It's been a rough year for all sports--not just for the players, but also for the loving and loyal fans. Whether anyone can play has been going back and forth, but finally we have an answer and that answer is YES! WE WILL SEE COLLEGE FOOTBALL! In honor of the good news, nice weather, and national bourbon month, we listed out our top Birmingham locations to watch the games this weekend while being safe and social distancing. So, drink some bourbon, like Old Forester, and enjoy this weird time to be watching college football. (Remember most locations will have a limited capacity, so look or call ahead to see if they have space.)
Otey's Tavern
Otey's, an iconic establishment in Crestline Village, is a perfect spot to watch the game. Not only do they have amazing food and drinks, they also have TVs everywhere including outside (which is perfect for social distancing)! Plus, they have garage doors that open up to the outside making it easy to move about without having to worry about getting too close to anyone.
Some crowd favorites to order are the cheesy fries and the Moss Rock tacos and tequila!
Location: 224 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35213
Contact: 205.871.8435
Paramount
The perfect spot downtown to watch the game is Paramount! Located on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 20th Street, this bar is made for sports fans. Since opening in 2013, it has become a staple of Downtown Birmingham, serving up its take on Bar Grub, and an arcade with more than 20 classic and modern games (which is perfect for halftime). This blend of the American garage and nostalgic memories plus being in Downtown Birmingham makes Paramount perfect to social distance and watch the game!
A classic comfort meal of wings and your favorite beer surrounded by games and decor from your childhood is definitely the way to watch the game!
Location: 200 20th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203
Contact: 205.320.2824
Soho Social
This Homewood community-based bar & grill is definitely a spot to consider. They put a unique spin on all the American classics while treating you like family. Here you can enjoy classic decor and style with unique southern staples while you enjoy the game. Soho is a place that attracts people from all walks of life, from young professionals and families to retirees and empty nesters. Homewood's location and history are part of what makes this community so strong and unique. If you are in the Homewood area, then Soho Social is definitely the spot to watch the game.
Join the family and taste unique southern staples while enjoying some football at Soho Social (plus their giant pretzels are one of a kind!).
Location: 1830 29th Avenue South - Homewood
Contact: 205.423.8080
Back Forty Beer Company
If you want to make sure you have enough space to distance, then Back Forty at Sloss Docks is your place. Take as many people as you can to Back Forty, even your dog, because they have wide open space outside to set up and watch the game. Back Forty didn't join Birmingham's bar scene until 2018, so they are still a fairly new place to hang out. Plus, with so much room to spread out, you're less likely to have someone's head blocking your view.
Watch the games with social distancing ease as you enjoy some American pub food from the kitchen and maybe even try one of their experimental beers when you choose Back Forty.
Location: 3201 1st Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35222
Contact: 205.407.8025
Billy's Bar & Grill
You can't go wrong with a classic sports bar like Billy's. As one of Birmingham's favorite locations for good food, live music, great drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere since 1979, Billy's is a great place to watch football. This homey, smaller, dive bar is not one to skip over and wont disappoint when it comes to TVs. They are everywhere on most of the walls so you wont miss a thing!
Bring the family, meet friends after work or take in the big game, there’s not a seat in the house where you can’t see a big screen television! - Billy's
Location: 4520 Overton Road, Birmingham, AL 35210
Contact: 205.879.2238
Char Bar No. 7
Char Bar is a nice mix of upscale and casual dining. Here you can sit at the bar and have a drink and watch the game or you can sit at a table and enjoy a nice meal while also enjoying the game and feel right at home either way. Char Bar gives you options! The wide scope of the menu includes fresh seafood, chicken dishes, classic and unique sandwiches, signature and DIY salads and weekly featured items. BUT--the soul of the menu is beef. So, be sure to go on an empty stomach to try it all!
Feel right at home no matter what you decide to wear to watch the game when you visit Char Bar!
Location: 900 Jemison Ln. Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Contact: 205.802.9050