Our Favorite Places: Lou's Pub

In these tough times, there’s never been a better time to support Birmingham's incredible local bar scene. We look forward to when they’ll be back at full strength!

Lou's Pub

726 29th St S, Lakeview

Lou’s Pub is unlike any other spot you’ll find in town. The Lakeview bar is the only one in Birmingham that’s also a package store. The unique Lakeview location features a full-service lounge, where customers can enjoy a range of spirits inside or out on the patio. Patrons can also purchase wine, beer and liquor to go. All the while, guests are sure to be entertained and welcomed by the lively staff.

Name:
‍Michael Carpri

What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
‍I want people to feel relaxed because they know they’re going to be taken care of. The coolest thing about Lou’s Pub is that you can order a drink you’ve never had, have our staff teach you how to make it and we can send you home with all the ingredients to make it yourself.

What’s something people don’t know about running a bar?
‍It’s not as glamorous as you would imagine. I’m here seven days a week.

What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
‍That they appreciate the hard work my staff puts in.

What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
‍It’s all about quality of service. As the only on and off premises bar in Birmingham and one of only 6 in Alabama, we are so fortunate to be able to let people taste before they buy.

What’s your favorite?
‍I like a Sidecar. It’s like a brandy margarita.

Michael's Sidecar Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz. St Remy Brandi
½ oz. Combier
½ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup

Directions:

Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a coupe glass.

What have you done differently to respond to the pandemic?

During quarantine, we were fortunate to remain open because we are a liquor store. We realized the value to customers of selling them fresh squeezed juices and mixers to go with their alcohol purchases.

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