re: Birmingham Weekend

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Service across the board is pretty lousy here

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There are a few places where its been so bad for so long, you wonder how they are still in business. You'd think that you'd want to have great service because that meant people are probably going to be ordering more drinks and will be more likely to return.

PT's in Homewood has gotten off to a really bad start in that regard. Already down to 40% on Urban Spoon. Can't believe they screwed up what was going to be a sure thing.

They also just built The Westin right by the Sheraton if you are looking for a nicer newer hotel, but The Sheraton and A Loft and The Westin are all gonna be decent.

Both Soho and Downtown have places to eat and drink in the early evening that are walking distance.

Near the Sheraton (walking distance) is a new area called Uptown (where the Westin is located) with 5 restaurants in it. Southern Kitchen, Texas De Brazil, Mugshots, Cantina Laredo, and Tood English Pub.

Soho has a few restaurants also Do Di Yo's, Jacksons (the worst do not go here!!), Jensei, Dave's Pizza, Urban Cookhouse and 2-3 bars in walking distance of the A Loft, PT's(sports bar), Red Lion Lounge(local/older crowd dive bar), and Oak Hill(older crowd/cougar bar).

No matter where you stay, you will need to cab it if you are looking to stay out late and drink at a bar.

I'm a day late but thought I'd help. Some crappy and/or dated advice in this thread (with a few exceptions)

Soho is a cool area but personally, I'd stay downtown instead. Soho is fine, though if you must.

For night life the two areas I’d hit up are downtown or Avondale

DOWNTOWN
Carrigan's - Very cool spot. Recently opened the roof up too. Disagree on the "bad service". I've been a million times and never had a problem. It's a gastopub though so if you're expecting to be waited on like a traditional restaurant you're at the wrong place

Paramount – Cool dowtown bar, one of my favorites. Both this place and Carrigan’s have great happy hour/after work crowds. Owned by the same people as El Barrio (Mexican restaurant close by). El Barrio/Paramount/Collins Bar is a nice trifecta for dinner/drinks

AVONDALE
Avondale area is another cool spot that has been and continues to be revitalized.

Avondale Brewery/41st/Parkside are cool bars in the area and can eat at Saw’s BBQ, Post Office Pies, or Melt. All good.

Lakeview isn’t as much my thing as it used to be, but Slice Pizza is always good for food/drinks. If you’re younger than me, you might enjoy Innisfree (can get a little packed in there depending on when you go). Moe’s BBQ beside slice is another option.

Thank you everyone for the help. I should get laid this weekend and I will have the OT to thank!

I've heard it is great. Really need to try it. If you are over there, may I suggest Tau Poco for lunch as well. Owned by the people that owns Cafe Dupont next door. It is world street food. Very good. May I suggest the steamed pork buns and japanese steak.

Paramount is just so much fun. It has a nice upscale feel to the main bar, then the arcade bar just appeals to my 10 year old self.

Sheraton is very tame. I stay for business and it's no where near the bars and restaurants.

SoHo is the clear answer.

I'd go to Trimtab over Good People, but I also enjoy air conditioning.

Trimtab's bourbon barrel beer is the best beer made in bama IMO.


And the AC makes up for any shortcomings of the other beers

The past 3-4 years has really been a renaissance for bham. It was pretty shitty 5 years ago. The amount of restaurants/bars/breweries that have popped up recently is pretty crazy. You also really have to know where to go in this city. As someone said earlier, if you are somewhere at the wrong time of day, it will seem awful/dead. If you are at lakeview bars at 9:00, it will be pretty empty


Also, for all the night owls, The Nick will not be open 24 hours on the weekend. You can stay there from 2PM or so on Friday, and not leave until 6AM on Monday