This place is alright. I was in Birmingham on a road trip and wanted a place to hang for an hour or so after dinner. My friend suggested 2 places and this is where I ended up. I liked the ambience-colorful paper lanterns, vintage tables and chairs. I ordered a diet Coke, and sat myself at the bar to chill. The crowd was a little frat boy heavy, but it was the screaming softball girls who came in later that kind of made me have to leave. No matter, I was planning to go quickly once I saw the band setting up. I have nothing against live music, I just wasn't in the mood that night.
All in all, I had a good experience at Parkside. Had I been there with friends, I think I could've really dug it. Plus, as I got up to leave and tried to pay for  my diet Coke, I was told it was on the house. That earned them the 4th star.
We all know that some nights call for a drink but not necessarily an all-out throw down. On nights like this, Parkside is the place to go. In Birmingham's up-and-coming Avondale area, Parkside is the perfect alternative for the bar-goer that wants a break from the base-thumping, slam packed Lakeview scene. The outdoor patio at Parkside is spacious but charming, perfect for this time of year. The inside is nice and they actually serve your cocktail in a glass (made of glass!). On the occasion that they have a band, it is always a great selection to add to the pre-existing vibe of the venue. Go check this place out, but be warned, it may become your local watering hole.
Review Source:Love this place. It is beautiful inside and out. They have good beer. I like all the employees because they are friendly, quick, and one of them made a creep stop hitting on me before I even realized what was happening. The music is great, and if you don't like the music at the main bar, go to the back bar and see if you like that music better. There is a cat, and I love cats so, that sort of cinched everything.
Review Source:Parkside quickly climbed the ranks of "top o' the list" bars in Birmingham. Â The downstairs, inside bar isn't huge, but it's spacious enough to get around. Â Don't worry, you won't be in there long. Â The patio is too perfect to avoid. Â
When you get outside, you can go right or left, because the seating area wraps around both sides of the building. Â There are enough tables and benches to handle the rear ends of you, all of your friends, and all of their friends acquaintances. Â There is a "barn" like structure that contains even more seating and a separate bar. Â This is where I find the only downside of Parkside. Â Unfortunately, the outside bar is only partially stocked. Â The leaves me going back inside for most of my drinks, but it's really not that big of a deal.
It's generally not open to the public, but they've got a great upstairs if you need a private space for a get together.
Just try to not like the patio, go ahead.
An old house turned bar makes for a cool venue with a spacious backyard. Would have given 2 stars if the review was entirely based on my most recent visit, but a more favorable experience my first visit bumped it to 3 stars. My complaint was with a rude bartender--I noticed a Happy Hour sign advertisting HH until 7 pm, and it was literally 7:00 on the dot so I asked the bartender if I could still get in on HH deals. He immediately, without hesitation said "Nope". Even if he would have handled it differently and still not let me in on HH, I would have been OK with it. A simple "No, sorry you just missed it" or something more than his rude "Nope" attitude.
Review Source:Situated across from Avondale park, in an unassuming building, you'll come across this bar called Parkside. It's a neat little bar, has lots of character. The inside portion of the bar isn't that big, but go out back and you see where the action is at--a huge outdoor seating area. Its got this garden kind of vibe to it. Pea gravel, tables, chairs and random junk scattered around like old wooden doors leaning against the fence.
There's also a small building in the very back which houses another bar, so if you plan on sitting outside, get your drinks from that bar instead of going inside every time. The whole outdoor arrangement really makes Parkside a unique, cool place. I say, go there.
This is probably my favorite bar in the city. Â The liquor/beer selection is good and no where close to that of the J Clyde, but I prefer the atmosphere and tunes in this place. Â There is a good mix of different people; goons, preps, sluts, engineers, weirdos, business types, the ill, hipsters, and those appearing older than stated age. Â I like the place because it is one for all. Tons of room in the front and out back so you never feel crowded and like you are part of a bundle of kindling. I say give it a spin.
Review Source:Quite possibly my favorite place to hang out in Birmingham, Parkside is certainly where it's at. Â Great ambiance, good prices, friendly bartenders, and a mixed crowd of locals. Â The backyard is fabulous all times during the year, but make sure you bring some bug spray during the summer months (the bar has a supply if you forget).
Review Source:1. Â Super chill bar with really interesting artwork and eclectic decorations that can keep you entertained for hours. Â I specifically like the old school swimming pool rule sign outside near the back entrance.
2. Â Cheap strong drinks with yummy drink specials. Â
3. Empire of the Sun, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arctic Monkeys, Santigold...ok, ok. Â I'm digging the vibe.
4. Â Really diverse group of people (Alabama wise). Â I saw hipsters, some frat people, older people, etc.
5. Â Nice outdoor patio section with a firepit.
All in all, one of the better bars I've been to in Birmingham. Â I recommend this place if you are just planning to relax and hangout. Â It was DEFINITELY a different crowd than the mess of a crowd I saw at Baccus the previous night.
Parkside is that bar you always wished you could call your local. Â With the great prices, well made cocktails, cold beer (they even serve the great local stuff from Avondale Brewery down the road) and eclectic decor, it's the place to be. Â When it's cold outside, they utilize an awesome firepit in part of their massive outdoor space. Â Speaking of being outside- that's the BEST part about Parkside- it has an incredible, private, even somewhat calming back patio with foliage, twinkle lights, ample tables and chairs with umbrellas, and ambience to spare. Â There's even a little house with a pool table, darts, and a bit of mystery back there.
And, it seems to draw in a range of people- from young professionals to funky hipster musicians to the college kids who made their way down to Avondale. Â The bathroom is huge and always clean- a must for a place I'm going to frequent. So, if you want to grab a drink with friends or show out-of-towners a cool local spot, Parkside is your best bet.
I really dig Parkside. Â The bartenders are super friendly, the drinks are priced well and the atmosphere is incredible. Â Belly up to the bar and chill inside, or find a spot outside to hang with friends. Â Unlike other places where the outside seating is limited and tables are basically on top of each other, Parkside gives you numerous options. Â Outside you'll find picnic tables, benches, patio tables, water fountains, gazebos and even a separate building at the back of the property where you can throw darts or play ping pong. Â Aaaaand, it's all spread out enough to where you have a bit of privacy in your chosen area!
Parkside feels like a backyard party at a friend's house (and I'm not just saying that because my friend used to live in the loft on the second floor - haha). Â It's all about the people and the atmosphere at Parkside - and both will have you coming back again and again.
My first impression was a good one at Parkside. It's an unassuming little spot in Avondale with plenty of indoor seating around and nearby the bar, but the best part is outside--next to and behind the building. There's a large garden/patio area with picnic tables, garden tables, a gazebo or two, and plenty of seating for a variety of groups. The barkeeps were amiable and the selection offered interesting options and familar names alike.
Review Source:A great mix of people... from lawyers in suits to artists in tattoos... it makes for a most interesting atmosphere. Â Eclectic is a good description of the people AND the building. Â Cool, cool building, awesome patio and great bartenders... if you're looking for a layed-back place to hang... this is it.
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