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re: Birmingham Weekend
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:35 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:35 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
Yeah, Carrigan's staff are dicks. Service across the board is pretty lousy here, though. Even at the top notch restaurants, it seems like the majority of the focus is on the food and atmosphere. Somehow, they forgot about training servers properly.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:38 pm to Joe Blow
I've never really had an issue with it, generally speaking
ETA: Probably has to do with the fact I go out way too much, and end up knowing most of the staff of the places I frequent
ETA: Probably has to do with the fact I go out way too much, and end up knowing most of the staff of the places I frequent
This post was edited on 9/23/14 at 3:41 pm
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:41 pm to Joe Blow
quote:
Service across the board is pretty lousy here
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.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:43 pm to FairhopeTider
Yea, PT's really shot themselves in the foot. I had high hopes for them.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:52 pm to wrosev1
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.
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.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:53 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
I went last week for the Auburn/K State game and got pretty good service and the food was better than what Urban Spoon rated them at.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 11:17 am to wrosev1
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.
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.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 11:39 am to tinoLSU
quote:
I went last week for the Auburn/K State game and got pretty good service and the food was better than what Urban Spoon rated them at.
That's good to hear. Everything that I read on Urban Spoon jives with my experience as well as everyone I know who has gone. Hopefully they will get it turned around because I liked the old PTs. However I don't recall a worse start for a restaurant in Birmingham.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 11:47 am to FairhopeTider
Thank you everyone for the help. I should get laid this weekend and I will have the OT to thank!
This post was edited on 9/24/14 at 11:48 am
Posted on 9/24/14 at 11:58 am to Gump
quote:
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
They also own Trattoria's. I go there for pizza several times a month.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:01 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
I'll add John's City Diner as restaurant to hit for dinner.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:01 pm to TU Rob
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.
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.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:13 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
There are really good suggestions in this thread. My only contribution is to plan your location for the time of day and week. Tau Poco/Cafe Dupont are excellent weekday lunch places, SOHO has a lot of shopping so it's more of a early evening place while the Lakeview area is late night (Innisfree is the after 2am hole in the wall). If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time in Bham, you will think it's dead and nothing is going on.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:18 pm to wrosev1
Sheraton is very tame. I stay for business and it's no where near the bars and restaurants.
SoHo is the clear answer.
SoHo is the clear answer.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:21 pm to AtlantaLSUfan
Go to any of the Saws joints, Slice, and Good People.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:23 pm to RollDatRoll
I'd go to Trimtab over Good People, but I also enjoy air conditioning.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:24 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
Trim Tab is solid. Just depends on if you are going for the AC or for the beer. Good People beers are hands down the best in state.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:31 pm to RollDatRoll
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
And the AC makes up for any shortcomings of the other beers
This post was edited on 9/24/14 at 12:32 pm
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:33 pm to AutoYes_Clown
After reading this thread:
I realized Birmingham isn't nearly as bad as people claim it is.
I realized Birmingham isn't nearly as bad as people claim it is.
Posted on 9/24/14 at 12:37 pm to inthemorning
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
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
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