Red Lion is a laid-back neighborhood bar with fun caricatures covering most of the space. We even recognized some of the patrons at the bar from the wall. They have basic drinks at reasonable prices and the people were friendly. It's nice if you want a quick two ingredient cocktail before or after a show a Homewood Theater, which is a quick walk away. Definitely a dive bar atmosphere but sometimes that's what is called for. read more

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Absolutely love the Red Lion! It is strictly a bar, no food available, but it is wonderful. Very comfortable and welcoming. I will definitely go back. read more

This is and old school watering hole. If you are at Aloft its a nice quick walk and there are some nice places to eat by this gem. To those writing bad reviews complaining about service or people. My recommendation is the same as others. This is a super local place and if you don't come regularly they don't invest much at times. So you be extroverted. However, to those visiting and wanting a fun local place in the basement of another business than this is your home. The service is good and it's an old school place. It's always nice to drop in and have a drink or two and have a conversation. read more

This is an amazing place, you have to appreciate a classic. I want to keep it a secret; however, I find I tell people about it ALL the time. The history is fascinating, as others have said " hidden gem" yet in plain sight. Regular closing time 11 which is ideal if you are wise enough to know. Taffy is usually there when I have gone, another treat! I prefer the clientele to be those who appreciate the uniqueness and the atmosphere. #Laidback #Oldschool Truly has a feel, if you do not get it... You cannot appreciate the place. read more

Red Lion Lounge - rules of the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Can't believe I have never reviewed this place! Sundays is our favorite day with Jyl the bartender. Red Lion is one of the oldest bars in Birmingham ,and let me tell you it truly holds it reputation as one of the oldest bars in the city based on decor and location alone! This bar has caricatures all over the walls of regulars from over the years as well and a vintage jukebox. It can't get any better than this. Come on by and grab you a famous Long Island iced tea or a mini pitcher of Bud Light. read more

Red Lion Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I had been told several times about this place, but had not had the pleasure of stopping by. That all changed the other day. Red Lion is located down a short driveway, underneath another business in Homewood. As we walked in, my first sense (hearing) picked up the beautiful sounds of Willie Nelson. This was an immediate good sign for me. The jukebox was full of great classic country, so I was set, musically speaking. Unfortunately, another sense (smell) picked up smoke and sewage. I hate to point that out, because I really did love this place, but it was unavoidable. The bathroom did have a sign that explained they were experiencing plumbing issues. The bartender, Pat, was a pleasure to get to know. She kept my drink full and interesting, yet not bothersome, conversation going. The walls were covered in cool charactertures of the regulars, some dearly departed. Pat explained that the artist had recently passed, so these were very special to everyone. Every patron in the place walked by and said that it was nice to have us in "their" bar. If you're looking for a rowdy bar that stays open late, this isn't your place. On the other hand, If you're wanting good music, strong drinks, an interesting atmosphere, and great conversations... go check out the Red Lion Lounge. read more

Red Lion Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Traveled from Nashville to Alabama to celebrate a local friends birthday and we stopped by the Red Lion Lounge for a drink. We do enjoy a good ole dive bar from time to time. Certainly a cool "off the beaten path" type bar with a lot of character. We liked it! Although, we DID have an incident where a customer called us over to his table and told us "No Mexicans Allowed", then proceeded to say; "I would really like to welcome you, but I just can't bring myself to do it". What's funny is that, 4 of us were white and 3 were black. God bless his little heart. Just goes to show you how ignorant some folks can be. However, despite the blatant racism from a customer who left shortly after we arrived, we had a great time. We would never judge an entire establishment based on an isolated incident from what appeared to be just an intoxicated racist. We want to particularly thank the folks that made it a special point to greet us, welcome us, and even buy my friend a drink for her birthday. The drinks were affordable and the atmosphere was pretty laid back. If by chance the racist gentleman stops in again, please tell him the "Mexicans" are coming back. read more

Red Lion Lounge - Super cool guy with the best jacket! - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Cheers, where everybody knows your name! Even if you feel out-of-place, no one treats you as such.This place is exactly what you expect. Smokers, 1970-80s paraphernalia, small town conversations, REAL people w/ no pretentiousness, stiff drinks, realistic tabs, shrimp or crawfish boils for some SEC games, and a great place to watch sports! Say hey to "Di", short for Diana (cool bartender). read more

Red Lion Lounge - Theres a parking spot reserved for the king! Seriously! - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Local institution. Smoky dive with crappy surroundings. Sounds terrible, but it's so bad it is awesome. Don't underestimate charm of an old school dive. read more

Hard to find but a real gem in Bham. Really old school with real people. My kind of place

If you are from Birmingham then you definitely need to try the red lion. It is a local bar that has been around for over 50 years it's definitely a regulars bar with the occasional pop up from first timers. Older crowd but I love that about the place. Bar snacks available and usually someone always brings a special dip or cookies for the crowd. read more

Red Lion Lounge - Happy meal - Dive Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I thought this place was going to be a golden gem from the outside when I found this place on July 4th. My friend I was with highly recommended this place because his mother always came to this place. My thoughts quickly turned for the worst as soon as I opened the door to smell that stale cigarette smell I have come to hate. I felt unwelcome by the people around me as I was not a local to their place. The bartenders were not great either. They rarely looked up. At all. The noise in the bar that night was just loud enough to not be able to get the bartender's attention despite them being directly in front of me. The male bartender was obviously upset about something because he ended up breaking a few glasses while I was there & I felt just uncomfortable enough to not want to ask for his help. There's a $10 minimum for debit card transactions & as I did not want to spend another dollar there I walked to the Region's to go to the ATM so I could cash out while my friend stayed. I once tested to see how long it would take for someone to look up. He did not look up for 5 minutes & the longer I stayed the more frustrated I became. I obviously will never step foot in this place again, but I wish them well. read more

Walking into this place feels a little surreal. It isn't particularly grand or impressively decorated but you get the overwhelming feeling, from the moment that you walk through the threshold, that its walls have seen a considerable amount of history. It feels comfortably lived in and like it could be someone's hobby bar in the basement. The bartender was warm and immediately knew that I was a first-timer. At first, I felt like I was intruding but I soon realized this was my projection and not, at all, the genuine situation. I signed the guest book, ordered an Old Fashioned and reveled in the nostalgia on the walls. To be clear, this place is very quiet. If you came with a group of more than 4 friends, all first timers, you might actually be intrusive. That being said, I can't imagine anyone not being welcomed with open arms here. The drinks are simple but made well and with care. The beer selection is equally simple but, somehow, comprehensive. You'll find something you like, I assure you. The prices are unbelievable. I tipped excessively because I was concerned that I my bill was inaccurate but I think it was genuinely a steal. Overall, this is a local haunt that you should check out if you are looking for a quiet, homey option where you can comfortably drink alone or with a companion without the hustle-bustle of the downtown scene. read more

First time here. Really just wanted a quick beer. Totally unplanned. In a nutshell, a quiet, local, small friendly bar. Four stars for being what you want and expect, nice folks, good chair, cold beer, out of the way. Hard to find, but I thought that was what made it the most cool. Bartender was super and place would let you unwind and chill. Just don't sit in Elvis's seat! read more

Visiting Red Lion Lounge was a pleasant surprise. Literally and figuratively! It's tucked away in an odd location that you can miss if you don't pay attention. I'm originally from the Midwest and upon entering the bar's hidden corridor felt like I was being transported back in time in my former neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin many, many, many years ago. Maybe stuck somewhere between the 1970s and the early 1990s. The walls are covered in caricature sketches of the former bar regulars, snarky and sarcastic signage, and the jukebox has an array of old folk and classic country music to spin tunes all night long. It is certainly a unique place. The drinks are cheap, the bar service is steady and the bartender who waited on us was very friendly and chatty. Overall, I love the retro vibe of this spot, the friendly service, and the hidden away quality of the place. Go check it out if you haven't! read more

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I went here now knowing exactly to expect...and am sooo glad that we did! Had heard about this place for a while, but had never noticed it when driving around downtown Homewood. The place is almost hidden behind the Regions tower, and is definitely worth looking for! The interior is lined with pictures of the regulars that have been here over the last 30 plus years. You really do feel like you have gone back in time. The one bartender was awesome, taking care of a room full of patrons without missing a beat. The crowd was a lot of fun too, singing along to the jukebox with us most of the night! Some may be put off that you can still smoke inside, at least for the time being (which was a plus to me.) The place never seemed smoky or anything though, so most should not be too bothered by it. I think we have found a new regular place...definitely can't wait to go back soon!! read more

If you're looking for an old school neighborhood joint, this is definitely the place ! Tucked behind Regions bank in Homewood away from the fray. It is like walking back in time. Between the wall of regulars pics to the funky architecture, you know you have walked back to a place where regulars really are the norm and drink specials really aren't needed since the drinks are cheap and good. Jeff, our bartender, moved with skill through the 20 + customers ensuring no one was without a beverage that wanted one. It really was remarkable to watch him tend the bar and tables by himself. Of course, he's been taking care of folks for 30 years! The clientale is cool, sure of themselves and willing to sing a song if you play the right one on the circa 1976 jukebox. Definitely a spot where you want folks to know your name. read more

If you want to relax in front of a big TV, with a beer and a smoke - then this is your hang-out. Inexpensive and frequented by genuine people, love the place. read more

We'd heard about this joint from friends and decided to visit. The place is hidden from view on the street and isn't easy to find; however, it is worth the hassle. If Alabama has a Cheers, Red Lion is probably it. The off the wall interior, regulars, and old school bartender are all a throw back to local spots being family like. Drinks are reasonable. Staff are nice. It is definitely worth the time. You won't regret it! read more

Went there to get a drink, sat in a table for 15 minutes and nobody came to serve, this is more an old white people club where if you're not known or a certain color you will not be served... read more

If you like dive bars, this place will not disappoint. Ms. Di took care of us both nights we were in Bham. We felt very welcomed. Sorry other reviewers didn't have such a great experience. As long as you understand what a great dive bar is supposed to be, I need not provide any further description of why this is truly one of our favorite places we have stumbled into (and out of). We will be back the first weekend of March and can't wait to visit her again! read more

We had heard great things-- we went and the bartender barely acknowledged us - we did get a beer --- she was talking about how the number of birthdays of regulars had dropped off. We thought maybe it because folks were not feeling the love. It was on our bucket list for years-- made us sad that it was a bust. It has great potential, super deck outside but.. We couldn't get over the smoke. If you enjoy smoking-- it's for you. read more