Base Camp

Definitely visit here for a game of pool, and live music. The drinks were reasonable and it stayed open relatively late for Birmingham standards, I recommend it to visitors.

Base Camp ranks #2 on my list of Birmingham bars next to Marty's. This is the one place in the entire city where I can enjoy a drink in silence. When I was in high school Base Camp was the after-work spot for restauranteurs and their employees (don't know if that's still the case).

The building is actually quite large so there's more than enough space to make a little spot for your group away from everyone else. A projector screen is a nice addition on off nights when there's a good game on. Nice pool and foosball as well, rarely occupied.

Drinks are good. Fair price. Stick to the martinis or beer.

Two complaints: cover on most nights and the late night crowd can be rough on occasion but, like I said before, there's ample space to make your own away from everyone else.

Rayjon, the bar owner (please forgive me if I butchered that spelling), is one of the nicest guys in the business. My friends and I have come here for over a decade and he was quick to introduce himself, hand out free t-shirts and drinks, and waive the cover charge.

Best results if you come early or extremely late. If you're feeling froggy stop by Lola's on your way and pick up some delicious chicken wings (you can eat them at the bar).

**EDIT Lola's is closed.   :(

Oh, Base Camp, you'll find me there on a late weeknight more often than  would like to admit. Located down the street from Bell Bottoms, Dave's, 1120 and the Mill, Base Camp itself is a spacious and well decorated establishment which tends to take up the function as my last or second to last bar of the night.
The bar owner can often be found tending bar and is one of the nicest and most genuine people the bar scene has to offer. The liquor selection is pretty well stocked and the common fare of Golden Tee, cocktail tables, Video Bowling and Mega Touch are all present. Food is present due to the connection to Lola's next door. The bar itself offers ample seating as it bisects the room, something that tends to make both sides look smaller than they actually are
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Crowd wise, Base camp features a varied assortment of people 21+, with people from the bar industry, employees from other nearby businesses and restaurants, musicians and those who happen by.

Promotionally, Base Camp features Open Mic night early in the week, followed by Karaoke and live music later on. Also, guest bartenders (I've done it before) usually work on Mon., Tues and sometimes Wed., which bring in a differing crowd depending on the employee.

Overall, Base Camp is a good place to grab a drink, get some food and enjoy some space and privacy. The bar, due to its large size, is never really "packed", but for those that want to forgo the feeling of crowds of people for a good time, this is a good place to begin or end your night.