Yay! I can finally give a 5 star review in Alabama!!!!!!! Mainly because this place made me feel like I was back in Chicago. Came here for lunch. TONS of veggie options for nerds like myself. We sat on the outdoor patio while waiting for our food and played Connect 4 and looked around at the endless amount of vintage shit decorating this place. The sweet potato fries were yum, my quesadilla was yum, my husband's burger was yum. Would love to return for a show some night in the future.
Review Source:I basically went to Birmingham just so I could go to Bottletree. And I was not disappointed. This place is looks like a tiny shack from the outside. When I first drove into the parking lot, I was a little sad to discover that most of the spaces where up on a hill. I use a walker and don't really do inclines very well. I noticed a spot that was right next to the building, that was outlined in yellow and blue spray paint. I decided to take a chance and park there, hoping it was marked out for handicapped parking. I called the bar, just in case, and discovered that I was not only correct, but that the gentleman who answered the phone would also meet me outside and help me with the door. Sweet!
I was there to see a band play, but also arrived early so I could have some food. I got the "standard" burger, which was handmade and generous and pretty tasty. That came with, well, your standard garnishes-lettuce, tomato, pickle. I also ordered a salad, which had a tangy vinaigrette and sweet potato fries, which were a little soggy, but still pretty good.
I had a bit of time to soak up the atmosphere before the band started, so fortunately, there's plenty to see. So many velvet paintings, mismatched thrift store furniture, tons of multicolored twinkle lights, and paintings by local artists (at least I think that was the case). There are board games to play and an etch-a-sketch. Plus, for the greater part of the evening, I seemed to be one of maybe 3 ladies in the place and the boys were cute. Bonus to that. The crowning gem for me was the incredibly spacious and kitschy (and tidy) handicapped stall in the ladies bathroom. This is amazing just in general, but for a dive bar that hosts indie rock? It's unheard of and I for one appreciated it.
I was so glad that I was able to visit Bottletree after years of knowing it existed and wanting to go. The food was lovely, the surroundings were comfy, and the other bar patrons were decent. Even the music the DJ was playing prior to the bands was excellent. I will go back!
My home away from home. You just can't go wrong with all the decor and atmosphere this place has. Not to mention the quality music the staff has playing. The patio and outdoor section is also nice. Great bands frequent here often and you usually can't go wrong just popping in randomly for a show. The beer selection here is good and they have local brews on tap often. The food is also good but I don't eat here too often. Be sure to check out brunch though.
Review Source:It was edible. I had hoped it would be really good, but the food was mediocre (and overpriced) and the decorations had a "trying to hard" feel to them. It's definitely a hipster place, hipster in this instance having a bad connotation (high school kids go there to be cool and different but fail). I was quite disappointed and left hungry.
Review Source:Hands down my favorite music venue in Birmingham. This place is always booking great acts. Some are already successful recording artists and some are up-and- comers but it's always entertaining. If the band is between sets or hasn't started yet, just watch some old school Scooby Doo of Thundercats(hooooo!) on one of the TVs- perfect for us 90s kids. The staff is friendly, the decor is way cool-kind of like a trippy antique arts/music store in the heart of New Orleans-and the food is great- not typical bar food. Check their calendar of events(or don't) and check this place out!
Review Source:I'm actually kind of surprised I haven't reviewed the Bottletree yet - this has been a local stop for my friends and I Â for years. I remember anxiously waiting to turn 18 because I knew I could then get into the Bottletree to see the bands that came through.
Here I am, several years past 18, and still going to the Bottletree. Everything from improv comedy shows to big time (to me anyway) bands perform here, and it's a great place to do so. Just enough space to not be crowded, but not so big that it feels like no one is there. If you look closely, this place is pretty unique - a portrait of Michael Jackson holding E.T.'s hand in the women's bathroom and an old school Snoopy sno-cone machine comes to mind when I think of Bottletree decor.
If you want to get away standing in the main room, you can always go outside and sit. There's usually some sort of seating open.
I haven't eaten here, but I hope to change that soon and update this review. The bartenders are very fun to talk to and like to pour pretty stout drinks (I'm not complaining).
As others have mentioned, always be cautious of your surroundings when going into and leaving the Bottletree. Don't walk out by yourself - there should be a security guard at the front that can walk you to your car if needed.
Bottletree is one of my favorite places on the planet. Â If you want to see some awesome music, meet some cool (albeit mostly hipsers) people, and have some of the best food in town, then come on over. Â I will probably see you there! Â They have a great vegan/vegetarian menu as well.
Review Source:Seriously the best brunch in town for an awesome price. Who doesn't love a dish called "White hash trash"? The biscuits are fluffy and light. The chicken and waffles are insane. I don't exactly know what they do to the chicken but it is falvorful beyond belief. The chicken is white meat tenders instead of a piece of fried chicken, but I prefer that to dealing with bones. We primariliy visit for brunch but I hear lunch is great as well.
Review Source:Whether I'm there for a band, the bar, the food, or some obscure event being held, it's always a good time at Bottletree! As you might have heard, excellent vegetarian/vegan options -- actual MEALS, not just some fancy piece of lettuce. The beer selection is good, the prices are right, and really my only problem is my schedule, because I really want to try brunch here already!
Review Source:This bar/resturant/music venue/Anything Else you can image is such a great place. There is a great Vegan menu and the Brunch Menu is absoluly amazing. They have unique events there all the time such as Vintage Video Game Nights, Bring Your Records Night, and Flea Markets. The concerts here are epic.
Review Source:I understand this is a well-liked place in Birmingham and I could see why. Â They have lots of eclectic stuff on the walls, lots of cool music playing, scrabble to be played while waiting and the atmosphere is very laid-back and relaxing and you get a lot nostalgia from the posters and knickknacks on the wall. Â But, a few things got in the way of me falling head over heels. Â #1) There was too much stuff laying around and on the border of a hoarders episode. Â #2) The wait to get our food was too long and way you order was confusing; you walk-in wait in line to go up to the bar to place your order, they write out a number with a sharpie pen on a little sheet of paper and, then, you go sit down. Â We sat outside and waited about 30 minutes or so for breakfast. Â We had coffee, but no one came be to ask if we wanted refills, he asked when the food finally arrived, but then came back and said he couldn't give us refills that we would have to go in and get it ourselves. Â Hmmmm, he could bring us food, but not coffee, whatever, I wasn't going to hold too much against the place. Â #3) When we ordered we ordered something we thought was only soy meat and we were never asked if we wanted soy or regular sausage. Â So what happened, we ate real sausage! Â We were really upset by this! Â You would think that advertising yourself as a vegan restaurant, one of the only in Birmingham, that workers would expect vegan customers and ask if there is a preference before serving people. Â The menu wasn't clear if it served soy or real sausage with this particular breakfast so why didn't they ask...Hillel will come there way. #4) The location is in an odd area. Â It seems like you definitely need a car to get here, because it's in the middle of an industrial park. Â We thought we were going the wrong way for a long time.
I don't think I'll ever understand. Â But, we were very disappointed that we ate something we didn't want to eat. Â Just be very careful when you order if you are vegan.
I recently went to Bottletree Cafe for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the corn nuggets as an appetizer, and they were delicious; followed by the bacon chezburger, which was amazing. This venue did not strike me as a place that would have good food, as they are known for being a "hipster bar" and appears a tad dirty. I just assumed they would have typical "bar food." A fun hip-hop band came on stage around 9:00 and they had quite the following. There were approximately thirty people that showed up to watch the show. I'm so glad I decided to branch out and try something new. It was such a random and fun Wednesday night!
Review Source:bottletree is my favorite place in birmingham.
be cautious though. Â i was actually robbed outside of the bar near the parking lot so keep your wits about you! it hasnt stopped me from going to all the amazing shows bottletree brings to birmingham, though. Â we are really fortunate to have this place.
I went here for a concert on a sunday night and had a great time. Â The bartender was cool, Â had enough sass to make the night interesting. Â it's always a good night when the bar tender calls you "sister". Â
They've got a great selection of beers also, note to readers, Â you can get anchor steam here!!!!!!!!
I will definately be back.
Bottletree is one of my favorite places. It has an unusual style and character, but it really fits. The atmosphere doesn't feel forced or contrived like a lot of other bars and restaurants that go for the odd, eclectic approach to their interior design.
It is one of the more reliable music venues in the city and sometimes will have larger than average crowds. It is big enough to accommodate a modest size crowd, but I imagine it can get to be a little much if a big name comes to town. There is a covered patio to the side with several tables and chairs which look to be picked from various garage sales--all different shapes and styles, which I think really adds to the appeal.
The folks you'll see there can vary. I think a lot of it depends on the kind of band playing. On my last visit, anyway, the crowd was just really normal and wasn't overrun with a bunch of walking stereotypes (which was extremely refreshing).
I really liked the food, what few items I've had so far anyway. A vegetarian friendly locale, for sure. Drinks were good, food was good, music was good. I'd definitely recommend going there.
"A-OK" sums up our experience. Â The girls that work at Bottletree are awesome - the guys not so much. Â For vegetarian food, it's pretty good. Â The kiddos that Bottletree attracts are annoyingly trend-seeking brats, but unfortunately trendy brats usually find the artsy spots.
I did have a good time at the Fine Frenzy show with the exception of the band that opened for A Fine Frenzy. Â Most patrons were present to see A Fine Frenzy, not some regional bluegrass act, of which the unknown lead singer insulted the crowd and Bottletree by stating everyone "needed to change their ways." Â Did someone not inform this chick she was just the opening act? Â And venues are more often than not cafes,bars,pubs? Â Â
The venue has become a bit too crowded and popular, so I'm not sure if I would actually attend another show. Â If you follow a meatless diet, this is the place. Â Also, it's convenient if you live in the area. Â You may want to avoid the peak times for Bottletree, as the lowest common denominator of Birmingham invades.
I give no stars I made a phone call to this place on August the 21st at 5 p.m. and whoever the woman was that answered the phone was extremely rude!!!!! That to me is not good at all for business! If you want to have business you need to hire people that are nicer to the customer who always comes first! What A B.......!!! I swear if I was the owner of this place she would be fired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Â!! I give below zero for this!!!!
Review Source:I've only eaten brunch here once and I was satisfied. They do offer a nice range of eats including vegetarian stuff, but this is not the reason I come to this place. I go for the music. Â This is a sweet venue that is nice and intimate and brings acts that represent the entire spectrum of tunes. Â From blues, to metal, to country, and folk you need to check out their weekly listings for something that may catch your ear. Â They offer a nice range of brews to sip on while you splash it all out on the dance floor!
Review Source:Bottletree is hands down the best venue in Birmingham, and one of the best venues in the country for live music. I am in a band and we play here frequently. We're locals so they don't need to pull out the red carpet for us or anything, but we're consistently treated with generosity and kindness. Out of town bands that play here say it is one of the best venues they've played both for the sound and for the hospitality.
Bottletree is also one of the few places in Birmingham that offer delicious vegan and vegetarian food (I am a occasional meat eater). The black bean burger and viking funeral (sweet potato fries covered in vegetarian chili and pimento cheese, uhhh yeah it's mind blowing) are some of my favorite dishes.
Their Sunday brunch is out of this world awesome, with Greg the bartender really holding down the joint with his mix of friendliness and sass. Two words: chicken + waffles. Amen!
I love this place. One of my co-workers was in birmingham for 11 months, and never stumbled upon this gem. I will be taking him to Bottletree next time we are both in Birmingham at the same time.
Its good food that makes you feel good. Fon Fon may have a better burger, but at least I don't leave here hating a small part of myself, and feeling bloated.
Garden bowl was a bit sweet for my tastes. Vegan Chili was great...needed the hot sauce, which was readily available.
**Edit: I don't know if they viewed this review, but the Garden Grill oversweetness appears to have been a one time thing. It is more flavorful now, and with Jerk Pork, it cannot be beaten.**
Fyi, I am NOT a vegetarian. I am a carnivore, but this just plain old good food in a great atmosphere.
I still need to check it out for a show at some point, so far it has only been lunch.
My favorite place in Birmingham. That's kinda like being the prettiest waitress at the Waffle House, but it really is a neat place. The menu isn't huge, but what's there is fantastic. The best vegan/vegetarian food in the city for sure. Good beer selection and friendly service from the bar. The venue itself is a big part of what makes Bottletree stand out. The walls are covered with kitschy memorabilia and other knick knacks that really give it some character. Not the big stupid stuff you'd find at a chain restaurant, but actual interesting decor. You could spend a whole day in the small place just examining the collection of crap.
The live music venue aspect is well executed also. Tickets can be purchased online and the line moves when the doors open. Wristbands are normally applied with minimal arm-hair collateral damage. The stage is a nice height and solid. The lighting is good without blinding the crowd. The screen pulled down as more popular acts set up their stage is a nice touch, and it works well.
I highly recommend Bottletree for pretty much anything they do.
Bottletree is a cool place to see local and national live music, and a really good spot to get out for an unexpectedly good Sunday brunch. That's what we had yesterday, our second brunch there. We brought our two kids, who are 10 and 2, and had a really good time.
First off, the place is eccentric and artsy, obviously a bar/music venue most of the time. Â We've seen several shows there and it's an excellent place for that. At brunch, you do get a bit of the "I was here drinking till 4am, so I might as well come back for brunch too" vibe. Not a bad thing; adds to the relaxed & social atmosphere. Â All the servers are friendly and talkative, making you feel right at home. Â Service was what we wanted; we got what we needed when we needed it, but it was all very casual.
We had coffee & mimosas, and they even made a Shirley Temple for my daughter (she loved it). Â For the kids, we got the Critters - basically a funnel cake with bits of fruit - and bacon. I had the Sombrero and my wife got the BLTree. Â They were out of a few things, like the soy sausage patties we wanted to order (Sweet Delta Slinger) and the BLTree was served on white bread instead of the normal focaccia, but it was still almost as good as normal. We got there at 12:45, so we couldn't really complain.
The Sombrero, which involves a grit cake, black beans, a fried egg...was delicious. Â The judicious bit of cilantro lime crema and hot sauce added just the right zip to open your eyes and really complement the rest of the dish. The BLTree was very good as always, despite the bread substitution, which was not mentioned when it was ordered.
My only real complaint was that the coffee, normally good, was watery. Â I even waited for another fresh pot, but it was watery too. A minor complaint, unless this was to be my first cup of the day which it wasn't.
The best part happened as we were preparing to leave. Â My wife noticed a flyer in the bathroom for a show on May 3 and knew I would be excited. Â One of my favorite bands for the past 15 years, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, will be playing that Tuesday night. I've never had the chance to see them live, but I have tickets now!
A great joint in Birmingham, AL! Â I kind of wish there was a place like this in Buffalo, NY. We stopped in here on our way from Buffalo to New Orleans, and liked it so much, we stopped on our way back home to Buffalo from New Orleans.
Decent food, good draft beer, lots of cool stuff to look at on the walls, and great bartenders. Also poses as an Indie type venue at night. I only wished they served fresh tortilla chips with my tofu burrito! I LOVE fresh tortilla chips, and it's not difficult to do!!
A must go to place when in Birmingham!!
Love the Bottletree!
We stayed in the Birmingham area for 2 weeks, then Talladega NF and even when we were over 60 miles away in Gadsden, we drove back to the Bottletree to get a good vegetarian dinner. Sometimes rare on our travels, the Bottletree was an unexpected surprise with a great selection of sandwiches, mexican food and of course, mixed drinks.
The decor is awesome and we spent most of our time talking about the kitsch items on the wall and ceiling; records, signed 79s celeb photos, painting of muscle women and kittens. Definitely my kind of place. Â
Unfortunately we're too far away now to justify a jaunt back but I will cherish the few times I did have there every time I think of Birmingham.
It's also really close to the Sloss Furnaces so make it an afternoon!
Great and much needed addition to the b'ham food scene. I am not a vegetarian by any means. I become one at Bottletree. They have chicken, beef, and pork dishes as well but you can get that stuff anywhere. The spiced pork is really good though. The Viking funeral is an absolute must. Veggie chili, sweet potato fries, and cheese. Ridiculous. The best veggie chili ever. Might even rival some other the best in Texas as well. The wraps and soups are all great as well. They have a great feta spread with hot pitas that is to die for. I always order it.
Great bar with a fantastic draft beer selection for great prices.
The staff are some of the happiest people I have met and the owners do great things for the community.
4.25 stars. Â The very existence of this cafe in an otherwise vegetarian unfriendly Birmingham is quite a remarkable feat. Â The fact that is has burgeoning popularity amongst the populace is even more encouraging. Â
Bottletree Cafe is a vegan/vegetarian restaurant that also happens to house an eclectic mix of comedians, artists, and musicians for the Birmingham community. Â The range of shows is strikingly impressive; a wealth of different acts have held audiences in an otherwise unbecoming space. Â
The mix of clientele is extraordinary. Â You'll find anything from tattooed denizens to girls in Abercrombie in this place (though it should be noted that it appears to be steered in the general direction towards the former). Â While Birmingham isn't necessarily a community that fosters a palpable amount of "starving artists", this would be the locations where you would find them. Â
It should come as no surprise that Bottletree has one of the most favorable ratings on Yelp for the city of Birmingham. Â At some point in the near future, it will probably start getting regional and national attention as well...
This place runs the gamut on music and has some amazing lineups every now and then. Â Elvis Perkins, Lucero (3x), and I seem to forget lots of the others I have seen there. Â Mostly great and friendly bartenders too.
As far as food, yes they still have the blackened tofu tacos. Â I'm not typically a tofu guy but these are seriously awesome (and you can ask for Sriracha to add to them). Â They used to serve with blue corn chips but no longer, which kind of sucks. Â Stil love the place. Â Good pimento cheese too, but I wish they could melt it over the hotdogs instead of serving it cold on top. Â Also some great soup options plus the vegan chili is not nearly as overhyped as I expected.
Nice place to eat, drink, and be merry. Â To call Bottletree 'pretentious' is like calling the Guggenheim 'high-minded'. Â You've got to expect some airs from one of the more relevant cultural spots in town. Â
At any rate, I find Bottletree to be pretty down to earth. Â The owners and staff are nice people. Â Good bar-tenders on average. Â The tastes represented are wide-ranging. Â Should be something for everybody. Â I've seen rock bands, high-profile comedians, hip hop, DJs, screenings, noise shows, trivia nights, craft bazaars, rummage sales... I even watched the Vice-Presidential debates there. Â There's always something going on at Bottletree, and not just during the evening. Â
The food is delicious and caters to vegans and vegetarians. Â The service is fairly speedy and the prices aren't crazy high. Â There's a covered outdoor patio for eating outdoors or for smoking, and plenty of places to park if you're not timid. Â During the evening there is a security guard on staff monitoring the immediate and adjacent parking lots.
Show prices vary depending on who's playing so don't fuss at Bottletree about that. Â Also, if you go to a show, don't be afraid to buy a drink...
I've heard many stories of out-of-town bands being very pleased with playing Bottletree.
I've lived here a long time. Â Bottletree's not just another music venue. Â It's something wholly new to Birmingham. Â And no, I've never worked there.
In the two short years of its existence, Bottletree has easily become my favorite establishment in Birmingham. They've hosted a slew of bands who probably never would have traveled to Alabama if it weren't for them. It's no coincidence that my concert attendance has increased three-fold since they opened. Secret Chiefs 3? Check. Neil Hamburger? Check. Jello Biafra? Check. Acid Mothers Temple? Check. The list goes on. Â
Bottletree is also just a nice place to hang out even if there isn't a band playing. They like to host movie and trivia nights and such, and their food is great. The staff is very friendly, and the club itself has a unique aesthetic that I like. It's places like this that give me hope for Birmingham's culture.
From their own myspace:
BottleTree is a live music venue with an emphasis on national touring acts, and also a wonderful restaurant that serves an eclectic mix of food that caters heavily to vegetarians and features locally grown, seasonal vegetables.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bottletree is a budding business that is trying to make it out of the ballpark!
A great lunch menu, Bottletree tries to be as local and organic as possible. Â The tofu tacos are my #1 favorite thing on their menu.. and I'm not even crazy about tofu! Â Always be sure to check out their show listings. Â Great bands are coming through here and you don't even know about it!
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