For more than forty years, the building which now houses The Filling Station Pizza Cafe & Bar in the Crestwood neighborhood of Birmingham, was a full-service gas station – the kind where they actually pumped your gas for you and cleaned your windshield.
Starting in 2015, the chef and his staff at The Filling Station now pump out a broad range of appetizers, handmade pizzas and calzones, pasta dishes and sandwiches that are sure to satisfy any craving you have. The old service bays are now filled with tables and a bar. Behind the bar is an intricate system of taps that deliver cold locally and internationally brewed beers without any temperature loss from the keg.
The Filling Station is perfect to visit anytime of the year, but when the weather is mild, the garage doors are open and patrons enjoy the expansive patio.
Sports fans appreciate the multitude of HDTV screens to keep them in tune with their favorite teams. In case you are the nostalgic type, there is even a vintage gas station pump—but the only fuel you get here now is the fantastic food, fine drinks and fun folks.
Located between Avondale and Crestwood off Crestwood Blvd., Mom’s Basement is laid-back, come-as-you-are, judgment-free space to drink, listen to great music from the DJ or live band. There’s plenty of free parking and plenty of characters to meet and enjoy. Be sure to bring a photo of your mom for the Wall of Fame. With a full bar, Mom’s Basement offers all the comforts of home with a few surprises. Bring your friends to the photo booth or hang out near it and share in the laughs and good times. Visiting Mom’s is like getting a warm hug and a slap on the hand all at the same time…ahhh, just like home.
Opens daily at 4 p.m. with Happy Hour til 7 p.m. Live Music often, a Pool Table and a Patio
It all began when a circus owner’s misfortune at a game of cards bestowed the city of Avondale with a great gift. His prize attraction, Miss Fancy the Elephant, would inadvertently become the city’s greatest spokesperson. Known as the Queen of Avondale, Miss Fancy performed a wonder of tricks at her home in Avondale Zoo. During prohibition, City Hall kept a special Miss Fancy reserve on hand at all time in order to treat her stomach aliment. When her stomach starting acting up, Mr. Todd would call the prohibition officers down to the zoo for a little hooch action.
Miss Fancy’s Tripel is a strong Belgian golden ale rich in flavor and alcohol. The use of malts, traditional hops, a proprietary yeast blend and Belgian candi sugar creates a very special beer named after a very special elephant. Miss Fancy’s Tripel is remarkably smooth and refreshing for such a high ABV beer. CAUTION! Miss Fancy’s Tripel is brewed for humans but strong enough for elephants.
SideBar is the hottest spot in the most thriving entertainment district of Birmingham. Whether you’re just starting the afternoon or burning the midnight oil, this is your haven. With their weatherproof patio, there is plenty of space to enjoy the open air or belly up to the bar in our inviting front room and bring your A-game to our dance room—complete with back patio and a bar of its own. Come play or watch a game of beach volleyball on the newly-built outdoor beach volleyball court—equipped with loads of outdoor seating and a fully stocked bar.
Happy Hour: 3-8 p.m. weekdays Live Music Every Friday and Saturday 18 Beers on Tap and HDTVs Inside and Out
With a commitment to carry every single bottle or canned choice available in Alabama, coupled with 60 constantly rotating taps
for pints and growlers, Hop City is the go-to spot for all things beer. Sprinkle in an informed selection of over 1,000 wines
and you have a grown-up version of Willy Wonka’s factory.
Magic City’s version of Hop City opened in September 2012. Hop City is one of the top ten beer retailers in the US, according to both Draft Magazine and Ratebeer.com. In addition, Beer Advocate has awarded their highest ranking for Hop City’s amazing service, knowledge and selection.
Swing by and enjoy a beer at the bar, browse the aisles for a favorite or a rarity, then fill a jug with a draft for that party this weekend. Ask for a recommendation – the team loves to talk beer and wine! Check the website for an event schedule including free weekly tastings and new beer launches. hopcitybeer.com; 205-279-2337
2924 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Mon—Wed: 10a-9p; Thu—Sat: 10a-10p
“Like” Hop City on Facebook to stay in the know.
Slice Pizza & Brew has become a Birmingham staple since it’s original location opened in the Lakeview District. Started by brothers, Jeff, Chris and Jason Bajalieh, Slice is as local as you can get, from the owners to the ingredients that go into every pizza to the beer on tap. Slice originated as a place not just to eat, but to hang out and has held true to this sentiment with the opening of the second Slice Pizza & Brew in Vestavia Hills across from Lifetime Fitness.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll love the food and atmosphere at this local favorite amongst the movers and shakers of Birmingham. Come enjoy the best pizza in Birmingham! For more information on Slice or their two locations, please visit slicebirmingham.com.
Slice Lakeview 725 29th Street S Birmingham, AL 35233 205.715.9300
Slice Vestavia 304 Timberlake Drive Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205.557.5423
slicebirmingham.com @SliceBirmingham @BirminghamSlice @SlicePizzaBham
The Refinery opened its doors on November 6th, 2018. Owners John D. Conner and Heath Bostick wanted to bring a more sophisticated nightlife establishment to Birmingham, designing the interior of the Refinery with an array of deep colors combined with Sylacauga White Marble to give the bar a medieval-modern look. The restaurant will offer a decor themed after a New York speakeasy. Conner and Bostick hope this distinct style will set them apart from the rest and give Birmingham the best of both worlds.
One of the City’s Most Attractive Bars
“We are thrilled to bring such a unique experience to the Lakeview area. The area has been so welcoming to our previous ventures these past 12 years, and know this is a perfect location to bring The Refinery” said Conner and Bostick. “We hope this next step continues to provide the people of Birmingham with flavorful dining and an upscale bar atmosphere.”
Conner and Bostick are both seasoned veterans of the Birmingham food and bar scene, Conner is expanding on his success owning Sidebar, while Bostick was managing partner in Tin Roof Lakeview. Both venues have become staples of the Birmingham late-night scene, offering drinks and live entertainment for the Lakeview area.
See MENU
Oasis is well-known for the amazing talent of professional musicians on their stage; some of whom have become household names like Taylor Hicks. With live music every night, an Oasis guest may find anything from full rock-and-roll bands to intimate singer-songwriters to funky duos
They also provide professional dart boards that are free to play and drink specials 7 days a week.
Birmingham District Brewing company
Birmingham – The Magic City
Birmingham District is the name of the geologic formation containing plentiful supplies of iron ore, limestone, and coal, the ingredients needed to make steel. The discovery of these ingredients in 1865 led to the explosive growth of industry and population that made the city of Birmingham appear “as if by magic.” Birmingham has since been known as “The Magic City.”
There has been a bit of that magic over the last 10 years with the appearance of craft breweries in and around Birmingham. The area now has a reputation as a destination for quality craft breweries and none reflect the history, heart, and magic of the area better than Birmingham District Brewing Company.
At BDBC you will find world-class beers crafted by artisans in a variety of styles from pilsners, IPAs, and stouts to fruited sours. Great indoor and outdoor spaces, they have places to watch your favorite sports team, play a round of corn hole, or reserve a quiet spot for an informal business meeting.
If you can only visit one brewery while you are in town, do not miss Birmingham District Brewing Company.
Hours: Mon—Wed: 12p—10p; Thu—Fri: 12p-12a; Sat 11a—12a; Sun: 12p—8p.
Experience excellence and enjoy the beautiful décor, music, wine, delicious food and knowledgeable staff at The Wine Loft. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic downtown entertainment district, The Wine Loft offers a unique experience for those with a sophisticated palate and sense of style. Relax with friends or colleagues in one of their curtained lounge areas and choose from the vast collection of wines from the wine cellar or you may prefer a craft cocktail or beer from the fully-stocked bar. Treat yourself to wines by the glass or bottle served alongside eclectic tapas, appetizers, pizzas, gourmet flatbreads and desserts. Reserve space for special events or business presentations for groups of 20 to 200 people.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Saturday 5 p.m. – till
One of America’s last surviving peanut merchants, Alabama Peanut Co. roasts and boils peanuts in the heart of Alabama’s Magic City. Utilizing antique roasters that are original to the peanut business that has occupied the space on historic Morris Avenue since 1907, they barrel roast fresh peanuts daily and ship them out within hours of their perfect roast. Their roots are in the uniquely Southern art of boiling peanuts. They currently offer over fifteen flavors of boiled peanuts that are served up fresh daily.
Shop their collection of Alabama Peanut Co. branded apparel that is available online and in the shop. All t-shirts are screen-printed in downtown Birmingham.
Follow them @alabamapeanut to find out where they might be popping up around town and to discover their boiled peanut flavors of the day.
