Courtyard 280 Oyster Bar & Grill

For a divvy pool hall they actually have some decent oysters.
I have been here a few times and each time there is a wide variety of patrons. From the college kids home for the weekend to the old guys trying to find them a new lady.
Pool tables are in decent shape and always someone to play against.
The staff has been very friendly, last time however the «ticket got lost» and we didn’t get our food for a long time. The guy took care of a couple of drinks for and all was good.

I was so excited when I heard a group I’m part of was going here for Happy Hour. I’ve heard they have some good bands and a nice outside patio to escape the smoke. Well… the band was really good but the drinks seemed watered down and not exactly the vodka I ordered. (OK — I’m a vodka snob and know how my vodka on the rocks should taste when I order a specific brand). They do have a nice little happy hour food option and the wait staff seemed friendly and on top of their game. BUT take note, the smoke outside is still very strong and I reeked when I left. If a group goes again, I’ll give it another try… for the band/​s. Keep in mind parking is a bit difficult and it’s hard to tell which door is the one you should enter. Eat and drink before you go BUT still tip the wait staff.

The beer is cheap, the beer is cold, they have live music. Everything else on the other hand… The food is gross, even by dive bar standards. Waitstaff and bartenders are poor to mediocre at best, none seem happy to be working there at all. I’ve been here multiple times at the request of friends so this isn’t some fluke experience. Last time was dead, only 3 patrons in the place other than our group of four. We moved 3 times until we found the least sticky and disgusting table. Did I mention it was dead and atleast 3 front of house staff were lounging, hands on hips, while the place is filthy. It wreaks of smoke from yesteryear. This place needs changes in a big big way.

Crawfish season is roughly February thru May, and Courtyard offers boils on Saturday and Sundays during the season. The crawfish are served in trays that contain approximately 1 ½ pounds of crawfish, a couple of potatoes, and a piece of corn on the cob. I had two trays on Saturday thought they were seasoned well and very good. I plan to be back often this year.

I’ve always loved the courtyard in south side and was sad to see it closed. Great specials on drinks and good food every time I went. Flew into town and was excited my friends told me to meet them at courtyard on 280. I was excited to walk in until I sat down at the bar and waited almost 15 minutes for a beer. I’m a patient person but when there’s 20 people in the bar and what appeared to be 3 bartenders, it seemed rude when they would glance at me and walk to opposite direction. Finally we all had our beers, and for any beer it was only $ 2, awesome price! That was the best part of my experiences. I was craving food so I ordered loaded tator tots, who could mess up frozen tots? Apparently this place can. A handful of hard to chew tots came out covered in burnt cheese and bacon bits. I’m never one to complain, even if I was nobody came to ask if I wanted another beer or why I only ate 2 tots. I had quick service when I wanted to close out. Coming from someone that works at a bar, all I could think of while I was at this bar was to call bar rescue. Go here on a Sunday if you enjoy horrible service and cheap beer!

Great live music
8′ diamond pool tables (APA league during the week)
20+ beers on tap; full liquor bar
Second stage area outdoors (hence the name!)
Decent menu options
That said, I was disappointed by the oysters. Perhaps it is still too early in the season. Either way, we will return.

The late-​night spot on 280! I’ve spent countless nights and dollars in this establishment. Great place for hanging with a group of friends. The bartenders are always friendly and take care of regulars and newbies alike. Seems like there are specials/​tournaments every night of the week! The owner, Mike, is very friendly and has invested heavily in making sure this is a place people want to be. The covered patio is spacious and perfect for smokers. Diverse place for a diverse crowd!

Ok so this is normally not my choice of ambience but I frequent this place on Mondays due to my boyfriend playing in a pool league hosted by courtyard. I have to say this place has the best consistent customer service. Everyone is always checking on your drinks or asking if you need anything else. They also serve free popcorn and have a small free food buffet, seems to be over around 7. But I had yummy wings and tacos last Mon. Now that’s customer appreciation! There’s also a diverse crowd-​regulars, pool league people and the happy hour crowd. I’ve actually never had a bad night here and I’m glad smoking is limited to outside! Used to be a big deterrent back in the day!

The asian bar tender very rude .No band 8÷15÷13, only one bar tender willing to take orders. they were not busy.

Great crawfish and oysters on the half shell and wings at reasonable prices at Happy Hour with attentive, friendly service — what more is there to say? One of our go-​to places whenever we’re in the Birmingham area!

We went to hear a band. We were charged a cover to hear the band that night, but the band was denied to play until the Alabama game was over, which was WAY into the night. I only was able to enjoy the band after midnight. By that time we were to tired to enjoy the show for long. The band was supposed to start at 9 pm. I will NEVER go back to Courtyard.

Happy Hour yo! This place has good variety of food that my family and I spent over 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon.
1 of the earliest places in Birmingham to have crawfish and at affordable prices — this was definitely good for mid February. Crawfish were decent size, didn’t need any sauce. Wings and oysters were just good additions to go with the crawfish.
We had breakfast, lunch, and maybe light dinner for a total of ~$ 13/​person.
Lots of TVs with various sports on.

The food, staff and drinks more than make up for the place being ridiculously loud.
The bartenders/​waitresses are attentive and very friendly. They always make sure to check on you as they walk by without being too pushy. It’s a great place to hang out with a small or large group of people.
It’s always our last stop of the night when we go out. It’s open late and the kitchen serves food all night (get the Cheese Fries!) They have a large enough selection to make this place a crowd pleaser without being so large that it’s hard to make an intoxicated decision.
The beer selection isn’t huge, but they always have shot specials and plenty of liquor.
Definitely a group favorite!

They food is amazing and at a great price. The workers are extra friendly and I love how they give free popcorn. Happy hour from noon til 4 with $ 0.35 oysters and wings… YUMMMM :)