Paramount bar in downtown Birmingham serves pub food and craft cocktails and beer—including some made by local and state breweries—in a retro-arcade atmosphere. Although Paramount is not quite a sports bar, locals come for the sporty atmosphere, the solid drinks and food menu highlighted by a generous selection of hot dogs and burgers, and the games. Under the dim lights there are two basketball shooting cages, a foosball table, pool tables, skee ball, and several retro arcade games.

Iron City is one of the most popular live music venues in Birmingham. Big name acts like Rick Springfield and Rodrigo y Gabriela form the calendar alongside more emerging and local artists, to make a well-rounded repertoire. In addition to the live acts, Iron City is also a full service bar and grill in its own right.

The Roof, as this place is popularly known among patrons, is a gathering spot for music lovers. Its success can be credited to the great live entertainment and an easygoing atmosphere. Nestled in Lakeview, its nightly line-up features local bands and up-and-coming musicians that keep the vibe upbeat and happening. Select from an impressive list of beer and cocktails to complement unrivaled bar fare. Signature dishes include salsa and chips, pizza, quesadillas, wings, cheese fries, hot dogs and chicken tenders. The walls are donned with a random assortment of postcards, portraits, street signs, vintage advertisements and eclectic memorabilia that don't fail to grab your attention.

The Nick is not much to look at from the outside; the flat, featureless building covered with handbills almost appears abandoned. But closer inspection reveals that the handbills are all for upcoming gigs scheduled at this 21+ rock nightclub. No food is served, but there is a full bar. The cover charge varies depending on the night's entertainment. The Nick has a private club license so it can remain open past the city's required closing time of 2am. Most nights, The Nick closes “whenever we want,” according to one of the managers. Credit cards are accepted for bar purchases, but not for cover charges.

Catch local and touring bands at this small club located two blocks north of the Five Points West entertainment district. Zydeco also serves up some of the city's best bar food (Creole and Cajun) along with cocktails and draft beer. You can also enjoy the upstairs patio, pool tables and video games. Zydeco's got the perfect venue trifecta: games, food, and live bands.

41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales may have a funny name, but it is a great neighborhood bar offering all kinds of great features to its guests. The full bar features all your favorite classic cocktails (they make a killer Moscow Mule), brews and even gluten-free beer. They show Auburn and Alabama games, but otherwise they keep the TVs off. For entertainment, they encourage you to take advantage of their shuffleboard tables, board games and cozy seating areas perfect for lively conversations with friends. They don't serve food, but they allow you to bring in your own so you can have exactly what you want. As for the aircraft sales, there is a bulletin board where people can post their small aircrafts for sale.

Right in the center of Avondale lies this comfortable and popular neighborhood bar. The Parkside Cafe is especially well-known for its pleasant outdoor patio, a great place to enjoy one of their tasty craft brews or stiff cocktail. Inside, the walls are packed with interesting and eclectic art, maybe with a live band or DJ playing in the background. Trivia nights are also particularly popular nights at the Parkside for those know-it-all's who like to put their useless knowledge to work!

Black Market Bar + Grill is an edgy, fun establishment serving up tasty food and strong drinks. From the kitchen, sample a wide range of foods inspired from all over the globe, from Greek egg rolls filled with chicken, spinach and feta to pork empanadas, burgers, pasta and more. A full bar rounds out the offerings. A special kids menu and late night menu are available, as well as daily specials.