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 buddy of mine and i were in town and supposed to go to the Birmingham Barons game but I messed up…read morethe time and we would have been an hour late, so we skipped it. We decided to find a place in the area that had live music and Tin Roof came up. We walked in and the place had a decent crowd but not busy. I walked up to the bar and saw they only had domestic beer on tap so asked if they had any N/A options for my buddy and if they had any IPA's for me. The unwarranted shitty attitude of the bartender was as if I asked him to make me a long island iced tea with a line of 30 people at the bar. It was just me and I simply wanted him to give me a can of beer. He gave a snide remark about it being a bar when I asked about the N/A options and just gave me an IPA in a can from Good People brewing. I guess that's the only one they had, or he just decided it's what I was getting. The beer was good, but I wanted to see my options. We sat in the courtyard and listened to the 1-man band, aka a guy with a guitar. He played a variety of stuff and was decent. The courtyard was a decent place to chill. I went back to get another beer and asked if they had any different IPA's, I got an eye roll and a nope. I decided to bounce. I didn't want to hang out with Captain Douchepickle the bartender anymore. The place was fine, and if the dipshit isn't working, I am sure it would be better.

Got a chance to stop by while bar hopping with a bridal party didn't get a chance to try any food…read morebut we had the best time dancing the DJ was awesome and I can't wait to come back to try the food auntie was out and about and will come back

This is an "if you know, you know" place. It's in an alleyway down two sets of stairs that smell…read morelike they use a scrub and an antibiotic. The bar is spacious and has a neat vibe, graffiti walls, vending machine, pool tables, interesting decor... Definitely, worth a visit. Jackson was our bartender. Awesome guy!

Played pool with 3 #2 balls and a few fours. Drink beer...have fun. Don't think about it…read more#divebar#divebar I love dive bars. Would give it a 5 on but the urine smell was too prevalent for me.

Wonderful atmosphere, great drinks! Really a great place! Highly recommend!!! Joe, the owner is a…read moregreat guy!!!

Awesome ambiance and great service! Stopped in last night and our bartender, Kaitlyn, did a…read moretremendous job. Very friendly and our cocktails were on point. Will definitely be back!

The Nick is definitely not for everyone -- but it's absolutely an experience you'll never forget…read more After my friend (who was hosting us) passed out, my other friend and I decided to see more of Birmingham's nightlife. A friendly bartender at Up-Down Arcade Bar (another must-visit!) told us about this place, mentioning it's one of the few bars open 24 hours on the weekend. Naturally, curiosity won. From the jump, this place had character. There's a bouncer at the door, a makeshift elevated DJ booth to the right where you have to pay cash for a "membership." Don't worry -- there's an ATM conveniently behind the booth, ready to charge you a nice little convenience fee if you didn't bring cash. The membership lasts a year, but still, that was a first for me. Inside? Small. Crowded. Lively. And at 1 AM, there was a guy passed out in a chair right by the entrance -- with his dog roaming freely around the bar. I honestly couldn't make this up if I tried. The bartenders were solid -- fast, cool, and trying their best to keep up with the rush. There's a selection of local beers (pretty good ones too) and two pool tables... well, technically one, since they only had one cue ball. The pool sticks? Ancient relics. The bathroom? I'll spare you the visuals. Outside was much more breathable. There was a local guy named Walter -- from Georgia, of all places -- selling BBQ. Cool dude. The turkey wing was a little tough, but his attitude made up for it. Now, the real highlights? The people and the atmosphere. You've got folks eavesdropping on your conversations, tossing around racially backed jokes at me (that I politely corrected), a row of chain-smokers out front, and a woman openly asking for cigarettes or change that may have been homeless, but was definitely a crackhead and she so eloquently vocalized. It's a gritty and downright raw type of place, but somehow, it works. There wasn't any live music when we came, but I'm sure that's what makes this place shine more than it already does in its own unique way. I'll definitely be back for a performance night. Bottom line: Five stars because The Nick is exactly what it's supposed to be -- an unfiltered slice of Birmingham nightlife that refuses to apologize for being itself.

It seems like I'd heard of this place since the day we moved to Birmingham in 2012. I've heard some…read moreinteresting stories about it since then also. lol! I went at 4:30'ish on a Tuesday for happy hour with some pals. Very slow time which was perfect for us. The bartender was very laid back. The customers seemed like regulars... familiar. Good drinks. The walls are super super busy. You can't look and not see something you didn't see before. I definitely recommend going for the experience if you've never been.

Great bar to grab drinks and mingle! They had some great happy hour specials and the bartender was…read moreattentive and friendly. I attended a private event and really enjoyed myself. The bar is clean, has several sitting areas and even offers a great patio!

A time was had!!! Margaritas were specially made by LaLa and Alexis. Music was on point!read more

I stopped by Saturday night and enjoyed the vibe. It was very crowded but the bartenders did a good…read morejob getting drinks out. I sat next to Cary (bartender) and had fun watching him work, he was hilarious in spite of people yelling for drinks. The courtyard is also a nice spot to chill with friends. I will be back!!

We came here to celebrate my birthday with a few friends and it was nice…read more The drinks were well made and the staff also treated me to a birthday shot as well haha. Overall we had a great time catching up with friends and even seeing the photo booth inside.

I came from out of town and the 1st impression wasn't good…read more The crowd was cool. The DJ had a nice set but his speakers were busted and that was annoying to the ears. The bartender wasn't friendly... she had my aunts drink sitting in ice for a while before finishing it and she gave a little attitude when asked to redo it. I'd go back if opportunity presents itself the next time I'm in town because my aunt said she goes there regularly and maybe it was a less than stellar service night.

This place has great food, great service, and great music. It's in the perfect spot by City Walk.read more