Crestwood Tavern & Grill

Established in 2005 as a hangout spot for neighbors and music lovers, Crestwood Tavern is a premier neighborhood gathering spot in Birmingham, Alabama. They offer local craft beer, fresh food, eclectic music and more in the Crestwood neighborhood. This is your go-to bar to unwind, eat, play games, watch sports, and have a memorable night out!

"Whether you are a professional, college student, or just planning a relaxing evening with your friends and family, come by and experience the best that Crestwood Tavern has to offer."

"Definitely a local dive neighborhood bar - this place is cool with no major frills. Has all of the basic things you would need as far as standard drinks. Most of the common spirits and beers are available with a few of the local breweries represented as well." - Geoffrey H.

"This place is a true dive bar. If you're looking for a place just to have drinks and maybe grab some bar food, then this is your place. Nothing fancy about this place which is just fine for me. This is definitely a neighborhood bar worth checking out if you want to go somewhere low key and reasonably priced." - Ashley H.

(Plus, Wednesday nights they have free pool!)

Location: 5500 Crestwood Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama 35212

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Watkins Branch

Bourbon & Brasserie
Image via Watkins Branch Facebook
Image via Watkins Branch website

What more could you ask for...they have bourbon in their name! If you're looking for a fancier yet still cozy spot, then Watkins Branch is for you. Located in Mountain Brook Village, they serve hearty and authentic small plates sourced from Alabama farms paired with an extensive bourbon list.

"A cozy bourbon bar in Mountain Brook, Alabama featuring rich small plates and elevated classics."

"Huge fan of Watkins Branch (and their sister, Fig Tree). The service is impeccable and the space is adorable. Love the food, love the drinks. Excited to have them in BHM! Grabbed takeout a few times during quarantine, and it was excellent, too!" - Kat C.

"So happy I went! It's small on the inside but has a real clean style happening. Old bourbon, single malt scotch, whiskey, and not the usual stuff that everyone has. A real connoisseur's collection of spirits here! Enjoy everyone!" A. D.

Check out About Town's profile on Watkins Branch in Our Favorite

Location: 2708 Culver Road Mountain Brook, Alabama 35223

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The Garage (Re-opening October 1st)

Located a couple of blocks off Highland Avenue in Southside stands Birmingham’s original beer garden - The Garage. Sit back, relax, and drink some bourbon in your dream backyard. Their courtyard is one-of-a-kind centered between old covered garage stalls from the 30s. There are multiple garages around the courtyard and each one holds different pieces and artifacts. Definitely put this secret dive bar on your list! *They only take cash (with an ATM in the back).*

"I recommend anyone check this place out, grab a beer and a sandwich and hang out on the patio. Very fun and very unique." Matthew Y.

"This is a hidden gem in Birmingham. It looks like nothing from the outside, but it has a lot of character. This bar is truly one of a kind." Keaton R.

Location: 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham, AL 35205

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Queens Park

Image via Queen's Park Instagram

A classic cocktail bar located in Birmingham's historic downtown Loft District. The owner, Laura Newman, was the FIRST woman to win U.S. Bartenders Guild World Class Competition Bartender of the Year in 2018, so you can definitely rest assured the bartenders know how to make a drink! Be sure to stop by and get a bourbon drink from a world famous bartender!

"If you're into specialty/crafty cocktails, I would 100% recommend you visit Queen's Park. The atmosphere here is unmatched, it almost gives me NYC/Chicago vibes. Their music selection is very diverse, from rap/hip hop to electric. I also love the uniqueness of how nicely it is decorated." Elizabeth G.

"This bar is everything!! Not too big, not to small!! They have a great menu full of cool drinks to try. The service was outstanding and the bartenders did a great job recommending drinks based or our preference. The music was at just the right volume so you could still have a conversation. The bathrooms were clean. I will be back again and again!" Jamie M.

"The place reminds me of bars in New York and other major cities. The owner is was named 'Bartender of the Year' recently and it shows in the drinks and how the bar operates! Have been multiple times, will continue to go." Christopher T.

Location: 112 24th Street North Birmingham, AL

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Mom’s Basement

Image viaMom's Basement Instagram

Feel like hangin out in your old basement again? Well, you're in luck! Mom's Basement is an actual basement in a strip mall and has anything and everything nostalgic to take you back to your childhood. You can even bring a picture of your mom and place her up on their wall! If you want to chill out with friends and play some games while trying a bourbon drink, then Mom's is the place for you.

"This place reminds me of my best friends parents' basement; straight from the 1970s with wood paneling, a praying hands lamp, pictures of people's moms, cool beer lamps, a potato chip vending machine and a vintage photo booth. This place is all about atmosphere and hanging out with friends." - Linda R.

"I'm telling you - this is a staple in the Avondale area. Anytime we have guests come in from out of town, we always suggest this place as a starting point or final destination! Super fun and I hope it's here to stay!" - Margaret H.

"This is the coolest concept; JUST LIKE you are 14 again in your friend's mom's basement, hanging out waiting for your friends to finish their '7 Mins in Heaven' game, lol." -Bethany M.

Location: 4411 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, AL, 35222

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