SHOULDA USED UBER @RobinsonCarol 46m46 minutes agoBirmingham, AL Mountain Brook Police confirm Birmingham City Councilman Johnathan Austin was arrested for DUI in December 2014. Developing.
Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin was arrested on a DUI charge in Mountain Brook, authorities confirmed. The arrest happened Dec. 19, 2014 but was not made public until today. Austin did not immediately return a call to AL.com. Austin was pulled over at 9:39 p.m. at Somerset Circle and Fairway Drive. According to an arrest report released by Mountain Brook Police, Austin was arrested on site. The disposition of the case wasn't immediately available, and the case is not listed in Alabama state court records. Austin, then 29 years old, was appointed to the Birmingham City Council in 2008. Soon after, it was revealed Austin pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor marijuana charge in 2003. Court records showed Austin was arrested Jan. 25, 2003, after a traffic stop on Tuscaloosa for speeding in Interstate 20/59. Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's deputies found a pipe, about a half ounce of marijuana and a set of scales. Austin was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty to second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed on two years' probation and received a 90-day suspended sentence after he agreed to attend court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment classes. Austin in 2008 said the arrest has no bearing on his ability to serve as a council member. ''It's not something that I'm proud of, but this is definitely not going to affect my performance or desire to serve the people,'' he said. ''If anything, it just lets the people know that I'm a real person, just like them, who has lived real-life experiences.'' There were calls at the time for him to resign, but Austin remained on the council. ''I was young and in college,'' he said at the time. ''That was almost six years ago.'' Then-Mayor Larry Langford offered his support to Austin. ''I see that you have found that your life is not your own anymore, and I mean this in the best spirit,'' Langford said. ''We're going to help do all we can to help make you successful in your district.'' 'You're not the first young man to make a mistake and you're probably not the last,'' Langford said. ''But I like your spirit and your attitude.'' Austin was re-elected in 2009 and 2013. He lost in a runoff in 2010 when he sought a seat on the county commission. He was named council president in 2013.
A couple of my really close friends are opening a deli/bar/market (think Mr. P's, with less groceries and more craft beers on draft) called Oak and Raleigh in west Homewood, right across from Patriot Park. If you're unfamiliar, you get off 65 on Oxmoor and, instead of going towards Palisades/Edgewood, go towards Hamburger Heaven and take a left off of Oxmoor. Their chef is really good and comes from Chez Fon Fon. He cooked for us last week when we did our fantasy lottery party and it was great. They're doing a soft opening tomorrow, but will be open full time starting Weds at 11:00. https://www.facebook.com/oakandraleigh?fref=ts&ref=br_tf Spoiler
Very close. Just past the cigar shop, in that little strip of shops. They've been renovating it for months and looks great. Really cool shuffleboard, arcade games, and TVs.
Broke apart near galleria round 9ish due to sun goin down. Just a lotta flash no real substance. Typical summer flare up Moisture level rises this wknd bitches. Water your shit. Gonna try and get 18 in tmrw a.m. before kickin it at hop city see you bitches there
Maybe. We would be on west side so lower chances but it keeps movin left in the track. If it makes it over cuba and reorganizes to a TS we should get some though
Weather this morning said it would be around Atlanta next weekend. It sure is going to suck if it rains Labor Day weekend.
That's the type of place Jack Brown's is?? Saw a terrible band open for The Dexateens on Saturday at Saturn. Hartle Road is their name and it was awful.
Article about my friends' new place, Oak and Raleigh http://thehomewoodstar.com/businesses/restaurants/oak-and-raleigh829/#prev Spoiler The long-awaited Oak and Raleigh opened its doors to a limited crowd this weekend, in preparation for its official opening on Sept. 2. Oak and Raleigh is a deli and bar located across from Patriot Park on Oak Grove Road. Co-owners Morgan and Tyler Duncan were on hand to talk to customers and make sure things ran smoothly. Morgan said one delivery had not arrived in time, so the soft opening did not include many of their side items. However, he said some mistakes and issues are bound to happen in a soft opening. "Everyone's been understanding, and that's what matters," Morgan said, adding that the beer sales have been good so far. Oak and Raleigh will have 10 local beers on tap, in addition to wine and canned beers. The Homewood City Council approved the Duncans' retail beer and wine license at its Aug. 24 meeting. The restaurant also serves a variety of sandwiches, salads and "bar food" such as dips, quesadillas, nachos and barbecue potato skins. The deli also has a small arcade area and a shuffleboard table, which drew interest from children and adults in the weekend crowd.
http://bottle-bone.myshopify.com/products/49-friday-butcher-box Small Friday Butcher Box Bottle & Bone Order by noon on Wednesday for Friday pick-up from 11am-8pm. This week's box contains: (4) 6oz. Burger Patties 1 lb Sliced Bacon 2 lbs. Chicken Wings 2 lbs. House Bratwurst 1 Slab St. Louis Ribs $49 gonna have to do this one weekend
Just saw on the news that Cahaba Heights residents are protesting the building of new apartment buildings in the area. One elderly white lady was quoted as saying [something along the lines of] "When people move into houses nearby you get to know them but you never know who is going to be living in an apartment."
New pizza place at the summit Pieology is pretty legit. Has a chipotle feel. Was only like 10.50 for any pizza with any toppings and a coke.
Yeah, it's definitely more of a food place than a bar. Definitely a family friendly atmosphere. One of the owners lives in that part of Homewood. He said he was tired of always hearing about stuff the was "coming" to West Homewood, and nothing coming of it, so he decided to do something about it.
People over here are going apeshit about that thing. I guess I'm a bad community member, I just stay out of all that bullshit.
No. You take a left off Oxmoor on Oak Grove Rd and its right across the street from Patriot Park. At the corner of Oak Grove and Raleigh, hence the name.
Are they building it to replace an existing apartment....I thought Vestavia put a moratorium on new multi-family zoning...
The area is predominantly young families and senior citizens. I think they're cool little starter homes in a prime location.
Best of Birmingham 2015: Where to eat, drink, visit, shop, and treat yourself in the Magic City Spoiler: Results It's not easy singling out the best aspects of a city teeming with some of the most outstanding restaurants, bars, nightlife, events, stores, and services in the region (and nation). Weeks of consideration by our editorial staff and nearly 350,000 total votes cast in our online readers' choice poll yielded this year's list of local favorites, hidden treasures, and even a few new kids on the block already making a splash in the Magic City. (A full list of winners, finalists and editors' picks will be available Sept. 2) Eat & Drink Best Local Restaurant HIGHLANDS BAR & GRILL 2011 11th Avenue S. highlandsbarandgrill.com A seven-time James Beard Restaurant Award finalist named in 2014 as one of OpenTable's 10 best restaurants in America, Birmingham's own Highlands Bar & Grill isn't slowing down anytime soon. Some consider it an old favorite -- others, a wish-list dining destination -- but many agree Frank Stitt's flagship restaurant remains one of the city's finest - and most delicious - attractions. Finalists: FoodBar; Hot & Hot Fish Club; Cafe Dupont; Ollie Irene Best Chef GEORGE MCMILLAN III, FOODBAR 3156 Heights Village foodbarbham.com "Not pretentious, just delicious," is the mantra George McMillan III clings to when conceptualizing the delicious farm-to-table offerings at FoodBar, McMillan's increasingly popular date-night dining spot tucked away in Cahaba Heights. With seasonal dishes boasting a love for all things local, McMillan has emerged as a driving culinary force in Birmingham. Finalists: Frank Stitt; Chris Hastings; Chris Dupont; Matthew Lagace; Chris Newsome Best New Restaurant BABALU TACOS & TAPAS 2808 7th Avenue S. babalutacos.com With locations in Jackson, Miss., and Memphis, the Lakeview district made room last year for a grand entrance by Babalu, a gourmet tacos-and- tapas joint featuring delicious craft cocktails, a modern, inviting interior, and plenty of fun to go around. (The menu also features an out-of-this-world burger you won't want to miss!) Finalists: Bottle & Bone; Galley & Garden; Hicktory Tavern; Rowe's Avondale Best Brunch BIG BAD BREAKFAST 5361 Hwy 280 facebook.com/bigbadbreakfastbham For those in Birmingham proper who tend to stick to Highland Park and Lakeview spots for Sunday brunch, making the drive out to Big Bad Breakfast off of 280 might seem like a bit of a chore. (Unless you've been there, of course.) From the cathead biscuits to the fluffy, flavorful omelettes, the Mississippi-born BBB has quickly become a Birmingham breakfast/brunch staple. Finalists: FIVE, Silvertron Cafe, Trattoria Centrale, Cosmo's Pizza Best Lunch TAZIKI'S Multiple Locations tazikiscafe.com It's no secret Taziki's is a favorite of many in Birmingham, no matter what time of day. So what makes it the best lunch? Aside from the fact it's a solid and speedy dine-in option, you can also place to-go orders on the website ahead of time, leaving you no excuse for turning to a drive-thru when you don't have a lunch hour to spare. Finalists: Brick & Tin; Bottega; Trattoria Centrale; Bottle & Bone Best Greek/Mediterranean TAZIKI'S Multiple Locations tazikiscafe.com Finalists: Nabeel's Cafe & Market; The Pita Stop; Makarios Kabob & Grill; Olive Branch Best Pizza SLICE 725 29th Street S. slicebirmingham.com From its handmade gourmet pies to its impressive beer selection, one thing rings true about Slice: It doesn't get much more local than this. Whether spending a night out with the family or grabbing a seat at the bar to watch a game, the quality and atmosphere of this Lakeview gem will keep you coming back for more. Finalists: Post Office Pies, Davenport's, Tortugas, New York Pizza Best Hot Dog GUS'S HOT DOGS 1915 4th Avenue N. Gus's Downtown is more than a local favorite -- it's a local favorite with national recognition, thanks to The Daily Meal, who recently ranked Gus's delicious Greek Dog as one of the 75 best dogs in the nation. We certainly won't disagree. Finalists: Sneaky Pete's, Mike's, Paul's Best Barbeque SAW'S Multiple locations sawsbbq.com The Alabama barbecue wars rage on, but this year readers voted Saw's as the best of the best. Whether you frequent the Juke Joint in Crestline, the Soul Kitchen in Avondale or the original Homewood location of Saw's BBQ, chances are you're walking away satisfied. And very, very full. Finalists: Jim 'N Nick's; Full Moon BBQ, Dreamland, Moe's Best Steak FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 103 Summit Blvd. flemingssteakhouse.com While Birmingham and surrounding areas are teeming with locally owned culinary gems, not everyone is interested in writing off chain restaurants completely. And with Fleming's delectable array of signature steaks (not to mention the bar with its impressive cocktail menu and substantial wine selection), why would you want to? Finalists: Ruth's Chris; Firebirds; Michael's; Shula's Best Mexican EL BARRIO 2211 2nd Avenue N. elbarriobirmingham.com Fresh, flavorful, and friendly are the key components of the El Barrio experience with a popular downtown location that "bridges the gap between the typical Mexican restaurant and a bustling bar and grill." Come for the food; stay for the experience. (By experience, we mean the guac. Stay for the guac.) Finalists: Little Donkey; Chuy's; La Paz; Cantina Tortilla Grill Best Asian SURIN OF THAILAND Multiple Locations surinofthailand.com With multiple Birmingham locations expertly combining made-to-order Thai cuisine, fresh sushi, and a fantastic bar to boot, Surin of Thailand remains a favorite of many in the Magic City. (Pro tip: Don't sleep on the dessert menu either.) Finalists: P.F. Chang's; Red Pearl; Jinsei Sushi; Mr. Chen's Best Italian GIANMARCO'S 721 Broadway Street Whether you're planning a romantic night out or simply looking for the next opportunity to chow down on a sensational menu of traditional Italian dishes, Homewood's Gianmarco's remains a community favorite. And if you're simply not in the mood to eat your weight in pasta, the bar is a lovely spot to pop in for a glass (or quartino!) of wine for the authentic Italian experience. Finalists: Bottega; Joe's Italian; Bellini's; Bettola Best Seafood THE FISH MARKET 612 22nd Street S. thefishmarket.net It's a menu stacked from top to bottom with mouthwatering seafood served up fried, grilled, steamed, or just about every other way you can imagine. Whether you're in the mood for something casual, such as the shrimp po'boy, or dare to dig into one of Fish Market's delectable seafood entrees, chances are you'll find something on The Fish Market's menu to fall in love with (even if you don't think you're a fan of fish! ) Finalists: Hot & Hot Fish Club; Ocean; Bonefish Grill; Dixie Fish Co. Best Burger CHEZ FONFON 2007 11th Avenue S. fonfonbham.com Chez Fonfon's menu is an ever-evolving selection of some of the best food you'll find in the Magic City. Yet, it seems Birmingham residents and just about anybody else who passes through can't get enough of the restaurant's signature Hamburger Fonfon -- so much so that it's emerged as the dish the restaurant has become most known for on a local and national scale. Finalists: Mugshots; Five Guys; Hamburger Heaven; Saw's Best Date Night BOTTEGA 2240 Highland Avenue S. bottegarestaurant.com Completing Best of Birmingham's Frank Stitt culinary trifecta, Bottega makes the list as the city's top place to take a guy or gal you're hoping to impress for the first or maybe the thousandth time. Cozy tables, dimmed lighting, and impeccable service make this downtown spot one to keep in mind for your next special night out. Finalists: Ocean, Little Savannah, Satterfield's, Chez Lulu Best Family-Friendly Spot URBAN COOKHOUSE Multiple Locations urbancookhouse.com It's not always easy finding a place to accommodate and please the entire family. Thankfully, Urban Cookhouse offers a standout casual dining experience with fresh, wholesome food for all ages and outstanding service to make sure everyone at the table is 100 percent satisfied when they leave. Finalists: Post Office Pies, Taco Mama, Little Donkey, Slice Best Sweet Treats STEEL CITY POPS Multiple Locations steelcitypops.com What began in 2012 as one of the the city's most creative new food ventures has now grown beyond the city limits with locations from Tuscaloosa to Texas. Steel City Pops' mouthwatering menu of fruity and creamy small-batch popsicles is a fun and healthy way to treat the family to something sweet. Finalists: Yogurt Mountain; Mountain Brook Creamery; Doodle's Homemade Sorbets and Ices; Edgewood Creamery Best Cocktails COLLINS BAR 2125 2nd Avenue N. thecollinsbar.com The secret to the Collins Bar can be found at the top of its menu: "Tell us what you like, we'll take it from there." And they mean it. Tell them your top flavors, spirits -- heck, even your favorite hobbies -- and the superior bar staff will whip up a crafted concoction tailored to your tastes. (Not feeling adventurous? No problem. They handle traditional cocktail orders with the same expertise.) Finalists: Blue Monkey; Carrigan's Public House; The J. Clyde; Dram Best Food Truck MELT meltbham.com Anyone can whip up a decent grilled cheese, but what makes MELT different from the rest is a menu of variety, offering modern takes on an American classic, with vegetarian options and even a brick-and-mortar location to boot. (Plus, how can you EVER go wrong with bread and melted cheese?) Finalists: Cantina on Wheels; Shindigs; Dreamcakes; Off the Hook Best Bakery EDGAR'S Multiple Locations edgarsbakery.com Among the many things that makes Edgar's a local gem is the ability to offer a lot of things -- from pastries to dine-in meals to gorgeously decorated cakes and cookies -- and do it well. Whether you're planning a large event, hosting a dinner party, or are simply looking to treat yourself, Edgar's has a lot to offer. Finalists: Dreamcakes, Ashley Mac's, Gigi's, Urban Standard Best Local Brewery and Best Place to Grab a Beer AVONDALE BREWERY 201 41st Street S.. avondalebrewing.com An inviting taproom perfect for happy hour or a Saturday of football makes Avondale Brewing a solid pick for grabbing a local brew. But it's the spacious back patio, complete with its own bar, that makes it a frequent hotspot in Birmingham's most up-and-coming neighborhood. Finalists: Good People, Cahaba Brewing Co., Trim Tab Best Happy Hour PARAMOUNT 200 20th Street N. paramountbirmingham.com Birmingham is a city with several outstanding happy hours, but we'd be willing to bet Paramount won over at least a few readers' hearts with the ability to combine a great deal with delicious bar food and an arcade perfect for professional twentysomethings who are still kids at heart. What's not to like? Finalists: Blue Monkey; Dram; 41st Street Pub; John's City Diner Bartender Shannon McDonald Best Coffee Shop O'HENRY'S Multiple locations ohenryscoffees.com Aside from being a local brand, it's no secret O'Henry's offers up some of the best coffee in the city. With premium beans roasted in Homewood, O'Henry's is the definition of what it means to keep it local; the result is rich, robust coffee that would make even the most devoted Starbucks customers expand their horizons. Finalists: Octane, Urban Standard, Red Mountain Expresso, Revelator Best Catering JIM 'N NICK'S jimnnicks.com Plenty of locals are already fans of Jim 'N Nick's restaurants, but Jim 'N Nick's catering offerings are just as satisfying and overflowing with variety for any occasion -- from boxed lunches to party platters to their signature smoked meats -- offering plenty of options for groups small and large. You can even rent a mobile BBQ rig for on-site whole-hog cooking. Finalists: Ashley Mac's; Kathy G's; Homewood Gourmet; Happy Catering Co. Best Meal Under $10 (write-in; no finalists) LITTLE BIT OF R&R BBQ 1825 Ashville Road In a bustling food truck community like we have in the metro area, it's probably no surprise that you can get delicious BBQ from a meals-on-wheels operation like Little Bit of R&R. The truck and its delicious, inexpensive offerings yield a constant "you've gotta try this" conversation among locals and foodies alike. And we certainly don't disagree. Best Late-Night Bites AL'S DELI AND GRILL 1629 10th Avenue S. alsdeliandgrill.net A local treasure among UAB students and Southsiders, Al's is a 24/7 hot spot with a menu accommodating any and all tastes, no matter what time a craving strikes. If you're looking for frills, move along. Al's is all about the classic all-night diner experience. Hot food for a good price without having to explain to anyone why you're eating a stuffed baked potato at 4 a.m. Finalists: The Garage Cafe; Flip Burger Boutique; The J. Clyde; BYOB Rocks Best Patio CHUY'S 216 Summit Blvd., Suite #135 chuys.com When it comes to happy hour, discount margaritas and a free nacho bar are pretty hard to beat. But what locals really love about Chuy's is the view from the patio, noted by some as an amazing spot to watch the sunset while sipping cocktails and dining on delicious tex-mex cuisine. Finalists: Rojo, Slice, Bottega, Galley & Garden See & Do Bucket List Item (Editors' Pick) GIP'S PLACE 3101 Avenue C, Bessemer During the day, it might not look like much more than a weathered tin-roofed shack in someone's backyard, but on weekend nights, Henry "Gip" Gipson's makeshift music club ignites to welcome visitors from all around jonesing for a night of blues. There's a small patio and an even smaller dance floor, but the laid-back BYOB atmosphere of Gip's Place makes it a must-do experience. Culture On the Cheap (Editors' Pick) ART ON THE ROCKS 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd. artsbma.org A summer series of events held at the Birmingham Museum of Art, Art On the Rocks is an outstanding melding of local artists, businesses, food/drink vendors and musical acts. And at $15 a ticket for museum members ($25 for non-members), it's a steal. Hottest Ticket in Town (Editors' Pick) SLOSSFEST slossfest.com SlossFest 2016 is already on the calendar, and after the music festival's inaugural debut in Birmingham in July, the event exceeded all hyped expectations, making it one of the top things to do in Birmingham, well, period. Trivia Night BLACK MARKET BAR & GRILL Multiple Locations evilbartenders.wix.com Black Market offers live team trivia and discounted beer every Thursday at 9 p.m. and has become increasingly popular among young professionals in the city. Gather a group, pick an epic team name, and show off your skills. Finalists: Rojo; BYOB Rocks Best Music Venue IRON CITY 513 22nd Street S. ironcitybham.com With two floors, three stages, and a bar and restaurant, Iron City remains an inspired and increasingly popular element of Birmingham's thriving music scene. Finalists: Saturn; Oak Mountain Amphitheatre; Alabama Theatre; WorkPlay Best Local Band THE SECRET MIDNIGHT BAND secretmidnightband. bandcamp.com Describing themselves as a "blues infused rock & roll band with grizzly vocals singing Americana tales," the Secret Midnight Band featuring Daniel Rhodes (bass), Jeff Huett (drums), Daniel Hargett (lead guitar), and Casey Hitt (vocals), was picked by readers as Birmingham's best local act. Finalists: Taylor Hollingsworth; Wray; Stoned Cobra; helen of coi Best Hotel RENAISSANCE BIRMINGHAM ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT & SPA 4000 Grand Avenue marriott.com This luxurious hillside resort continues to be a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Aside from beautiful rooms, high-quality dining, and premium accommodations (staycation, anyone?), the resort also includes an Aveda spa and salon and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for golfers of all skill levels and ages. (No one ever has to know you're not from out of town!) Finalists: The Tutwiler; The Westin; Aloft; The Hotel Highland Best Museum MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER 200 19th Street N. mcwane.org Few places in Birmingham offer as much family fun in one place as the McWane Science Center downtown. And with multiple membership packages that offer year-round admission to the museum, discounts on in-house food and shopping and discounted admission to museum camps and classes, it's truly one of the best family-friendly deals in the city. Finalists: Birmingham Museum of Art; Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Vulcan Park & Museum Best Park RAILROAD PARK 1600 1st Avenue S. railroadpark.org The revitalization of downtown Birmingham is best seen in places like Railroad Park, which offers plenty to do and a slew of events and festivals for the entire family. Take an afternoon stroll, catch a free workout class in the park after work, or grab a quick lunch at the park's cafe. Whatever you do, don't miss out on one of the city's best free attractions. Finalists: Oak Mountain State Park; Red Mountain Park; Moss Rock Preserve; Ruffner Mountain Best Festival MAGIC CITY BREWFEST 1600 1st Avenue S. magiccitybrewfest.com Few Birmingham events seem complete without a plentiful supply of locally brewed beer. So it's safe to say dedicating an entire event to celebrating locally brewed beer is an automatic winner. Hosted by Free the Hops and offering more than 200 beers (including rare, specialty, and cask ales), Magic City Brewfest continues to be a big draw for beer lovers and Birminghamians alike. Finalists: Sidewalk Moving Pictures Festival; Do Dah Day; Slicefest; Secret Stages Best Theatre Company Red Mountain Theatre Company redmountaintheatre.org Drawing the connection between arts and education for more than 30 years, Red Mountain Theatre Company continues to shine throughout the local community by offering children and young adults and outlet for creativity and performance beyond the scope of simply singing and dancing. The company aims to teach valuable life skills through the power and purpose of theatre. Finalists: Birmingham Children's Theatre; Birmingham Festival Theatre; Terrific New Theatre; Theatre Downtown Best Gallery BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. artsbma.org The Birmingham Museum of Art is truly one of the most outstanding regional museums in the nation and home to a collection of more than 26,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary times. Finalists: Naked Art; Daniel Day; Gallery 1930; Littlehouse Galleries Best Sports Bar ON TAP SPORTS CAFE Multiple Locations ontapsportscafe.com On Tap provides the look and feel of your local neighborhood pub in multiple locations across the metro area, offering a delicious menu, outstanding craft beer selection and a place to call home during the sports season of your choosing. If you're looking for a local spot to cheer on your favorite team, don't sleep on this one. Finalists: Rogue Tavern; Dave's; World of Beer; Overtime Bar Best Golf Experience ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT ROSS BRIDGE 4000 Grand Avenue rtjgolf.com/rossbridge Aside from being one of the longest and most challenging courses in the world, it's hard to ignore that Ross Bridge offers a simply gorgeous backdrop for a day of golf, no matter your skill level or interest. (Of course, you might be more focused on your golf game than the lakes, waterfalls and elevation changes this course offers, and that's OK too.) Finalists: Highland Park Golf Course; Shoal Creek Gold & Country Club; Roebuck Municipal Golf Course; Ballantrae Golf Club Best Movie Theater (Write-In Only; No Finalists) THE EDGE 7001 Crestwood Blvd. edgetheaters.com There are plenty of positives to go around when it comes to The Edge. Not only is the theater locally owned, but movie-goers also cling to amenities like The Edge's beer selection, convenient joint ticket/concessions purchasing and in-house activities to keep the young ones occupied while you wait for your movie time. Best Dance Spot (Write-In Only; No Finalists) NANA FUNKS 708 29th Street S. Sure, it's got a reputation for being the last place one ends up after a night of local bar-hopping, but Nana Funks still made the list as one of your favorite places to get down when the rest of the city is just starting to wake up. No shame in that game. Best Place to Play Pool (Write-In Only; No Finalists) THE BREAK 1001 20th Street S. Probably the best description of this local pool hall comes from a Yelp review: "If you're looking for top notch drinks and amazing food, this ain't it. But, if you want a chill place to hang out and shoot pool, this is the place." Couldn't have said it better ourselves. Best Place to Get Your Karaoke On (Write-In Only; No Finalists) BROWN DERBY 3630 6th Avenue S. Never underestimate the power and popularity of a dive bar that offers karaoke. This downtown favorite might not look like much on the outside, but walk in at the right time on a Friday or Saturday night and you'll find pure music in the form of the tipsy and tone-deaf sampling from an extraordinary selection of karaoke hits. Best Bike Trail (Write-In Only; No Finalists) OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 200 Terrace Drive alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park The Double Oak Trail at Oak Mountain State Park is not only a favorite path for local cyclists, but also considered one of the 52 must-ride trails in the world by the International Mountain Bike Association. More than 20 miles long with stretches to accommodate mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels, there's truly something for everyone. Best Running/Walking Trail (Write-In Only; No Finalists) JEMISON PARK NATURE TRAIL 2901 Mountain Brook Parkway Jemison Park Nature Trail is a 3-mile "out and back" route for walkers and runners of all skill levels. Bring along the family (it's stroller-friendly!) for a leisurely stroll or hit the trail with other regulars who frequent the stretch for a morning or afternoon run. You won't want to miss the beautiful scenery along this gorgeous, shaded Mountain Brook gem. Hidden Gem (Write-In Only; No Finalists) CONSIDER IT JOY BAKING 759 Shades Mountain Plaza consideritjoybaking.com Located in Bluff Park, Consider It Joy is a gluten- and grain-free bakery featuring goodies compatible with different dietary needs without skimping on taste. Pop in and you'll find an array of delicious cupcakes, cookies and other sinfully tasty treats made with fresh, naturally sweetened ingredients. Best Dive Bar (Write-In Only; No Finalists) THE NICK 2514 10th Avenue S. thenickrocks.com One of Birmingham's oldest bars, The Nick, in all of its gritty rock 'n roll glory, is one of the Magic City's most popular dives. Acts like the Black Crowes, Jane's Addiction, Widespread Panic, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are among many who have passed through The Nick on the way to fame and fortune and the club still remains a modern-day treasure for many. Best Birminghamian to Follow on Twitter (Write-In Only; No Finalists) JAMES SPANN @spann Named among TIME magazine's most notable Twitter feeds of 2014, local meteorologist James Spann is more than just a Birmingham celebrity. With more than 200,000 followers and near-constant engagement with his adoring fans who fill him in with weather and/or traffic updates (or simply share beautiful landscape photos from across the country), he maintains a strong and loyal following. Treat Yourself Best Men's Store BROOKS BROTHERS Multiple Locations brooksbrothers.com Hard to argue with an original. Brooks Brothers is America's oldest clothing retailer and the store continues to offer classic, stylish, and well-made clothing for work and/or play. Building a wardrobe of staples that'll last for a lifetime starts here. Just try not to get addicted. Finalists: Shaia's; Remon's Clothier; Mobley and Sons; Baer's Den Best Boutique SOCA 2820 18th Street S. socaclothing.com Soca prides itself on offering a personalized, curated, one-of-a-kind shopping experience for customers. And with brands like AG Denim, DL1961, Citizens of Humanity, Bella Dahl, and Rebecca Minkoff, it's clear these guys know what they're talking about. Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe or simply need to pick out a new piece for a special occasion, Soca has you covered. Finalists: Gus Mayer; Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace; Lou Lou's; Mia Moda Best Children's Store JACK 'N JILL 2918 18th Street S. jacknjillshop.com Having served the Birmingham community since 1954, Jack 'N Jill says the key to their longevity is through putting the customer first. Offering a personalized experience is at the forefront of Jack 'N Jill's success. Not only will they contact you if a new item comes in they think you'll enjoy, but they also offer a try-before-you-buy option for many of their purchases so the customer has the opportunity to see if something is the "right fit" (no pun intended) for their family. Finalists: Lili Pad; Once Upon a Time; Hannah Kate; Local Soles Best Bridal Shop THE WHITE ROOM 2415 Canterbury Road thewhiteroombirmingham.com Brides-to-be turn to The White Room for the store's personalized boutique experience and top-of-the-line selection of bridal couture. The highly trained staff is equipped to help fulfill each client's needs with appointments to both find and fit the dresses that make all the difference on a bride's big day. Finalists: Bella's Bridal & Formal; Ivory & White; Bella Couture; Bridal Bliss Best Consignment RENAISSANCE CONSIGNMENT & MARKETPLACE 6801 Cahaba Valley Road renaissanceconsignment.com With an ever-expanding selection of designer clothing, formal attire, and even wedding gowns, Renaissance continues to thrive within the community as locals' favorite consignment shop in the area. You can also take a peek online and shop the racks from the comfort of your own home, but do yourself a favor and check it out in person at least once. You won't be disappointed. Finalists: Second Hand Rose; Collage; Then Again; Short N Sweet Best Jeweler DIAMONDS DIRECT 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite #150 diamonds-direct.com With a continued focus on educating the customer, along with providing top-of-the-line selection and fair pricing, Diamonds Direct continues to win over locals with a commitment to the customer. Finalists: Levy's Fine Jewelry; Bromberg & Co.; Southeastern Jewelers; Isbell Jewelers Best Antiques HOMEWOOD ANTIQUES 930 Oxmoor Road homewoodantiques.com Celebrating five years of business since opening in September 2010, Homewood Antiques continues to offer an incredible selection of just about everything you could imagine. Finalists: What's On 2nd; Hanna's Antique Mall; Urban Suburban; 5th Avenue Antiques Best Bookstore BARNES & NOBLE Multiple Locations barnesandnoble.com Barnes & Noble has plenty of fans as the nation's largest retail bookseller and Birmingham is no exception. With millions of titles in store and online and a membership card that offers tons of discounts, B&N is a sure bet to find exactly what you're looking for. Finalists: 2nd and Charles; Alabama Booksmith; Church Street Shop; Reed Books Best Shopping District THE SUMMIT 214 Summit Blvd. thesummitonline.com The Summit endures as one of the city's top shopping destinations with plenty to see, do, eat, and buy. Equipped for all-day shopping ventures or a casual afternoon of window shopping, it's a one-stop shop for everyone in the family. Finalists: Homewood, The Outlet Shops of Grand River; Riverchase Galleria; Colonial Brookwood Best Florist DOROTHY MCDANIEL'S FLOWER MARKET 3300 3rd Avenue S. dorothymcdaniel.com One of the South's leading floral experts, Dorothy McDaniel is a local favorite. Her flower shop offers quality selections for every occasion, big and small. Finalists: Norton's Florist; Hoover Florist; Shirley's Florist; Bolin-Reeves Florist Best Gym and Best Yoga YMCA Multiple Locations ymcabham.org There's something for everyone at the YMCA, no matter which location(s) you frequent. With membership plans that give you access to multiple locations and an easy-to-use app that lets you quickly and easily schedule your workouts, it's easy to see why readers are smitten with the Y. Finalists: Lifetime Fitness; Planet Fitness; Gold's Gym; Fitness 4U 24/7 Best Hair Salon STUDIO 21 446 Cahaba Park Circle studio21hairsalon.com At Studio 21, you get more than a haircut. You get a salon experience. And after more than 20 years in business, it remains a local favorite. The salon offers a large array of services for both men and women, as well as waxing, special occasion styling and more. Walk-ins welcome, but it's wise to book an appointment. Finalists: Salon U; Sanctuary; Morgan Ashley; Orbit Best Massage (Write-in Only; No Finalists) MASSAGE ENVY Multiple Locations massageenvy.com Think you wouldn't benefit from a massage membership package? The folks at Massage Envy would disagree. Not only are regular massages a great way to relax and pamper yourself, but many of Massage Envy's clients return time and time again to relieve stress, chronic pain and treat other physical ailments through the power of massage. Finalists: Best Mani-Pedi (Write-In Only; No Finalists) VESTAVIA NAILS 2531 Rocky Ridge Road There are plenty of places in the metro area where you can find a decent mani-pedi, but many say the unique service is what sets apart Vestavia Nails from competing salons. Aside from also offering waxing, eyelash extensions and full body massage, the salon also offers free Wi-Fi and does special in-house events with food and drink for customers (including football watch parties!) Best Blowout (Write-In Only; No Finalists) TONYA JONES SALON & SPA Multiple Locations tonyajonessalon.com The "blowout bar" at Tonya Jones Salon & Spa is a winner with locals needing a fresh look for work or play. Most blowout options cost $35 ($20 for a kids' blowout and $85 for a keratin-express blowout) and if it's something you need done on the regular, the salon offers a handful of blowout bundles for a fair price. http://www.al.com/bhammag/index.ssf/2015/09/best_of_birmingham_2015_where.html#incart_river
I came here to post about where to get a decent suit that's not Jos A. Banks cheap but not Remon's expensive. Edit: Has anyone been to the Brooks Brothers outlet store at Grand River? How was it?
Yeah that one confused me. West Oxmoor is supposed to be dangerous now? Definitely gonna give that place a try soon. Have any of you been to Moon Star yet? It's a Chinese place on West Valley and it's pretty damn good. I'm not sure if they can serve alcohol at the moment but besides that it's fantastic.
yes, i got there 2-3 times a year. its good. the sales + corporate membership card thingy + i use my CC points on BB gift cards =
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Warren Haynes and Perpetual Groove will headline Birmingham's Cask & Drum musical festival taking place in Avondale on Saturday, Oct. 17. The rest of the lineup includes Green River Ordinance, Striking Matches, The Suffers, Great Peacock, Downright and Logan Brill. The festival will benefit Magic Moments, an organization devoted exclusively to creating magic moments for children in Alabama with chronically life threatening medical conditions. Learn more. You'll find the center of activity at Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. South. Cask & Drum will feature a lineup 10-12 music acts, a beer-and-wine tasting and a children's area. In July, Mary Colurso reported the festival organizers lauded the popularity of the Avondale neighborhood and its growing reputation as an entertainment district. "I'm not sure there's a hotter spot in our area right now," said Todd Coder, executive producer for Cask & Drum. "I can't think of a better place for us to go." In previous years, Cask & Drum took place on a grassy site near Pepper Place in the Lakeview neighborhood, off Second Avenue South between 26th Street and Red Mountain Expressway. Advance tickets are now on sale and cost $30 (general admission), $60 (Cask Pass, including wine and beer tasting) and $125 (VIP). Purchase on the festival website.
Place is great. I plan eating and drinking my fill there when I come in town. They obviously have shuffleboard. The arcade games are skeeball and some kind of racing game.