Craig and Stepanie Johnson saw a need while driving through the East Lake community each day. Although there’s a sampling of recognized restaurants like Green Acres and El Girasol in the neighborhood, there’s no casual bar experience for residents to sit down and grab a bite to eat along with a beer or cocktail. “We wanted somewhere we could stop after work, get something to eat, and have a cold beer or something. Hang out and watch the game” explains Craig. The couple quickly got to work to change this situation by creating the ultimate Birmingham sports bar - The Tavern at East Lake.
Music is often playing from the front door, greeting customers as they enter into a world filled with Crimson Tide, Blazers, and Barons. While local teams get more support, memorabilia from sports teams from around the nation adorns the walls of this great Magic City watering hole. The casual, competitive atmosphere is further highlighted by a foosball table, board games, and upcoming cornhole league.
Sports aren’t the only attraction at this bar though. A small stage with an impressive backdrop of retro posters showcasing jazz legends along with music heavyweights like Damien Marley and Nas brightens a corner. The bar hosts live music on Wednesdays (usually featuring a trumpet and saxophone), as well as a DJ on the first Friday of every month.
The friendly owners and fun environment already make The Tavern at East Lake more than worth a visit, but the food and drinks will make you a repeat customer. The Texas Cheesesteak is a top seller (we tried it - it’s delicious). Wings are another favorite on the extensive menu, which also features flatbread pizza and new specials every month. $2 draft beer, a 3-6pm happy hour, and a cocktail menu that includes refreshing sports-themed beverages like “First and Goal” and “Bottom of the Ninth” make it easy to sit back and root, root, root for the home team.
The tavern is open from 9am to 6pm (closed Mondays), and features an incredible breakfast menu as well. A hot steak and cheese bagel with a side of grits is a great way to start a productive morning. The environment is coffee shop-esque during the day, which provides a relaxing vibe to get some work done or catch up with an old friend.
Craig and Stephanie admire the city’s growth over the last decade, and are honored to be a part of this continued success. “We are totally in. We think Birmingham is on the way up. I moved here to go to law school 10 years ago and we saw the growth of Birmingham” Craig remembers. And the growth can be seen with the opening of The Tavern at East Lake. They are thankful for the early support, and look forward to continued business. “Thank you so much. We are very, very, very, very, very appreciative of the reception that the community has given to us. Without that type of support we couldn’t be open.”
Lead photo: @thetavernateastlake
