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.

I went to the Festa Italiliana today which was a lot of fun. It's a nice venue but a little rocky…read moreso people that have mobility and balance issues really have to be careful. One thing this event could have done to make it better would have been to provide a map of activities and vendors. Just would have like to also see more Italian wine. All in all, it was very pleasant. Had great food, drink and nice people.

Lowering my review after this year's festival. There was bad weather both days, and Sloss only…read morecared about their liability. On Saturday, everyone was forced out of the location by their staff, and onto train tracks which had trains on them, leaving several people to almost get hit. The staff were also telling people the whole day was closed, which was not the case. They just wanted people to leave. We missed out on about 3hrs of shows on Saturday due to all of this. On Sunday, bad weather struck again. We were not forced off the property this time, Sloss having learned its lesson. However, we were all gathered underneath the overpass and were there 4-5 hrs. When someone plugged in a phone and played music to help pass the time and improve the mood, it was removed after 3 songs, upsetting everyone. Eventually the festival resumed, but only 3 acts remained to play that night. Overall, a pretty disappointing experience, and Sloss has yet to really comment or offer any kind of refund for literally missing over half the shows promised. I know they have no control over weather, but some kind of response and restitution would be appreciated. I hope next year is better, or Sloss may not recover.

I love it here! Prime location. Right by Bamboo, HoFo, El Barrio, Neon Moon, etc. Me'n'mine came…read morethe second weekend they were open, and there was a line out the door. They seat everyone at bar/tables for the most part (from what I could tell) - so not really a dancing/mingling spot. Although, the vibes were so good there was enough of that going around anyway. All of my buddies said their drinks were delicious. I ordered the Plastic Love lychee martini situation, and it was fantastic. Like juice. Will certainly be back! They've been posting on Instagram what albums they'll be playing that night. Friday was "New Music Friday" so they had some new stuff they played all the way through.

Horrible!!! Horrible!!! Horrible!!! I unfortunately went to…read morethis "bar" recently and had the worst experience at a bar ever in my 20+ years of going out to bars in the U.S. and internationally. We were forced to wait almost 2 hours in line outside the bar and when my group of 8 got in the place was half empty. There were a lot of people in line with us that eventually gave up trying to get in and just left to go elsewhere. Once inside the empty bar we were treated very rudely by t he staff. We were repeatedly forced to move our group of patrons who were drinking and trying to enjoy the night out. Apparently they don't want people standing inside the bar. We were made to feel unwelcome solely because we were standing. We later found out the rude staff member that forced us to move multiple times was one of the owners. Please keep in mind we were spending money but decided to leave after being there for a short while. If I could give this review 5 negative stars I would. This place is a joke!!! Stay away. There are other bars in Birmingham that know how treat a customer. Horrible bar!!!!

Surprised by this venue. I had never heard of it, but was invited to a 40th bday celebration so I…read morewent. Tucked in the historic district of downtown Birmingham, it is a clean, well kept older building with nice, classy decor. It is rectangluar shaped which may sound uninviting, but it actually worked well. The staff was friendly and curteous. I would definitely recommend as an event venue for less than 75 people.

Awesome place to unwind and enjoy some live jazz, cocktails, and friendly people. The menu is…read morelimited but priced right. The cocktails are mixed perfectly and light on the wallet. The last two Acts have been outstanding. Milkshake and Sherry Reeves were top notch entertainers and artist. I recommend this establishment. Birmingham is coming a live!! RLD

Such a great experience at this venue. I've been here before and thought the place was/is Alabama…read more I went to see the play, The Voices of Donny Hathaway and was very impressed with Encore Theatre and Gallery'. Their production was perfect with, the stage scenery, costumes, music and acting. The overall production was amazing. The theatre itself feels like home. I'm not from the Birmingham metro area, but I am a native Alabamian and this place feels like home. The beauty and the quaint coziness is what makes this a great cultural space. I can't wait for the next event!

First time at this theater. We came for a traveling speakeasy and got to sit in the theater. This…read moreis a small intimate theater. I don't think any seat is bad. It was very comfortable and we enjoyed the close atmosphere to watch the performances. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. We got here about half an hour before it opened and were able to get street parking. I would come here again.

Had a great experience at the Pop Up Bar in Birmingham. The bartender was incredibly personable and…read morehelpful and took the time to guide me through drink options, which made it easy to land on exactly what I wanted. The atmosphere and music were on point the entire time, lively but still relaxed enough to actually enjoy conversation. The location is also super convenient, making it an easy stop whether you are downtown or just passing through. Easily one of the best margaritas in Birmingham with a ton of flavor options to choose from. The standout is the happy hour with unbeatable prices that make it hard not to come back. Solid spot all around.

How cute is this place and concept? "Birmingham's First Revolving Themed Bar Experience". I went…read morefor a Poetry On Peter event. Great vibe, inexpensive tickets, a fun environment as a solo outing, inviting poetry community. Parking wasn't an issue for me. They seem to host several events where anyone can find something they like. Definitely check it out if you haven't.

Starting with the free buffet by noting they served brats and regular hot dogs with chili and slaw…read morewith side lays bagged potato chips. Brats were good and fun messy. They had a band that started about 7:30. The lead singer came to every table and casually greeted every person individually before showtime. This place is roomy with a back patio and a backroom cigar room separate from the club. The band had players that I recognized from city jazz festivals and other venues. They had three different lead male singers, all with great voices. They did have ladies free until 6. Men paid $10 starting at door opening. Moss Stoval djed after the band and came out smoking

First time visiting the club. Small and intimate. Nice drinks. Live Music on Wednesday night. J P…read moreLambert was singing last Wednesday. Great show I really enjoyed the show

We immediately felt a good vibe when we entered this place. The server was friendly and attentive,…read moreand the food was good. We enjoyed the live music too.