Jesse's Restaurant and The Cold Hole Bar, Magnolia Springs, Alabama

By Gina Lanaux

For those of us who grew up in this area, Magnolia Springs was the place we would stop on the way home from Gulf Shores to jump in the natural springs that were so cold we would turn blue and shiver the rest of the way home. In the present day, boaters can idle into the Magnolia River and find a different version of the Springs in a small cove called “The Cold Hole.“ The water is deep and very cold and will lower your body temperature on a hot summer day.

Now, Magnolia Springs is home to another “Cold Hole’, the Bar at Jesse’s Restaurant. Zeb and I had lunch there last week  and enjoyed another successful “business” lunch. I’m always amused by people watching, and it was interesting to see the diverse clientele at the casual fine dining restaurant touted as “the south's best kept secret.” 

There were businessmen, of course, tourists from the Gulf, a single lady at the bar sipping champagne with her lunch, and locals who were back-slapping and laughing with the staff and friends. The restaurant is considered a staple in the community, and the building has been a Magnolia Springs tradition for over 75 years, first as the post office and then opening as Moore Bros Store in 1922. Memorabilia and furniture from the old store are on display, and I especially enjoyed seeing the original “ice box” and the early post office sorting boxes in the different dining areas. Our server, Shawn, told us the history, gave us a tour of the highlights, and took great care of our dining experience.

Charles and Janie Houser purchased the building in 1998 and soon opened Jesse’s Restaurant in 1999, bringing back a vital piece of Magnolia Springs. Jesse’s was named for Mr. Jesse King, who worked for Moore Brothers and reportedly never missed a day of work for over 60 years. The state of Alabama set a day of recognition for him, and the framed proclamation hangs proudly in the restaurant.   

Steve and Angie Coltharp took over the restaurant in 2012 and just celebrated their tenth anniversary last October. “We are always working to make Jesse’s better than we were yesterday.” say the Coltharps. They purchased Jesse’s with a vision of being the most talked about steakhouse on the Gulf Coast. They are known for serving unique cuts of dry and wet-aged steaks, bone-in cuts, and fresh fish brought in daily, but the menu has something for everyone. 

Zeb began his lunch with the special soup of the day, a creamy mushroom with Sherry. I had a taste and wished I had ordered a cup, but I was saving up for my house-smoked beef brisket with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted baguette. Dipped in au jus, it was warm and satisfying. I even dipped my parmesan fries in the jus. 

Zeb was extra hungry and had beef tenderloin stroganoff that was made with carrots, mushrooms, and shallots, served over housemade pappardelle. Fresh bread accompanied our meal, enabling him to savor every ounce of the horseradish creme fraiche. We shared a pecan and nutmeg bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and whisky creme for dessert.  It felt like a special occasion instead of an ordinary mid-week lunch!  

 The big news for Scenic 98 Coastal is that Jesse’s is opening a second location on April 26th on Fort Morgan Road. I hope that we will review this new restaurant soon!

Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs is located at 14770 Oak Street and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm. It is an easy drive from Fairhope, Point Clear, Gulf Shores, and Foley.  Reservations are encouraged, and I encourage you to go!