. It also appears on restaurant menus throughout South Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and New Orleans.
Meanwhile, the distribution and menu appearances for Bill-E's Small Batch Bacon seems poised to grow with its accolades. In 2022, the Alabama Retail Association recognized the company as a Silver Retailer of the Year for sales of $1 million to $5 million annually.
You can find a complete list of restaurants and retailers on Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon website. Pour over more bacony menu details on the Bill-E’s restaurant website and keep up with live music and other events on the Bill-E’s Facebook page.
