Birmingham Skyline at Night, Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/iStock
Birmingham’s nightlife tends to spread out among various areas of town where several bars and restaurants congregate within walking distance. Here are a few places in this Alabama town that locals like to visit.
Lakeview District
Tin Roof, Nana Funks and Oasis Bar are three different bars with three different vibes. Young professionals flock to Tin Roof after work to socialize and stay late, but the real night owls hang out even later (until 4 a.m.) at Nana Funks. The favorite time for Oasis fans to check in is when Rollin’ in the Hay, a local bluegrass band, is playing.
Downtown Area
The Roof at the historic Redmont Hotel is one of Birmingham’s top rooftop bars. It offers indoor and outdoor seating that allows downtown professionals and hotel guests to view the city’s skyline while enjoying a live band or DJ.
Rogue Tavern has tasty bar food, like burgers, fried pickles, housemade kettle chips, along with music and beer. The Nick, a local dive sometimes referred to as Birmingham’s “dirty little secret,” has featured local and mainstream acts for more than 20 years and claims to have the coldest beer in town.
Five Points South
Five Points South is Birmingham’s downtown entertainment district, and there are a variety of bars and restaurants located around the circle and up to Cobb Lane.
The J. Clyde offers an exceptional variety of craft beers, fresh ales and lagers. Zydeco is the place for live music — both local and national acts have been known to appear.
Or if you’re not into music, try the martinis on a Tuesday night with standing room only in the bar at Highlands Bar and Grill.
The Garage Café is a short distance away, with a laid-back, cool atmosphere in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by an eclectic collection of artifacts — but you may have to ask a local to help you find it.
Around Birmingham
The Bottletree Cafe is a hip spot in the Forest Park area that regularly features live entertainment.
Drop by Avo & Dram for happy hour in Mountain Brook Village. At Avo, try a mint julep from the outdoor balcony. Or at Dram, spill out onto the patio in nice weather with the young, single, after-work crowd.
