re: Birmingham/Hoover recs - restaurant and bottleshop

I agree with most of these reccs.

There is probably somewhere in Hoover with decent food and a good happy hour scene on a Tuesday. I don't know where though. Maybe Firebirds? Cajun Steamer? Don't know.

For fine dining in BHM, go to Highlands, Hot n Hot, or Bottega. There is a good chance of a happy hour scene at either Highlands or Bottega (cafe side). I think Tuesday is Highlands but I don't really know.

Gianmarcos is exceptional but not somewhere I would go with a group of male colleagues.

If getting out a bit, agree with El Barrio or Carrigans. I don't care for Slice but the owners have a place called Sky Lab around the corner that is good (food and drinks).

Disagree with Flip Burger. Nothing special. Best burger in town is at Chez Fon Fon (could get a drink at Highlands and dinner here).

Michaels was mentioned by another poster. It is subpar in quality, value, service, and ambience but otherwise is fine.

Breweries in order of preference: Trim Tab, Cahaba, Good People,...................................................................Avondale (I really dislike their beer). The first three are good and lots of people put GP number one. I'm not an IPA guy so I prefer the ales etc at Trim Tab.

Have a good trip.