The craft beer craze in the U.S. has been going on since the late 70s, much to the detriment of the large conglomerate brewers who have fought tooth-and-nail to crush the craft brew movement. Thankfully, every state in the nation has a craft brew scene and here in Birmingham, AL, the suds flow freely in about five or six local breweries. The flagship beer at Trim Tab is their signature IPA, and like most India Pale Ales, it packs an intense hop flavor. The seasonal beers include a tasty Olde Ale, a traditional dry-hopped Pale Ale and a sweet Raspberry Berliner Weisse. Of course, the beers change often, but every time you enter, you are guaranteed to get your money's worth with any of these small batch beers.
Ghost Train Brewing Company focuses on making only four or five core beers as opposed to some breweries which offer more styles. Nevertheless, this focus on precision is well-founded. The namesake lager as well as the Go-Devil Ale are made in the traditional German style and both are perfect for sunny, warm days. The Dark Ride Belgian Strong Ale packs a punch while the Terminal Station Brown Ale highlights the techniques of Northern England's brewers. The Switchman's Stash is an India Pale Lager that combines the intense hop flavors found in an ale with the bottom-fermenting yeast imparted in a lager. Overall, it's one of the best breweries in Birmingham when in search of beers crafted in traditional fashion.
Jack Brown's is known for its 100% Wagyu beef burgers and inimitable selection of beers from around the world. It's a franchise chain with outlets in Virginia and Tennessee in addition to this one in Birmingham. The menu features traditional classic cheeseburgers as well as some specialty ones. Try the Jack on a Piggyback made with a hot dog or the Greg Brady topped with mac n' cheese. The bar slings all types of beer styles, from Amber Ales to Wheat Whites, undoubtedly you will find your kind of suds here.