Billy's is back open in Lakeview!!! I heard thru the grapevine the bartenders at Lou's Pub down the…read morestreet are the reason Billy's is back. Woohoo! It's a dive bar, nothing fancy. Pool tables, booths, music, and lots of people. I hope that Billy's opening back up helps Lakeview become fun again. The last few years with Moe's being closed and multiple incidents at Innisfree, my friends and I have been avoiding the Lakeview strip, but it truly is one of the only blocks in Birmingham where you can bar-hop around. Music: when we arrived, they were playing 'Lavender Haze,' track 1 off of Taylor Swift's Midnights album. They then proceeded to play tracks 2 through 6, in order. This was the most effective way to win me over. I'll be back! Probably way more than I should be! P.S. I believe last call was around midnight last night. Unsure what the usual hours are going to be, but they were busy!

I came here for the first time last month after a friend's birthday celebration. They stay open…read morelate. It's a dive bar, and I'm not sure if they really have any specialty cocktails. I ordered a pineapple and rum which I didn't really like. It was very strong.

The Refinery in Birmingham is steadily becoming one of my regular spots, and it's easy to see why…read more Between the creative cocktails, solid food menu, and rotating experiences, there's always something that makes a visit feel a little different. One of my favorite things about The Refinery is their Monday pop-ups, which feature chefs from different local restaurants and food businesses. On my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to try Flava Yaad, a local Jamaican chef bringing authentic island flavors to the table. I ordered the Pepper Shrimp, and it was delicious -- flavorful, well-seasoned, and a great introduction to the pop-up. I love when restaurants create opportunities to showcase other local culinary talent, and this is such a fun way to experience something new. The cocktail menu is another major highlight. The Wealth Espresso Martini is, without a doubt, one of the best espresso martinis I've had. It isn't always available, which can be a little disappointing, but I can appreciate that a cocktail with a more involved preparation may not be offered every day. I also enjoy the Glass Pavilion, where the menu seems to rotate somewhat seasonally, making it another reason to return and see what's new. The regular food menu is just as impressive. My personal favorites are the Grilled Chicken Miso Sandwich and the Club Croissant, both paired with the Truffle Fries. My boyfriend has enjoyed the Smash Burger and most recently tried the Shrimp and Grits during Sunday brunch. We also like to split the Caesar Salad, which is a generous portion and works well as something to share before the meal -- although we almost always have leftovers. The staff have consistently been great. I've seen different bartenders depending on the day, but everyone I've interacted with has been friendly, attentive, and welcoming. With the rotating pop-ups, creative drinks, dependable food, and consistently good service, The Refinery is becoming the kind of place where I can stop in for a cocktail, plan a meal, or try something completely new. Definitely a spot worth adding to your Birmingham rotation.

Staying in Homewood. Looked around for a low carb option. The Refinery hit the spot. Tuna,…read moresquash medley, and a side salad for the person looking for low carbs. I had a delicious pork chop with black eyed pea, corn, okra, and tomato succotash. A glass of red wine and a bottle of beer. Small dining area with a warm welcoming feel. There are tables outside when the weather cooperates. It was a little warm outside for us. The service was good! Our only issues were rounding the block a few times for find parking and 18% gratuity being included with the bill.

Sexiest place I e ever been to get a drink! You can't find a more creative, attentive and dedicated…read morecrew in any kitchen, must less bar. These guys are playing to impress. It's a gas sitting and discussing their approach to the cocktails they create. I mean...I live in Denver and fly to AL in large part to visit these guys! They've got a young man who's providing sushi appetizers at a very reasonable price, that are like little piece of magic! I hate it that I can't remember his name...but if you go at the right time and get to meet him, I bet you'll remember!

I finally got to check out Bygones! My friend and I went for a late night bite and a cocktail, and…read morewe sat at the bar. The service was quick and the hospitality was unmatched. They have a food truck that I've heard wonderful things about and I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was almost like a chopped Caesar salad and it was just the right amount for a small girl dinner. If you like Parmesan cheese, this is a must order as they do not skimp on that! What was really nice however was that you couldn't tell the food was from a food truck. It was great quality and you are able to order from inside the bar and they deliver it to you. That was a great service. I can't quite remember which cocktail I got, but it was very delicious and at one point the server had even given me a new chilled glass so my drink would remain cold as I sipped on it. This is definitely a great date night spot or just a place to grab a drink with friends, definitely a little more upscale as we were there in the evening, so the lights were dim. I won't drop my rating as it's spring time in the South but I remember being cold immediately as I walked in- but that's typical for a lot of places.

My friends and I went out to InnisFree Pub to celebrate St. Patty's Day. They had music going,…read moredrinks coming, and all around good vibes. Outside they had a food truck, which after a few drinks, my friends and I decided to grab a bite from. I ordered the "Irish Poutine." It was fries topped with gravy and "cheese curds." While the service and price were great, I was not a fan of what I ordered. The temperature of my food was slightly above warm and the cheese curds seems more like a mozzarella stick that was cut up. The gravy was bland and a bit on the salty side. While this wasn't the best meal, it was good convenient to have outside the bar!

Employees were nice. Food was average…read more People in my group and the group next to use were commenting on the music being too loud.

I stopped by SideBar on a whim because I was looking for a casual place where I didn't have to…read moredress up. The outdoor seating was nice, with both covered and uncovered options, although the lighting outside could have been a little better. I was sitting on the patio because I had food from the taco truck. They checked IDs at the door, which wasn't an issue. At 34, I actually didn't feel much older than most of the crowd, which was a pleasant surprise. The drink selection seemed a bit limited. I wanted to try the frozen espresso that was advertised on the menu board, but they told me they didn't have it that night. That seemed a little odd, especially for a Friday night when you'd expect popular menu items to be available. Inside, the venue was spacious and featured a live band, which added to the atmosphere. It wasn't overly crowded, and I appreciated that. They also have outdoor beach volleyball courts. I didn't make it out to the courts, but I could see people gathered around watching the games. One thing I found a little unusual was that I was told I had to eat my food on the patio. It wasn't a problem, but it seemed odd since I didn't notice them serving food inside. I'm guessing it's probably a cleanliness or policy issue. Overall, I'd definitely come back, especially for a super casual night. The relaxed atmosphere, live music, and outdoor space made it an enjoyable place to hang out.

Sidebar is always a fun place to go in Lakeview. They have beach volleyball outside. My friends and…read moreI last came here on St. Patrick's Day when most places were closed for the night already. They had drink specials and good live music too!

A great local place! That does soup and sandwiches along with a full bar. Has great outdoor space…read moreas well! Staff are nice and attentive.

I really didn't know what to expect, going to a place called the Garage. But it really is a garage,…read morelocated on a side street or alley. This is such a unique place. The sandwiches looked great. My grilled cheese sandwich was perfect!! 2 types of cheese with enough butter to make the cheese ooey and gooey. We didn't really understand how/where to order or how/where to sit, but following the directions of the folks in front of us helped. The menu consisted of sandwiches, soup and chips. There were a selection of different types of beer, wines and liquor. Cool ambiance; hanging out in the garage eating a sandwich while having a drink. The seats were a little uncomfortable, church pews, but you're in a garage. I would go back for the grilled cheese sandwich, for sure. The people with me thought their meat sandwiches were delicious!

The Christmas bar here is absolutely insane. It's perfect for getting anyone in the Christmas…read morespirit. They offered both cocktails and mocktails for everyone to enjoy. I got the Koala-la-la-la drink which was super cute, and I chose it to get the koala of course lol. They also had some little treats in which my friends and I each got a Little Debbie Christmas tree cake. Service was good, but we did encounter a flooding issue that cut our visit a bit short in which everyone had to evacuate. But I would certainly come back!

This was my first time here and definitely won't be my last. We came here for drinks on Christmas…read moreEve and the place had a nice flow of people going in and out. Once it gets to a limit where there are no seats available you asked to wait outside until there is room. Luckily we walked in and were seated immediately. They played nonstop Christmas music, mostly R&B and rap which was right up my alley. For drinks we had the Run Rub Reindeer. It was pretty good, but the cinnamon taste kind of overpowered the drink. The waiter and waitress were nice and it's definitely a cool vibe and nice spot to grab a drink.

I've been to Denim a few times and I always have a ball!! The most recent time I went, I was there…read moreto taste their new menu items. They now have food and a few new drinks. The vibe was lit as always and the new stuff did not disappoint! I love going there and they have great bartenders as well.

Drinks and service were amazing. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. Music creates a…read morenice atmosphere for all ages. We will definitely be back.

it's a cool bar that offers cigars & darts , 10/10. Cool bartender and fun crowd. Will be back.read more

Oasis is one of those amazing dive bars that you keep coming back to. There is always live music…read moreand a fun crowd even on a Sunday night. If you are looking for craft beer, you will only find cans and bottles, but they do have a full bar. Parking isn't the greatest, but it is that way all over the Lakeview district.

This isn't a bar. It doesn't exist. But if it did it would have the most random cool artwork and…read moreposters. Plus a cool pet shrine. Maybe some Star Wars figurines. Some comfy couches, a patio etc. the bartenders would be chill. Making you feel like one of the regulars. The drinks would be cheap. I think. Ok yeah definitely.

Church Key is an easy new favorite in Birmingham. Great drink specials, a solid rotating beer list,…read moreand one of the best seating areas in town -- both inside and out. Chill vibe, friendly staff, and a space that's perfect for groups or solo hangs. Happy to share this spot!