One of the greatest things about our job, and our office specifically, is that you can go out our back door and walk straight into Ovenbird. And when weather is nice, the sun is setting, and their doors are open, it's one of the best places to grab a bite, a cocktail and get the night going. Everyone has their own preferences on their favorite places, so we decided to put together our own guide for the people new to town or who wants to try something new.
Getting Going
Places to grab a drink before dinner
Casual or more refined? Maybe a little of both? Parkside in Avondale is the perfect balance, and the indoor and outdoor seating across from the Park is awesome. Casual? Or you work downtown? Paramount downtown is great and even more enjoyable with the garage doors open. Paramount is known for its iconic arcade/bar, as well as its “grub.” Just watch the Hit the Decks, or you may hit the deck on the skee ball machine. Parking isn’t ideal, but who’s complaining, you’re downtown. Something a bit more refined? Bottega Café is still a Birmingham institution. Indoor or outdoor seating works well to enjoy an app and a glass of wine. And it's still one of the few places that actually has a higher girl to guy ratio. We mentioned Ovenbird above. What can we say? We’re biased. They’re our neighbors.
Where are you thinking?
The different areas of Birmingham’s nightlife
The big three areas right now are pretty much 2nd Ave North, Avondale and Lakeview. 2nd Ave North seems to be the most adult. That may be a bad description. It's a dinner crowd first and a drinking crowd second, and has the fewest choices of the three. Paramount, Collins, El Barrio, Pale Eddie's, Rogue and Bamboo on 2nd are its residents. In Avondale, The Wooden Goat is now closed (oddly), but food spots aren't hard to find. Fancy's on 5th, Hot Box (behind Parkside), Taco Morro Loco, Wasabi Juan's, Hot Diggity Dogs, and Saw's still serve it up. 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales can be hit or miss. We've been in there and it's slammed, and been in there and it's dead. Their Moscow Mules are worth checking out the crowd. The future box-car retail going in where the old Star Hotel was will be very interesting, and it could take that area to another level. The Marble Ring is above Fancy's and is an old-school speakeasy, and on a side note, we have to admit we love their approach to social media exposure. Space is limited and it can be tough to get into on the weekends. That leaves Lakeview, which has the most history as Innis Free has anchored that area for a while. Cashio's Meatball Market is new, and is kind of 2001: A Space Odyssey meets haute couture. They specialize in Italian comfort food. Babalu is located on the corner and has quickly become a popular staple to the area. Hattie B's and Skycastle are the newbies.
I’m Hungry
Places to eat dinner
So a few places that are certainly no secrets, but relatively new. El Barrio, which led the pack to bring attention to 2nd Ave North, is always on a wait. Priced right, great atmosphere, good Mexican food and great margaritas are an easy formula for success. Across the street is Bamboo on 2nd. Yes, there will probably be a wait there as well. Bamboo is as much of a scene as it is a food destination. Its Asian-fusion menu is preppy-man's version of Saigon Noodle House on 280. Having some killer Japanese beers on tap and a good selection of sake is never a bad thing. In Avondale, Fancy's on 5th (named after the famed historical elephant that used to reside across the street in Avondale Park) has been a huge hit. Its surf and turf selection features a good oyster selection coupled with great burgers.
Play Some Skynard!
Places to hear music
We can’t pretend to represent everyone’s taste in music. So how about we mention some venues that are worth checking out to see who’s playing there? Usually if you’re just wanting to be in bar and have some good live music in the background. The Oasis in Lakeview is still worth recommending. In Avondale, Saturn is doing their best to fill the void left after The Bottletree closed a year or so ago. They do a good job of recognizing new talent as well as anyone in town. The Nick is another Bham institution with its hard driving tunes filtered through its dingy surroundings that you may not want to see with all the lights on. Over by UAB, the Syndicate Lounge has a decidedly younger hipster feel. No frills, reasonable cover charge, pool tables, and great sound.
Last Call
Places to grab a drink late night
Nothing good happens after midnight is a saying I just don't agree with. Can't quite call it a night yet? The Collins Bar, open until 2 am on the weekends, is a favorite that always seems to be busier later than earlier. Their mixologists create custom cocktails based on the adult beverage of your choice. If 2 am is too early, try The Nick, Birmingham’s Dirty Little Secret. They're open until 4. If 4 am is too early, head over to Marty's PM. A fixture near 5 Pts. forever, they closed a few years ago, but fortunately reopened and reassumed their place as the spot for the ragers. They're open until 6 am. If you still want more - you need help.
