Our Favorite Places: Paper Doll

In these tough times, there’s never been a better time to support Birmingham's incredible local bar scene. We look forward to when they’ll be back at full strength!

Paper Doll

2320 1st Ave N., Downtown

Paper Doll is a chic, upscale craft cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Loft Entertainment District specializing in top-notch service with a wide variety of classic & innovative cocktails, plus whiskey flights. Inside, you’ll find a cozy inviting lounge with chandeliers, plush velvet curtains, art and vintage furniture. The bar features an outdoor patio and frequent live music. Food options include light fare such as cheese flights, charcuterie, and even artistinal chocolate from Chocolata.

Your Name:
‍Reese Hovater, General Manager

What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
‍When a guest walks through our doors, we want them to feel like they just stepped into a world-class cocktail bar. It’s always been important to us to create an atmosphere and offer an experience unlike anything else Birmingham has had before, while also providing the same sense of hospitality and community that can only be found in the Magic City. Paper Doll is a reflection of Birmingham.

What’s something people don’t know about running a bar?
‍I think a common misconception about running a successful bar is that in order to be the “best” you have to have the most complicated drinks and menu. The menu is, of course, of great importance. But what takes a bar from good to great is the experience you create for a guest after you’ve put a great drink in their hand. The name of the game is hospitality.

What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
‍That they’ll come back, of course!

What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
‍There are so many variables that play into ensuring a customer’s happiness. But I think, above all, I’d say being authentic is the most important thing. I may or may not remember a bartender who made me the best drink, or the one who never let my water go empty. But, I’ll remember the ones who genuinely seemed invested in my experience at their bar and the way they made me feel.

What’s your favorite drink?
‍Easily the Negroni. I’ve yet to meet a Negroni I didn’t drink.

Reese's Classic Negroni Recipe

Ingredients:

1 oz. Campari
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 oz. Gin

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice and stir. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Express a flamed orange peel over the top and garnish with the orange peel.

What have you done differently to respond to the pandemic?
‍In times like these it’s really important for us to remember that hospitality means more than just serving drinks. First and foremost, we want our guests to know they’re as safe as they can be. Whether that’s at the bar with us or buying a cocktail kit to take home with them, the health of our patrons and team is our utmost concern. We’ve expanded our outdoor seating on the front patio area to create an environment that allows us to maximize social distancing while also providing the quintessential Paper Doll experience. We continue to offer our signature house-made syrups and cocktail kits so that customers who would rather enjoy our cocktails in the safety of their homes can do so.

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