I had been meaning to try this bar for some time. Ran out of the house while some work was…read morehappening at home and I needed a great afternoon stop to kill some time. Made the decision to turn in and try Sanctuary; how fortuitous! First, this isn't just a music venue! It's a classic bar with real cocktails (mocktails, as well), but also a great reincarnation of an old church. And they serve awesome food!! Second, the drinks and food are top notch! Try a Paper Plane! It's my new favorite way to drink bourbon, TBH. You will absolutely feel distinguished while you do. I overheard many professionals around me, too, so it's definitely a place to run elbows with University types. Finally, I love music. This place has different musicians all the time. But my favorite is Dr. Warren Ertle's Corpse Revivers, an old fashioned Jazz band! They play two shows a night, almost every Tuesday! I say "almost" because, well, ...just check the Sanctuary's facebook page before you invite friends to a show. (Ask me how I know!) Overall, it's a great time, try the tacos!!

After another big Alabama Crimson Tide baseball win--bringing out the brooms and finishing the…read moresweep on Sunday--my wife and I met up with some friends at The Sanctuary on 25th to celebrate. We've eaten here before and have been wanting to make it back, but between their popularity and our schedules, it's felt like trying to line up a dentist appointment during tax season. Tonight, though, everything finally clicked. We got there early and were greeted by two cheerful hostesses who promptly sat us in the corner... felt a little like we were back in kindergarten for talking too much, but we made it work. Oh--and if you're into live music during dinner, this place delivers. There's something about enjoying a good meal with live music in the background that just elevates the whole experience. It's also the kind of setting where local artists get their start, and you never know--you might be listening to someone on their way up. Once our waiter came over, we held off ordering while waiting on our "fashionably late" friends--who, for the record, treat arrival times more like loose suggestions. Eventually, the crew assembled and it was game on. I kept it simple to start: water, no lemon. Let's not contaminate perfectly good H2O--I want it 100 proof. For appetizers, we ordered the Fried Cauliflower and Fried Okra to share. And by "share," I mean I ordered them and then immediately abandoned that concept. Only child tendencies die hard. Both dishes were excellent. The fried okra, paired with their Creole ranch, absolutely stole the show--seriously, that sauce deserves its own fan club. The cauliflower was also very good, and the homemade remoulade held its own... just not quite on the Creole ranch level. Our friends ordered the Street Corn Dip, and while I didn't personally get any (again... sharing isn't my spiritual gift), I can confirm it was outstanding based on the fact that the dish came back cleaner than a whistle. One of the coolest parts of this place is the atmosphere. The building still carries that old church feel--you can almost picture folks sitting in pews listening to a sermon. These days, though, the only preaching happening is coming from the kitchen, and there's a "sinful" bar running along one wall that probably wouldn't have made the original blueprints. For the main course, my wife went with the Lobster Mac and Cheese, and I ordered the Chili Lime Shrimp. The mac and cheese was a solid choice--rich and flavorful--but just a touch on the dry side. A little more cream would take it to the next level... perfect, but not Jesus-walking-on-water perfect. The shrimp, on the other hand, was good but didn't quite live up to expectations. It started strong but didn't finish the game, and I ended up handing off the last few bites like a reliever coming out of the bullpen. All in all, The Sanctuary on 25th is a great addition to the Tuscaloosa food scene. Between the unique setting, strong appetizers, live music, and overall experience, it's definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared--it stays busy, and if you plan on sharing food, make sure you're sitting with better people than I am.

This was my second time attending this music festival and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well…read moreattended by friendly folks from all over. The food and concessions are good and the prices are reasonable. It was billed to me as a bluegrass music festival but as much or more the music is folk and Americana. It is family friendly. We arrived Friday afternoon around 5PM and there was hardly a space left to pitch a tent but a friend helped us find a good spot. Many I spoke with had been there for a few days and I was also told that you can get there even a week earlier to mark out a spot. Four showers and plenty of port-o-potties. It is 97% primitive camping. Being a music festival we heard from many talents among whom I enjoyed the Herb Trotman Band's bluegrass. I go for the bluegrass. I also enjoyed Todd Snider's one man performance with his humorous and witty lyrics, but as the night progressed he got just a little too political for my taste so I turned in a little early. Those camping around us could be heard picking, laughing, singing and having a wonderful time all night long. Saturday morning I must say I slept through the nature walk and morning yoga but I did walk about and filled my cup with the complementary coffee more than a few times. Saturday night featured a no show in form of Tony Rice Unit who had called in with sickness, but we were blessed with the scratch band the guys put together and though I can't quite remember the group name they came up with they won the crowd over. I hope they play instead of Tony next year. Dread Clampitt is a regular favorite each year at the Acoustic Cafe. I had only heard them once before at last years festival and I honestly did not care for them. I have to be honest, but I am so glad I gave them second listen. They seemed like a completely different band and I was absolutely blown away. Dread Clampitt, I can't wait until next year. Claire Lynch Band came up the rear as the final performance of the night and I turned in quite late with sounds of fiddles, banjos, and mandolins ringing in my ears. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in Haleyville, Alabama while attending the Acoustic Cafe 2013 and I look forward to returning next year. Oh and last but not least, there is a whole lot of hula hooping going on. Give it a chance and you'll might become a regular.

This is THE room for music fans. It's a quiet venue, a rock venue, and everything in between…read more Above all, it's intimate. You aren't just a spectator, you're part of the show. Here's why I say all of those glowing things: This room is tall, but small in square feet. There are bookshelves that align the walls. They are covered in books that face backwards, so the pages soak in the sound. It's a noise canceling solution that was just too dang obvious for anyone else to figure out. At times, the ticket prices might be steep, but it's worth it. It means you get to see one of your favorite acts in an intimate venue with people that care. Think about it... you won't have to deal with the drunk dude at the bar talking about who knows what, while your trying to enjoy a show. so good.

It's hard to review perfection is it not. Birmingham is really quite blessed to have such a vibrant…read moremusic scene and to add another music venue seems a bit superfluous but let me tell you this venue is important for the city. Yes we have plenty of places to see rock shows and indie shows but a true listening room where music is front and center and not the whole "hey look at me I'm at this show and you're not" thing we just don't have. I'm rambling because it's hard to convey the excitement I have for this place. It's the type of room that you can go to and the artist doesn't even have to be mic'd up for it to sound amazing. From what I understand a bar area is coming and there are more renovations to be done in the space but really the aesthetics don't matter when it comes to this place. It simply is a place to go and listen to music without distraction. Get there as soon as you can.

Went to R&B Bingo event at Workplay. The event was fun and the Workplay staff was great. The event…read morehosts even bragged on the staff's accommodations and kindness. But that Downtown street parking is always a pain. We sat upstairs... it was a bit dark but overall good seats. The restrooms could have been a bit cleaner but that could contribute to those using it throughout the night. All in all, great space for a good time!

Demon Hunter was awesome as usual. Love the atmosphere of…read morethis small place. Security was very helpful when I left my back brace in my vehicle, they followed me out so I could get it and enjoy the show.

Classic American Bar, service was excellent! The history overflows from the this place.read more

This place was incredible. Got to see my favorite bands here, and the service is great!! The people…read moreare awesome, and the food is even better. Only come here if you wanna have the time of your life. The vibes are literally immaculate

Mar 2023 We had a group get together for the night cobbling…read moretables together to accommodate all of us. We had grabbed a few beers to entertain though there were a number of them that the keg was already tapped unfortunately. There was large outdoor seating area with a small outdoor stage as well, probably for day concerts. A jazz band was setting up inside the play for the night though which was nifty. Food was decent. I had gotten the grilled cheese and fries. Others had gotten burgers and chicken tenders, and there were mozzarella sticks to share. Fries came out hot which was nice, but nothing's gonna wow you on that end. Oil definitely needed to be changed though to be honest. Can be good for certain purposes, but misses on other marks.

Great atmosphere! wonderful people. good times.!!…read more The garden in the back is super comfortable and there is a cornhole game !

We went to see Casey and the sunshine band at this facility, and the experience couldn't have been…read morebetter! We parted the city garage, then rode on a Mercedes amphitheater bus to the venue at the gate, went through security like a breeze, and got to our seating area. The venue was not sold out, so we moved down to a better seat and a closer section. After the show, which was awesome, we got back on the bus and we're taking directly to the parking garage. Couldn't have been a better experience. Tuscaloosa/Mercedes-Benz amphitheater know how to run a show.

What a fun concert venue! We have been in the pit (Kings of Leon), as a well as in the seated…read moresection (Chris Stapleton). Excellent sound in both sections. Of course the view was better in the pit - in the sections further back you end up watching the screens for the most part. Major plus: Free parking! It's a bit of a hike from Birmingham (especially on a weeknight), but worth it! I wish there were more food options AROUND the venue.... hate paying for overpriced food and drinks inside of concert venues.

Great music Great service and hospitality…read more The owner was very accommodating. The atmosphere has a very nice jazz feel.

My first time attending an event here. I met the owner and he was a nice guy. Before I knew who we…read morewere, he asked if he could take my wife's coat. The owner was operating the bar and he was accommodating. I came here tonight to attend a wedding reception and enjoyed the spot. We had food that was supplied and it was tasty. The place is nice inside with room outside for sitting. The floor is suitable for dancing with a fully stocked bar. They do take cash, Apple Pay and credit cards.

Absolutely amazing and beautiful home! Me and my family stayed here for my cousin's wedding…read morereception. There were about 20 of us total and everyone had plenty of space to maneuver around. The rooms are nice and spacious. The kitchen and dinning room are enormous and gorgeous. There are two living room areas and a huge reception room with attached kitchen and bar area. This place was perfect for the wedding reception. There was lots of space for setting up tables, food, music and dancing. There is also space in the backyard that features a large covered patio, courtyard with koi pond and gazebo. Overall this was the perfect place for all of my family to stay to attend the wedding and reception of my cousin and her husband. We enjoyed our stay immensely and would definitely recommend Bear Creek Manor for group events.