Absolutely LOVE this place. The drink experience is like no other in Birmingham and they literally ask you every single question about what you like just to make sure it will be something you enjoy. Have I mentioned the Chicken and Waffles? OMG, I die for them. They are unreal and I recommend to anyone whether from the south or not. Love the atmosphere and it is the place I choose for a relaxing evening that doesn't include drunk people falling all over you and leave smelling like 11 packs of cigarettes. Keep up the great food, drinks and experience! read more

Let's be clear, if you want a bud light this is not the best place for you. Don't get me wrong, they will give you one. But the bartenders here are masters at making a cocktail. Just tell them what you like and they will make something spectacular! We recommend sitting at the bar so you can see them in action. It's impressive how they use so many different ingredients. read more

Glad we tracked down this place! It was recommended by our hotel, and a little bit of a walk on a cold day. Wow, was it worth it! Angel, our mixologist treated us well. Tried all kinds of new concoctions! Don't miss this place! read more

The Collins Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The bar is so loud it is almost impossible to have a conversation. I like a particular rum, which they don't have. The drinks are OBSCENELY over priced. And the place has a funny smell. Went with a groups, but would never pick this place. You are much better off going to Atomic or the bar at Chez FonFon for much better drinks, with a tab that won't make you feel violated. We also got the Charcuterie. It was aweful. If you do get roped info going - don't order any food. read more

Great bar with a unique and funky decor. The bar staff is wonderful and they can create a custom cocktail for you in short order. The appetizers were very good and service was excellent. I loved the periodic table that tied symbols to Birmingham and Jefferson County. read more

The energy in this place is excellent. The staff is incredibly gifted at their craft and the patrons all seem to be having the time of their lives. Ask Josh to make you a cocktail. With just a few guidelines he can make you something balanced and innovative. Excellent service and exquisite cocktails in an upscale atmosphere. read more

Hey - totally check this place out! Cocktails are sophisticated yet down to earth with this great staff. Mike, the barkeep who we talked to the most, was friendly, knows his craft and entertained us our whole evening (we were stopping overnight / from out of town). As Mike said; "I serve people, not drinks." That says everything about this place! Music was modern / indie, but not pretentious, as well as the general atmosphere - quiet but sophisticated. DEFINITELY have a drink here! Ask Mike to make his Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or his Toronto (sublime!). I'll vouch for their martinis too. read more

The Collins Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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My husband and I are moving down to birmingham from NYC and we were in town finding apartments and scouting out the area. We stopped by the Collins Bar because I saw on yelp that they had great cocktails and really talented bartenders. I definitely have to agree! i really enjoyed my cocktail which was mixed by the bartender especially for me based on the ingredients I told him (cucumber, ginger, spicy and "skinny"/low sugar) andddddd they were $8-9 a drink (the same cocktail would have been at least $17 in NYC). Will definitely be back! read more

Excellent service, fun atmosphere, wonderful drinks! I came here with a friend for after dinner drinks, and had wonderful service from Mike. He made us great drinks based on what we normally order! Really fun to try something new, and also great to come to a bar that doesn't try to hurry you out as soon as you pay. Will definitely be coming back here!! read more

The atmosphere is amazing. They have games to play and charging stations. The drinks are very well done and some of the best in town

Turns out if you write a one star review of Collins Bar on Yelp and come back in to give the bar another chance, they'll kick you out for writing a one star review on Yelp. And they'll call you an idiot and a liar in front of everyone sitting at the bar. Didn't even get to buy a drink this time. read more

This place is a really cool spot for a drink with friends or a date night! Fun and unique atmosphere-- I like the idea of being able to describe what you like and they create a drink for you although sometimes this can lead to a lot of inconsistencies if you find a 'creation' you like! Interesting little menu they have.. definitely don't think the food matches the vibe here but nice to have the option of a snack! I like the board games because it keeps everybody active and entertained! Would definitely bring out of town guests here for a late night fun cocktail! read more

I just realized that I had yet to write a review for one of our favorite bars in town!! Other than the fact that it can become VERY crowded inside at peak times (a testament to how many other people love this place too) there is nothing bad that I can say!! I like that they don't have a menu, but rather you tell them what kinds of liquor and flavor profile you want put together and they will make you a perfect drink. The bartenders are all very attentive. They do offer some small plates as well. I have tried the fried tots, and they are delicious, as is the hummus. Be sure and check out one of the drinks that they are known for...the sex panther. If you are a fan of bourbon, you definitely will not regret the decision!! read more

I returned to The Collins after a long hiatus thanks to Negroni Week and the promise of Negroni slushies. I, admittedly, didn't expect much since my first encounter was so off-putting but I'm happy to say that my impressions of this place have changed for the better. While I did not give the food a second try (see my initial review), I was pleasantly surprised with the slushies - props to Steva for the inspired idea - and the updated decor/atmosphere. A phenomenal local band, The Violet Hour, was playing and the ambiance was really lovely. While wait times for the drinks were above average, the bar was packed and the quality of drinks was never compromised. I'll happily wait a few extra minutes for a drink at a packed bar knowing that the product I am getting is top-notch. Overall, I'm excited to return and have hope that my first experience was a rare off night. read more

What a cool bar, great idea & creative drinks! Cole is an amazing bartender...really enjoyed our visit here!

Excellent service, cocktail guidance and ambiance. These guys know how to make a bar fun again. Well done and can't wait to return!

Not as special as I thought it would be, but still worth a visit for the periodic table of Birmingham. Would recommend sticking with wine or beer or a simple cocktail - mine didn't taste that special for the bartender asking me what I liked and making a drink off of that. Nonetheless, it is a very cool atmosphere. read more

The drinks were decent. It was cool to go to the bartender and say what we were in the mood for. She made us drinks we enjoyed. It didn't cost $8-10, cost $12 but it was still a good drink. The vibe is a little odd and I didn't understand the periodic elements of Birmingham but it was a nice vibe for a drink. I could tell the place was a local favorite and we'd go again. read more

Loved the atmosphere,the games, the drinks. It has some cozy nooks and crannies to fall off in and enjoy conversations with your friends.

I visited Birmingham for a weekend and the Collins Bar made the trip. I wasn't sure Birmingham would have the same craft cocktail venues that are emerging in Pittsburgh, but Collins proved me wrong. The bartenders were able to make great recommendations based on our preferences, and the drinks were fantastic. I also loved the venue - I love the periodic table of Birmingham elements, and the bathrooms (i know - it's a weird thing to comment on) were very classy (i love the mirror quotes!). If I lived in Birmingham, I'd be here regularly. read more

I always have a good experience at Collins. The staff is friendly in a nice, laid-back way. I dig the atmosphere - paper planes, themed table of elements, low lighting - and of course the drinks are tasty. What really puts this place over the top for me is the food. Pigs in a blanket, hummus, tater totes... it sounds basic, but these are high-quality pigs in a blanket. It's a cool place to check out. read more

While my fiance and I had drinks here, we felt like we were back in Brooklyn, where we just moved from. Hopefully that's a good sign - it felt very fresh and trendy without trying too hard. The games placed throughout and various themes make it fun too, just a cool place to hang out with friends. As every other review points out, you can get a tailor-made cocktail too, and that's always a winner :) read more

Collins Bar has got to be the coolest place in Birmingham. This is a bar that looks like it could be in any big city in the country. The atmosphere and decor are crazy unique, with geometric art on the walls, paper planes hanging from the ceiling, and a Birmingham-themed periodic table on the wall behind the bar. Weekend nights the place is totally packed but I've been on a Sunday afternoon as well when you can have the space more to yourself. At first I found the lack of a drink menu difficult, but the more I've been to Collins and the more you drink in general, it's fun to give the bartenders perimeters or preferences for a drink and see what they make. These bartenders are definitely experts, very knowledgeable, skilled in a wide array of cocktails and techniques, and should be trusted. The more you know what you like, the better experience you'll have, but it's also a great place to try new and unique drinks. Though egg cocktails are having a moment, this was the first place I could get one in Birmingham, love the novelty, and appreciate the availability. The food is fancy bar food and is also excellent. Pro-tip: Highly recommend writing down the name of any cocktail you end up loving so you have some idea what it was when you try to order it again in the future. Apparently there is more than one fruity cocktail with egg white. read more

Collins has become a common stop for us. We love el barrio, and whenever there's a wait, we go straight to Collins. Owned and operated by Andrew Collins, a local hero for his old hot dog stand where the Lyric Theater stands now, it's a unique spot where you can escape the heat and have the pro mixologists make you a drink based on a liquor preference and a taste preference (spicy, sweet, fizzy, islandy). It's never too crowded and if you have an appetite then you can now grab a classic Lyric Dog or some tots to hold you over. Quickly becoming our Saturday afternoon hangout when it's hot outside at the breweries. There's also board games and cell phone chargers. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great bar snacks. read more

Stopped in on the way home from work last night. Bartenders did an excellent job making a couple of custom cocktails based on a few quick questions. Great atmosphere. Will definitely be back. read more

The bartender came by when i was trying to ask if the kitchen was still open he ignored me to go hug some guy then came back and asked what was i being stopped for. That was very rude. I was here visiting a friend. This is my first time here i was looking forward to a much better experience then this. read more

Collins Bar is a nice laid back place. To me it has a very vintage/modern look to it. They have nice seating areas, great music, great food and drinks. The servers were really nice! I like how they have just this 1 big ball of ice cube in your drink instead of a bunch of ice watering your drink down. It's right in the middle of downtown. I would definitely recommend this bar if you're looking for something to do. read more

Cool little place with any drink you can think of and board games. Will be back next time in Birmingham.

I used to love it here, but feel like the quality of drink has gone down, while the arrogance of staff has gone up. Sad.

the bar tender Josh was really nice! they made our drinks with style and grace lol! I came late so I didn't get to try the food. but I will be back to eat and drink. I also LOVED the old school games that they had for us to play with. the decor is FAB! read more

You'll always find a crowd at the Collins Bar, yet there's never a problem finding a seat at the bar, in a booth, or outside. It's a dimly lit, quirky bar with a creative, inviting scene. There's a HUGE "periodic table of Birmingham" on the wall behind the bar, and there's a typewriter sitting on most tables. The bartenders are mixologists. They're extremely knowledgeable and are always up for trying new things. In fact, they seem to like it best when customers let them run wild with a cocktail recipe. Their concoctions are always delicious and certainly unique. The service is great; the mood is fun. It's a go-to after dinner drink spot, located conveniently down the street from some of Birmingham's best eateries on popular 2nd Ave North. read more

Really cool place! Went here with some friends last night and had a great time. Wonderful atmosphere; I loved that they had old typewriters that people could use, as well as card games. The personalized drink concept is really cool, and they tastes amazing. The only problem I had there was that the food servings were pretty small, BUT they did taste great. Planning on taking my partner here soon. read more

Loved The Collins Bar! Great atmosphere and bar staff. We did not eat, but the drinks were made as per requested. Whoever came up with the idea to suspend umbrellas from the tree outside; you are brilliant!! The Collins Bar is a cool new addition to the Birmingham City scene. Well done! read more

Happy to see a new concept. Here's the skinny...... Not sure how or what to order just decide what liquor you want, then sweet/sour. Easy enough the bartenders are well versed in flavor and will get you something you more than likely have never tasted. If your more on the simple side beer is also available. However when Masters are in your presence I personally would suggest trying something new and Collins bar is indeed that. The decor is splendid. I love the Scientific Method of Bham so awesome to look at. The paper planes are fun and different. The only thing I did not get were the type writer????? Overall this is a fun and great establishment! read more

What a unique spot! Definitely one of my favorite bars in Birmingham. The handcrafted cocktails are delicious, but if you are staying for more than one drink I'd recommend switching to beer at some point or at least drinking more water. They will sneak up on you! The bread pudding is delicious, I haven't tried any of the main courses. The tables are intimate and cozy and the bar is a great place to watch the electric drinks being prepared. read more

I've been a couple times now and every time it has been exceptional. One of my favorite bars I've ever been to. Really neat atmosphere - They have tables, booths, couches, and of course the bar. You can order your signature drink or you can tell the bartenders what you're feeling and they will work their magic and whip up something amazing. They also have board games so that's always fun. Who doesn't want to play Uno while they drink? Also, something you don't see at every bar, they have really great food. A twist on typical bar food; I recommend the tots. Overall, I think this place will become my go-to bar downtown. You gotta try. read more

The drinks are awesome and for craft cocktail, its not that expensive. I love being able to tell the bartender what I like and them make something amazing. If you are a bourbon drinker, the sex panther is awesome! I usually try and stop by during the week early because the place gets packed ( no tables and you can not move). If Collins was a little larger.... i would go more often. Overall all, I am never disappointed. read more

We walked in and sat at the bar thinking we'd get our drinks and then sit at a table. There were only a handful of other customers, and there was one bartender and another guy taking orders. We realized that it takes a few minutes to make a craft cocktail; however, as we were waiting, the place started filling up. Twenty minutes later, we still had not been acknowledged whatsoever-- no "how are you", no "we'll be with you in a moment"... they didn't even look at us... and both guys started taking drink orders from people walking in after us. We were very disappointed; I have honestly never walked out of a bar because of such inattentive service. We ended up at The Roof and it was much better! :) read more

Love, love, love this place! No drink menu just the extensive knowledge of well trained, passionate mixologists. Great food, great staff, board games at every table, and free popcorn at closing! Great place to start or close out the night or a place to just grab a quick drink after work! I've been many times and will continue to go! read more

I just love this place! My husband and I were lucky enough to find a seat in a small corner that was quieter than most spots. They make a delicious French 75 and had some delicious little bar snacks! We had a cheese plate and some chili cheese tots. The cheese plate was awesome and we really enjoyed it! The tots were about on par with Sonic, which are delicious, but nothing to write home about. We will definitely be back to try some more of their snacks! read more