Updated October 2024 by Paige Townley
Whether you’re an Alabama or Auburn fan, there’s one thing the entire state can agree on — there’s nothing better than a college football Saturday in Alabama. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots for gathering the gang and enjoying the game with delicious food and drinks. Here are the 16 best Birmingham bars and restaurants for watching football!
Avondale Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info: avondalebrewing.com
There’s something special about being outside in the fresh air with sunshine on your face, a drink in hand, and the game on a big screen. It takes football season to the next level. Avondale Brewing Company makes it all happen, and you can even snag your favorite game day eats courtesy of Miracle Pizza Co., which is right next door.
In addition to its delicious regular menu, Miracle Pizza features a game-day menu with specials on pizza, tacos, hot dogs, and wings.
CharBar No. 7
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More info: charbar7.com
Consider Char Bar your elevated game-day go-to. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet approachable, and the large selection of TVs ensures a good view of the game. They’re serving up all the game-day bites you crave, including fried pickles, “Das Pretzels” with cheese, buffalo chicken dip, and more. They also have an extensive wine and beer selection and plenty of options for the kiddos.
Baumhower’s Victory Grille
Neighborhood: Vestavia Hills
More info: baumhowers.com
There’s probably no spot in Birmingham with a more memorable game-day experience than Baumhower’s Victory Grille. A Birmingham institution for decades, Baumhower’s is known for its over-the-top sports-themed environment and a wall-to-wall TV arrangement that ensures you never miss a play.
Equally important, the eatery serves a wide range of bar food favorites — from cheese fries and burgers to flavorful chicken wings. Of course, there’s also a hefty beer and bar menu to quench your thirst.
The Filling Station
Neighborhood: Crestline
More info: thefillingstationbham.com
Nothing complements an Alabama game day better than pizza, burgers, and wings — and The Filling Station is a local favorite for all three. Plus, you can find food specials for NCAA and NFL football games each week.
The restaurant also features beer specials, including $10 domestic beer pitches and $18 domestic buckets — the perfect accompaniment to sitting back and enjoying a game on one of The Filling Station’s many TVs.
Paramount
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: paramountbirmingham.com
Paramount has it all — a fun, lively atmosphere with a vast selection of cocktails (the frozen Paloma is a must-try, in our opinion) and plenty of beer on tap. With TVs strategically placed for prime game-watching, it’s the perfect spot for football fans. If someone in your group isn’t as into the game, they can hit the arcade-style games for some fun of their own.
The food menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, from shareable bites like the Alabama Hummus and Great Balls of Fire Risotto Balls to burgers, wraps, salads, and sandwiches.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Neighborhood: Lakeview
More info: jackbrownsjoint.com
If you’re a burger lover, Jack Brown’s is a must-visit. Famous for its mouthwatering, inventive creations, this laid-back spot is perfect for catching the game while indulging in serious eats. We can’t resist the Cowboy burger, loaded with BBQ sauce, applewood smoked bacon, and melty American cheese — but the menu has something for every palate.
With plenty of local brews on tap, you’ll always find the perfect pairing. Don’t forget to treat yourself to the fried Oreos — they’re worth every bite!
Cahaba Brewing
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info: cahababrewing.com
If you’re searching for options on game day, look no further than Cahaba Brewing. The space offers ample room for spreading out and enjoying a leisurely afternoon or evening, including a large taproom and outdoor patio. With over 26 taps, it has a fantastic selection of local brews and an equally impressive cocktail menu.
Pair your drink with something from The Current, the onsite kitchen offering everything from hearty bites to shareable snacks, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a laid-back, delicious game-day experience.
Good People Brewery
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: goodpeoplebrewing.com
Good People has been a local favorite for years. Located right across from Regions Field in the heart of downtown, Good People is always bustling with beer connoisseurs, out-of-towners, families, and dogs. The beer menu is full of creative flavors and mainstay favorites, including the Snake Handler, Good People IPA, and the Muchacho.
Hotbox is also on-site, serving up must-try bites like pretzels and beer cheese, lemongrass fried chicken, or a Korean BBQ pork sandwich. There are multiple TVs behind the bar, lawn games on the patio, and the occasional live band to enjoy.
Saw’s Juke Joint
Neighborhood: Crestline
More info: sawsbbq.com
This list would not be complete without a true Alabama barbecue spot. After all, does anything pair as perfectly with Southern football Saturdays than barbecue? From mouthwatering pulled pork to smoked wings, this Crestline favorite pairs perfectly with game-day vibes.
On Tap Sports Café
Neighborhood: Vestavia Hills
More info: ontapsportscafe.com
Bring the whole group together to celebrate at On Tap Sports Café. The Liberty Park eatery offers options for watching football inside or outdoors on the comfortable patio. Sit back, relax, and cheer on your team.
And with an extensive menu featuring wings, burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, quesadillas, salads, and all sorts of shareable apps — not to mention a drink menu that includes 84 unique taps — it’s an option you’ll probably turn to time and again this season.
Back Forty Beer Company
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: backfortybeer.com
Back Forty Beer Company’s Birmingham location at Sloss Docks is made to be a game-day destination. The hotspot serves a plethora of American and European craft beer styles—up to 25 on tap at any given time—all brewed on-site and made for enjoying while watching the game on the 20-foot projection TV screen.
Don’t miss out on the gourmet pub menu, which, in addition to salads and pizzas, includes the ever-popular Back40 Cheeseburger. For dessert, check out the Wicked Brownie.
Otey’s Tavern
Neighborhood: Crestline Village & Homewood
More info: oteystavern.com
Beer buckets, wings, and football on every screen—Otey’s Tavern has everything you need for the ultimate weekend hangout. With a fun, laid-back vibe, this spot serves up not just wings but a full lineup of crowd-pleasers like nachos, cheese fries, chicken fingers, burgers, and sandwiches for those looking to switch it up.
Pair that with an extensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for keeping the game-day energy going strong from kickoff to the final whistle.
The Battery
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: manthebattery.com
Get the best of both worlds during your visit to The Battery — a traditional sports bar experience and a high-end eatery. Known as Homewood’s upscale sports bar, The Battery offers incredible eats and drinks in a comfortable atmosphere made for kicking back and enjoying a game.
Ferus Artisan Ales
Neighborhood: Trussville
More info: ferusales.com
Ferus Artisan Ales is an automatic upgrade that shines even brighter on game day. With a vast selection of brews and expertly crafted cocktails paired with a chef-curated menu, Ferus creates the perfect setting for a winning atmosphere.
Soak in the crisp fall air while watching your team on the big screen outside, or enjoy the action from the comfort of one of the many indoor TVs. Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
The Fennec
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: thefennecbham.com
Game day just got even better with the opening of the Ramblers Sports Bar and Grill at The Fennec. The decked-out indoor spot boasts 46 screens, including two LED walls, to ensure you don’t miss a moment of your favorite team. The menu might even make you forget about all the action, with dishes like the Cajun Conecuh Shrimp, Loaded Potato Skins, Pimento Cheese Balls, and, of course, the sort of libations menu for which The Fennec has long been known.
Martin’s Bar-B-Q Joint
Neighborhood: Vestavia Hills
More info: martinsbbqjoint.com
For family-friendly football viewing, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is always a hit. This Cahaba Heights favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of screens to catch the action — not to mention a sizeable outdoor area ideally suited for all the kids. It also serves up some of the best pit-cooked barbecue in Birmingham.
With options like signature spare ribs, smoked wings, BBQ nachos, and a brisket burger, you’ll have everything you need for a winning day.
Happy game day, Alabama!
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