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!

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 had a wonderful night at the Plum bar, it was clean inside and outside. Their waitresses were on…read morepoint. The live band singer was so good. They do not sell food but Around the Clock food truck was outside

Great vibe after a game…read more The music was live, the bar was slows get your drinks when you can.

I was here with my friends for some pool and drinks. For context, we were not there very late…read more(maybe 9-10:30ish). My friends and I played some pool, had some drinks and then decided to leave. Before leaving, my best friend and I decided to go to the ladies room. Upon discovering that all bathrooms save one were full, we elected to go into the single available bathroom together. I will at this point acknowledge that there was a sign on the bathroom door that said "one person at a time" that we did not see initially. After entering the bathroom, but after I had disrobed to the point necessary to use the bathroom, we heard someone BEATING on the door saying only one person allowed at a time. We explained through the door that one of us was in the process of using the bathroom, and that we would be out shortly. The banging on the door continued, and, when I stated that I was mostly naked (to use the bathroom) this person returned "I bet you are." Once we were finished using the bathroom, this person ( a man who was identified as one of the owners by a friend, but not confirmed as such by me) aggressively confronted us about the bathroom policy, sayin we would be kicked out. I told him I was about to leave anyway, and that we'd only decided to go into the bathroom together once the other bathrooms were deemed full, and that, further, it was more efficient to use the bathrooms in pairs, where one person used it, while another washed their hands. He was not receptive to this feedback and further pointed to the sign. Upon walking away, the women he was with even stated that I was "such a b*tch", to which he did nothing. If this was an owner, I am appalled at the treatment of a patron. Had this been handled differently, I would have gladly offered an explanation and apology. Further, if this owner allowed his guest/date to insult me loudly across the bar, it makes me wonder what else they allow. If this is someone not affiliated with the bar, which, based on the passion of the affront, I doubt, I encourage the bar to better police their patrons, as this encounter made me feel very unsafe. I won't be back.

This place is just oozing with coolness. The first thing we did about this place was almost miss…read moreit entirely! It's seriously tucked away on the side of the old strip mall. We got in not long after they opened, please don't judge, on a weekend. The bartender was cool AF and we just loved everything about this spot. We played some free pool, drank some drinks, had jello shots and took photos in the photo booth. What's not to love?!

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.

Two pool tables, two bathrooms, great staff, wonderful patrons, lots of games, great drinks, best…read morespot!!!

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.

This is Birmingham's premier karaoke spot. It's a small, dive bar. I've never been before sunset,…read morealthough apparently they serve food. Pool tables, a couple arcade games, a wonderful stage for performances. The bar is fairly small, so it can take a while to get a drink when it's really packed. Additionally, the women's bathroom is just one room, so the line there can get pretty long, too. They have a nice patio outside with some cornhole. There's often a $5 cover.

Stephanie is rude and obnoxious and does nothing. she seriously belittled me for no reason as soon…read moreas I got there and I said excuse me why are you being rude and it turned into a big thing. she should not be behind the bar. everybody else is very nice but I won't be back till she's gone.

One word...Terry. He was extremely attentive and supplied service above and beyond. Waters…read moreconstantly filled, check-ins on drinks timed perfectly. Couldn't ask for a better person from a service standpoint!!!! Btw, Terry's margarita was absolutely delicious!

I visited this bar twice…read more On the first occasion, the bartender was slow and inexperienced. Plus the computer system was inoperable so the bartender had to keep track of tabs by hand. On the second occasion, same experience as the first. However, the second time had the added bonus of the bar's water pipes busting. Water began to flood from under the bar into the lobby area and it had to shut down for the rest of the evening. The drinks were $$$ I remember it was about $38 for 2 mixed drinks. Hope they resolved their plumbing issue.