Our Favorite Places: The Collins Bar

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!

The Collins Bar

2125 2nd Ave N, Downtown Loft Entertainment District

Located on 2nd Avenue North in the heart of the loft district, The Collins is a favorite place for locals to grab a drink with a casual vibe that thrives on diversity in an inviting atmosphere with quirky vintage decor. The menu features custom-made craft cocktails, an extensive beer list and a kitchen that's open five days a week and late on the weekends.

Your Name:
‍Ronald Andrés Moore (but everyone calls me Ronnie)

What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
‍When people walk into The Collins Bar, I want them to feel like they made the right call by trusting us with their time. That they are in a welcoming, creative space where they can let their imagination go and trust us to make great custom cocktails and unique experiences.

What’s something people don’t know about running a bar?
‍Spreadsheets! It takes a lot of organization to run a bar well. So many of us are allured by the nightlife and the romance of being a part of the city’s social life, but it takes a lot of work. It’s rewarding, but very demanding work.

What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
‍To come back and see me again. It is such a thrill to see that people enjoyed our time together enough to trust me to create new experiences.

‍What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
‍Building a relationship of trust quickly. Working with alcohol is tricky, and a happy guest is one whose safety is paramount in the mind of the bartender. We work very hard to ensure that people have a good time without being reckless. We want people to have fun and come back.

What’s your favorite drink?
‍I love a bright, super cold daiquiri. It makes me think of the beaches of Venezuela where I grew up. Rum, lime and sugar can make any moment into a beach moment.

Ronnie's Simple Daquiri Recipe

Ingredients:

2 oz. Campesino White Rum
1 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz. 1:1 simple syrup

Directions:

Shake hard on ice and serve in a coupe. It’s simple, it’s light and bright and always hits the spot.

What have you done differently to respond to the pandemic?
‍We’ve worked hard to ensure the safety of our guests and staff during this pandemic. With tighter sanitation protocols, social distancing guides, plexiglass between our booths, and limited capacity, we are trying to continue to serve our neighborhood and community while being as safe as we can.

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