Richelieu - Mobile, AL

The Port of Mobile played an important role in establishing the economic health of the area. The city of Mobile was a main trading center between the French and Native Americans. Mobile and the areas that surround the city began as colonies of France, Britain, and later Spain. In 1813, Mobile became a part of the United States. Richelieu is known for having some of the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the United States. Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, dating back to the 18th century.

Richelieu allows hungry residents and visitors plenty of options when it comes to dining including steakhouses, sushi bars, seafood joints, delis, pizza places and cafes. Well-known dining establishments include Shogun Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, J&B Seafood, Bonefish Grill, McAlister’s Deli, and CiCi’s Pizza. Most restaurants, bars and pubs are located along Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road.

Known for the best happy hour in town, Wintzell’s Oyster House not only serves up great seafood but offers $5 appetizers, half-price raw dozen and $1.50 pints from 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Patrons rave about menu items such as fried green tomatoes that are topped with craw fish sauce and the home-made Seafood Gumbo-the Gulf Coast’s #1. As the name suggests, oysters are on the menu and Bienville oysters covered with shrimp, crab meat and Parmesan sauce are always appealing to guests. There are plenty of other options such as salads, fish and seafood, and even steak. When you dine with plenty of people, J.O. Platters are a great option to satisfy everyone.

If excellent food, service and an upbeat atmosphere happen to be on the agenda then Montego’s Caribbean Café & Bar fits the bill. An out of this world dish to try are Buffalo shrimp tacos and the restaurant claims to have the biggest hamburger around-The full Monte. The Quality of beer on tap provides an outstanding array that pairs perfectly with unique and original recipes such as Jerk frog legs or the poetic pig. You can also expect live music and drink specials seven days a week.

For nightlife and adult entertainment, Richelieu residents frequent spots like Heroes Sports Bar and Grille, Cockeyed Charlie’s, and Mint Hookah Bistro. These four locations have been deemed great places just to hang out and get a drink with your friends.

The neighborhood is easy to travel by car, bicycle or even by foot. The Wave Transit System services Richelieu and all of Mobile. Route 19 Schillinger/Airport Boulevard has a shuttle service for the area that makes it even easier to access outlying neighborhoods and areas because it has connections to many other routes. $1.25 will get the rider a one-way pass or another cheap option would be to use taxi services or Uber.

On-street parking is available for many businesses and residential areas and on certain streets, it is free with a two-hour limit. Metered parking is $1.00 per hour.

Airport Boulevard runs through Richelieu making it easy to access Interstate 10 E heading into Mobile.

Many bike lanes in the area use physical barriers between bike riders and traffic, appealing to everyone including the young and new riders. Mobile in general is increasing biking infrastructure throughout the city and neighborhoods.

The Richelieu area has a hiking and biking trail called the Road to Haven Trail for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated south of Richelieu lies Cottage Hill Park; a large park with trails, a playground, and grassy areas. Cottage Hill Park includes the Medal of Honor Park, the Cottage Hill Gymnastic Center, and a dog park. In neighboring Spring Hill, Langan Park features 720 acres of green space. This park includes the Azalea City Golf Course, the Mobile Museum of Art, and the Mobile Botanical Gardens.

The cost of living in Richelieu sits one percent higher than Mobile due to excellent amenities and access to public transit. Gasoline is on par with the rest of Mobile and the national average.

Public transit users can expect to pay $1.25 for a one-way ticket and monthly passes cost $50.00.

A one-bedroom unit in the Richelieu area will cost the renter an average $545 per month.

Local restaurants, pubs and bars charge $3.00 for a domestic beer and $5.00 for an imported beer but most establishments have a happy hour.

Most shopping locations are along Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road. There are plenty of local boutiques, speciality stores and even high-end shops like Victoria’s Secret PINK. Locals frequent shops such as I Do Bridal and Formal, Tupelo Furniture Gallery, Sunshine School Fashions, Shoe Station, and La Robe Boutique for clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses and home goods.

Grocery stores in this neighborhood border on specialty such as Olivella, a gourmet grocery store that is known as the olive oil store of Mobile. The family owned and operated store stocks specialty foods and gift items like aged balsamic vinegars.

Other grocery stores in the neighborhood are Asian Grocery, Bombay Bazaar, Roberts Produce Mart, and Jack’s Produce. A few bakeries also line Hillcrest Road. And Cody Road Fruit Stand has all the farmers’ market items your heart desires.